Taksim Square, Istanbul

Every great city has a central square, and Istanbul does not disappoint. Aptly named 'Taksim' (meaning “division” or “distribution”) for the place where the main water lines once met, this square has a little bit of everything and is worth a trip to witness people and their interactions.

The Istiklal pedestrian shopping street begins here, and there are dozens of places to eat; rather unfortunately, many of these are American restaurants, but there's no shortage of options for kebab, baklava, boiled and grilled corn, hot yummy chestnuts, local breads or ice creams. With a few hundred shops at walking distance, the opportunities are seemingly unlimited, and the area is also good to get around the city as it has a metro station, a bus stop, a tram line, and taxi stands all around it.

While in the square, you'll see many Turks circling the Monument to the Republic and taking photos from all directions: mostly they are paying respect to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the father of the Republic, depicted in his double aspect: soldier and statesman.

At dusk, there are lots of groups who sing and dance, changing the atmosphere completely.

Tip:
Meandering through the side streets, you will find quite a few interesting stores and cafes.
If you take a taxi, be sure to check the "taxi meter" first; also be wary of scammers and pickpockets.