Taksim Square (Taksim Meydani)

Taksim Square (Taksim Meydani) Review

This square at the north end of Istiklal Caddesi is essentially a chaotic traffic circle and public transportation hub—though there is talk of pedestrianizing the area and making it into a true open plaza. The entrance to the Taksim Square station, from which both the metro and the funicular going down to Kabatas can be reached, is in the center of the square, so you'll probably end up here at one point or another. The open area at the top of Istiklal is dominated by the Monument of the Republic, built in 1928 and featuring Atatürk and his revolutionary cohorts. Around the square are Atatürk Cultural Center, the city's main concert hall; the high-rise Marmara Hotel; and, up the stairs, the small, grassy Taksim Gezi Parki. Cumhuriyet Caddesi, the main street heading north from the square, is lined with travel agencies and airline ticket offices. Futher up Cumhuriyet, Vali Konagi Caddesi splits off from the avenue and veers right, taking you to Nisantasi, the city's high-fashion district.