The 6 Best Things to See and Do on Istiklal Street, Istanbul
A visit to Istiklal Street is an opportunity to experience the unique energy and spirit of Istanbul at its most organic. The street is the busiest in the city, comparable to Fifth Avenue in NYC or Oxford Street in London. The long stretch has shops with every product imaginable, cafes and restaurants, live music, bars, cinemas and much more. This is our list of the best attractions on Istiklal Street.
1. Çiçek Pasji / The Flower Passage
Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark
The Flower Passage is a historical arcade containing cafes, restaurants and wineries. The arcade originally contained a theatre, which was destroyed in a fire. After the Russian Revolution of 1917, many formerly wealthy Russian women sold flowers here, giving the area its name. This is an exquisite feat of architecture that you can enjoy either by strolling through or by sitting and enjoying a meal or a beverage under the domed roof.
2. Ride a Vintage Red Tram
Architectural Landmark
These beautiful ruby-red trams are as much a fixture of Istiklal Street as the cobbles on the road. No trip would be complete without boarding one of these vehicles that have carried shoppers and tourists up and down the bustling avenue for decades. This is one of the many examples in Istanbul of the past working seamlessly into the unique modern culture of the city.
3. Saray Muhallebicisi
Restaurant, Turkish
4. Mekan Galata Mevlevi Whirling Dervish House and Museum
Museum
The Majestic Cinema
The Majestic Cinema is a modern cinema with a vintage twist – it has the refreshing feeling of an independent cinema. The venue is smaller than a traditional cinema and shows Turkish- and English-speaking films. Experience a comforting taste of home with an English blockbuster or try something new and watch a Turkish movie.
The Atlas Arcade
The arcade has been in Istanbul since the 1870s and was one of many locations in the city renovated due to fire damage. It remains an integral city landmark, hosting a cinema and shops. A stroll through this arcade is a fascinating look into how regular Istanbul citizens live and socialise. This is a great stop for any traveller who wants a real glimpse of Istanbul – behind the guidebooks and travel brochures.
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