'''Galata''', and '''Beyo?lu''' further north with its main thoroughfare, the pedestrianized '''Istiklal Street''', and the adjoining '''Taksim Square''' is the district of Istanbul north of Sultanahmet/Old City, across the Golden Horn. This district, especially Taksim Square is usually considered the _gcity center_h of Istanbul. Primarily visited for its nightlife, this district has also its own share of sights and accommodation.

Understand

'''Galata''' (Turkish: ''Karakoy'') gained its importance by the virtue of transforming into a trade colony of the Genoese and the Venetians, beside then-Byzantine Constantinople. After Ottomans captured Istanbul, the autonomous status of Galata was left untouched, except that its city walls were razed (except a few disconnected parts in the length of a few meters spotted by the archaeologists here and there). The first time '''Beyo?lu''' area ('''Pera''' in the past), which lies north of Galata, was settled is during 1850_fs, when '''Rue Grande de Pera''' (_gthe Great Road of Pera_h), today_fs '''Istiklal Street''' (''?stiklal Caddesi''), was opened. '''Taksim Square''' (''Taksim Meydan?'') is even younger, it has taken its existing appearance as late as 1930s.

Starting its life as a Western/Catholic (Genoese/Venetian) stronghold beside Eastern (Orthodox Byzantine/Muslim Ottoman) Constantinople, Galata has always represented _eWest_f. This is quite easily visible from the neo-classical architecture of most of the area, but there is more than that: First street lighting, first underground railway (''Tunel'', also oldest in continental Europe), as well as first European-style theaters in Turkey were always applied in this district. The decision of Ottoman dynasty to abandon Topkap? Palace in old city for western-style Dolmabahce Palace near Beyo?lu was a largely symbolic but important act during the last century of Ottoman Empire, when the westernizing effort had a climax.

Get in

  • '''Airport shuttle'''s run by [http://www.havas.com.tr HAVA?] connect Taksim Square with Ataturk Airport (~YTL 10/person); also with less significant Sabiha Gokcen Airport situated in Asian Side (also YTL 10/person).
  • Because of its very central location in the city life, it_fs possible to find a direct bus from everywhere but the outermost suburbs in the city to Taksim Square. The most useful '''public bus''' lines for the travellers are:
  • *'''T4''' Taksim-Sultanahmet
  • *'''96T''' Taksim-Ataturk Airport
  • *'''110''' Taksim-Kad?koy
  • '''Dolmu?'''es also take pessengers from Be?ikta?, Bak?rkoy, Kad?koy and Bostanc? (both in Asian Side) to Taksim.
  • A '''metro''' line connects Taksim Square with districts located north.
  • A modern '''tram''' line connects lower parts of this district on the shore of Bosphorus (such as Karakoy, Tophane, F?nd?kl?) with the peninsula of Old City.
  • '''Ferries''' from Kad?koy across the Bosphorus moor at Karakoy.
  • You can pass to Galata/Karakoy side from Eminonu via Galata Bridge '''on foot'''.
  • Get around

    Totally pedestrianized (save for police cars, garbage trucks, cars belonging to consulates, and, of course, the vintage tram) '''Istiklal Street''' (''?stiklal Caddesi'', also variously interpreted as _gIstiklal Avenue_h or _gIstiklal Boulevard_h) is the main thoroughfare of Beyo?lu area. Istiklal Street technically connects three squares: Taksim in the north, the biggest of three, Tunel Square in the south, and Galatasaray Square in the middle, the smallest one, actually nothing more than a simple widening of the street. Total length of the street is about 2 km, and squares are located about 1 km away from each other.

    The easiest way to get to Istiklal Street from Karakoy on the shore of Golden Horn is to take ''Tunel'': the second oldest urban underground railway in the world (after London_fs Underground) which date back to 1875. Although the distance travelled is rather short between its sole two stations, it beats the effort one has to make to climb up the steep slope between the aforementioned locations. It costs YTL 1.40/person one-way.

    See

  • '''Galata Whirling Dervish Hall''' (''Galata Mevlevihanesi'') [http://www.mekder.org/], Galipdede Caddesi, very near the lower end of Istiklal Caddesi (''near Tunel's Galata station''). A dancing hall of the mystical Mevlevi order, shut down in 1925 along with all other 'reactionary' movements in Turkey. Today the building houses the '''Museum of Divan Literature''', but the best time to come is Sundays between 3 to 5PM when ''sema'' dervish ceremonies are staged (buy tickets in advance, as space is limited). Also check out the small graveyard next door, where the carved fez perched upon the gravestone indicates the occupant's rank in the dervish hierarchy.
  • Galata Tower. alata Kulesi. etween Karakoy/Galata and the lower end of Istiklal St. 90 212 293 81 80. ttp://www.galatatower.net/eng/index.php. nfo@galatatower.net. 90 212 245 21 33. It was built by the Genoese on the city walls of Galata, then a western (Genoese/Venetian) stronghold beside eastern (Byzantine/Ottoman) Constantinople. Ride an elevator to the top, then walk the parapet for a 360 degree view of Istanbul, including the entire Sultanahmet peninsula: crowned by Topkap? Palace, the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. A beautiful spot worthy of a lot of pictures. Also houses a restaurant.

  • S. Antonio di Padova Catholic Church. few meters down the street from Galatasaray Square. ree. Although not at the size of Hagia Sophia, this is the largest church (still used for religious activities) in Turkey. It_fs directly on Istiklal St, but somewhat hidden from view by its yard portal. Masses in Italian, Turkish, and English (in different days of the week).

  • ?stanbul Modern. eclis-i Mebusan Cad. Liman ??letmeleri Sahas? Antrepo No: 4, Karakoy. ram: Tophane. ttp://www.istanbulmodern.org/en/f_index.html. 0AM-6PM, Thursday until 8PM, Closed Monday. TL/3 TL students (free for all on Thursday). A nice, organized museum with contemporary installations. Including a cafe with a top notch menu and view.

    Do

    Jewish Heritage

    Since 1492 the prosperity and creativity of the Ottoman Jews rivaled that of the Golden Age of Spain. Today the Jewish community in Turkey is about 26,000 and most of them live in Istanbul.

  • The bankers_f town of Galata and the Tower: A cosmopolis and a finance center with bankers and stock exchange crowned by the Tower which was built by the Genoese in the 14th century, offering a great birds-eye view of the old city.
  • Neve Shalom Synagogue: The most beautiful and the largest in the city where most of the religious ceremonies like bar-mitzvahs, weddings and funerals are held.
  • The Ashkenazi Synagogue: The only active Ashkenazi Synagogue open to visits and prayers.
  • Jewish Museum of Turkey: Witness the past 700 years how the mixed cultures influenced each other.
  • Buy

    Eat

    Budget

  • Fermentasyon. ucukparmakkap? Sok. No:6. ear Taksim Square. 90 212 244 26 37. One of the nicer cafes in this street and moderately priced. Sitting at one of the tables at the street is a good option, getting one of the tables on the 1st floor at the window and overlooking the street is even better. Staff is friendly and hospitable. Enjoy a good breakfast here with the typical Turkish Menemen (omelette with cheese and tomatoes).

    Mid-range

  • '''Nevizade''', located behind Istiklal boulevard, you can find it by entering Cicek Pasaj?. It's one of the most famous streets in Istiklal boulevard. It's narrow, and is mostly known for its meyhane style restaurants, where lively conversation is the main dish on every table, next to fish and Rak? that is.
  • '''Haci Abdullah''', A?a Camii, At?f Y?lmaz Cad, (Eski Sakizagaci Cad), No: 9/A 80070, +90212 293 85 61 / 293 08 51 (Fax: +90 212 244 32 97). One of the best Ottoman restaurants in the country. You can find very traditional foods there. No alcohol.
  • '''Leb-i Derya'''. A nice cafe-restaurant with a splendid view of the Bosphorus and the Topkapi Palace in Tunel, Beyoglu.
  • '''Zencefil'''. A vegetarian cafe serving healthy and home-style dishes in Beyoglu.
  • Splurge

  • '''360'''. This gem is in the Beyoglu district on a 360 degrees rooftop, has awesome views of the city. Has a DJ and more party atmosphere late at night and quiet dinners before.
  • Drink

    The '''liveliest part of the city''' is definitely Beyoglu and again the area of Istiklal Caddesi. Many clubs offer live music:

  • '''Indigo''', Akarsu Sokak 309, Galatasaray, +90 212 2451307 [http://www.livingindigo.com]. Live music throughout the week.
  • '''Balans & Balans Tonique ''', Istiklal cad. Balo sok. 22 Beyo?lu. [http://www.balansmusichall.com/]. Live music in Balans, Experimental live music and electronic music in Blans Tonique.
  • '''Babylon''', Seyhbender Sokak 3, +90 212 2927368 [http://www.babylon-ist.com]. Jazz and world music.
  • '''Mojo''', Buyukparmakkapi Sokak 25, +90 212 2432927. 9PM-4AM. Rock music.
  • '''Caravan Rock Bar''', Duduodalari 19, Balik Pazari. Rock music.
  • '''Dulcinea''', Meselik Sokak 20. Mon-Sa 3PM till late. Popular bar, cafe, restaurant and art gallery during the week, but on Friday and Saturday it_fs club night with trance and techno music.
  • '''Jazz Cafe''', Hasnun Galip Sokak 20. For some fine jazz, on the top level of the two-floored club there's a performance space where you can enjoy live funk/acid jazz/ blues Tuesday through Thursday.
  • '''Biz Jazz Bar''', Topcu Caddesi 18, Talimhane Taksim. 14PM-4AM. Cozy bar with live music every night.
  • '''Riddim''', near Taksim square, +90 0212 251 27 23. A complex with three floor. R?ddim live is the performance hall of complex and you can listen rock pop and alternative kinds of music. Riddim Special is the conceptual parties floor. ?stanbul's best R&B-HipHop club is R?dd?m R&B-HipHop (the 3rd floor).
  • '''Atlas Axis''' [http://www.atlasaxis.com]. Great for listening to jazz, ethnic jazz, funk, trip hop or world music while enjoying your food or drink; you should visit that terrace social club on Beyoglu. Offers an amazing view of Istanbul through Galata Tower, Sultan Ahmet and Marmara Sea and lets you enjoy the quality of the food/drink together with live performances and Bosphorus scenery with low prices.
  • '''Sal''', Buyukparmakkapi Sokak 18, +90 212 243 4196. Very popular with tourists seeking a true Turkish experience. Here low coffee tables bump your knees while you sip raki and watch some rowdy musicians.
  • Mektup . mam Adnan Sokal 20. Authentic live music. But, there is restaurant, too.

    Cafes

  • '''Melekler Kahvesi''' Ayhan I??k Sk No:36 Taksim, 212 251 31 01. Melekler Kahvesi which is a backstreet cafe is located in Taksim. It is a very popular place among young people. You can play games such as Scrabble and drink Turkish coffee (6 YTL). After drinking Turkish coffee, fortunetellers will look at the coffee grounds and tell your future for free.
  • Sleep

    Budget

  • Neverland. ogazkesen cad. No:96, Beyo?lu. 90 212 243 31 77. aydream@hostelneverland.com. ttp://www.hostelneverland.com/. orm beds(8/4) ?9/11?, double (ensuite) ?14 (?16). Basic hotel that has internet, kitchen, common rooms, breakfast and tea; Pets are welcome; Organised by a very friendly collective.

  • i-House. stiklal Caddesi Zambak Sokak No:5, Beyo?lu. 90 212 244 37 73. nfo@ihouseistanbul.com. ttp://www.ihouseistanbul.com. orm beds ?8.50, en-suite double rooms ?39. Recently renovated, very clean, and located only 3min from Taksim Square. Staff speak good English and is friendly and helpful. There is a common room and a roof terrace. It's owned and managed by the same guys as the Hostel World House.

  • '''Hostel World House''', Galipdede Caddesi No:85, Beyo?lu, +90 212 293 55 20 (info@worldhouseistanbul.com) [http://www.worldhouseistanbul.com]. Two minutes walk from the restaurants and bars of Istiklal Street in Taksim. Nice and friendly new hostel, popular with long-term travellers. Free internet. ?10/12/14 for 8/6/4 bed dorm rooms, private rooms for ?35-40 in high season.
  • Mid range

  • '''Taksim Apartments - Vacation Rental''', Topcu Cad., Asri Apt. No:8 Taksim, +90 532 271 3843 (reservations@taksimapartments.com) [http://www.taksimapartments.com]. Located in the heart of the city, this vacation rental provides you with home comforts while enjoying the high service standards of a hotel. Apartment come with air-conditioner, TV, minibar and wireless connection. This apartment can be used as an home office during business trips to Istanbul. Daily rentals start around ?150 (Euro) and can get much lower for long term stays.
  • Midtown Hotel Taksim. amartin Cad. No. 13, 34437 Taksim. ust Located in Taksim Square. 90 212 361 6767. 90 212 361 6768. ttp://www.midtown-hotel.com. 10. 50. . Midtown Hotel Istanbul, designed as a exceptional business hotel with a modern and innovative understanding of service, is located on the Lamartin Street, in the Talimhane area of Taksim / Istanbul.in.

  • '''Pera Rose Hotel''', Mesrutiyet Caddesi No 201, Tepeba??, Beyo?lu. Nice little hotel about a ten minute walk from Taksim square, close to the British consulate-general. Good value for money. Single room $80-100.
  • Splurge

  • Witt Istanbul Suites. efterdar Yokusu No. 26, 34433 Cihangir. 90 212 393 7900. ttp://www.wittistanbul.com. 29-329?. Ultra-modern boutique hotel with 17 designer suites. All include a kitchenette, minibar, flat screen TV, iPod dock, and free wireless internet. A Turkish breakfast buffet is served each morning. TripAdvisor's most popular hotel in Istanbul.

  • '''Taksim Apartments - King's Suite''', Topcu Cad., Asri Apt. No:8 Taksim, 0090 532 271 3843 (reservations@taksimapartments.com), [http://www.taksimapartments.com]. Located in the heart of the lovely city, this vacation rental provides you with home comforts while enjoying the high service standards of a hotel. The apartment comes with air-conditioner, TV, minibar and wireless connection. Daily rentals start around ?250 (Euro) and can get much lower for long term stays.
  • '''Hyatt Regency''', Taskisla Caddesi, Taksim, +90 212 368 1234 (fax: +90 212 368 1000, burcu.cakir@hyattintl.com), [http://istanbul.regency.hyatt.com]. Located in Taksim overlooking the city and the Bosphorus. Hotel has formal dining, outdoor pool, Turkish bath, fitness center and business center. Some rooms overlook the Bosphorus.
  • The Marmara Istanbul. aksim Meydani Taksim Istanbul 34437. aksim metro station is right across the street.. 0 212 251 46 96. ttp://www.istanbul-travel.net. stanbul-info@themarmarahotels.com. 4 star hotel that offers chic, contemporary design and modern facilities, Marmara is something of an institution in Istanbul. Hotel contains the Tepe Lounge, which is intimate and relaxing, as well as a spa onsite, which looks clean and professional.

  • Misafir Suites. azeteci Erol Dernek Sok. No: 1 Beyoglu. 90 212 249 89 30. ttp://www.misafirsuites.com/. 200. Great small seven suites boutique hotel with huge modern/chic rooms in a very central location. Friendly owner who will recommend good restaurants or the coolest bar at the moment.

    Stay safe

    Some parts of this district have some '''crime''' issues, though not at the level of a _ghigh-crime_h area. A good rule of thumb is that, after 10PM, do not stray more than one block away towards either direction from Istiklal Street itself. Another tip: If you see young people around having fun, you are more likely in an OK zone.

    This part of the city is also where much of the '''bar scams''' take place. These scams are explained in dedicated section of main Istanbul article in detail.

    Contact