If you’re visiting Istanbul chances are you’ll be curious about Taksim Square as it’s a major tourist spot in the city.
It’s a place where much of Istanbul connects through public transportation and roads. The area surrounding Taksim Square is most known for its shopping street called Istiklal Caddesi which means Independence Street. There are hundreds of shops including Turkish and international brands, cafes and restaurants.
And after living in Istanbul since 2020, I’ve found there are many more things to do in Taksim Square than just shopping, eating, and drinking.
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Let me show you 6 interesting things to do on Istiklal Caddesi.
But first…
What is Taksim Square Famous For?
Taksim Square is famous for being the vibrant heart of Istanbul, packed with history and culture. It’s where locals and tourists meet, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and Istiklal Caddesi.
The square is also known for the Republic Monument, celebrating modern Turkey’s founding, and for being a major transportation hub. Plus, it was the center of the 2013 Gezi Park protests, making it a symbol of public expression.
Is Taksim Square Safe?
Taksim Square is generally safe, especially during the day and early evening when it’s filled with people. Like any busy area in a big city, it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.
As a female who mostly travels alone, I’ve never felt unsafe in Taksim. Yes, it can get very busy and crowded, but rarely is anyone aggressive.
There can be occasional protests or large gatherings, so it’s good to stay informed about current events. For example, on Women’s Day (March 8) the area was blocked off with police barriers and heavy police presence. No one was allowed to walk on Istiklal unless you had a specific reason like your hotel is there or you had reservations at a restaurant. This is done to prevent anticipated protests.
Overall, it’s a lively and dynamic spot where you’ll find plenty of locals and tourists enjoying the area.
Now, let’s get into the 6 things to do in Taksim Square.
6 Things to do in Taksim Square
1. Narmanli Inn
Narmanli Inn was built in 1831. It used to be the Russian Embassy until 1880 and then a Russian prison until 1914.
The Narmanli family became the owners of this building and used it for trade and a warehouse which became popular for its location. During WWI it was also used for important political meetings.
Once the Turkish Republic was created, the building was used for artists to host exhibitions.
Over the years, it became neglected, but restoration work started in 2011.
Today Narmanli Inn is full of shops and restaurants, but if you look closely you’ll see some remains of its past life.
2. Church of St. Anthony
The Church of St. Anthony of Padua on Istiklal Avenue is Istanbul’s largest Catholic church and a real gem.
Built-in 1725 in a stunning Venetian Neo-Gothic style, it’s famous for its red brick facade, beautiful stained glass windows, and intricate interior. Just across the courtyard, you’ll find residential apartments that were once home to the Italian community in Istanbul.
There’s also a statue of Pope John XXIII out front, who preached here for ten years before becoming Pope.
This church is not only a place of worship but also a cultural landmark, attracting locals and tourists who come to admire its beauty, attend services, or find a quiet moment in the busy city.
Plus, it hosts various cultural events and concerts throughout the year, adding to its lively role in the community.
3. Cicek Passage
Cicek Passage was built on the grounds of what used to be the Naum Theater. Unfortunately, this theater burned down in 1876.
A wealthy Greek Banker bought this land and decided to rebuild the building based on the Parian shopping streets which were popular at the time. When it was finished there were 24 shops and 18 luxury apartments.
During the 1940s, Russian women who escaped the October Revolution gathered here to sell flowers, which is where the passage got its name. Later in the 1940s, taverns started to open and the flower sellers moved on to other locations.
4. Galatasaray High School
Galatasaray High School is Turkey’s oldest high school and most prestigious with an acceptance rate of .03%.
Education is taught in Turkish and French language because Sultan Abdulaziz, who was the first Sultan to travel to Europe, was impressed by the French education system. The school has many notable alumni both Turkish and international.
The school is a boarding school so it’s not open to the public but can get a glimpse of it through the gates along the street.
The main gate of Galatasaray High School is full of symbolic details that reflect its rich history and heritage. You’ll notice the school’s emblem, a stylized “G” and “S,” which ties it to the Galatasaray Sports Club, founded by the school’s students.
The gate also has motifs from both Ottoman and modern Turkish influences, showing its deep roots and evolution over time. The intricate designs, like ornate ironwork and floral patterns, highlight the school’s commitment to excellence and its artistic heritage.
Plus, there are inscriptions in Ottoman Turkish or modern Turkish, marking the school’s founding date of 1481. All these elements together symbolize the prestigious status of Galatasaray High School and its long-standing dedication to education and cultural enrichment.
5. SALT Beyoğlu
SALT Beyoğlu is a cool contemporary art space on Istiklal Avenue in Istanbul’s Beyoğlu district.
It’s known for hosting a mix of exhibitions, events, and programs that cover everything from visual arts and design to architecture and social history, and best of all, it’s free!
There’s a second location in Karaköy on Bank Street.
The Beyoğlu location features a cinema on the ground floor for speeches and events, and The Kitchen and Winter Garden, where studies on nutrition and ecology take place. The bookstore on the first floor has a wide variety of nonfiction books, though there’s a limited selection of English books.
Housed in a historic building with a blend of modern and traditional architectural elements, SALT Beyoğlu is a key spot for artistic and cultural exchange, making it an essential part of Istanbul’s vibrant cultural scene.
6. Istanbul Cinema Musuem
The Istanbul Cinema Museum is a must-visit for film lovers, located in the historic Atlas Cinema building on Istiklal Avenue. This iconic building, originally built in the 1870s by Agop Köçeyan, a wealthy Armenian businessman, started as a grand commercial arcade known as the Atlas Passage. It later became home to the famous Atlas Cinema in the 1940s.
Opened in 2021, the museum celebrates Turkey’s rich cinematic history with exhibits featuring vintage film equipment, costumes, posters, and memorabilia from classic Turkish films. Interactive displays and multimedia installations make the experience even more immersive, letting you dive into the world of Turkish cinema and learn about its evolution, famous directors, and actors.
The Istanbul Cinema Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, film screenings, and special events, making it a vibrant cultural hub for both locals and tourists.
On the top floor, there is a space for visiting artist exhibitions. I’ve been here twice and the first time was an exhibition for Steve McCurry, and the second time was for Devrim Erbil who is a Turkish contemporary artist. His exhibition celebrates his 60 years of creating artwork.
It’s a fantastic place to explore if you’re interested in the history of cinema and want to delve into Turkey’s film heritage in a beautifully historic setting.
Conclusion | Things to do in Taksim Square
Taksim Square is so much more than just a busy transportation hub or a shopping spot. It’s a vibrant area packed with history, culture, and unique experiences.
From exploring the historic Narmanli Inn and the beautiful Church of St. Anthony to diving into contemporary art at SALT Beyoğlu and discovering cinematic history at the Istanbul Cinema Museum, there are endless things to do in Taksim Square.
Whether you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or just looking for a new adventure, Taksim Square has something for everyone to enjoy.
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