Istiklal Caddesi
Istiklal Caddesi
4.2
About
This cobblestone street attracts both locals and tourists who walk its length to enjoy the many restaurants, cafes and shops. Many of the city's movie theaters are also located here.
Duration: < 1 hour
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Istiklal Caddesi
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Neighbourhood: Beyoglu
Istanbul’s most famous street, pedestrianized Istiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue), throbs day and night and offers a fantastic array of architectural sights, shops, treats, and throngs upon teeming throngs of people. At the avenue’s northeastern end is expansive Taksim Square, thought by many to be the very heart of the city, with many of Turkey’s most renowned restaurants and some of Europe’s most happening nightlife in close proximity. In striking contrast, Beyoglu’s less trafficked areas – such as the affluent Cihangir and the antiques district of Cukurcuma – exude Old World charm and provide contemplative calm and splendid diversion via an assortment of cozy cafes, attractive boutiques, and quiet lanes.
How to get there
- Taksim • 10 min walk
- Şişhane • 10 min walk
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
5,350 within 5 kms
Attractions
1,223 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.2
6,008 reviews
Excellent
2,967
Very good
1,824
Average
855
Poor
213
Terrible
149
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
jbushman2017
Nipomo, CA523 contributions
July 2024 • Couples
We stayed in a hotel right off of the Istiklal Caddesi. I walked this street every night I was in Istanbul. Unlike other pedestrian streets I found this one wider and more lively than I usually see in Europe. While some of the shops that line this street are upscale, there are many that are reasonably priced that offered just about anything you might want to buy. As the street tends to run from the Galata Tower all the way to Taksim Square (both worth a visit) doing the walk has extra benefits. The street cuts right through the heart of a very popular part of Istanbul. I would highly recommend staying in this area if you are looking for a hotel. We also found plenty of restaurants and coffee houses here that were terrific.
Written 29 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abovetheclouds
2,534 contributions
Mar 2025 • Solo
I love the energy. Every city has one. The main shopping street! Busy, crowded but lively with a great atmosphere. There are buskers that play music at certain times and all sorts going on. Shopping, dining and loads of energy. Very long road that runs from Taksim Square nearly all the way to the Galata Tower! Busy 24/7 but really comes to life at night.
Written 2 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Birol Bali
Istanbul, Türkiye1,093 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
İstiklal Caddesi is one of the most famous and vibrant streets in Istanbul, Turkey. Located in the heart of the Beyoğlu district, it stretches for about 1.4 kilometers, running from Taksim Square to Galata Tower. This iconic pedestrian street is known for its lively atmosphere, historical significance, and diverse mix of shops, cafes, restaurants, galleries, theaters, and cultural venues.
The street is a central hub for both locals and tourists, offering a blend of old-world charm and modern urban life. Its architecture reflects a mix of 19th-century Ottoman, Art Nouveau, and modern styles, with many buildings housing high-end boutiques, bookstores, and cafes that have been a part of Istanbul’s cultural fabric for decades.
One of the unique features of İstiklal Caddesi is the nostalgic tram that runs along the street, adding to its old-world charm. Visitors can take a ride on this red tram while enjoying the bustling energy of the area. The street is also home to several historical landmarks, including the famous Galatasaray High School, numerous churches, and consulates.
İstiklal Caddesi comes alive at all hours of the day and night, offering something for everyone, from shopping and dining to street performances and cultural events. It’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the dynamic pulse of Istanbul.
The street is a central hub for both locals and tourists, offering a blend of old-world charm and modern urban life. Its architecture reflects a mix of 19th-century Ottoman, Art Nouveau, and modern styles, with many buildings housing high-end boutiques, bookstores, and cafes that have been a part of Istanbul’s cultural fabric for decades.
One of the unique features of İstiklal Caddesi is the nostalgic tram that runs along the street, adding to its old-world charm. Visitors can take a ride on this red tram while enjoying the bustling energy of the area. The street is also home to several historical landmarks, including the famous Galatasaray High School, numerous churches, and consulates.
İstiklal Caddesi comes alive at all hours of the day and night, offering something for everyone, from shopping and dining to street performances and cultural events. It’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the dynamic pulse of Istanbul.
Written 13 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ali
Türkiye7 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
I had a great time visiting Istiklal Caddesi in Istanbul with my friends. The lively atmosphere, rich history, and diverse shops made it an unforgettable experience. We enjoyed exploring the bustling streets, savoring delicious street food, and immersing ourselves in the cultural vibe. The blend of traditional and modern elements created a unique charm that kept us engaged throughout the day. The tram ride was a highlight, adding a nostalgic touch to our trip. Istiklal Caddesi truly captures the essence of Istanbul, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the city.
Written 13 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alberto Teodosio Biondi
Merate, Italy892 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
It is the city's Shopping Street where everyone, locals and tourists, flock to shop. Lots of people, shops, restaurants, everything. Try the red train that goes back and forth from Tünel Meydani to Taksim Meydani. Let's say it doesn't represent the most authentic Istanbul.
Automatically translated
Written 15 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mika
Baku, Azerbaijan21 contributions
July 2024 • Family
Since we rented a hotel on this street, we spent most of the evening here. There are a lot of shops outside of different brands, cafes, restaurants, clubs, etc. In the morning it is nice to walk when almost nobody is there. Towards the evening there are a huge number of people (mostly tourists) outside.
Automatically translated
Written 22 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christian
Crema, Italy155 contributions
July 2024 • Family
The street, the beating heart of the Beyoglu district, teems with life. Along the way to Taksim Square, the church of St. Anthony of Padua, an example of the multiculturalism of the city, and the Cicek Pasaji are worth a visit. The iconic historic tram connecting Tünel to Taksim makes the atmosphere even more atmospheric.
Automatically translated
Written 1 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SaleDamc
Sale, UK461 contributions
June 2024 • Solo
Approximately 1.5km long, this street runs down from Taksim Square, past Galata Tower, and brings you out close to Karakoy tram stop. The main street itself, is full of designer shops, with a number of food stalls, selling ice cream, kebabs etc, so there is not a great deal to see. There is a traditional tram which runs up the centre of the street and there are a number of bars and restaurants in the street which run of Istiklal, and these places were generally cheaper than the bars and restaurants around Sultanahmet.
Written 27 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edward
Santa Rosa, CA3,236 contributions
July 2024 • Couples
Istiklal Caddesi is the main street through the hear of the 19th-century part of Istanbul north of the Golden Horn. It extends from the upper Beyoglu station of the Tunel tram near Galata Tower in the south to Taksim Square in the north. A 19th-cebtury streetcar runs the length. It is a major centre of dining, shopping, and entertainment, including street entertainment. It is always very lively. The street and its immediate area offer much for anyone and it is lined with attractive buildings, both old and new.
Written 11 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann T
Charlotte, NC16 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
Great street , friendly folks. We had a great time shopping and trying out different restaurants and club hopping. Very tourist friendly. Lots of cops around at all times so felt pretty safe.
Written 8 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How do you pay for the tram please ? Can you pay cash ?
Written 3 March 2024
Hello All,
I'm planning to be in a holiday vacation next week and i still wondering about what happened in Istiklal street, how is the overall situation now , is the normal life back and we can enjoy our vacation or should i cancel it ?
I wishes the safety for all .
Thank you
Written 15 November 2022
Everything back to normal
Written 2 February 2023
Hello. Does anyone know whether istiklal street shops will open starting May 17 2021? Thanks
Written 15 May 2021
How do I also get to Ayube Sultan Mosque and Piere Lori from Laleli? Does tram go that way? Thanks
Written 20 February 2020
Hi there. Kindly advise me how to take the tram from Double Tree Old Town, Laleli to Istiklal? I have old people in our group. Thank you
Written 20 February 2020
Hi Taking metro is the fastest and cheapest but having old people around there is no better choice than taxi by the way istiklal caddesi is a quite long street how u can manage your old fellow? They would be very much tiered and can’t walk this street all along
Written 20 February 2020
Hello, how can I travel from sultanehmet to istiklal street?
Written 13 November 2019
Taxi is the best, roughly 50tl, get off at taksim square and walk through istikhlal street a straight mile walk, to galata tower
Written 13 December 2019
Hi.
Im Portia i live in UAE. City Dubai.
I want to do some wholesale shopping for clothes in Laleli. How best can i go about it and also the shipping part.
Thank you.
Written 12 October 2019
The shops from where you will pick up clothes will arrange for shipping. The clothes there were nothing great though.
Written 29 October 2019
What is the common mode of transportation at night? For example if i want to go back to my hotel from istiklal street what is the best option? Taxi? Does the tram still operate at night?
Written 11 September 2019
السلام عليكم
في احد يقدر يساعدني في محل في شارع الاستقال يبيع جينزات ماركة ترو ريليجين true religion احد يعرف شنو اسم المحل
ساعدوني
شكرا.
Written 23 June 2019
Can you post this question in English
Written 24 June 2019
…
Showing results 1-10 of 50
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Related Stories
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing