Here you can find the most visited, lively and touristy squares, avenues and streets in Istanbul. You can spend a good day eating in restaurants, having a drink while relaxing in popular cafes, shopping, walking and having fun in all these places while visiting Istanbul.
The popular squares of Istanbul
Sultanahmet Square in Fatih
Sultanahmet Square, also known as the Hippodrome and surrounded by the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, is a popular meeting point and a very impressive tourist area in Sultanahmet leading to all the historical sites around Sultanahmet.
The hippodrome of the 4th century of the Byzantine period, the Egyptian obelisk, the serpentine column, the colossus or column of Costantin Porphyrgenitus, the rather kitsch German fountain are the main tourist sites of the square.
Taksim Square in Beyoglu
Taksim Square, with its location leading to the monument, Gezi Park, the domed church of Aya Triada, the nostalgic tramway, the Huseyin Aga Mosque and the famous Istiklal Avenue in Taksim, is the most popular square in Istanbul as well as in Turkey. It is like the famous ones in European countries.
Besiktas Square
Besiktas Square is beautiful with a variety of cafes, restaurants, stores and the vibrant life of Istanbul. It is very pleasant to spend time in the square surrounded by restaurants and cafes overlooking the Bosphorus and to admire the beautiful views of the Bosphorus from the Besiktas coast. The famous naval museum and the tomb of Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha are located near Besiktas Square, near the sea.
Ortaköy Square
Ortakoy Square is popular with young people and tourists in Istanbul. There are a variety of cafes, bars, restaurants and stores in the square. The lively weekend nights are also fantastic. The Ortakoy Mosque, the Damat Ibrahim Pasha Fountain and the historic Esma Sultan Mansion, dating from the 18th century, are worth a visit.
Beyazit Square
Beyazit Square is a large square located in Beyazit. It is also a lively part of the city. It also hosts political and cultural events. The famous Grand Bazaar is one of the most visited tourist sites in the region.
Be sure to visit this famous historic bazaar with over 4,000 stores and vendors selling colorful textiles, aromatic spices and beautiful handmade pottery. Other popular sites of interest include; the Beyazit Mosque, the Nuruosmaniye Mosque, the Sahaflar Antique Book Market, the glorious building of Istanbul University and the Beyazit Tower which was once a lookout tower for fires in the city.
The popular streets of Istanbul
Istiklal Street is probably the most famous street and entertainment district in Istanbul. It’s a long, colorful pedestrian street full of all kinds of stores, restaurants, cafes and street performances.
You can visit the fantastic Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, the amazing St. Anthony of Padua Church and the Pera Museum. If you want to dine and entertain in the evening, you can spend the evening in the famous restaurant and wine street of Asmalimescit.
Bagdat Street between Bostanci-Goztepe
Bagdat Street is one of the most luxurious streets for the inhabitants of Istanbul. The 14 km. long Bagdat Street starts from Bostanci and extends to Goztepe. There are many cafes, restaurants and luxury stores along the street.
Also awarded as the 4th most popular shopping street in the world a few years ago, Bagdat Street also offers excellent entertainment and nightlife in the Asian part of Istanbul. This is one of the most popular streets in Istanbul
Abdi Ipekci Street in Harbiye, Sisli
Abdi Ipekci Street, which runs from Macka to Nisantasi, is a very luxurious and famous street in Istanbul. Named after the journalist Abdi Ipekci, who was killed here in 1979, it is also a popular meeting point for people. You will see many luxury stores and boutiques of global brands, as well as cafes, bars, restaurants and luxury clubs. It is one of the most popular streets in Istanbul
Bahariye Street in Kadikoy
The traffic-free Bahariye Street can be considered as the most lively and famous place in Kadikoy. There is also an old-fashioned tramway operating from the port of Kadikoy. Bahariye Street is always busy and crowded. You can find a variety of charming cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants as well as quality stores and cultural event centers in Bahariye Street. Sureyya Opera House is the most eye-catching building on Bahariye Street. It is one of the most popular streets in Istanbul
