Taksim Square: The Real Heart of the Modern City
Suggested Duration
Starting point, visit lasts as long as Istiklal Street does
Good to Know
Details below before you go
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Not the Byzantine center everyone photographs, but the real center of gravity for the city Istanbul became in the 20th century, and the starting point for a mile of shops, cafes, and street noise down Istiklal Street.
Highlights
- Stand at the actual center of gravity for the modern city, not the old one
- Jump straight into Istiklal Street's mile of shops, cafes, and street music
- See the Republic Monument to the foundation of modern Turkey in 1923
Included / Excluded
- Free to the public, no ticket required
- Entry point to Istiklal Street and the Republic Monument
- Guided tour narration (self-guided unless booked as a walking tour)
Good to Know
- The launch point for the nostalgic red tram that runs the length of Istiklal Street
- Busiest transit hub on the European side, connects metro, funicular, and bus lines
- Visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the busiest foot traffic
Available languages: Turkish, English
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Taksim Square worth seeing if I'm interested in the old city?
Yes, it's a different Istanbul, the modern commercial and social center rather than the Byzantine and Ottoman core.
Is Taksim Square safe at night?
It's busy and well-lit well into the night, among the busiest parts of the city.
How can I go to Taksim Square from Sultanahmet?
20-25 minutes by tram to Kabataş and then the funicular up, or a direct taxi in a similar time, depending on traffic.
