Sights · 33 of the best in Istanbul
Taksim Square
The hub of modern Istanbul
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Julien Maury · Public domain via Wikimedia Commons1 / 2
About Taksim Square
Taksim Square is the transport and meeting hub of the European side: the metro, the funicular to Kabataş and İstiklal Avenue all start here. The Monument of the Republic was unveiled in 1928, and the rebuilt Atatürk Cultural Center, home of the opera and ballet, faces the square.
Why it's on our list
- Monument of the Republic (1928)
- Atatürk Cultural Center
- Metro and funicular
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Taksim Square before you go.
What’s nearby
Distances from Taksim Square are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 15 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Nearest metro & tram stops
- TaksimM2T250 m1 min walk
- Hüseyin Ağa CamiiT2450 m5 min walk
- Fındıklı - MSÜT1700 m9 min walk
Nearest taxi ranks
- Taxi rank, Inonü Caddesi200 m3 min walk
- Taxi rank400 m5 min walk
Key sights
- İstiklal Avenue700 mWalk 9 minCycle 3 minCar or taxi 5 min
- Dolmabahçe Palace1.2 kmWalk 15 minCycle 5 minCar or taxi 7 min
- Galata Tower1.6 kmWalk 19 minCycle 6 minCar or taxi 8 min
- Galata Bridge2.1 kmWalk 27 minCycle 9 minCar or taxi 9 min
- Spice Bazaar2.6 kmWalk 32 minCycle 10 minCar or taxi 11 min
- Topkapı Palace2.9 kmWalk 36 minCycle 11 minCar or taxi 12 min
- Süleymaniye Mosque2.9 kmWalk 36 minCycle 12 minCar or taxi 12 min
- Grand Bazaar3.1 kmWalk 39 minCycle 12 minCar or taxi 12 min
- Hagia Sophia3.2 kmWalk 40 minCycle 13 minCar or taxi 13 min
- Basilica Cistern3.2 kmWalk 40 minCycle 13 minCar or taxi 13 min
Getting around
- Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)31 kmCar or taxi 97 min
- Istanbul Airport (IST)33 kmCar or taxi 102 min