Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue

Istiklal Avenue or Istiklal Street is one of the most famous avenues in Istanbul, runs from Taksim Square nearly all the way to the landmark Galata Tower. Although it is the beating heart of the city, the three million people that pass it every day. The most important monument in Taksim Square is the Independence Monument (Istiklal Aniti in Turkish), at the beginning of Istiklal pedestrian street.

Things to see in Istiklal Avenue

Galata Convent of Whirling Dervishes (Galata Mevlevihanesi),

Museum of Divan Literature,

#GalataTower,

Pera Museum,

Hagia Triada Orthodox Church,

S. Antonio di Padova Catholic Church,

Cezayir Street,

İstanbul Modern,

Museum of Innocence (Masumiyet Müzesi),

Shooping in Taksim

The main street - Istklal Avenue is full of shops. Pretty much one after another, for 1.5 km. Turkish clothing and shoes stores: KOTON, OXXO, MAVI, LC Waikiki, Hotic, Bambi, Flower, Inci. There is also wonderful store with house decoration items - Pasabahce. You will also find other international stores like Zara, Levi's, Bereshka and many others are waiting for you.

Is it Safe?

Generally, it is safe to walk around in this district, even by night, though crossing the Tarlabaşı Boulevard (Tarlabaşı Bulvarı) towards the dilapidated quarter of Tarlabaşı to the west of Beyoğlu/Istiklal Avenue wouldn't certainly be wise after the night falls. Some other parts of this district also have some crime issues. A rule of thumb to follow would be to look for young people around having fun, which suggests that you are more likely in an OK zone.Taksim Square and Istiklal Street there are always (7/24) police officers and security cameras.