Taksim Square & Galata Tower: Discover Istanbul’s Iconic Landmarks – A Complete Travel Guide 🇹🇷

Taksim Square & Galata Tower: Discover Istanbul’s Iconic Landmarks – A Complete Travel Guide 🇹🇷

Taksim Square & Galata Tower: Discover Istanbul’s Iconic Landmarks – A Complete Travel Guide 🇹🇷

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Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city, is a stunning blend of ancient history and modern culture. At the heart of this vibrant metropolis lies the district around Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, and Galata Tower—a must-visit area for tourists. In this guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about this iconic region, including the history of Galata Tower, things to do in the area, and recommendations for street food, restaurants, and shops.

Historically, Taksim Square was the site of a large water distribution center, but today, it’s a space where locals and tourists alike come to soak up the energy of the city.

One of the newest and most striking additions to Taksim Square is the Taksim Mosque. Opened in 2021, this mosque has quickly become a landmark with its contemporary design that integrates both Ottoman and modern architectural elements. Its interior is equally captivating, with its elegant domes and intricate tilework. Whether you’re interested in the spiritual significance or the architectural beauty, the mosque is worth a visit.

Just off Taksim Square is Istiklal Street, one of Istanbul’s most famous and lively streets. This nearly 1.5-kilometer-long pedestrian boulevard is packed with shops, restaurants, cafes, and historical buildings. You’ll often find street musicians and performers along the way, making it a lively place to explore both day and night.

One of the best parts of exploring Istiklal Street is the food. Street food is a must-try here, with vendors selling everything from simit (a sesame-covered bread similar to a bagel) to kebabs, kumpir (stuffed baked potatoes), and chestnuts. A classic street food experience is grabbing a doner kebab or a Turkish sandwich called balık ekmek, which is made of fresh fish served with salad on a bun.

For those who want a sit-down experience, Istiklal offers an array of restaurants ranging from traditional Turkish cuisine to international options. Some of the popular local restaurants include 360 Istanbul, which is known for its rooftop terrace and incredible views, and Hafız Mustafa 1864, a historic patisserie famous for its Turkish delights and baklava.

No visit to this area of Istanbul is complete without seeing the iconic Galata Tower, one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Standing tall on a hill overlooking the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, Galata Tower offers one of the best panoramic views of Istanbul.

Over the centuries, the tower has served various purposes. During the Ottoman period, it was used as a fire watchtower, which makes sense given its height and strategic location. In the 17th century, the famous Ottoman aviator Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi is said to have flown from the tower using homemade wings, gliding across the Bosphorus in one of the earliest human attempts at flight.

Today, Galata Tower is a popular tourist attraction and has been restored several times to preserve its historic architecture. Visitors can climb to the top, either by stairs or elevator, to enjoy the observation deck. From here, you’ll get a 360-degree view of the city, including landmarks like the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Bosphorus Bridge.

How to Visit Galata Tower:
Getting to Galata Tower is relatively easy, especially if you’re starting from Istiklal Street. You can take a short walk down Galip Dede Street, which is a charming, sloping lane filled with local shops selling everything from musical instruments to handicrafts. Be prepared for a bit of a climb, though, as the tower is located at the top of a hill.

Admission to Galata Tower requires a ticket, and it’s advisable to visit early in the day or late afternoon to avoid long lines. The tower also has a small museum on the lower floors, where you can learn more about its history before heading to the top for that stunning view.

As of September 2024, the price to enter the Galata Tower is €30

You can watch my Istanbul top 21 things to do video here: https://youtu.be/iUUeFXjITyM

View my video here about the Topkapi Palace: https://youtu.be/HKKLnn3Zh84

Music used in this video: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/k007i6

The Travel Bag I wear in this video: https://amzn.to/3TzE1BQ
The camera I took this video with: https://amzn.to/3MPuS42

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