One of the most visited places in Istanbul is Taksim Square, located in Beyoğlu, the European part of the city. This square is known as a transfer point for residents where they can meet quickly in a place full of shops of everything, impressive buildings, and cultural centers. As an ideal tourist attraction, Taksim Square is famous for its luxury hotels, Turkish restaurants, and historical significance. There is a well-known Republic Monument situated in the heart of this square, and Pietro Canonica was made to keep the memory of the formation of the Turkish Republic.
Taksim Square in Istanbul
Taksim is located in a great position in Istanbul because it was an area to divide the water into other parts of Istanbul, and also, for this reason, it was named “Taksim.” Walking down Istiklal Street, parallel to Taksim Square, you can see the colours and local life that reflect Istanbul’s culture. Taksim Square and Istiklal Street are filled with restaurants, hotels, shops, and food joints, and these streets are perfect spots to experience and explore everything about your destination on the way.
Istiklal Street in Taksim
Istiklal Street is a long street from Taksim Square to the Karakoy area. Moreover, one of the oldest trams dates back approximately one hundred years and breaks through. There are some religious places like the Hossein Agha Mosque and the domed church and some tourist places like the “Madame Tussauds” wax Museum, whose foundation dates back 4 years.
Istiklal Street and its restaurants
After walking in Taksim Square and Istiklal Street, you can enjoy eating in restaurants surrounding Taksim Square and Istiklal streets, like a series of international fast-food restaurants or local restaurants. Al Madina Restaurant is one of the most famous restaurants among Arabs because the most professional and well-known chefs, who are Burak’s heads, work in it. Moreover, this restaurant amazingly provides a wide range of Lebanese and Turkish foods with incredible offers. The Sultan Ahmed Kaftisi Selim Usta restaurant and 360 Istanbul Restaurant on Istiklal Street have distinctive views.
Best resorts in Taksim Square
Taksim is one of the best areas of Istanbul because of its hotels. The hotels of Taksim are distinguished because of their variety and can meet all tourists’ tastes. The hotels in Taksim Square are among the wealthiest and most diverse, surrounded by the Bosphorus, Taksim Square, the historical city, and others. Point Hotel Taksim, Divan Taksim, and Elite World Istanbul Taksim are the 5 stars hotels on this street.
Enpera Hotel Taksim, Nippon Hotel Taksim, and Titanic Hotel Taksim are the 4 star hotels, and finally, Istanbul Autopera Hotel, Taksim Star Hotel, and Cihangir Istanbul Hotel are 3-star hotels of Taksim Square.
Taksim Square at night
Taksim Street is a place where everyone can witness many movements at night. On Istiklal Street in Taksim Square, life bustles until midnight. You can also see artists or many music bands who are spread along the street, where their musical instruments are enjoyable for people.
Things you can do and see in Taksim Square
There are many things to see on Taksim Street, such as the nostalgic tram, Gezi Park, the monument, the domed church of Aya Triada, Huseyin Aga Mosque, etc. This is the most famous square in Turkey and Istanbul. Walking around this square, passing Istiklal Street, and watching people in a lively atmosphere can be one of the memorable things to do in Taksim Square.
The best time to visit Taksim Square
Spring and summer are the perfect seasons for tourism in Taksim. In these months, the daytime temperature is between 15 °C and 20 °C, and you can experience the ideal weather, walk on a long street, and enjoy food and shopping. Shops in Taksim Street are open after 10 am and between 7 pm and 8 pm, so it is recommended to visit the square early to see the art, talent, and culture without any hassle. Also, you can enjoy the tranquil golden sunset in the afternoon.
Where is Taksim Square?
Taksim Square is situated in the northern part of Istanbul, and its address is Gümüşsuyu, 34435 Beyoğlu/İstanbul in Turkey. The longest distance from Istanbul Airport to Taksim Square is 55 kilometers.
Some tips you should know about visiting Taksim Square
- Nowhere is safe in the world, especially if you are a woman, so avoid dangerous situations.
- There are police and necessary personnel on every street in Taksim, so if you need them or feel unsafe, do not hesitate to approach them.
- A 9 to 5 schedule can help you to enjoy Taksim Square thoroughly.