[2025 Istanbul Attraction] Travel Guide for Taksim Square (Updated Jun)

Walking through the streets of Istanbul, it's hard to miss the vendors pushing their little red carts selling Simit! This Turkish version of a bagel, with its crispy exterior and soft, sesame-scented interior, is simple yet irresistible. Early in the morning, I followed the locals and bought a freshly baked Simit. The crispy crust combined with the rich sesame aroma, and the soft, slightly chewy interior was incredibly satisfying! Locals love to pair it with a cup of Turkish tea (Çay) or enjoy it with cheese and olive paste. This combination makes for a classic Turkish breakfast. The best part is that Simit is cheap and widely available. Whether you're in the bustling Taksim Square or by the Bosphorus Strait, you can always find a Simit vendor. Enjoying the scenery while munching on a Simit is the quintessential Turkish street experience! 📍Foodie Spots: Taksim Square, Galata Bridge, vendors by the Bosphorus Strait

📍 Itinerary Overview Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Taksim Morning: Arrive in Istanbul and take the bus to Taksim Square. Check into your hotel (or drop bags of early!). Lunch: Enjoy a local cafe with Turkish eggs, halloumi, and sharing platters. Afternoon: Visit the Church of St. Anthony of Padua. Stroll along Istiklal Street for shopping and street exploration. Experience a traditional Turkish hammam at Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamam for a relaxing scrub and tea (an ABSOLUTE MUST)! Evening: Walk along the Bosporus and explore local markets. Head to Galata Tower for views, sunsets and famous cheesecake at Viyana Kahvesi Galata. Dine at Galata Rooftop Ocakbaşı with stunning views of Istanbul. Day 2: Sultanahmet and Bazaars Morning: Take the tram to Sultanahmet and visit the Basilica Cistern (opening time!). Explore the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and nearby Arasta Bazaar (I would recommend the world famous Jennifer’s Hammam for authentic Turkish textiles and towels). Lunch: Indulge in chicken shish kebab or lamb kofta at Gülhane Şark Sofrası. Afternoon: Relax at Gülhane Park with a book or people-watching. Alternatively, you could take a tour around the Topkapi Palace (I personally decided this was too expensive). Explore the Grand Bazaar for souvenirs and the Spice Bazaar for vibrant sights. Evening: Cross the Galata Bridge at sunset. End the day with cocktails and mezze at a rooftop restaurant like Baracouda with Bosporus views. Day 3: Islands and Kadıköy Morning: Take the ferry to Heybeliada Island (or whichever island takes your fancy) Rent e-bikes to explore scenic island paths (I did the island in about an hour. You could spend longer here and visit some of the beaches too!) Have lunch at Ada Pide, enjoying traditional pide and lahmacun. Afternoon: Ferry to Kadıköy and explore Moda Pier and its lively streets. Sip a quirky drink at Walter’s Coffee Roastery, inspired by Breaking Bad. Evening: Watch the sunset with takeaway manti by the pier. Enjoy a unique cocktail at Fahri Konsolos before ferrying back to the hotel. Day 4: Brunch, Balat, and Departure Morning: Enjoy a Turkish brunch at Sazende Music, featuring menemen and other delights. Shop along Istiklal Street for jewelry and souvenirs. Afternoon: Explore Balat’s colorful streets and boutique shops. Return to Taksim, pick up luggage, and head to the airport. Evening: Relax with a buffet-style meal at the airport before your flight home. 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 1. Basilica Cistern – An underground marvel with atmospheric lighting and towering marble columns. 2. Blue Mosque – Stunning interiors adorned with intricate blue tiles; don’t miss the serene courtyards. 3. Hagia Sophia – A historical masterpiece blending Byzantine and Ottoman architecture (even admired from outside). 4. Grand Bazaar – A maze of vibrant shops offering everything from jewelry to ceramics. 5. Spice Bazaar – A sensory delight of spices, teas, and Turkish delights. 6. Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamam – Experience a traditional Turkish hammam with soothing treatments and warm relaxation. 7. Galata Tower – Iconic views of Istanbul and perfect for a dessert break nearby. 8. Gülhane Park – A tranquil spot near Topkapi Palace, ideal for a relaxing stroll or picnic. 9. Heybeliada Island – Scenic bike rides and quiet charm in the Princes' Islands. 10. Balat – Colorful streets with boutique shops and quaint cafes. 11. Bosporus Waterfront – Breathtaking views, local markets, and rooftop dining at sunset. 🚇 Transportation As soon as your arrive, buy an IstanKart travel card as soon as possible (found at most tramline stops). It makes using all public transport (tram/train/ferry/bus) so easy and it is very simple to use! Also very cheap (the ferry was £1!) 🍜 Local Cuisine Menemen – A traditional Turkish breakfast dish made with scrambled eggs, tomatoes, peppers, and spices. Turkish Eggs (Çılbır) – Poached eggs served with yogurt and drizzled with chili-infused butter. Lahmacun – Often called "Turkish pizza," it’s a thin flatbread topped with minced meat, spices, and vegetables. Pide – Boat-shaped bread topped with cheese, meats, or vegetables, perfect for sharing. Kebabs – Try chicken shish kebab or lamb kofta for a classic Turkish experience. Baklava – Layers of flaky pastry filled with nuts and drenched in syrup, a must-try dessert. Turkish Delight (Lokum) – A sweet, chewy candy infused with flavors like rose, pomegranate, or pistachio. Manti – Small dumplings filled with spiced meat, served with yogurt and garlic sauce. Simit – A sesame-crusted bread ring, perfect as a snack or with Nutella for breakfast. Turkish Tea (Çay) and Coffee – Essential beverages, often served with desserts or after meals. Meze Platters – A variety of small dishes, including hummus, tzatziki, stuffed grape leaves, and more. Künefe – A warm dessert made with shredded pastry, melted cheese, and syrup, topped with pistachios. 🏠 Accommodation Choose your accommodation and location carefully. You want to think about where you’re going and you might want to be close to the ferry services! Taksim Square was perfect for my trip, although the hotel itself was disappointing. Read the reviews!

I have finally arrived at the other side of the Anywhere Door - Turkey! Istanbul citywalk, of course, I had to visit the city center's Taksim Square. / Taksim Square, the largest square in Istanbul, is the heart of the European New Town. The square is dominated by the Republic Monument, surrounded by high-rise buildings, and is very bustling. / At the same time, it is also a transportation hub of the New Town area, with subways, cable cars, and buses all stopping here for transfers, so many tourists come here to check in. / The whole square is really spacious, but there are also many fun and beautiful things to see. ✔️ Next to Taksim Square is the Taksim Mosque, grand and magnificent, and those interested can go inside for a visit. ✔️ There is a large flock of pigeons on the square, not afraid of people, where you can feed the pigeons. ✔️ The tram on Independence Avenue also passes through the square, and you can take photos with the tram here! ✔️ Around the square, there are also many local specialty snacks and many old shops! / ⭕️ 'Transportation Strategy': Take buses 46c/54e/66 and more to 'taksim tunel' and get off.

Activity: Istanbul nostalgic tramways Location: The termini are Taksim Square and Tünel Square Operating time : 7am to 8pm Taking the tram is a must experience in Istanbul, although the tram is small, the trams carry an average of 6000 passengers daily! There are two heritage tramways in Istanbul – the European side tramway, Taksim-Tünel Nostalgia Tramway which runs from Taksim to Tünel. The Tram goes slow and you can enjoy the view outside which is a great experience. #timetotravel #istanbul #turkey #tram

Hotel Name: Gafa Garden Address: Gafa Garden, 26, Tel Sk., Beyoğlu, Türkiye Price: Dorm Bed €10 per night I enjoyed my stay in Gafa Garden. It is located centrally in Istanbul, near Taksim area. This place is near to many restaurants, shops as well as public transport. The place is very affordable and bed was comfortable. The best thing about this place is the free breakfast it comes with the accommodation. There was lots of authentic local food to eat. I strongly recommend this place. Rating (out of 5) Service: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Food. : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Location ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Room : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #timetotravel

Taksim Square is situated in Beyoglu in the European part of Istanbul, Turkey, and is a major tourist and leisure district. It is considered the heart of modern Istanbul, with the central station (Taksim) of the Istanbul Metro Network. The location of the Republic Monument which was inaugurated in 1928 beside is a Mosque complex- Taksim Mosque which can hold up to 3000 worshippers at the same time and is inaugurated in 2021. The Church of St. Anthony of Padua is the largest Catholic church in Istanbul located at Istiklal Avenuse Taksim is a busy nightlife, shopping and dining area. Vintage trams shuttle visitors along Istiklal Avenue, the city's main pedestrian boulevard, which is lined with 19th century buildings housing international shopping chains, movie theaters, restaurants and cafes.

#Istanbul #Turkey #turkiye #touristsattraction #mustvisit #taksimsquare #monument #historic #oldbuildings If you are travelling to Istanbul, one place that you have to visit is the taksim square where this is famous for its many ancient old buildings, historical landmarks, local traditional Turkish food but of course many of these shops are out to mark up prices especially when you are tourists. This will be the heart of Istanbul where you will also see several hotels, many restaurants, traditional local sweets and also a tram that goes in the middle of the entire taksim square.

The Taksim Mosque is a mosque in Taksim Square in Istanbul. It was designed by two Turkish architects in the Art Deco style and can accommodate up to 3,000 worshippers at a time.

Today we will take you to walk around at night, which is a popular shopping area for tourists in Turkey. This area is called "Taksim". There are many famous restaurants, clothing stores and shops here. We can walk along it like an alley. Each shop here is very inviting. When we went in the middle of December, there were lights decorating the long walkway, making it even more beautiful. There were a lot of people walking around. Oh, and in the middle of the walkway, there is a tram track running through it. Getting to this area is not difficult at all. There are many public transportations, such as buses, subways, taxis and boats. As for us, we came straight from the airport and took a bus called Havaist to get off here. You can stay in this area, which is also convenient for traveling to various places. If you are traveling to Turkey, don't forget to stop by to walk around and shop in this area. Girls will definitely love it. #Turkey #TravelAbroad

Taksim area is a shopping area where many people come to walk. It is considered one of the economic areas of Istanbul because this place is full of many shops. You can walk all the way to Galata Tower. It is another very popular place. It gives the feeling that it is a city that never sleeps. If anyone comes to Istanbul, I recommend trying to walk in this area.

#2023travelwish Taksim Square gained its fame from its history and contemporary, so in the past, it was a region for dividing and distributing water on the neighborhoods of Istanbul and its regions, and its location in the heart of Istanbul has importance in its fame. It also contains historical places in Istanbul, with modern touches that add an air of beauty to the monuments. The area also includes commercial markets, religious places, modern tourist places, diplomatic centers, service centers, and various luxury hotels. Travel wish for #2023travelwish is Travel around the world with my loved one.

Taksim Square (Taksim Meydanı) is located in the Beyoğlu district in the European part of Istanbul, Turkey. It is a famous tourist attraction and the heart of modern Istanbul. The word Taksim means “division” or “distribution”, which originated during the reign of Sultan Mahmud I. It was once the site of an Ottoman-era stone cistern and was where the main watercourses from the north were collected and distributed to the rest of the city. The word Taksim also refers to a special musical form in Turkish classical music.

Taksim area is one of the areas with a lot of people walking around. It is considered one of the economic hubs of Turkey because it is full of shops, restaurants and many shops. You can walk and spend time from the starting point and walk down the hill to the Galata Tower. It is another area that is very popular in Turkey. It feels like this place never sleeps. If anyone comes to Istanbul, I recommend that you come and walk around.

Accessible by metro, bus and taxi. Taksim square has to be on your list of places to visit in Istanbul. There are many places to visit nearby such as the Galata tower, Saint Antuan church and the Istiklal street. There are many restaurants and cafes in the area with selection of Doner kebaps, turkish delights, baklavas, turkish ice-cream and amazing seafood. There are many hotels nearby and I suggest staying nearby because it takes a couple of days to fully explore this area. Recommendations: -Hafiz Mustafa - baklava/turkish delights -Simit sarayi - simit/turkish ice cream -Mercan - deep-fried muscles/muscle dolma -Şampiyon kokoreç - kokoreç, which might be an acquired taste ;)

Located in the center of Istanbul's new city, it is also a key transportation hub for buses and subways. Around the park, there are juice stands selling pomegranate juice and other autumn fruits, so you can quench your thirst when you are tired from traveling. The Republic Monument in the center of the square is worth a visit. The neighboring Taksim Gezi Park is also a good place to forget about the hustle and bustle of traveling. Visited on 10/23. #AutumnTravel

Taksim Square is a super commercial shopping area in Istanbul, which is also the main tourist area. You will see many restaurants, coffee shops, souvenir shops, jewelry shops, and many tourists. If you want to buy souvenirs or go shopping, you must come here. Taksim Square Taksim Meydanı 📍 Gümüşsuyu, Tak-ı Zafer Cd., 34435 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey

Getting There - If you arrive at the international airport Sabiha Göcken in Istanbul you can take the Hava Bus straight to the Taksim Square which only takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes and cost 35 lira Attractions - One of the main attractions is the great mosque at the Taksim Square with a big fountain in front of it. Furthermore there is another Monument in the middle of the Taksim square honoring the soldiers in the war Hotels - There are a lot of Hotels around the Taksim Square. many high class hotels and also low budget guesthouses Food & Restaurants - The food you can get there is amazing. Local food is delicious and meat-based Shopping - there are countless shops in that area #tripblazers #bucketlistreboot #urbanexplorer #summervacation

Fanning out from Taksim Square with its Republic Monument, Taksim is a busy nightlife, shopping, and dining area. Vintage trams shuttle along Istiklal Caddesi, the city’s main pedestrian boulevard, which is lined with 19th-century buildings housing international shopping chains, movie theaters, and cafes. The dense network of side streets is filled with bars, antiques shops, and rooftop eateries with Bosphorus views.

Taksim Square, situated in Beyoğlu in the European part of Istanbul, Turkey, is a major tourist and leisure district famed for its restaurants, shops, and hotels. It is considered the heart of modern Istanbul, with the central station of the Istanbul Metro network. Taksim Square is also the location of the Republic Monument which was crafted by Pietro Canonica and inaugurated in 1928. The monument commemorates the 5th anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, following the Turkish War of Independence.

I took a bus from Istanbul New Airport to Taksim City Center, so the first impression I got of Turkey was Taksim Square and Taksim Mosque that I saw as soon as I got off✨💓 A delicate yet magnificent mosque... isn't it so cool?! At that time, I didn't think I would see so many mosques in Turkey🤣 When you enter Taksim Mosque, you must wear a hijab that is lent to you at the entrance! They lend it to you for free, so don't worry and be sure to take a look around :) #Turkey #TurkeyTravel #Istanbul #IstanbulTravel #Taksim #TaksimSquare #TaksimMosque #TurkishMosque #Mosque #OverseasTravel

Have you heard of Taksim Square? It's really fancy and great. I recommend it~ If you come to Istanbul, you must visit it. #Ho-kang-seu #Unique accommodation #Hot place #Hotel recommendation #Cafe recommendation #Istanbul #Turkey travel #Topkapi Palace #Topkapi #Istanbul travel #Overseas travel #Taksim #Taksim Square

Taksim Square, Istanbul - Turkey: The iconic is the Republic monument locating in the center. They are people walking around with local street hawkers sellong foods. If walking a little bit, there will be a shopping street with lots of shops and restaurants.

🌉 Istanbul Travel Guide | A Journey Through the Millennia-Old City Straddling Europe and Asia 📜 Opening: A Magical City Through Time Istanbul, a "world capital" spanning two continents, was once the capital of three great empires: Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. Here, the call to prayer from mosques blends with church bells, and the bustle of spice markets coexists with the tranquility of the Bosphorus. Whether you're a history buff, photography enthusiast, or food explorer, this city has a story for you. 🌤️ Best Time to Visit ✅ Spring (April-May): 15-25°C, flowers in bloom, perfect for strolling the old town. ✅ Autumn (September-October): Cool weather, fewer crowds, ideal for in-depth exploration. ⛔ Summer (June-August): Hot and crowded, long lines at attractions, but great for nighttime Bosphorus cruises. ⛔ Winter (November-March): Rainy, but hotel prices are low, perfect for budget travelers. 🏰 Must-Visit Attractions & Activities 1. Clash of History and Religion Hagia Sophia: The pinnacle of Byzantine architecture, where Christian and Islamic cultures merge. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque): Known for its six minarets and iconic Iznik blue tiles. Topkapi Palace: The Ottoman imperial palace—don’t miss the Treasury and Bosphorus viewing terrace. 2. Local Culture & Experiences Grand Bazaar: The world’s oldest covered market, perfect for handicrafts, carpets, and spices. Bosphorus Cruise: Take a ferry across the Europe-Asia divide, admiring Ottoman mansions and sunsets. Balat District: Colorful houses and retro cafés, a hotspot for Instagram photos. 3. Modern & Artistic Fusion Galata Tower: Climb to the top for panoramic views of the Golden Horn and old city. İstiklal Avenue: Vintage trams, street art, and authentic Turkish dessert shops. Asian Side (Kadıköy): A bohemian district loved by locals, packed with night markets and cafés. 🚇 Transportation Guide 1. Airport to City Center Istanbul Airport (IST): Take the M11 metro to downtown (~40 mins) or Havaist airport buses (~₺90). Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW): Take E10/E11 buses to the Asian side, then transfer to a ferry. 2. Getting Around Istanbulkart: Works on buses, metro, and ferries; buy and top up at convenience stores. Tram T1 Line: Connects major sites like Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, and Galata Bridge. Ferries (Şehir Hatları): Affordable and romantic way to cross continents—try the Eminönü-Kadıköy route. Pro Tip: Avoid rush hour traffic—walk or hire a car. Always insist on taxi meters to prevent detours. 📅 Classic 3-Day Itinerary Day 1 | Old Town History Morning: Hagia Sophia → Blue Mosque → Basilica Cistern Afternoon: Topkapi Palace → Grand Bazaar shopping Evening: Sunset at Sultanahmet Park Day 2 | Bosphorus & European Side Morning: Galata Tower → İstiklal Avenue Afternoon: Taksim Square → Dolmabahçe Palace Evening: Bosphorus cruise (sunset recommended) Day 3 | Asian Side & Artsy Exploration Morning: Ferry to Kadıköy for fish market breakfast Afternoon: Balat District photos → Rüstem Pasha Mosque Evening: Turkish bath experience (try Çemberlitaş Hamamı) 💡 Practical Tips 1. Cultural Etiquette: Remove shoes in mosques; women can borrow headscarves at entrances. 2. Language: Turkish is main, but English works at tourist spots. Learn "Teşekkür ederim" (thank you). 3. Currency: Cash is king! Lira (TL) fluctuates—carry euros/USD to exchange. 4. Safety: Tourist areas are safe, but watch wallets in the Grand Bazaar. 5. Food Recs: Must-try: Kebap, fish sandwich (Balık Ekmek), rice pudding (Sütlaç). 6. Haggling: Grand Bazaar prices are inflated—start at 30-50% lower, stay friendly but firm. ✨ Istanbul is a moving feast—every step reveals a thousand-year story. Take this guide and begin your Eurasian adventure!

#Overseas travel I highly recommend traveling to Turkey! I went to Turkey this time and it was really, really great. I went to Istanbul and it was definitely a city, so everything was well-organized. The transportation was really, really developed and good, but there were a lot of tourist attractions like mosques, so it was amazing. It was a city where the present and the past coexisted. And Turkey is famous for kebabs, so it was really great to be able to eat kebabs, which I really like. It's a country between Europe and Asia, so it was really amazing and great. I think there were a lot of things to do in Istanbul even if I traveled for a month. If you find Europe burdensome, I recommend going to Turkey, where Europe and Asia coexist. The cost of living was not as expensive as I thought, and it felt similar to or slightly more expensive than Seoul, Korea. If I have another chance to go, it's definitely one of the countries I want to visit at least once. I really recommend that you all visit Turkey at least once. And because there are so many different foods and things to see, I really recommend you visit at least once. I was able to experience so many different things and so many different cultures that I felt like my horizons were broadened.

#familytravel 🏖️Ambiance/Facilities:

🗓️Itinerary Scheduling:22.04.25 Day1：Bangkok City Tour :Grand Palace, Prahtunam Market, Siam Paragon Day2: Ayutthaya Temple Day3: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market 🏨 Accommodation : Livable Hotel Bangkok 🍴 Food Recommendations : Papaya Salad, Yamwoon sen, fish, mango with sticky rice 📌 Tips : go to the local restaurant, take a train or BTS traffic in Bangkok is horrible, leave early in the morning when going for tour. Ask concierge for best tours and price. #historicallandmarks #localguides #bangkokfood #bangkoktrip #shorttrip #solotravel #localfood #temple #grandpalacebangkok #ayutthaya #asiatiquetheriverfront

I went on a trip from Malaysia to delhi,than to turkey and Dubai . And it was an amazing trip . I have explored different cultures food and people.

📅 Itinerary - Bosphorus Strait - Zorlu Center - Taksim Square - Galata Tower - Basilica Cistern - Topkapi Palace - Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque - Blue Mosque - Sultanahmet Square 🥣 Food Recommendations - Yigit Sofram : turkish cuisine — every dish is soooo good, especially bread 🍞 sooooo soft and chewy ⭐️⭐️⭐️ you guys must try the local food i really love it!! 💖 🚗 Car Parking - Lighthouse on sea parking