Taksim Square
Taksim Square
3.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Considered the heart of modern Istanbul, Taksim Square is one of the city’s main tourist attractions and cosmopolitan hubs. Here, you can find a variety of restaurants, bars, clubs, theaters and shopping stores. At the center, the Republic Monument, built in commemoration to the Republic of Turkey, is the gathering point for many national holidays such as New Year’s Eve. You can also visit the iconic Taksim Mosque, and look out for the unique trams that pass by the square.
Join a city walking tour for an in-depth guide to Taksim Square and many other landmarks in Istanbul.
– Tripadvisor
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Beyoglu
Istanbul’s most famous street, pedestrianized Istiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue), throbs day and night and offers a fantastic array of architectural sights, shops, treats, and throngs upon teeming throngs of people. At the avenue’s northeastern end is expansive Taksim Square, thought by many to be the very heart of the city, with many of Turkey’s most renowned restaurants and some of Europe’s most happening nightlife in close proximity. In striking contrast, Beyoglu’s less trafficked areas – such as the affluent Cihangir and the antiques district of Cukurcuma – exude Old World charm and provide contemplative calm and splendid diversion via an assortment of cozy cafes, attractive boutiques, and quiet lanes.
How to get there
- Taksim • 1 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
5,532 within 3 miles
Attractions
1,149 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
2,806 reviews
Excellent
763
Very good
898
Average
804
Poor
224
Terrible
118
Amrimartiniscot
47 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
Never seen so many people in one place
Shops, bars, restaurants, markets, street acts
Completely buzzing
If you enjoy hussle and bussle then it's a must.. The food and drinks on offer is amazing and really cheap, istiklal Street never seems to end with a lot of beautiful historical buildings and a beautiful Chapel along the way
Go further afield and find even better
I also recommend talibasi for authentic Istanbul.. An inner city neighbourhood
Shops, bars, restaurants, markets, street acts
Completely buzzing
If you enjoy hussle and bussle then it's a must.. The food and drinks on offer is amazing and really cheap, istiklal Street never seems to end with a lot of beautiful historical buildings and a beautiful Chapel along the way
Go further afield and find even better
I also recommend talibasi for authentic Istanbul.. An inner city neighbourhood
Written November 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marko S
Miami, FL33 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
Of course you will enjoy Istiqlal street with all the vibes it gives however I didn’t like Taksim square . It’s crowded with salesmen who were really persistent and not to mention solicitation. At the end of the day I was robbed nearby that square so I would never step nearby it
Written September 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jamsheed a
1 contribution
Feb 2022 • Solo
Best Place to Shop
Today just now I had a very bad experience, when I came out of a restaurant, one man came to me asking for lighter, as I don't smoke i said no I don't have. He took that as a bridge to start conversation. He was keep talking, he sounded very genuine. He didn't allow me to stop conversation as he was looking like a gentleman even i didn't wanted to disturb. When we reach near a narrow street he asked me to join for a drink. I denied and was trying to walk away. He didn't allow me and kind of forcefully take me to a pub. As soon as I entered i 2 girls were there to entertain her. As he was not getting any attention i found it fishy and after couple of their drinks i asked for my bill. To my shock bill was 8000 LiRA and I had around 2700 LR in hand. They tried their level best to take full money from me and even asked for my card. Even though am a tourist i did my best to defend it. But I had to pay 2600. The person who came with me were just silent and he was acting stupid.
Moral of the story. Never get close with unknown people even if they sound genuine and look like a gentleman.
Mind ur own business
This course cost me 2600 Lira almost 200 USD
Today just now I had a very bad experience, when I came out of a restaurant, one man came to me asking for lighter, as I don't smoke i said no I don't have. He took that as a bridge to start conversation. He was keep talking, he sounded very genuine. He didn't allow me to stop conversation as he was looking like a gentleman even i didn't wanted to disturb. When we reach near a narrow street he asked me to join for a drink. I denied and was trying to walk away. He didn't allow me and kind of forcefully take me to a pub. As soon as I entered i 2 girls were there to entertain her. As he was not getting any attention i found it fishy and after couple of their drinks i asked for my bill. To my shock bill was 8000 LiRA and I had around 2700 LR in hand. They tried their level best to take full money from me and even asked for my card. Even though am a tourist i did my best to defend it. But I had to pay 2600. The person who came with me were just silent and he was acting stupid.
Moral of the story. Never get close with unknown people even if they sound genuine and look like a gentleman.
Mind ur own business
This course cost me 2600 Lira almost 200 USD
Written February 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jydeoo
Lagos, Nigeria2,311 contributions
Oct 2019
I have visited Istanbul many times and every time I visited or passed through Taksim Square, I always find it amazing. This last time, I was there early in the morning at about 7:30am and it was delightful to watch the first rays of the sun light up the square. Also, there were so many pigeons and a lady feeding them. So peaceful, so lovely, so nice.
Written June 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Global Traveller
Hong Kong, China8 contributions
Mar 2022
For business trips to Istanbul we usually stay in hotels around Taksim Square. The square belongs to the highly secured, Westernized parts of Istanbul. It is usually easy to find in case you have business meetings with clients, who are not from Istanbul and do not have office space in the city. There are some nice hotels around Taksim, which are also easy to find for any taxi driver. In our spare time in between meetings we like to walk down Istiklal Street do some shopping and enjoy the multicultural appeal of the city. For a private vacation, I would prefer other parts of the city.
Written April 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia17,646 contributions
Sep 2020
The Taksim Sq is one of the most famous squares in two continent city, but don't expect much of it despite being the center of modern Istanbul.
First of all it's not a nice square, I would rather call it a busy commercial and transport hub (something like Alexanderplatz in Berlin).
There are loads of hotels ,eateries and restaurants around, as well the beginning of the famous shopping Istiklal St.
First of all it's not a nice square, I would rather call it a busy commercial and transport hub (something like Alexanderplatz in Berlin).
There are loads of hotels ,eateries and restaurants around, as well the beginning of the famous shopping Istiklal St.
Written October 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jawid O
1 contribution
Jan 2022 • Solo
The only Pakistani restaurant called Karachi Darbar. Provide you a small pallet of chicken beryani with around 10 gram chicken (5 gram already bone).هری یی چکن هی او کویی پولیو والا کاوا؟
Regardless the price, a customer really feels insulted.
If you want to have a good day around, NEVER try this restaurant!
Regardless the price, a customer really feels insulted.
If you want to have a good day around, NEVER try this restaurant!
Written January 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abir J
Doha, Qatar255 contributions
Aug 2022
Taksim Square must be one of the most overrated places I have been to. It is crowded, unsafe, and full of beggars. Before traveling to Istanbul, I thought it would be the Turkish equivalent of Oxford Street. But, I was so wrong. I would strongly recommend not staying at hotels there and avoiding eating from the shawarma/ beef sandwiches there.
Written August 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gypsysing
2 contributions
Aug 2023
Many first timers to Istanbul choose Taksim to stay and shop. But these days it is not a great place to stay. First of all most of the properties around the area are on very steep slopes and getting in and out is a chore for many. Second there are lots of other areas where you can go shopping and there is nothing special on the streets around Taksim that can't be found at any shopping mall around the city. In fact Taksim has become a ripoff area for the first timer to Turkey. So instead stay on the Asian side and enjoy the vibrant cafe society and the real Turkish hospitality at places like Kadikoy. The location is perfect. Transportation wise it is a hub as you got ferries, buses and metro and metrobus. It's a convenient location to travel around and way cheaper. We have been to Istanbul many times and always stayed around Taksim Beyoglu area and took a ferry to the Asian side. But on this trip we decided to listen to our long time resident friend and stay in Kadikoy. The best advice ever.
Written August 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
barcaranger
Andorra la Vella, Andorra2,175 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
I suppose you have to go as it’s famous but in reality it’s a monstrous concrete eyesore which offers very little apart from open space and is frequented but ladies and boys of the night . It’s also one of the few areas in Istanbul that really isn’t safe at night . Most of the top hotels are in this area but do yourself a favour give them a miss if you are in sultanAhmet where you can walk everywhere and it’s extremely safe at night.
Written June 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
when are the shops open till?
K72
Melbourne, Australia2,932 contributions
quite late I believe it's 1am for many of them
can I do hairdressing in Sunday?
Kamran Tariq
Peshawar, Pakistan270 contributions
Most of the shops are open on Sunday
Claudia T
Island of Malta, Malta
Is the European modern part of Istanbul and talks I’m square worth visiting on a Sunday?...will the shops be open?
ludor
Iasi, Romania2,985 contributions
I would definitely recommend a visit on Sunday, not for the shops but for the spectacle of people wondering on the Ä°stiklal Avenue, the pedestrian street linking Taksim Square to Galata.
RaziaRadai H
Istanbul, Türkiye
Is Taksim open on Saturday and Sunday?
Ginges_revenge
Brisbane, Australia4,699 contributions
It’s open everyday. It’s a public square. It’s whether the restaurants and bars are open around it that is the question. But yes, Taksim square itself is always open.
Nia
Singapore, Singapore40 contributions
Any hotels near taksim square? (4 stars and above)
SophiaArdoin
France8 contributions
Yes, one of the Standard Hotels which is near Taksim square with reasonable price and service is Golden Age. it is near Taksim Square and it takes around 10 minutes to the square on foot. Also, it is near to the subway station too. The other point is there are lots of cafes and good restaurants around it.
what is the best place to shop in taksim? i heard different opinion about the prices and i just wanna make sure im not being duepe during my visit
Mohamed A
Riffa, Bahrain83 contributions
Taksim square a beautiful open place to set and enjoy the scenery, at it end you will star Istiqlal street, this street is about 2 km long and it’s full of shops. You will find all kinds of things, some reasonable prices and the brands are good prices. At its end you will see. Galata tower, a must see place, it has shops with a very cool stuff.
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Claim your listingTaksim Square - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Taksim Square
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Taksim Square:
- Istanbul Evening Sightseeing and Food Tasting Tour (From $55.48)
- Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour (From $150.00)
- Istanbul Culinary Tour: Local Tavern and Gourmet Street Foods (From $94.31)
- Best of Istanbul 1 - 2 or 3 Days Private Istanbul Guided Tour (From $150.00)
- Turkey 09 Days Tour (From $1,200.00)
- Hotels near Taksim Square:
- (0.00 mi) Ruzgar
- (0.01 mi) lüx LİFE ROOM HOTELS
- (0.03 mi) Bright 2BR APT w Private Turkish Bath in Taksim SQ
- (0.03 mi) Taksim Square Hotel
- (0.04 mi) Ar Palas Hotel
- Restaurants near Taksim Square:
- (0.03 mi) Simit Sarayi
- (0.03 mi) Faruk Gulluoglu Taksim
- (0.03 mi) Hafiz Mustafa 1864
- (0.04 mi) Cajun Cafe Brasserie
- (0.04 mi) Cafemsi
- Attractions near Taksim Square:
- (0.00 mi) Istanbul Airport Taxis
- (0.03 mi) Elhamra Biraci
- (0.04 mi) Tekyon Club
- (0.04 mi) Andon Pera
- (0.04 mi) L'amant Discotheque
Taksim Square Information
Excellent Reviews | 763 |
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Very Good Reviews | 897 |
Taksim Square Photos | 3,450 |