Situated on the other side of the Golden Horn, away from the heaving tourist attractions of Sultanahmet, the neighborhoods of Taksim and Galata offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in everyday city life alongside some fascinating monuments. The Free Taksim and Galata Tour is perfect to enrich your trip to Istanbul. Join a small group of international travelers and a knowledgeable local guide to explore the authentic face of modern Turkey. Most tours will begin around the Galata Tower, one of the most famous monuments in the area. Erected by Genoese Italian merchants in 1348, it's been keeping watch over the city ever since. Guests on the tour will discover how the original Byzantine tower was destroyed during the Fourth Crusade.

The Taskim and Galata Free Tour will take you through the winding streets of Beyoglu and Taksim. On route, guests will have the opportunity to explore the charming district of Cukurcuma, well known for its variety of restaurants and artisan shops. Nearby, they will find the Church of St. Anthony of Padua, the most important Catholic church in Istanbul. Next to Hagia Greek Orthodox Church guests will learn of the terrible events of the 1955 Istanbul Pogrom, where mobs attacked Istanbul’s Greek minority population. At the Pera Palace Hotel they will understand how Istanbul has been an inspiration for writers and artists, including Sait Faik Abasiyanik and Agatha Christie, who was a guest here. Other notable guests include Alfred Hitchcock and Ernest Hemingway.

On their way to Taksim Square, guests will wander up the Passage of the Flowers. Its design was based on elegant Parisian models, and in the 19th century it was considered to be one of the most fashionable areas of the city. Here guests will discover how its name is related to the Russian Revolution. The bustling Taksim Square is the heart of the area and features the Monument to the Republic, which commemorates the founders of the Turkish Republic. Around the square visitors can experience some of the best nightlife that Istanbul has to offer. During the tour, do not hesitate to ask your guide as many questions as you wish. Guests on the tour will also leave with plenty of recommendations and tips for the rest of their stay.