Çiçek Pasajı (Flower Passage)

A historical passage full of meyhanes. Entrance is not large and maybe hard to notice when walking down. It's on your right just before Galatasaray school. All restaurants are nearly identical and as always everybody have their favourite one. I've to admit that much more touristic in recent years and you dont need to worry about english menu or english spoken staff. Renovated by Yeni Rakı (most famous rakı brand) few years ago and deserves a visit even if you dont want to eat. My favourite is Seviç an old one and frequent visitors are journalists, novelists and artists.

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Beyoglu Chocolate

Beyoglu is famous with a special chocolate since 50's. This nostalgic chocolate is produced by a family firm "Zambo" and told that it has a secret formula. They are sold with a silver pack or without packing.

You can find this chocolate at most of the kiosks on Istiklal str., but the most famous kiosk is opposite to Benetton, on your left.

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Inci Pastanesi

İnci patisserie is a classic for around 50 years serving at the same place without any branches.

This historical patisserie is famous for it's profiterole. You will taste worlds most delicious profiterole here. Don' miss!

Place is always crowded and has few tables so you may taste profiterole standing.

Walking along the Istiklal str. , you'll see it on your right. (No:124)

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Atlas Bazaar

Atlas Pasajı (passage) is the street fashion center where you'll find "original design" clothing, accessories, bags etc. for reasonable prices. Most famous shop is "Raven", don't miss. There are 44 shops inside and these shops are at the back side of the passage, so don't forget to visit upstairs.

If you're interested in history, visit art gallery inside the passage for architectural details. The history of the building dates back to 1870 which was build as a winter residence by a rich family and restorated in 1932 as a shopping mall.

Atlas passage is on your left, Nr.209. The signboard is really small but you'll notice movie posters at the entrance.
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Refik & Yakup 2 Meyhane

These two are my favorite meyhanes in Beyoğlu. I put them together because Yakup is the cousin of Refik. Refik Aslan opened his Meyhane at Tünel Sofyalı Str. in 1954 and still run the place with his son. Refik offers Turkish dishes during lunchtime and serves as meyhane (meze house) at night. One of the oldest and popular meyhane in area and reservation is required for weekend.

Yakup 2 Meyhanesi: Yakup Aslan is serving in his place for 27 years. It is famous for special hot mezes. My favorite meze is Arnavut ciğeri (fried liver). Needless to say, drink Rakı at both of them. On the Istiklal str., closed to Tunnel square, find Asmalı Mescit str. (a narrow street) on your right. Go straight for Yakup 2 or turn left for Refik.

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Cremeria Milano

An Italian in Istanbul serving delicious gelato! Just few steps away from Tunnel square on Istiklal str. located on your right. Too many options to choose from, enjoy take away or use stands inside this small shop. Although Turkish style ice-cream is available all along the way, Cremeria Milano is the best if you like Italian style ice cream.

Şampiyon kokoreç

Şampiyon (Champion) is the most famous address for kokoreç. If you havent heard kokoreç before, you may read it here. Try this local taste with ayran.

Şampiyon is in Balıkpazarı, opposite to Galatasaray school, next to Çiçek Pasajı on your right.

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Babylon Performance Hall

Babylon is the most famous live performance & concert hall in the area. You can enjoy world famous Turkish or foreign musicians here. Live music starts at 21:30 every day but closed on sundays and mondays. You can buy tickets online , (simply search "babylon" on this site) or at the entrance. Don't forget that tickets could be sold out days before for some performers.

Babylon is very closed to Refik Meyhanesi, just pass Refik and keep walking. It's in the first right street. You'll notice the crowd:)

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