Daphne Hotel

Taksim Square is in the heart of what we would like to think of as modern Istanbul. The square is a major traffic hub. It seems that all buses in the Beyoglu district end up here. It here that you will find all the big shiny hotels like the Hilton and other major chains. There are also many fast food franchises congregated here such as Arby's and Burger King. Most importantly it is here that the main shopping pedistran way, the Istiklal Caddesi, begins. Structures of note in the square include the Cumhuriyet Aniti, otherwise known as the Republic Monument. Also something to consider, is that it is here that protesters tend to horde when they choose to demonstrate. During my second trip through the square, I say numerous riot police massing in preparation for such a demonstration. Never did see any demonstrators.