Exploring the Charm of Istiklal Street in Istanbul Review

Exploring the Charm of Istiklal Street in Istanbul

summarizeEditor's Summary

Istiklal Street in Istanbul is a must-visit destination that offers a unique blend of architecture, atmosphere, and entertainment. My wife and I had an absolute blast exploring the area before our cruise liner departure. We took the funicular up to the street from the Galata Tower side, which was way easier than hiking up the hills. The public transport in Istanbul is super convenient, and you can pay for it all with an Istanbulkart. We spent hours browsing the shops, trying local food, and taking in the sights – it's definitely worth every penny, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone traveling to Istanbul!

settingsSpecifications

KararHarika

Kalite8/10

Turlar7/10

Ulaşım9/10

Hello everyone!

My wife and I had an absolute blast exploring Istanbul before we boarded our cruise liner, the Aroya.

We kicked off our adventure by heading out to Istiklal Street, which is literally just a stone's throw away from the Galataport area where we stayed at the Galataport and checked into the Genoa Port Hotel. Our overnight stay was perfectly fine.

We approached Istiklal from the Galata Tower side and took the funicular up – way easier than hiking up the hills. The public transport in Istanbul is super convenient, and you can pay for it all with an Istanbulkart: metro, trams, ferries, and more. We decided to wait for the famous red tram and ride it to Taksim Square, then walk back. It was a great plan for the evening.

This is what we saw when we arrived at Taksim.

I headed back, and while I was at it, I looked for an exchange office where I could change my money for a good rate and buy a local SIM card, as it turned out my e-SIM wasn't supported in my phone.

Along the way, I saw a ton of interesting stuff - little shops, corn and chestnut stalls, and loads of Turkish sweets. The old buildings are absolutely stunning.

Modern streetlights. We had to try the local ice cream, dondurma.

We stumbled upon this really cool alleyway with a glass roof, and there were all sorts of cafes. Even during the day, it's a great spot to take in the view. We grabbed a beer.

We continued on towards the Galata Tower. Everywhere, there were stalls selling souvenirs and fresh juice.

And of course, the cats. The main attraction in Istanbul, and really, all of Turkey.

Thanks to everyone for reading my review - I'm glad I could share my thoughts on this amazing street in Istanbul.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

Is Istiklal Street suitable for families with young children?

Yes, Istiklal Street is a great destination for families with young children. There are plenty of kid-friendly shops, cafes, and attractions to explore, and the street is pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to navigate with strollers or prams.

Can I use credit cards on Istiklal Street?

Most shops and cafes on Istiklal Street accept credit cards, but it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially for smaller vendors or street performers.

How do I get to Istiklal Street from the Galata Tower?

You can take the funicular up to Istiklal Street from the Galata Tower side – it's way easier than hiking up the hills!

What are the opening hours for shops on Istiklal Street?

Most shops on Istiklal Street are open from 10am to 10pm, but some may have shorter hours or be closed on certain days of the week.

Can I take public transport to Istiklal Street?

Yes, you can take public transport to Istiklal Street using an Istanbulkart. The public transport in Istanbul is super convenient, and you can pay for it all with an Istanbulkart.

Are there any ATMs on Istiklal Street?

Yes, there are several ATMs located throughout Istiklal Street, including some 24-hour ATMs near the main entrance.

Can I find English-speaking staff on Istiklal Street?

Many shops and cafes on Istiklal Street have English-speaking staff, but it's always a good idea to learn some basic Turkish phrases to help you navigate the area.

Are there any street performers on Istiklal Street?

Yes, Istiklal Street is filled with street performers and live music, adding to the lively atmosphere.

What's the best time to visit Istiklal Street?

The best time to visit Istiklal Street is during the day, when the street is bustling with activity and the sun is shining.

check_circlePros

•The street is lined with beautifully preserved Ottoman-era buildings, giving it a unique and charming atmosphere.
•Istiklal Street is super lively, with plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore.
•The street is pedestrian-friendly, making it a pleasure to walk along and take in the sights.
•The retro tram on Istiklal Street is a game changer – it's a great way to see the city and take a break from walking.
•The street is filled with street performers and live music, adding to the lively atmosphere.
•The variety of shops and stalls selling everything from souvenirs to local handicrafts is impressive.
•You can find everything from traditional Turkish clothing to handmade jewelry and pottery.
•The street is well-maintained, with plenty of seating areas and restrooms available.

cancelCons

•The street can get very crowded, especially during peak tourist season.
•Some of the shops and cafes can be a bit overpriced, but you get what you pay for.
•The street is quite long, so be prepared to do some walking if you want to see everything.
•The noise and chaos of the street can be overwhelming at times.
•Some of the street performers can be a bit pushy, so be prepared to say no if you don't want to engage.
•The street can be a bit dirty in some areas, but overall it's well-maintained.
•You might get lost in the crowds, so make sure to keep an eye on your belongings.
•Some of the shops and cafes may have limited English-speaking staff.