İstiklal Caddesi

This two-mile pedestrian boulevard is a must-see for any visitor to Istanbul. Formerly known as the Grande Rue de Péra, the street's name was changed to İstiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue) after Turkish independence was declared in 1923. The grand boulevard's turn-of-the-century European-style facade is well cared for, and the shops and restaurants that line the promenade are not extremely touristy or expensive. If you start at Taksim Square, İstiklal Caddesi will lead you all the way to the famous Galata Tower. Before you reach Galata, you'll pass through Karaköy, where you can see (and ride) the world's second-oldest subway, the Tünel. The huge boulevard is full of history and mystery.