Central & buzzing · Central Istanbul
💰💰 Mid-rangeIstanbul's central crossroads — loud, energetic, and the transport hub the whole city revolves around. Better for passing through than staying, but essential to understand.
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A tiny, legendary Turkish coffee institution hidden on a side alley off İstiklal. The thick, unfiltered coffee is made the old way. Worth the search.
Olivya Geçidi No:1, Beyoğlu💡 No sign outside — look for the alley just off İstiklal. One of the city's best kept (open) secrets.
Simple café inside Gezi Park, one of the few green spaces around Taksim. A calm retreat from the square's chaos.
Gezi Parkı, TaksimNo-frills Black Sea pide restaurant that's been serving the same excellent food for decades. Cash only, incredibly good value.
Photos from Smileys events in Taksim
New events are added weekly — check back soon.
Explore other neighborhoods💡 Order the egg and butter pide. Don't expect atmosphere — it's about the food.
A classic meyhane near Taksim Square. Traditional mezes, rakı, live fasıl music on weekends. A proper Istanbul night out.
İstiklal Cad. area, BeyoğluThe 19th-century flower market arcade lined with traditional meyhane-style restaurants. Atmospheric and unpretentious.
İstiklal Cad., BeyoğluIstanbul's symbolic heart. The massive Republic Monument, Atatürk Cultural Centre, and the start of İstiklal Caddesi all converge here.
Taksim Meydanı, BeyoğluThe only significant green space in central Taksim. A welcome refuge with trees, paths, and views toward the Bosphorus.
Gezi Parkı, TaksimThe restored art centre on Taksim Square hosts major opera, ballet, and cultural events. Check the programme.
Taksim Meydanı, Beyoğlu
