The pedestrian İstiklal Avenue (Grand Rue de Pera) starts from Taksim Square and ends in Tünel district.

This was where the Europeans, Levantines under the Ottoman rule were settled. It is the longest pedestrian street in Istanbul lined up with historical buildings including consulate buildings, churches, passages & patisseries, art galleries , book stores, chocolateries, cafes, restaurants, nightclubs and shops. It is considered to be the city center by most of the locals

Majority of the buildings standing on İstiklal Avenue were built in late 19th century, representing Neo-Classical, Neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau architectural styles.

There is also a nostalgic tram that links Taksim Square with Tünel District through İstiklal Avenue, which is approximately 3 kilometers long.