Beyoğlu is a walking district. The slopes of the peninsula and the flow of its streets make it easy to read the area from north to south in a single day. Start at Taksim in the morning and you can end at Karaköy pier by evening.
Morning — Taksim to İstiklal
South of the Republic Monument, the 1.4 km İstiklal Avenue begins, with the historic tram running down its center. Early in the day the avenue is relatively quiet; arcades open, the smell of bread rises from side streets.
Noon — Galip Dede to Galata
From Tünel Square the descent toward Galata begins. Galip Dede Avenue is lined with music shops, record sellers, and instrument repairers. At the end of the street, Galata Tower opens onto its small square.
Evening — Karaköy pier
After Galata the slope keeps falling; you reach Karaköy square and its pier. Along the waterfront, fish-sandwich stalls and ferries tied to the shore; across the Golden Horn, the silhouette of the historic peninsula.