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Hagia Sophia
Fountain outside a lovely building
Head of Medusa, Basilica Cistern
Building housing the classical collectionTunel, Beyoglu
I believe Tunel has always been special for Istanbul and Beyoglu lovers. It’s difficult to say if this popularity comes from being the world’s second oldest metro or from being the heritage from the 19 century''s Pera era. No matter where it comes, tunel is one of the symbols of Istanbul and this 571 meter long railway station has been tieing up Karakoy to Pera since 1871. Trains are going back and forth between Karakoy to Tunel in every 3 minutes and the trip takes about 1,5 minutes. No chance to miss your station cause there are only two. The one you hopped in and the one you are going to get out.
Tunel has given its name to the neighbourhood as well. This area is still one of the most bohemian quarters in Istanbul. It has its own character with a mix of everything. Maybe that’s why this little quarter is loved by locals and tourists. It offers all kind of shops: bookshops next to a doner kebap kiosk or elegantly decorated restaurants next to the cheapest passages. Terkos Passage and Beyoglu Is Hani are most known budget shopping opportunities in the area, but you have to dig hard to find something special.
Tunel Quarter is also visited frequently by the ones who are interested in music. The street, Galip Dede, going down to Galata Tower from Tunel is filled with shops selling music instruments and other stuff.
Galat Mevlevihanesi, located just at the Tunel Square in Divan Edebiyati Museum, is considered as one of the most interesting attractions in Tunel.
Nights are also animated at Tunel, especially in Sofyali Street of Asmalimescit..
In the evening I think it is time to drink raki with delicious mezes spread on white sheets and taste fresh fish (my choice would be Lufer) in one of the meyhanes in Asmali. I believe the perfect ambience and the side effects! of Raki is all about the meyhanes in Istanbul.
