Turquhouse Boutique Hotel Istanbul

I actually did not visit the Istiklal Caddesi until late in the stay in Istanbul. This is probably because none of the must-sees of this enchanting city are located here. What Istiklal Caddesi does have is very fine shops and lots of good restaurants. This is Istanbul (and Turkey) at its most cosmopolitian. During the heyday of the Ottoman Empire, this street became very popular with the city's affluent and Europeans seeking the exotic. Today Istiklal Caddesi is still very popular with wealthy locals and foreign tourists alike. It is in the vicinity of the Istaklal Caddesi that you will find the best restaurants including many non-Turkish ones and Istanbul's best nightlife. This is where the young go clubbing. I was sort of taken in by the area and sort of wished that I had stayed here instead of the Sultanahment. This latter area is great if you want to be close to many of the best attractions of the city but if you want to be close to the best restaurants then consider the Istaklal Caddesi and Beyoglu.One of the more charming features about this neighborhood is the fun little tram that shoots up and down Istaklal Caddesi. It dates from the 19th century and is as part of Istanbul as the trolleys are to San Fransisco.