İstiklal Street runs from Taksim Square down toward the Galata Tower, and it is Istanbul's busiest pedestrian avenue. The street is lined with historic buildings, shops, art galleries, and places to eat at every price point, from street food to white tablecloths. A nostalgic red tram still runs the full length of it. The covered 19th-century passages off the main street, such as Çiçek Pasajı and Atlas Passage, reward a detour. After dark the crowds shift toward the bars and music venues of the side streets, and the avenue stays loud well into the night.

The collections here cover both the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Many objects are more than a thousand years old and well preserved. Seeing them side by side shows how much the two cultures borrowed from each other.

Visitors interested in Byzantine and Ottoman architecture will want extra time here. Photographers usually come early, before the crowds arrive and while the light is low.

First-time visitors and solo travelers both manage easily here. The area is walkable, and staff at most sites are used to tourists.

Nearby bazaars sell Turkish crafts and souvenirs. Tea houses in the side streets are a good place to rest between sights.