Şişhane Tünel Square is one of my most favourite spots in the city as it is at the crossroads that connect one to İstiklal Avenue, the labyrinth like streets in Beyoğlu and to Galata as well as to Karaköy through the ‘tünel’ which is in fact the oldest metro in the city which dates back to 1875.
An old İstanbul photo showing the Şişhane Tünel Square
Şişhane Tünel Square is in fact a tiny square with an iconic sculpture that mimics the chimney of the ‘tünel’ itself. Even it is a small square, it is a home to two book shops which are a delight to visit as well as cafe named Midpoint where you can enjoy your food and drinks while looking at istanbulites passing by.
Midpoint in Tünel where you can drink your coffee while watching İstanbulites pass by
The square also hosts a building named Metro Han that is 111 years old. İstanbul Municipality has been doing a painstaking restoration to make Metro Han a part of the cultural scene in İstanbul. Metro Han will be turned into a Cultural Center for concerts, exhibitions and events for İstanbulites.
The nostalgic tram in Beyoğlu that takes its passengers from Şişhane to Taksim Square
Walking or hopping on the tram will take you all across İstiklal Avenue full of a vibrant cafes, restaurants, art galleries, bars, clubs, book stores, street musicians, stores and much more or you might prefer to get lost among the labyrinth like streets that will take you to Minoa book store, Palazzo Corpi which used to be the old American Consulate and the Majestic Pera Palace which is one of the oldest hotels in İstanbul.
Fancy building of Minoa Pera which used to be Union Francaise
Minoa Pera Book store – interior
Palazzo Corpi is in walking distance to Şişhane
Pera Palas Hotel in walking distance to Şişhane Tünel Square
Or you might prefer to go in the other direction and walk downhill to reach Galata square and Galata tower which used to be called the Little Italy due to its Latin inhabitants throughout history.
Or you might take the ‘tünel’ to go to Karaköy that will take you either to Sultanahmet which is the heart of old town or to Galataport which is something new under the sun in İstanbul with its Modern Art Museum, cafes, restaurants and posh stores.
Galata Square
Oldest metro ‘tünel’ takes its passengers from the Şişhane square to Karaköy
An old photo showing the entrance of Tünel in 1940s
Galataport
So if you are planning to visit İstanbul and want to be in the heart of the city, Şişhane might be the right place of choice for you!
