Taksim Square, Istanbul - Turkey

19:15 Unknown 50 Comments

Monument of the Republic at the Taksim Square Istanbul
Monument of the Republic at the Taksim Square

Taksim Square, situated in the European part of Istanbul in Turkey, is considered as a major tourist attraction. The place is famous for its restaurants, shops and hotels. It is considered as the heart of modern Istanbul mainly because of easy access to the square via Istanbul Metro network. At Taksim Square, you can also find the Monument of the Republic, inaugurated in 1928 crafted by a famous Italian sculptor named Pietro Canonica.


It was back in May 2012 when I was in Istanbul and visited Taksim Square. We reached there in the evening and commuted through the Istanbul Metro and was quite surprised to see a silent protest being held there! Ignoring the protest, we began to take pictures at the spot and in front of the famous statues. The protest didn’t last for long and was quite peaceful.

 Very near to the Taksim Square is the famous Istiklal Street, also known as Istiklal Avenue. This is one of the most famous place for the tourists in Istanbul and is visited by around 3 million people in one single day especially during the weekends. Istiklal Street is an elegant pedestrian street which is located in the historic Pera district. 

 Stretched for around three kilometers, you may see houses, music stores, art galleries, night clubs, cafes and pubs and restaurants as you walk past the street. The late Ottoman era buildings designed with Neo-Classical, Neo-Gothic, Renaissance Revival, Beaux-Arts, Art Nouveau and First Turkish National Architecture, surround the avenue. 
The Silent Protest on Taksim Square, Istanbul - Turkey
The Silent Protest on Taksim Square, Istanbul - Turkey

While enjoying the beauty and the hustle-bustle of the place, I would recommend you not to get too much involved in shopping because you will end up finishing all your money. It's really hard to resist when you get to see such beautiful things! 

 The shops and restaurants here over-charge the people especially the tourists who are not aware of the original prices. So, enjoy but do not shop or eat anything from here until you know the exact prices so you can bargain.

Tips For Your Trip to Taksim Square:


- Do not start eating anything (applicable to food) before finalizing the price with the vendor. I did, the very famous Turkish ice-cream, and ended up paying 3 times more price at the Istiklal Street than the price I had paid earlier at other shops. Unfortunately, I had already tasted it and couldn't really argue on it but was really disappointed with the rip-off!

- Do not walk on the tram line for safety reasons.

- If you are planning to use the Metro, make sure you know the operating timings well.

- They do have lifts at the train station but it would be nice if you have someone to help you especially if you are planning to take along your baby's push-chair, in case, you don't find a lift anywhere else. 

 - The metro at the station is very crowded, so make sure to get hold of your children really tight. We had a 5 year old accompanying us with his parents, and he jumped inside the metro while the others still hadn't boarded it, and the doors got shut. Luckily, we were able to bring the boy out before the train left. 


I will be writing another part of my trip to Istanbul soon. So watch out the space for more! There were so many places so see in Istanbul, couldn't get all of them covered in this post. 

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Have you ever visited Istanbul or any other city in Turkey? Would love to know about your experience or any tip you would like to share with my readers.

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50 comments:

  1. Unknown14 March 2016 at 15:46

    This makes me want to go back to istanbul! Such a beautiful city

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Blogs by FA14 March 2016 at 17:49

      Yes, it is indeed a beautiful city but there are many other nice cities too.

      Delete
  2. Unknown14 March 2016 at 22:28

    I've been to Antalya in Turkey, it was very beautiful, mostly beaches and hotels rather than sightseeing and buildings. It's lovely to see a different side to the Turkey I visited

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Blogs by FA14 March 2016 at 22:55

      I have heard of Antalya a lot. A cousin had shared some pictures and they were awesome. I really want to go there too!

      Delete
  3. Unknown15 March 2016 at 06:57

    I love your writing style! brief and descriptive! I wish if I saw more photos but I guess because it's crowded everywhere!

    Hager | https://bmobshelldrawer.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Blogs by FA15 March 2016 at 11:12

      Hey Hager! Thank you for your comment. You just made my day! :D
      The street was extremely crowded. I do have more pictures but there are people in there. Blurring their faces would make the picture bad but I will be doing another post on my trip to Istanbul and will include more photos in that, of other places! :-)

      Delete
  4. Rafeeda AR15 March 2016 at 09:16

    I would so love to go to Turkey someday, InShaAllah... lovely post...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Blogs by FA15 March 2016 at 11:13

      You must definitely add it to your travel list! :-)

      Delete
  5. Myda tahir15 March 2016 at 17:06

    hey fatima, you are igniting my wanderlust day by day.
    Ab kya karon, but tasveeron say guzara hai.
    lov.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Blogs by FA15 March 2016 at 17:45

      Hey hi! Haha :-)
      You will visit these places one day IA x

      Delete
  6. Ruby15 March 2016 at 17:12

    Looks like such a lovely place, I hope to visit one day inshaAllah!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Blogs by FA15 March 2016 at 17:46

      Yes, indeed! Hope you are able to visit Istanbul one day. :-)

      Delete
  7. Cheyenne102115 March 2016 at 17:57

    Your article is quite interesting. I have never had the opportunity to travel outside of America. I love the photo of the metro train. Very colorful!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Blogs by FA17 March 2016 at 22:45

      Thanks. America itself is huge. I am sure you must have explored it a bit.

      Delete
  8. Anonymous15 March 2016 at 18:04

    Never been to istanbul before. This would be a nice guide when i go there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Blogs by FA17 March 2016 at 22:47

      Yes :-) I will be doing another part of this post soon.

      Delete
  9. Joana Bonjour15 March 2016 at 18:21

    Loved Reading your experience. I never visited Istanbul but I'd like to one day. By the way, you gave some great advices for those who want to visit that city.

    With love,
    http://bonjourjanie.blogspot.pt/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Blogs by FA17 March 2016 at 22:48

      Thanks for stopping by. Glad to read your comment. :-)

      Delete
  10. Kenia15 March 2016 at 18:23

    Reading this post makes me wish I could travel and see the world more.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Blogs by FA21 March 2016 at 13:43

      Travelling is like an addiction. Once you start, you don't feel like stopping to explore.

      Delete
  11. ishy15 March 2016 at 18:33

    I've had several friends who visited Istanbul in the past few years, and they all raved about it. I would love to travel there some day.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Blogs by FA17 March 2016 at 22:49

      You should definitely add it to your travel list.

      Delete
  12. Ruku15 March 2016 at 21:32

    Istanbul is on my travel list, and I hope to go some day iA Thankyou for the pointers. What were the people protesting?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Blogs by FA17 March 2016 at 22:50

      Ah! Don't really remember the reason for their protest. Hope you are able to visit Turkey one day.

      Delete
  13. Unknown16 March 2016 at 00:02

    OMG I dream to go in Instenbul ! it is on my 2016 bucket list :) Great post !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Blogs by FA17 March 2016 at 22:51

      Ah, then keep an eye on the blog because I will be posting another part soon!

      Delete
  14. Unknown16 March 2016 at 06:55

    Thanks for great and useful tips! Your article is interesting!
    Greetings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Blogs by FA17 March 2016 at 22:52

      Thank you very much. Your comment means a lot.

      Delete
  15. Kimberly16 March 2016 at 07:45

    amazing, it looks wonderful. I have never travelled myself but would love to!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Blogs by FA21 March 2016 at 13:44

      Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see you soon again.

      Delete
  16. Unknown17 March 2016 at 17:58

    I've been in Istanbul and was an amazing experience!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Blogs by FA17 March 2016 at 22:55

      I am sure you must have had a wonderful experience

      Delete
  17. Dunja17 March 2016 at 22:08

    Lovely post! I hope ill get the chance to visit Istanbul soon :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Blogs by FA21 March 2016 at 13:59

      Thanks for stopping by. Hope you are able to plan a trip soon.

      Delete
  18. Mr Tom James17 March 2016 at 22:37

    I visited Turkey last year my first time abroad. I spent my time there in the resort and regret not leaving the resort and seeing more of what Turkey had to offer. I hope to go again this year and will definitely be planning trips and activities beforehand, who knows may be I'll go Taksim Square. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Blogs by FA21 March 2016 at 13:46

      You must definitely go for sightseeing. There is so much to explore in Turkey. It's truly beautiful.

      Delete
  19. Unknown18 March 2016 at 14:03

    I looks beautiful, I've never been!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Blogs by FA21 March 2016 at 13:58

      You must plan a trip to Turkey. I will be writing another post soon. That might help you too!

      Delete
  20. Unknown18 March 2016 at 16:30

    Nice review...

    I've heard quite a lot about Istanbul. Would love to visit someday.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Blogs by FA21 March 2016 at 13:42

      Thank you! :-)
      I hope you get to visit the country soon.

      Delete
  21. Unknown20 March 2016 at 14:47

    We went to Turkey a few years ago alhamdullilah. It was amazing masha'Allah. We also went to Izmir. Wow, the country just blew my mind. Sorry you had to experience with a crook! I guess dishonesty is evrywhere :/. Nice tips!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Blogs by FA21 March 2016 at 13:41

      Thank you for stopping by. Nice to know that you have been to Izmir. :-)

      Delete
  22. ayeina20 March 2016 at 21:04

    Makes me want to visit istanbul!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Blogs by FA21 March 2016 at 13:47

      You must definitely plan a trip to Turkey.

      Delete
  23. Muslim Mummy21 March 2016 at 13:14

    We went to Turkey 2 years ago but to Alanya. Hoping to go back to Istanbul soon but at the moment it's a bit worrying with all that's happening.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Blogs by FA21 March 2016 at 13:39

      Yes. It is definitely something to worry. Hope the country remains peaceful in the future.

      Delete
  24. Unknown22 March 2016 at 01:29

    Instanbul sounds beautiful....I really want to go one day iA

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Blogs by FA22 March 2016 at 16:19

      It is a beautiful place to be. Hope you are able to visit one day.

      Delete
  25. Jess22 November 2016 at 01:21

    I love Turkey but have never been in Istanbul before. Useful tips, I never think about bartering!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Blogs by FA22 November 2016 at 01:22

      I don't barter either but when the vendor asks you to pay 7 times higher price than the original then would you still want to pay?

      Delete

Thanks for stopping by. :-)

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