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Things to do in Taksim Square

Our most recommended things to do in Taksim Square

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

1. Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

Enjoy magical views of Istanbul from the Bosphorus on this dinner cruise. Sail on a yacht and watch a show with traditional Turkish folk dancing. Enjoy dinner and drinks while seeing sights like the Dolmabahçe Palace, the Galata Tower, and the Bosphorus Bridge.  Choose from a cruise with hotel pickup and drop-off from Istanbul via an air-conditioned van or meet directly at the port. Enjoy drinks like Turkish coffee, tea, unlimited soft drinks, and unlimited alcoholic drinks (depending on option selected). Pick between a standard meal or a VIP option. Savor an appetizer plate with options like a seasonal salad or hot starters. Choose a main course like mixed grilled meat, seasonal fish, or a vegetarian menu. Finish your meal with a sweet dessert.  Dine on your tasty food while watching live entertainment like Turkish folk dancing, Latin flamenco dancing, and a DJ. Gaze out the window at the imposing Galata Tower and Maiden's Tower, which has stood since the medieval Byzantine period. Enjoy shows such as live music, Dervishes, Turkish dances, Latin dance, flamenco, Sirtaki, and belly dance in the middle of the Bosphorus. Capture pictures of the Baroque Revival architecture of Dolmabahçe Palace and the Ortaköy Mosque. Admire the Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridges which span the Bosphorus strait. Take in the waterside Ottoman architecture of the Beylerbeyi Palace. Vip Menu Starters: • 10 types of mixed Turkish appetizers or mixed seafood appetizers • Vegetable pastrami pie • Fish pastry • Shrimp stew • Fish meatballs • Grilled squid Main Dishes: • Mushroom beef stragozate • Beef medallion • Mixed grill plate (meatballs, lamb skewers, steak, chops) • Vegetarian vegetable casserole • Seasonal seafood grill • Italian pasta types • Salad • Mediterranean Turkish salad Desert and Fruit: • Mixed Special Turkish desert or fruity chocolate cake • Unlimited local and non-alcoholic beverages

Istanbul: 1-Day Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour with Commentary

2. Istanbul: 1-Day Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour with Commentary

Explore the beautiful city of Istanbul at your own pace with this hop-on-hop-off bus ticket including audio commentary in 8 languages. Your ticket is valid for 1 day and will let you spend more time discovering the highlights that most interest you. Jump aboard your double decker bus and enjoy a tour designed for those who want flexibility during their sightseeing exploration of Istanbul. With additional commentary from your audioguide, you will learn interesting facts about key sights whilst savoring delicious complimentary snacks on board. During the route you can stop at locations like Sultanahmet Square, Eminönü, Karaköy, Galataport, Dolmabahçe Palace, Naval Museum, Beylerbeyi Palace, Taksim Square, Beşiktaş Bazaar, Şişhane, and Egyptian Spice Bazaar.

Istanbul: City Transport Card for Bus, Metro, Tram & Ferries

3. Istanbul: City Transport Card for Bus, Metro, Tram & Ferries

Experience Istanbul stress-free with a pre-charged travel card for public transport networks throughout the city. Travel on the metro, trams, buses, and ferries to experience the city like a local. Using your ticket is easy: simply swipe it at the entrance machines at each station of tram, metro, or public ferry boat. Your ticket will be validated upon each use and can be used for 5 or 10 rides depending on the option you book. Pick your card up at the airport or at the Istanbul Welcome Card offices in Istanbul. After booking, check your email for a city map and an e-booklet with discounts for attractions and activities in Istanbul.

Istanbul: 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket and Scenic Cruise

4. Istanbul: 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket and Scenic Cruise

Discover every corner of Istanbul with this unique sightseeing tour combination. Travel around the city on a hop-on hop-off bus tour with stops in both European and Asian parts of town. Navigate down the scenic Bosphorus Strait on a cruise and upgrade your experience with an insightful walking tour. Hop-on hop-off Bus Tour Travel aboard a double-decker bus and enjoy a hassle-free tour of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks and historical sites. Explore a looping route with 11 strategically placed stops close to must-see sights. Jump off at any of the stops or stay onboard for a relaxing ride through the vibrant streets. Pass by the famous Galata Bridge with fishermen lining the railing and Galata Tower soaring into the sky. Admire the view as you cross the legendary Bosphorus Bridge from Europe to Asia. The sightseeing route offers the following stops: 1. Sultanahmet 2. Eminönü 3. Karaköy 4. Galataport 5. Dolmabahce Palace 6. Istanbul Naval Museum 7. Beylerbeyi Palace 8. Beşiktaş Çarşısı 9. Taksim Square 10. Şişhane 11. Spice Bazaar 12. Sultanahmet Bosphorus cruise Step away from the hustle and bustle of the city and navigate past spectacular palaces, mosques, and mansions from different empires along both shores of the Strait. Start out in the Old City, then navigate along the European side until the second Bosphorus Bridge, then return along the Asian coast. See the city from a whole new perspective as you sail past historical landmarks like the Dolmabahce Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Ciragan Palace, Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress, Beylerbeyi Palace, Maiden Tower, and many more. Learn about the history and culture of Istanbul with the onboard audio guide. Optional walking tour Set foot on the Asian side of Istanbul by selecting the activity option with an included walking tour. Discover the famous local food market of Kadıköy, learn about Turkish food culture, and visit the backstreets of a local residential neighborhood.

Istanbul: Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus

5. Istanbul: Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus

With Istanbul’s Top Rated Party Tour, you’ll meet up with a group of like-minded young explorers & party-ers from all around the world, ready to dive into the night and party for at least 6 hours together. The party hosts starts the night with some fun ice breaking drinking games at the meeting bar and build up the night with some Raki (Turkish strong liquor) shots & dance in the Party Bus before ending in the clubs. Your entrance to the 3 hidden rooftop party spots of the city will be fast&free! The team will not only make sure the party atmosphere is on fire, but also ensure your safety all night long! The pub crawl ends at Taksim in the last club around 3.30 am. If you need, the team will happily help you to get an uber/taxi in the end.

Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Customizable Guided Tour

6. Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Customizable Guided Tour

Explore Istanbul according to your own interests on a tailor-made sightseeing tour. Meet your guide at your hotel or port and work together to create an itinerary that suits you best, leaving you satisfied that you have seen all of Istanbul. On 1st day, marvel at monuments from the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, such as Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia and Byzantine Cistern. On 2nd day, take the public ferry to Bosphorus to see both Istanbul’s European and Asian sides. From here, visit Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, Galata area and the Spice Market. On 3rd day, guide takes you on a walk through the streets of Fener-Balat neighboorhood. Enjoy a cable car ride and soak up views of Pierre Loti Hill, then visit Iron Church, and see the Suleymaniye Mosque. You can create your own itinerary with your tour guide on tour day, to have an idea, here you can see our suggested tour itineraries are below; Day 1 - Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome Square, Byzantine Cistern, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Irene Church, Sogukcesme Street, Grand Bazaar Day 2 - Spice Market, Bosphorus Cruise, Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, Cicek Passage, Galata Tower (from outside) Day 3 - Suleymaniye Mosque, Fener and Balat Districts, St. Stephen Church (Iron Church), Pierre Lotti Panoramic Hill, Rahmi Koc Museum (or alternative options)

Istanbul:Private Layover Tour from Istanbul Airports&Hotels

7. Istanbul:Private Layover Tour from Istanbul Airports&Hotels

Go on this tour and explore the city instead of waiting at the airport during your layover. With your friendly local guide, feel like you have done a lot in a short amount of time. Your itinerary will be redesigned according to your landing time and your guide will confirm the best itinerary for you when you meet at the airport. If your flight lands before 4:00 PM, you will be able to go inside the sights but if your flight lands after 4:00 PM, you will not be able to go inside the sights but you will see Istanbul at night. The sights you can see included the Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, Roman Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Topkapı Palace, Basilica Cistern, Galata Bridge, Bosporus Bridge, Bosporus to Kadıköy cruise, Maidens Tower, Kadıköy food market, Karaköy neighborhood, Taksim Square, and Istıklal Avenue. You can choose the additional activities of a Turkish bath for 50 Euro, dinner at a local restaurant for between 10 and 20 Euro, or a baklava tasting for between 5 and 10 Euro. 

Istanbul: Madame Tussauds Entrance Ticket

8. Istanbul: Madame Tussauds Entrance Ticket

Meet world famous celebrities and cultural heroes cast in wax with an entrance ticket to Madame Tussauds in the historic city center of Istanbul. Explore the famous visitor attraction at your own pace and take memorable selfies with legendary athletes and singers.  See historical and cultural heroes from the history of Turkey, along with current celebrities from the arts, sport and politics. Stroll around the 2,000-square-meter venue set within the Grand Pera project on Istiklal Street at leisure and discover interactive environments across 6 distinct zones. Have fun spotting famous people and end with a special party finale!

Istanbul: Private Transfer betwen Airport and City Hotels

9. Istanbul: Private Transfer betwen Airport and City Hotels

Forget about the stress of finding a last-minute airport transfer and make the most of your holiday time with a pre-booked trip. Choose between an airport-to-city transfer, a city-to-airport transfer, or a roundtrip. Enjoy a smooth ride aboard a private vehicle within the European side of Istanbul. Meet your driver upon arrival at the airport at the transportation hall. Don't worry about getting lost, as the whole floor belongs to the same transfer company. If you booked a transfer from your accommodation, simply wait outside. Be whisked away in no time and ride aboard a modern and spacious van, such as a Mercedes Vito. Sit back and take in the city views as your professional driver transports you to your chosen location. Stay hydrated with bottled water on board and reach your destination safely.

Istanbul: 4-Hour Evening Walk & Light Food Tasting Tour

10. Istanbul: 4-Hour Evening Walk & Light Food Tasting Tour

Sample some of Istanbul’s favorite foods on a relaxed 4-hour evening walking tour. Meet an expert local guide and visit four much loved food stops as you stroll through historical Sultanahmet to Taksim Square across the Golden Horn. Absorb the evening bustle and sights of Sultanahmet. Enjoy sunset views of the city from the Galata Bridge and try staples such as fried mussels and baklava, the seductively sweet honey-soaked filo parcels that are a Turkish favorite, along the way. Numbers are limited to 14, ensuring personalized attention from your guide. Start your 4-hour evening tour with a pick-up from your central Istanbul hotel, and head into the heart of historical Sultanahmet. As you walk, hear from your guide about Istanbul’s history and how it has left its legacy on the city’s cuisine. Wander through the bustling streets, passing some of Sultanahmet’s landmarks, and get insider tips from your guide on great places to eat and must try delicacies. While you talk and absorb the evening ambience, make your way to Taksim Square and enjoy four food stops to sample some classic local dishes. Samples may vary, but expect to taste favorites such as a mouth-watering lamb shish kebab, a juicy meatball and a fried mussel kebab; a string of lightly battered mussels threaded onto a skewer. As dusk falls, enjoy the magical sunset views over Sultanahmet’s minarets from the Galata Bridge, and take in the sight of the Galata Tower on the opposite bank. Drink in the buzz around the food vendors and restaurants, and make a final stop to taste some classic Turkish baklava. Sink your teeth into these super sweet honey and nut filo parcels that were much loved by the Ottoman sultans. After approximately 4-hours later, finish with a drop-off at your hotel.

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What people are saying about Taksim Square

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 997 reviews

Beautiful! What a great offer - must do! Just awesome experience, food, fantastic dance show, stunning view. Just do it. Easy start and end location, nothing can go wrong! And the price is much nore than a good deal price-product!

Really enjoyable night, food was tasty and the entertainment was good. would definitely recommend this cruise to anyone visiting Istanbul!

Just an AMAZING night! Definitely recommended for this money to get into the Turkish atmosphere and have a nice evening!

We had an amazing experience. Food was great, service was amazing, and performances were really good.

It was a great experience, had good drinks, good dances, and met great people