About this experience
Experience the real life of the city: walk not only along the main Istiklal Avenue and enjoy the glamour of its shops and galleries, but also peek into its courtyards, walk through hidden passages, wander through the labyrinth of side streets.
What to expect
I will tell you about the history of this district and its place and significance in the modern cultural and political life of the city, about the architecture of the buildings, about the mysteries and legends of the surrounding streets, about the greatest figure of modern Turkish history Atatürk, Nobel Prize-winning writer Orhan Pamuk, and other famous people whose destinies are inseparably linked with Istiklal.
On the way along Istiklal Avenue we will visit and see:
- Authentically preserved buildings and passages of the 19th century decorated in art deco and modern styles;
- Catholic churches, impressively grandiose and decorated;
- The most famous cafe on Istiklal from the 19th century, where today the last original art deco interior in Turkey is preserved;
- The charming and romantic district of antique dealers and antiquarians - one of the secret places of the Istiklal district that is not mentioned in any guidebook;
- Hidden treasures: unique entrances decorated in art deco and constructivism styles, passages, streets, courtyards, cafes "for locals only" with bitter Turkish tea and traditional coffee on sand;
- Several leading art galleries in Istanbul;
- Boutiques of Turkish designers, where for very reasonable prices you can not only buy truly valuable "souvenirs", but also make meaningful and long-lasting purchases: designer t-shirts, dresses, shoes, books, and notebooks;
- The main square of Istanbul - Taksim;
- The Galata Tower, one of the symbols of Istanbul, where from a height of 60 meters you can enjoy the best panorama of the city by going there after the end of the tour;
About Istiklal
Istiklal Street is as much a symbol of Istanbul as Arbat in Moscow, Rambla Boulevard in Barcelona, or Montmartre in Paris. Turks say that those who have not seen Istiklal have not seen Istanbul. It is here that the heart of the 17-million metropolis beats, life pulsates day and night, and the most important events of the city take place.
The best world brand boutiques, cinemas, shops, concert halls, art galleries, the best bookstores in the entire Middle East, Christian churches, mosques, universities, consulates of many countries are gathered on Istiklal, and the numerous cozy cafes are always crowded. Here are the Galata Tower, the abode of the whirling dervishes of the Mevlevi cult, one of the oldest metro lines in the world Tunel, the Cathedral of St. Anthony. Along the street, one of the oldest trams in the world "Nostalgia" still runs, giving this magical place its unique charm.
Organizational details
Extra expenses
- Galata Tower ticket - 17 euros
- Tea/coffee in local cafes - 1 euro (optional)
- Nostalgia tram ticket - around 1 euro (optional)
If you book the tour more than 1.5 months in advance, please write to me before booking to additionally agree on the date.
