A walk down Istiklal, Taksim
Istanbul is a city of conflicting opposites. On the one hand it is a city of ancient beauty and wonder, on the other, it is a flourishing modern city of arts, entertainment and music. Taksim lies in the hub of Istanbul’s lively nightlife, music scene and arts. During the daytime you can stroll down Istiklal Street (Caddesi) soaking up the hustle and bustle of everyday life for shop traders and eager tourists on the look out for the best take-home bargain. Istiklal has shops and cafes ranging from Starbucks and Topshop to local retailers, cafes and traditional restaurants serving home-cooked Turkish cuisine, and everything from five star hotels to student hostels to suit your taste in accomodation.
Half-way down Istiklal there is the Fish Bazaar (Balik Pazari) which contains fresh fish and vegetables as well as a few local market stalls selling jewellery and souvenirs. Running parallel to Istiklal are the side streets which are equally enchanting and a great source of culture can be found a wandering. Behind the Fish Bazaar there are fish restaurants and bars where all fish is sourced locally and you can certainly enjoy a glass or two of Raki; Turkey’s traditional accompaniment with fish.
There are also a number of local bars around this area which attract Turks and tourists alike of all ages. Walking through the side streets of Istiklal on a Friday or Saturday night, will have you brushing elbows with the person next to you, in a totally unobtrusive manner. This is all part of the friendly and warm atmosphere; all restaurant and bar owners welcome customers with enthusiastic, yet gentle greetings. Even if you haven’t had time to learn a few of the local words to order a beer, or ask what the catch of the day is, most staff speak enough English or German to get by.
After a day of shopping and walking the steep streets of Taksim, you can relax and unwind with a rooftop dinner, overlooking the ancient city or other rooftop bars located in Taksim. Moving in to the later hours of the evening, bars and clubs such as Peyote, Balans, Babylon and Jazz Cafe and all located centrally down various side streets of Taksim. Here you can find upcoming musicians and artists performing well into the early hours without even showing a hint of retiring to bed: there is a purely energetic buzz. A good night out with friends or your significant other can definitely be found. There is something for all tastes and occasions. Taksim, one of Istanbul’s enthralling attractions.
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