Walk Down Istiklal Street; exploration of food & shopping with history around you

Some say Istanbul is one of the most exciting cities they have ever visited; at least some of my friends claim so. I too enjoyed my trip to Istanbul immensely, after all I travelled with three of my closest friends. One of the most significant experiences of Istanbul is walking down the famous Istiklal street.

This lively pedestrian street is the heart and soul of modern Istanbul, and it's packed with endless shopping, dining, and cultural opportunities. My friends and I took a whole day walking down it; living it, breathing it.

We started in the morning with a traditional Turkish breakfast at this amazing boutique hotel we were staying at. As we polished off the delicious spread of fresh bread, olives, cheese, and tomatoes and of course those amazing Turkish eggs, we decided to start our walk from the Taksim Square. That’s where you can admire the historic architecture of the surrounding buildings. With my energy levels high, I was ready to hit the pavement and start exploring!

 Taksim Square is a major public square and transportation hub located in the bustling Beyoğlu district of Istanbul, Turkey. Often considered the heart of modern Istanbul, Taksim Square is an iconic meeting point for locals and tourists alike, and serves as a central location for numerous events, celebrations, and demonstrations. The name "Taksim" means "division" or "distribution" in Turkish, and the square originally served as the main distribution point for the city's water supply during the Ottoman Empire. Today, Taksim Square is surrounded by a mix of architectural styles, reflecting the diverse history and culture of Istanbul. One of the square's most prominent landmarks is the Republic Monument, which commemorates the founding of the Republic of Turkey and features statues of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the country's first president, and other key figures from the Turkish War of Independence.

Istiklal Avenue is truly a feast for the senses. As I strolled down the 1.4-kilometer pedestrian street, I was instantly struck by the sheer energy and life of the place. The avenue is lined with historic buildings, ranging from elegant 19th-century European-style structures to Ottoman-era architecture, creating a fascinating mix of old and new. The street is always bustling with people—locals going about their daily routines, tourists soaking in the atmosphere, and street performers entertaining the crowds. If you are not one to walk, you can take the tram which carried with itself a lot of history. Taksim Square is also an important transportation hub, connecting different parts of the city through buses, metro lines, and the nostalgic Taksim-Tünel tramway. The iconic red trams that pass through the square add a nostalgic charm to the area, evoking memories of a bygone era.

Walking past the Turkish ice cream vendors playing peekaboo with the gummy and stretchy ice cream, I suddenly realised I would love to carry some of the deliciousness of the city home with me. I stepped into one of the Lokum shops lined up with colourful sweets. You cannot come home without a few boxes of these amazing delicacies.

Feeling satisfied with my purchases, I continued my walk and discovered that Istiklal Avenue is home to several historic churches, mosques, and synagogues, representing the city's rich religious diversity. But we made our way to the Galata tower. The Galata Tower, also known as the Christea Turris (Tower of Christ) in Latin, is a medieval stone tower located in the Galata/Karaköy quarter of Istanbul, Turkey. This striking landmark, with its cylindrical shape and conical roof, has become an emblematic symbol of the city, offering stunning panoramic views of Istanbul and its surroundings.

The Galata Tower was originally constructed in 1348 by the Genoese, an Italian maritime republic, as part of their fortified settlement called the Galata colony. The tower was built to serve as a watchtower and military lookout, as well as a lighthouse to guide ships navigating the Golden Horn, a major waterway in Istanbul. The tower stands at 67 meters (220 feet) tall and its walls are approximately 3.75 meters (12 feet) thick, providing significant protection during its time as a defensive structure.

Over the centuries, the Galata Tower has undergone several restorations and reconstructions due to damages from fires and earthquakes. Its function has also evolved: it has served as a prison, an observatory, and a fire watchtower. Today, the tower is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors the chance to climb its nine stories and take in breath-taking 360-degree views of Istanbul from its observation deck.

In addition to the observation deck, the Galata Tower houses a restaurant and café on its upper floors, providing visitors with the opportunity to enjoy a meal or a cup of Turkish tea while taking in the stunning scenery. Although I must admit we didn’t get to enjoy such pleasures. The tower is often illuminated at night, creating a captivating visual landmark that can be seen from various points across the city.

The Galata Tower is not only an architectural marvel but also a testament to Istanbul's rich and diverse history. The tower, with its commanding presence and fascinating backstory, remains an essential stop for anyone visiting this remarkable city.

As the sun began to set, I noticed that the street took on a new energy. We walked back towards Istiklal Avenue to check out it’s famed nightlife, with countless bars, clubs, and live music venues. I stopped by a couple of different places, enjoying the diverse music scene that ranged from traditional Turkish tunes to modern electronic beats. The street truly comes alive at night, with people of all ages enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. We decided to grab a few drinks in one of the pubs in a very lively street that branched off from the main avenue.

A word of advice before I pack off this blog; do wear comfortable shoes and leave at least a full day for this walk as you will be tempted to walk into souks or shops or just some random café or even a book shop (there are many in Istanbul).