All cat lovers go to Istanbul. The large cat population in this city features cuddly plump felines all over this mystique-filled city destination that has fascinated people from all walks of life.
Istiklal Avenue is one such street that has a cat population on a par to the number of shops lining the busy streets, also known as the Grand Avenue of Pera, a 1.4-kilometer walking street that begins from the iconic Galata Tower and ends at the majestic Taksim Square.
Istiklal Avenue is by far one of the busiest streets of its kind. From the sultry dusk of morning to the cool laidback evenings, the entire Avenue features a romantic route highlighted by its unique cobblestone street dating back to the days of yore.
Shophouses and buildings align both sides of the street which feature art galleries, theaters, pastry shops and bakeries, restaurants, chic cafes and lively bars that light up from evening until late at night.
As you shop till you drop or opt to window shop to your heart’s desire, you will notice that this area is a heart-warming community of cats, a gathering place rather, whereby cats of all shapes and colors wait patiently for the choice spots to sleep in front of each shop – be it a shoe store, stationary store or local artisan craft shop or even a music equipment store.
Now if you happen to stop by during the evening, you will be graced by the presence of the Dons or “Boss Cats,” that return to their fiefdoms and feast at various kind-hearted restaurants, which are literally at the disposal of every feline in need.
As you stop and play with the cats along the way, don’t forget to pin the must-see destinations starting with the following:
Galata Tower
Galata Tower, a medieval tower of impenetrable stone built in 1348, featuring a tall cylindrical shape and an upper section of the tower earmarked by its discerning conical hat, all contributing to its height of 66.9 meters.
As you ascend to the top, a breathtaking view of Istanbul city awaits you with its sheer grandeur and magnificence, flanked by the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus Strait. At the pinnacle of the tower lies a quaint romantic restaurant and café where visitors and love-struck couples can just chill, ease off and take in the view in its entirety.
Salt Galata
The Salt Galata Museum of Contemporary art is situated in a venerable 130-year-old building, formerly the Office of the Imperial Ottoman Bank – and currently serving as exhibition space for rotating art shows. Scheduled with various ongoing art festivals, the Salt Galata museum also features bookstores, a library and cafes. No entry fees from Tuesday-Sunday.
The Istanbul Nostalgic Tramway
The Istanbul Nostalgic Tramway qualifies itself as an archaic tram system that slides through the Istiklal Road. Locals call it the Taksim-Tunel Nostalgia Tramway or Tram Line T2. Its unique character is the quintessential red-colored, classic-shaped bogey that will take you back through time and visit the 50s and 60s of yore.
Turkish Chocolatier
Türkiye is famous for its specialty chocolate which are unique and one of a kind due to its moderate sweetness spliced with local nuts of the highest quality as a very discerning ingredient. Taksim Square is home to a plethora of chocolate shops. You can take 10 steps in any direction and a chocolatier is bound to have an established shop in front of you. Treat yourself to Turkish chocolates, buy some as gifts for your loved ones. Famous shops are J’Adore Chocolatier and Tarihi Meshur Beyoglu.
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