Çiçek Pasajı, Istanbul

Çiçek Pasajı ("Flower Passage"), a covered alley filled with lively restaurants, taverns (meyhanes) and music, is a picturesque diversion from the already charming main drag, İstiklal Caddesi . This L-shaped, cobblestone-laden path is a great spot for a solid Turkish meal (with a menu in your language) or a stiff drink. At night, the passage is lit up literally and metaphorically, with colorful lights and live musicians tableside. Despite its location and history, the Çiçek Pasajı is not overwhelmingly touristy, and it's a great place to stop in for a refresher on your journey down İstiklal, or to have a nightcap and enjoy some bellydancers after a long day of sightseeing.