Isktiklal Caddessi or Istiklal Avenue is the busiest street in Istanbul filled with a long stretch of cafes, restaurants, shopping centres, bars, cinemas and galleries. Estimated to have been visited by over 3 million people on the weekends, it is the best way to experience the vibrant, hustling side of the city. Located in the heart of the city, the avenue houses so many recreational activities that it is a favourite place to visit by the residents of the city. Even a stroll along the avenue would fascinate you to the very end and leave you asking for more. The road stretches for 1.4 km from Taksim Square and finishes the Galata Tower, and a full day is needed to explore this crowded street.
Hundreds of stalls and vendors line up along the street to serve to billions of people. Street food is favourite among everyone for its low cost and authentic flavours. Some of the most loved dishes include simit, durum, tantuni, mussels, pilaf and borek.
Several restaurants and cafes are also located that are usually filled with people and you might witness a waiting queue. Some of the must try restaurants are :
Lades Menemen Restaurant (popular for turkish breakfast)
Fish and Meat House (seafood)
Mandabatmaz (turkish coffee)
Divan Brasserie
360 Istanbul
Parole Cafe