İstiklal Caddesi
What people say
Sandra E. Ortiz Rosales
Available for hire
"(EN) Historically known as the Grand Avenue of Pera, it is an 1.4 kilometre pedestrian street and one of the most famous avenues in Istanbul, Turkey. It acquired its modern name after the declaration of the Republic, İstiklal (Independence) commemorating Turkey's triumph in its War of Independence.
During the Ottoman period, the avenue was called Cadde-i Kebir (Grand Avenue) in Turkish or the Grande Rue de Péra in French. It was a popular gathering place where Ottoman intellectual rubbed shoulders with Europeans and the local Italian and French Levantines. In the 19th-century travelers referred to Constantinople (today Istanbul) as the Paris of the East, they considered the Grande Rue de Péra and its cosmopolitan, half-European, half-Asian culture.
(ES) Históricamente conocida como la Gran Avenida de Pera, es una calle peatonal de 1,4 kilómetros y una de las avenidas más famosas de Estambul, Turquía. Adquirió su nombre moderno tras la declaración de la República, İstiklal (Independencia), que conmemora el triunfo de Turquía en su Guerra de Independencia.
Durante el período otomano, la avenida se llamaba Cadde-i Kebir (Gran Avenida) en turco o Grande Rue de Péra en francés. Era un lugar de reunión popular donde los intelectuales otomanos se codeaban con los europeos y los levantinos italianos y franceses locales. En el siglo XIX, los viajeros se referían a Constantinopla (hoy Estambul) como el París del Este, consideraban la Grande Rue de Péra y su cultura cosmopolita, mitad europea y mitad asiática."
Emi Geylan
Available for hire
"Take a leisurely stroll down Istiklal Avenue, located in the heart of Istanbul, is a bustling pedestrian street that pulsates with life day and night.
Lined with an eclectic mix of shops, cafes, restaurants, and historic buildings, it's a vibrant hub of activity that attracts locals and tourists alike.
Whether you're strolling along its cobblestone streets, admiring the stunning architecture, or indulging in a spot of shopping, Istiklal Avenue offers an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Istanbul's cosmopolitan charm.
From trendy boutiques to traditional Turkish eateries, there's something for everyone to discover along this iconic thoroughfare.
And as the sun sets, Istiklal Avenue truly comes alive, with street performers, live music, and an electric atmosphere that makes it the perfect place to soak up the energy of the city.
It is always very crowded, though incidents are rare, it's always wise to take precautions against pickpocketing etc. Keep your belongings secure by wearing your backpack in front of you or holding onto your bags and by just staying vigilant. "
Read more in:
Pedro Pereira
Available for hire
"İstiklal Caddesi (İstiklal Avenue), also known as İstiklal Street or Grand Rue de Pera, is a famous pedestrianized street in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul, Turkey. It's one of the most popular avenues in Istanbul, stretching for nearly 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from Taksim Square to the Tünel neighborhood, near the Galata Tower.
İstiklal Caddesi boasts a rich history, having served as a major thoroughfare since the Byzantine era. During the Ottoman period, it was known as Cadde-i Kebir (Grand Avenue) and was a center for intellectuals and cosmopolitan society.
Following the establishment of the Turkish Republic, the street was renamed İstiklal Caddesi, meaning "Independence Avenue." Today, it's a vibrant hub lined with shops, restaurants, cafes, historical buildings, and street performers, attracting millions of local and international visitors every year. "
Mentioned in these guides
About İstiklal Caddesi
Get the inside scoop on İstiklal Caddesi from local experts, travel creators, and tastemakers. Browse genuine trip notes, İstiklal Caddesi reviews, photos, travel guides, and itineraries from real travelers and plan your trip with confidence.
Save this spot for later or start mapping out a new trip today
Try our AI Travel Assistant and get instant answers to any questions about your trip.
Ask ThatchGPT