Istanbul · Galata and Beyoğlu
İstiklal Avenue
A pedestrian street of about two kilometres from Taksim Square down toward Galata, with the red heritage tram.
- 1 h 30
- Free
- Booking: not needed
- Galata and Beyoğlu
Data checked on November 2, 2026
İstiklal is a 2 km street lined with historic buildings, churches and inns, and with many shops. The red nostalgic tram runs along its length. Side streets hold passages, cafés and bookshops, and the street is busiest in the evening and at weekends.
What to look for
- The red nostalgic tram
- Historic buildings and churches along the street
- Passages and cafés in the side streets
Opening hours
Always open.
Source: GoTürkiye (Ministry of Culture and Tourism), checked November 2, 2026
Tickets and booking
Free.
Getting there
Take the M2 metro to Taksim for the top of the street, or to Şişhane for the lower end.
Tip
Walk it downhill from Taksim to Tünel and keep the side streets for meals.