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Why is Taksim the first neighborhood that comes to mind when Istanbul is mentioned? Taksim, which is connected to the Beyoglu district is one of the most important touristic spots in Istanbul. It fascinates people with its bustling streets, entertainment venues, and tourist attractions. There are many stores, art workshops, pubs, cafes to visit in Taksim. Most of these places open until late and these are suitable for people of all cultures at any time of the day.

Where can you go to spend an amazing day in Taksim, which has become the symbol of Istanbul?

Cumhuriyet Monument

Cumhuriyet Monument is one of these places. Taksim Cumhuriyet monument was built in Taksim Square in 1928 by Italian sculptor Pietro Canonica with the donations of Istanbul citizens and companies. With the help of Hadi Bara and Sabiha Bengütaş, the monument has been completed. Stone and bronze are used in the construction of the monument, which lasted 2.5 years. 84 tons of weight was brought to Istanbul from Rome by ship.

Taksim Cumhuriyet Monument, which was opened to the public in 1928 with the participation of 30 thousand people, attracts us every time we see it with its elegant design.

ITU Science Center

ITU Science Center is located in Istanbul Technical University in Taksim. The ITU Science Center aims to introduce science and technology to students of all ages by experimenting and observing. It was commissioned in 2007. The Science Center is located on an area of 3,500 square meters and consists of 120 educational units. All theoretical information about energy, mechanics, DNA, aircraft, space, wave, physics, and sound is taught to children by teachers at the center. It's a good place for your kids to have fun.

Istiklal Street

Taksim is a neighborhood known with Istiklal Street and it is one of the must-see places. Starting from Taksim Square and continuing to the Karaköy Tunnel, the Istiklal Street, which is only open to pedestrians, is one of the most popular streets of Istanbul. The nostalgic tram located here has become the symbol of the street.

It is frequented by many local and foreign tourists. As you walk down this street, you may encounter people from many different cultures. Along the way, you can see the Church of Saint Antoine, the Italian and Dutch embassy buildings, stores of world-famous brands where we can shop, and many historical passages.

Additionally, Istiklal Street is the center of Istanbul's art environment, and many prestigious museums and galleries are located in the neighborhood. Pera Museum is a short walk from the street.

Cicek Passage

Cicek Passage is a historical and famous passage of Taksim located on Istiklal Street. It has become a popular tourist spot in Taksim. Serving as an active point of Taksim in terms of nightlife and food and drink, Cicek passage has a fun atmosphere as well as its historical importance. The passage, one of the most decorated buildings in the region, has a structure that you will admire with its architectural details.

 The site of the passage was used as a theatre building from 1844 to 1870. But the theatre building, called the Naum Theatre, was completely destroyed by The Great Beyoğlu fire. Cicek passage was built on the site in 1876. When it was built, it got this name because it was full of florists. With the opening of the first taverns in 1940, taverns and restaurants replaced the florists in the passage.

So, how can you get information about them at the same time while visiting These Attractions?

Thanks to the Istanbul Tourist Pass, you can see many of Istanbul's attractions, such as Taksim, and also get information about the places you visit with experienced guides! Moreover, the Tourist Pass allows you to make this at a very reasonable price. The Pass helps you to save money while having fun.

Istanbul Tourist Pass grants Skip-the-Line Instant Access to 100+ attractions & services, including these beautiful landmarks and many more.

Visiting Istanbul is a once in a lifetime experience. The city amazes its visitors every single time. You have lots of activities to do in the city by yourself, so we assure you that you will never get bored. All of the historical sites in Istanbul will take days to be discovered, so you do not have to worry. However, if you want to visit Istanbul with your loved ones, friends, family or travel mates, that is way better! You know, traveling with lots of people means more fun. If you want to visit Istanbul with a group, we gathered some activities you may find helpful. Also, we want to say that Istanbul Tourist Pass has tailored prices for groups of more than 10! This way, you can save even more. Now, let’s look at the top activities in Istanbul, better with your friends and family.

Visit Maiden Tower with Your Friends

A common Turkish tradition claims that the Byzantine king imprisoned his daughter here after an oracle predicted that she would die of a venemous snakebite on her 18th birthday. When the big day arrived, her overjoyed father presented her with a fruit basket as a surprise, but he had no idea that the deadly snake was hidden inside. 

It's a perfect spot for a panoramic view of Istanbul. Take a seat in the café, order a cocktail from the counter, or dine in the restaurant. Breakfast and brunch are available. From either Kabataş or Üsküdar-Salacak, you can take a cruise to the island. The Maiden Tower is way better with a group! It is an amazing experience to chat with your friends and family while the sun sets and you sip your tea at the top of the tower.

Hang Out in Kadikoy!

Kadiköy is the name of the district's residential and commercial neighborhood, which is the cultural heart of Istanbul's Anatolian side, with its various pubs, cinemas, and bookshops. There are also several bike opportunities. In any corner of Kadikoy, visitors can sample the finest traditional Turkish cuisine. They can also visit a variety of pubs, bookstores, and cafes. When you are with a group, Kadikoy visits become even better. Explore the best cafes, restaurants and bars. Have chats with strangers and explore the beautiful street art in Kadikoy!

Eat Kumpir in Ortakoy

This bustling square is lined with posh waterfront cafés, pubs, cafes, and nightclubs. Young Turks come here to play backgammon and play board games while smoking nargile (Turkish water pipes). A lot of people come here to eat “kumpir” (stuffed baked potatoes). 

Stop by Ortaköy Square to take in the scenery and mingle with the trendy young couples who crowd the cafés. There's also a lovely baroque mosque situated on the water's edge, which is one of the best examples of the prolific Balyan family's work. This newly restored masterpiece is well worth a visit. This is one of the best spots in Istanbul for eating, drinking and having a great time! 

Visit the Historical Spots

As you know, Istanbul hosts some of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Visit Hagia Sophia with your friends to see the amazing Ottoman architecture, or go to Topkapi Palace to experience the lavish and luxury Ottoman lifestyle. You will be amazed by the city and what it contains as you travel more in Istanbul. Take a tour at Basilica Cistern and experience the mythological history of the underground palace in Istanbul. Are you ready to tour Istanbul with your group? Then, you should know about Istanbul Tourist Pass advantages!

Visit Istanbul with Istanbul Tourist Pass!

Istanbul Tourist Pass is the one thing you need for all of your Istanbul needs. Whether you visit the city for the first time or the tenth, you need the Pass for the best experience. With Istanbul Tourist Pass, you gain access to more than 85 attractions including Hagia Sophia, Topkapi and many more. Moreover, you gain access to services such as Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Whirling Dervishes show. Istanbul’s first digital tourist pass, Istanbul Tourist Pass covers everything you need during your Istanbul trip! Moreover, for groups of more than 10 people, we offer custom, discounted prices! Contact us through our website, and we can give you a custom price just for you and your travel mates.

Istanbul's civilization goes back thousands of years, and the city will supply you with the old cultural soul you need. Historic sites, urban sites, and museums can be found in all four corners of Istanbul. It is the focal point for the fusion between Anatolian and European culture: if we go back in time, we can find several historical sites in Istanbul that are still operational today. Let's take a look back at some of Istanbul's tourist attractions, as well as some of the lesser-known ones.

Galata Tower

One of Istanbul's oldest buildings is the Galata Tower, or Galata Kulesi in Turkish. It is located in the Beyoglu neighborhood. The 63-meter-tall (206-foot-tall) tower has a panoramic view of the historic district. It was built in the 14th century by the Genoese colony as part of a defensive wall that enclosed their district at Galata, which was directly across the river from ancient Constantinopolis. "Christea Turris," or "Christ Tower," was the name of the tower. The tower was used to keep an eye on the Golden Horn Harbor, where the Genoese traded with the Byzantines. Since Mehmet II conquered Constantinople, it was used to track flames.

After the Republic, Galata Tower was restored and reopened to the public in 1967. There is a cafeteria on top of the tower, as well as a nightclub that was dismantled after the last renovation in 2013. A pair of elevators will take you up, but to reach the panoramic terrace, which is 52 meters above ground level, you'll need to climb three more floors by stairs. A tiny souvenir shop is located inside the tower, across from the ticket office on the entrance level. In Istanbul, you can even eat grilled fish near Galata Tower!

Maiden Tower

The Athenian general Alcibiades built Kizkulesi on a rocky outcropping at the mouth of the Bosphorus in the 5th century BC to keep an eye on the waterway. The tower was converted into a checkpoint and customs area for moving ships after a chain was dragged from the ground to it. After several restorations in wood and stone, Emperor Alexius Comnenos built a strong defensive tower called Arcla, which means "Small Tower," in the 12th century AD. The tower was used as a lighthouse and control tower during the Ottoman occupation of Constantinople. After a three-million-dollar renovation, the final reconstruction was finished in 1998, and the restaurant opened in 1999.

Kizkulesi is now a well-known and luxurious cafeteria-bar and restaurant. Particularly at night, it offers panoramic views of the Bosphorus and the old city. Shuttle boats travel from the European side's Kabatas neighborhood and the Asian side's Salacak neighborhood to the tower at various times. It's also a popular tourist destination in Istanbul. The tower is closed on Mondays.

Beylerbeyi Palace

Established between 1863 and 1965, Beylerbeyi is a palace with a view of the Bosphorus. Beylerbeyi is a unique place where culture and historical figures coexist with the present. It is a majestic 19th-century landmark that fascinates with its mansions and impresses with its set gardens. 

Beylerbeyi Palace and its environs have hosted numerous structures since the Byzantine Period. After a fire, Sultan Abdülaziz had the house destroyed and rebuilt in order to strengthen it. The castle, along with its additional structures occupying a combined area of 3000 square meters, took on its present appearance between 1863 and 1965.

The sea pavilions, the historical tunnel connecting Üsküdar and Beylerbeyi, the Yellow Pavilion, Marble Pavilion, and the Barn Stables are all worth visiting. When visiting Istanbul, it's difficult to leave without seeing Beylerbeyi Palace.

Are Istanbul Tourist Pass attractions covid-safe?

We, as well as the museums, take precautions very seriously. Istanbul is a low-risk travel destination in contrast to other countries, and travel experts take safety measures very seriously. Social distance is maintained during museum visits, and masks are required at all times. The number of guests is limited at any given time. In addition, since the Istanbul Tourist Pass is fully wireless, there is less chance of transmission when registering or visiting Istanbul's museums and palaces, such as Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.

Aya Yorgi Church was founded in 1751, according to Patriarchate documents. The former church, a modest two-story tiled structure with a small church, shrine, and prayer area, is known as the old church. The Aya Yorgi Church, on the other hand, is a modern structure on the hill that was constructed of face stone in 1905 and first used in 1909.

Visitors to Aya Yorgi Church are there to pray and make a wish. They remove their shoes at the beginning of the path leading to the church, catch a whistle, and never talk for the duration of the journey. It is often claimed that anyone who ties ropes to bushes and walks down the path with a reel rope will have their wishes granted. The "way of torture" is another name for this uphill lane. The origins of this custom can be traced back to a biblical myth.

History of Aya Yorgi

The island was under siege by the Greeks during the Byzantine period, according to legend. The icons and religious artifacts in the church of Aya Yorgi were buried in the earth by the priests in order to save them. After several years, a shepherd on the island had a dream in which he saw Aya Yorgi. Aya Yorgi instructed the shepherd in his dream to ascend the path leading to the church and pause and dig when he hears bells. After a few days of this dream repeating itself, the shepherd ascended the path to the church barefoot and never spoke. When he arrived at the church, he heard a bell, just as Aya Yorgi had predicted in his dream. He started searching and discovered the religious symbols and idols that had been buried undamaged. Half-pilgrims are thought to be those who can ascend the "road of suffering" barefoot and without saying.

Visit Hagia Yorgi Church

You'll meet a lot of interesting people along the way, particularly if you go to the church on the 23rd or 24th of April or September. People of various faiths and nationalities gather to worship, socialize, and enjoy themselves. It's difficult not to get lost in the culture of this city, even though you're not religious. 

The Buyukada Aya Yorgi Church can be reached after a 15-minute stroll. The front door has a sign reminding you to be quiet and dress accordingly. About the fact that the church is not particularly large, it contains many fascinating symbols, motifs, sculptures, and religious monuments.

The icon depicting Aya Yorgi slaying the demon that emerges from the sea with his spear is the one that attracts the most interest. The symbol created by Aya Yorgi also draws a lot of interest. People leave a variety of presents, such as roses, in front of this icon to express their gratitude to Aya Yorgi. 

The stunning view of the Marmara Sea from outside the church would captivate you. The Yucetepe Kir Gazinosu café, which is located next to the church, is the main attraction. It is owned by a local Turkish family and offers excellent food as well as one of Istanbul's best views.

How to Go To Aya Yorgi Church

You must first travel to Buyukada. Since the island is so famous, ferries depart from a variety of Istanbul stations, including Besiktas, Bostanci, Sirkeci, Kartal, Buyuk Cekmece, Bakirkoy, Eminonu, Kadikoy, Kabatas, Yalova, Avcilar, Karakoy, and Yesilkoy. 

To get to the church, you'll need to hire a bicycle once you arrive in Buyukada. Since it is on the highest point on the island, nearly everybody knows where it is, even if you don't have a Princes Islands tour guide, you can ask around for directions. 

The Aya Yogi Church is open every day of the week from 8.30 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Sundays, where it is open from 9 a.m. to 12.15 p.m.

Visit Buyukada with Istanbul Tourist Pass!

Istanbul Tourist Pass grants access to 85+ attractions, including services! One of the services covers a ferry trip to Princes Islands. This way, you can go to Buyukada and visit Aya Yorgi Church. Do not forget to check other advantages and attractions in Istanbul that come with Istanbul Tourist Pass, such as Bosphorus Dinner Cruise, Whirling Dervishes Show and many more on our website!