Area with a big pedestrian street, nice waterfront, and vibrant areas with nightlife.
Basic Itinerary
Start at the waterfront at Karaköy
Interesting active waterfront
There are some cafes and bars in the north-eastern part of this neighborhood (near Baltazar)
Walk or take the historic funicular up to Galata Tower
Can go up to the top of Galata Tower for a view
Walk down Istiklal Street (Istiklal Caddesi)
Pedestrian Street with tram, lots of shops and cafes
Can follow Rick Steve’s New District walking tour
Get off Istiklal a bit to peruse the Asmalı Mescit neighborhood for nightlife
Arrive at Taksim Square
Peruse the areas off Istiklal for more nightlife and activity (Asmalı Mescit, Cihangir)
Food options
Stuffed mussels (from street vendors at the waterfront or from Midyeci Ahmet)
Fish wrap (balık dürüm), Balıkçı Tufan
Karaköy Güllüoğlu for baklava
Desserts along Istiklal (profiteroles at Inci Pastanesi) (Mado or misc stands for Turkish style ice cream).
Kokoreç (chopped intestines sandwich, very popular street / drunk food, can be found in any neighborhood)