Taksim Square, Istanbul: Hours, Address, Taksim Square Reviews: 3.5/5
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
This city square is the heart of the modern section of Istanbul. Many hotels and restaurants can be found here, and it is also the gathering place for locals to celebrate New Year's Eve.
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
5,591 within 3 miles
Novas Hagiasophia
829
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Barbecue • Turkish
Esmer Cafe
713
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Cafe
Address bab-ı ali cafe bar
408
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Barbecue • Turkish • Vegetarian Friendly
Antakya Mutfagi
117
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Turkish • Healthy
Babel Cafe Restaurant
1,016
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Turkish • Healthy
Hafiz Mustafa 1864
620
181 ft$$ - $$$ • Dessert • Cafe • Turkish
India Gate Indian Restaurant
257
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Indian • Asian • Pakistani
Eski Babel Ocakbasi Restaurant
74
0.2 mi$ • Mediterranean • Barbecue • Turkish
Falafel House
235
0.1 mi$ • Fast Food • Middle Eastern • Vegetarian Friendly
Faros Kebap
506
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Barbecue • Turkish
Attractions
983 within 6 miles
Tiyatro Pera
193 ftTheaters
Arter
26
341 ftArt Galleries
Church of St. Mary Draperis
30
341 ftChurches & Cathedrals
Hagia Triada Church
73
0.1 miChurches & Cathedrals
Taksim Camii
3
366 ftReligious Sites
Surp Ohan Armenian Voskiperan Church
12
375 ftHistoric Sites
Cumhuriyet Art Gallery
10
257 ftArt Galleries
French Cultural Center
12
414 ftEducational sites
St. Trinite Church
3
264 ftHistoric Sites
Pilot Galeri
1
301 ftArt Galleries
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
2,715 reviews
Excellent
728
Very good
872
Average
788
Poor
219
Terrible
109
Colin Bower
York, UK38 contributions
Sep 2020
Taksim Square is in the new part of Istanbul and is a lively, bustling area of the city. We made it a stop on the Big Bus Tour and found plenty of modern shops, restaurants and bazzar's . There is a metro stop and plenty of buses go there from all over the city so getting there isn't a problem. It's well with a visit and the amount of tourists walking around with shopping bags indicates to me that the prices are reasonable.
Written September 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Nicolas C
Limassol City, Cyprus891 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Taksim square is a whole area which comprises not only from the square but also from the roads leading to the square which are pedestrian roads (no cars passing by) where one can find all European branded shops, cafes, restaurants etc.
The access is easy since there is a Metro station in the area. Shops are pricey for Istanbul standards since the prices of international brands are same as in European countries while the cost of life in Istanbul is much lower. Therefore I would not really advice you to shop in this area.
However there are nice cafes in the area, and even nicer patisseries with local Turkish sweets that you should definitely taste.
A brand new Mosque - a huge one - is currently under construction in the square.
Be prepared to walk a lot in this area since the pedestrian roads cover a very long distance. Dont forget to pay a visit if you happen to be in Istanbul.
The access is easy since there is a Metro station in the area. Shops are pricey for Istanbul standards since the prices of international brands are same as in European countries while the cost of life in Istanbul is much lower. Therefore I would not really advice you to shop in this area.
However there are nice cafes in the area, and even nicer patisseries with local Turkish sweets that you should definitely taste.
A brand new Mosque - a huge one - is currently under construction in the square.
Be prepared to walk a lot in this area since the pedestrian roads cover a very long distance. Dont forget to pay a visit if you happen to be in Istanbul.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
The Professional Traveller
Inverness, UK89 contributions
Nov 2019
Taksim Square is a busy place with many people coming and going given it's a big transport junction with tram lines too. When I visited there was a big craft event on. It was nice to wander through the square. It was well lit as well. There is a huge mosque being built on the edge of the square so will be interesting to see that when finished.
Written October 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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.
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.
Global Traveller
Hong Kong, China3 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.
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.
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.
Jydeoo
Lagos, Nigeria2,202 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.
B1714D
Belgrade, Serbia13,456 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.
RaziaRadai H
Istanbul, Turkey
Is Taksim open on Saturday and Sunday?
Ginges_revenge
Brisbane, Australia2,556 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, Bahrain81 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.
Wkd20b
Queanbeyan, Australia9 contributions
Hey
I am staying 5 mins from taksim square. I need to catch a taxi to new istanbul airport early int he morning around 3:30am.
Is it easy to catch a taxi around here this early in the morning?
Thanks in advance
JenanJamal
Kuwait City, Kuwait1,895 contributions
I think it's better to arrange with the your hotel if you are staying in! just to make sure you got a taxi! or you can arrange it by yourself by coordinating with a taxi by yourself!
Ehsan M
Istanbul, Turkey
Good spa center in istanbul
lovetrav_9
Old Colwyn, UK1,249 contributions
Sorry, but I cannot better the three choices that Pritipase have given you in their response.
Hope you enjoy Istanbul.
Regards
Ken
Furqan A
4 contributions
Hello !
I am planning a trip to Istanbul during October or November and planning to stay near TAKSIM square.
Please Help me in finding a good Hotel or Apartment.
Thank you
Vedran Cotic
Split, Croatia979 contributions
Hello !
We had a long planning where to stay in Istanbul and near the Taksim square. Finally we decided for a apart-hotel (9 rooms), and they serve only, but fantastic, breakfast. That apart-hotel is called ''PERADAYS''. Maybe 10 minutes walking through main Istiklal street to Taksim square, for us the best value for money and distance in that part of the town. Near the ''Peradays'' is the best money exchange office, a great thing !
Hope you enjoy in Istanbul, with Peradays or with some other hotel !
Furqan A
4 contributions
Can any one plz suggest me good hotel at Taksim square....with breakfast included
Ghulam Rabbani
Greensboro, United States9 contributions
Yes, it is included.
Frequently Asked Questions about Taksim Square
- Taksim Square is open:
- Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
- We recommend booking Taksim Square tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 72 Taksim Square tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Taksim Square:
- Istanbul Evening Sightseeing and Food Tasting Tour (From $70.18)
- Big Bus Istanbul Hop-On Hop-Off (From $53.81)
- Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour (From $175.00)
- Istanbul Culinary Tour: Local Tavern and Gourmet Street Foods (From $73.17)
- Skip The Line:1 or 2 Days Private Istanbul Guided Tour (From $160.00)
- Hotels near Taksim Square:
- (0.00 mi) Ruzgar
- (0.01 mi) lüx LİFE ROOM HOTELS
- (0.03 mi) Letter Single Suite C
- (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) Cafemsi
- (0.04 mi) Cajun Cafe Brasserie
- Attractions near Taksim Square:
- (0.03 mi) Elhamra Biraci
- (0.04 mi) Tekyon Club
- (0.04 mi) Gramafon Bar
- (0.04 mi) S14 Private Room & Club
- (0.04 mi) Kiki