Istiklal Avenue is by far Istanbul’s most famous street. It’s the equivalent of Oxford Street in London, or the Champs Elysees in Paris, filled with shops, restaurants, bars and clubs, cinemas and cafes. The avenue is all the more popular because it is only open to pedestrians so visitors can walk the 1.4 kilometres (0.87 miles) street without fear of traffic. Of course, you will have to contend with the foot traffic of several thousand other people as you wander along this street – apparently nearly 3 million people usually visit Istiklal Avenue on a weekend day. The lively street is lined with impressive historic buildings, many from the late Ottoman period of the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. Stroll the street by foot or take a ride on one of its historic trams while at the southern end of the street you can visit the world’s second oldest subway station, Tünel, or The Tunnel, which has been in operation since 1875. Distance to Taxim Suites 500 meter.