A Guide to Istiklal Street: Istanbul, Turkey’s Iconic Pedestrian Avenue
Istanbul, Turkey ✈
During my stay at the Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus in Turkey, I took a short walk to Istiklal Street, one of the most well-known pedestrian streets in Istanbul. Located in the Beyoğlu district, it stretches from Taksim Square to the Galata Tower and is lined with shops, restaurants, cafes, and historical buildings.
It is commonly referred to as Istiklal Street in English, though its full Turkish name is "İstiklal Caddesi" (Caddesi meaning Avenue in Turkish). "Istiklal Avenue" is sometimes used, but "Istiklal Street" is the more widely recognized name.
“By the time I reached the end of Istiklal Street near the Galata Tower, I had seen a little bit of everything—food, shopping, history, and daily life in Istanbul.”
Taksim Square
My walk began at Taksim Square, one of the most significant landmarks in Istanbul. It serves as a central gathering place and transportation hub, with metro stations, bus stops, and the starting point of the historic red trolley that runs along Istiklal Street. The square itself is open and spacious, with wide walkways and people moving in every direction.
At the heart of the square stands the Republic Monument, a large statue commemorating the founding of the Republic of Turkey in 1923. It depicts Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the country’s first president, along with other key figures from the early years of the republic. The monument is a focal point, with visitors stopping to take photos or sit nearby.
Around the square, I saw a mix of modern and historic elements. There were hotels, restaurants, and shops, but also older buildings that had been standing for decades. A large Turkish flag waved in the breeze, and vendors sold snacks and souvenirs from small carts. Nearby, I spotted the newly built Taksim Mosque, an imposing structure with a large dome and minarets. It stands in contrast to some of the more secular and commercial aspects of the square, highlighting Istanbul’s blend of history, religion, and modernity. A few steps away, Gezi Park offered a small green space with trees and benches, providing a brief escape from the concrete surroundings.
Walking Down Istiklal Street
From Taksim Square, I continued onto Istiklal Street, where the energy of the city became even more noticeable. The wide pedestrian street was packed with people walking in both directions. Locals carried shopping bags, tourists took photos, and groups of friends gathered outside cafes.
One of the first things I noticed was the number of food shops specializing in shawarma. The smell of grilled meat filled the air, and many of these places had vertical spits of lamb, beef, or chicken slowly roasting. Workers sliced thin pieces off the rotating meat, placing them into warm bread or wraps. Some restaurants had small counters for customers to eat standing up, while others had seating inside.
There were also several stalls and bakeries selling simit, a circular sesame-crusted bread often compared to a bagel but crunchier on the outside. Vendors pushed carts with stacks of simit piled high, and I saw locals buying them to eat as a quick snack while walking. I stopped at one of the bakeries to try a fresh one, slightly warm and just the right balance of chewy and crispy.
One of the most recognizable features of Istiklal Street is the historic red trolley that runs along the length of the street. It moves slowly, ringing its bell as it navigates through the crowds. Some people grabbed onto the back and rode along for a short stretch, a common sight. The trolley is a reminder of the street’s history, dating back to the late 19th century when trams first started running here.
Along the way, I passed a mix of modern stores and historic buildings. International brands sat next to small local shops selling Turkish sweets, jewelry, and souvenirs. There were also churches, mosques, and old passages tucked between newer buildings. One of the most interesting stops was Çiçek Pasajı, an ornate passage filled with restaurants and cafes. It was once a theater before being turned into a market and later a dining area.
Fruits, Snacks, and the Fun of Turkish Ice Cream Vendors
Walking through the streets of Istanbul, especially along Istiklal Street, means encountering an abundance of street food vendors selling fresh fruits, traditional snacks, and ice cream vendors who turn a simple purchase into an entertaining experience.
Fresh Fruits and Street Snacks
One of the most eye-catching displays belongs to the fresh fruit vendors. In many spots along the street, an array of pineapples is stacked neatly, with large chunks of fresh pineapple skewered onto sticks for easy snacking. This type of presentation makes it convenient for people to grab a refreshing bite while walking. Alongside the pineapples, there are pomegranates, oranges, and apples, all displayed in an inviting way. Pomegranate, in particular, is a staple in Turkish markets, often juiced on the spot for a quick, healthy drink.
These fruit stalls are common throughout Istanbul, providing fresh and naturally sweet snacks instead of packaged alternatives. The vendors often work quickly, slicing and preparing fruits in front of customers.
The Playful Art of Turkish Ice Cream Vendors
Another highlight of Istiklal Street is the famous dondurma (Turkish ice cream) vendors. Unlike regular ice cream sellers who simply scoop and serve, Turkish ice cream vendors turn each sale into a fun performance.
The vendors, often dressed in traditional vests and hats, use long metal paddles to stretch, twirl, and tease customers before finally handing over the ice cream. They hold out the cone, only to pull it away just as the customer tries to grab it. This playful routine continues for a while, creating laughter and amusement.
Dondurma is different from regular ice cream because it contains salep, a thickening agent made from orchid tubers, and mastic, a plant resin that gives it a chewy, elastic texture. This makes it stick to the cone more firmly, allowing the vendors to perform their tricks without the ice cream melting or falling apart.
Children and adults alike enjoy this interactive buying process. While some may be caught off guard by the vendor’s tricks, it ultimately turns a simple dessert purchase into a memorable part of the experience.
By the time I reached the end of Istiklal Street near the Galata Tower, I had seen a little bit of everything—food, shopping, history, and daily life in Istanbul. Whether someone is looking to try local street food, shop, or simply take in the energy of the city, Istiklal Street remains one of the most well-known and visited places in Istanbul.
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