Istanbul is a bustling metropolis full of unique historical streets. As you wander through Istanbul’s famous streets, you’ll see the fascinating remains of Constantinople – the capital of the Roman Empire, and echoes of the Ottoman past.
You’ll also find that some streets have a special purpose: a street dedicated to breakfast, for example, or a shopping street featuring only designer brands.
But where are these most famous streets in Istanbul and why are they so famous? In this guide, we will answer these questions.
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Istiklal Street, Taksim
Istiklal Street has a rich history dating back to Ottoman times. In the 19th century, it was known as Grande Rue de Péra and was home to many foreign embassies and businesses that wanted to communicate with the West. It was here that Turkish businessmen and European merchants made connections and networked.
Today, Istiklal Street is known for its bustling shops and nightlife. Visitors can stroll along this pedestrian-only street and browse fashion boutiques, international chain shops and traditional Turkish shops selling handicrafts. The street is also home to many cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs for all kinds of entertainment.
In addition to shops and restaurants, Istiklal Street offers cultural attractions such as historic churches, the Pera Museum and Galatasaray Square, located in the centre of the street and marking the location of the oldest high school in Istanbul.
The iconic red tram also runs along Istiklal Street, providing visitors with a unique way to explore the neighbourhood. The tram runs every 15 minutes, and although the service is paid for, you can often see locals huddled on the outside.
Perihan Abla Street, Kuzguncuk
Istanbul is full of quirky and unique streets, but Perihan Abla Street in Kuzguncuk (on the Asian side) is perhaps the city’s hidden gem – despite being featured in the TV show Perihan Abla.
While many people come to Balat to see the colourful buildings, on the tiny Perihan Abla street you will find some of the best preserved colourful old wooden houses.
The Turkish word Kuzguncuk translates to ‘little raven’ or ‘barred window of a prison door’ in English. The neighbourhood is said to be named after a holy man named Kuzgun Baba, who lived here during the time of Sultan Mehmet II.
But the neighbourhood really began to transform in the late 15th century, when Jews were expelled from Spain and Portugal and took refuge in Istanbul. Most Jews settled in neighbourhoods such as Balat, while others lived in Kuzguncuk. In the 18th century, Armenians moved into the area and the neighbourhood became largely gentrified.
Today, many Istanbul Greeks and Armenians still live in the neighbourhood. The architecture, while stunning, is not entirely in keeping with the history of the neighbourhood. The buildings were remodelled in the 50s and 60s by architect Cengiz Bektaş with the help of residents and other Turkish architects.
Breakfast Street, Besiktas
As you might have guessed from the name, Breakfast Street is a street dedicated to delicious breakfasts in Istanbul. This small street is located in the student neighbourhood of Beşiktaş and is home to several small restaurants, each serving traditional Turkish breakfasts at an affordable price.
The main dish to try here is pishi, which is available in almost all restaurants. Although the street cannot be described as aesthetically pleasing, it has become very famous in Istanbul and the number one place to go for early morning breakfast.
Büyük Hendek, Taksim
If you’re looking for a good photo location where you’ll find a lively street with restaurants and outdoor cafes and the Galata Tower at the centre of the frame, then Büyük Hendek Street is the place to go.
It’s a busy and bustling street filled with people wanting to get the perfect shot. It is also filled with bars, restaurants and boutiques.
Kiremit Street, Balat
Kiremit Caddesi is similar to Perihan Abla Street in that it is lined with unique, colourful houses built when Jewish communities settled in Istanbul, but it is much more famous. The Balat neighbourhood was home to Istanbul’s Jewish community, which settled here in the late 15th century after being expelled from Spain and Portugal.
This hilly area is known for its colourful wooden houses and quaint coffee houses. These houses are over 200 years old, are usually three or four storeys high and very narrow.
The bay windows and ornate facades have become something of a model of Balata architecture and can be seen on many streets in the neighbourhood, although they look best on Kiremit Kd.
Although only a small part of the Jewish community still lives here, the neighbourhood is considered a beautiful place in Istanbul and one of the most unique places to photograph in the city.
Divan Yolu Street, Sultanahmet
Divan Yolu Street (Divan Road) is the former ‘Road to the Imperial Council’ that connects Sultanahmet Square and Beyazit Square. It is one of the longest roads in Istanbul and is well known for connecting some of Turkey’s famous landmarks and historical sites.
The sides of the street are lined with shops, eateries and restaurants, and in the centre is the Istanbul Tram. It’s a busy street that you’re sure to find yourself on at some point, even if you’re not looking for it.
Galip Dede Street, Beyoğlu
Galip Dede Street is a steep, cobbled street in Istanbul lined with boutiques and bars. The street is best known for its musical instrument shops, which have been operating here for over 30 years.
But it’s also a lovely street for tourists to wander around, browse the boutiques and find unique Turkish souvenirs, and have a drink in one of the many bars and coffee shops.
Bagdat Street, Kadıköy
For designer shopping, you should head to Bagdat Street in Kadıköy. This 9 kilometre long street in Istanbul is one of the most famous places to visit for tourists and locals alike. Here you will find elegance and luxury, many high-end restaurants and bars, and expensive shops.
The street takes its name from Sultan Murad IV during the Ottoman Empire. It is said that he used this road to leave Istanbul for the Battle of Baghdad. It then became an elite street in Istanbul, and little has changed since then.
Abdi Ipekci Caddesi, Şişli
Another elite shopping street in Istanbul is Abdi Ipekci Caddesi in the Şişli neighbourhood. It is not a very long street, but in the last decade it has become famous for housing shops of prestigious brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, Prada, Dior and others.
It is also known for being the most expensive street in Istanbul not only for shopping but also for living. In 2009, the average monthly rent for a shop here was $3500 m². If you’re planning to shop here, you’d better set aside a few pennies, as this is the only part of Turkey where everything is expensive!
The street was renamed Abdi Ipekci Street in honour of the editor-in-chief of a major Turkish newspaper, Milliyet, who was assassinated in 1979. He was murdered in his car outside a flat on this street by a man named Mehmet Ali Agca, who also tried to assassinate Pope John Paul II.
Bankalar Caddesi, Karaköy
Another historic street in Istanbul is Bankalar Caddesi, or Bank Street in English. It is located in the Galata quarter of Karaköy and was known as the financial centre of the late Ottoman Empire. Banks such as the Ottoman Central Bank and the Ottoman Stock Exchange were founded here.
Today you can still see stately 19th century buildings on this street. Although the banks left here in the late 1990s, the buildings are still used as luxury hotels and restaurants.
The street is also sometimes called Vojvoda Yolu (Vojvoda Road) after the 17th century travel book written by Evliya Çelebi, a Turkish traveller of Ottoman origin.
FAQ about the famous streets in Istanbul
Here’s what people usually ask us about the streets of Istanbul.
What is the name of the centre of Istanbul?
Taksim Square is the centre of Istanbul. However, the city centre extends all the way inside Highway 0-1 and up to where the Karaköy flows into the Golden Horn.
Which part of Istanbul is the richest?
Beşiktaş is the richest part of Istanbul, and it is here that some stunning Ottoman palaces such as Dolmabahçe Palace are located.
Is it possible to walk around Istanbul?
Yes, Istanbul is a very walkable city. Most tourist attractions are concentrated in a few blocks, and all can be reached on foot. However, if your legs get tired, the tram and metro are available to take you to all major tourist attractions.
