Istanbul is a very old city that sits in two parts of the world, kind of like a bridge. The Bosphorus, which is like a big river, separates it. On one side, there’s Kadıköy, where the city started. But as time passed, the European side of the city became more important, especially when the Romans and Ottomans were in charge. Now, the European side is the main place where you can see old and famous stuff, and lots of tourists go there. The Asian side is a bit quieter, with fewer tourists and more people who live in the city. So, if you want a more real and local experience, you might like the Asian side Istanbul.
Table of Contents
1. Things to do :
Food Adventure
Try all kinds of delicious food on a tour led by a local. You can taste things like round sesame bread (simit), stuffed pastry (borek), and Turkish ice cream, and sip black tea from small, fancy glasses.
Kuzguncuk Neighborhood
Visit the colorful neighborhood of Kuzguncuk in Üsküdar. Long ago, it was home to Jewish, Greek-Orthodox, and Armenian Christian communities, and now it has pretty streets and traditional houses. You can take a break at a café and enjoy a refreshing drink.
Tuesday and Friday Market
If you’re in town on a Tuesday, check out the Kadıköy Tuesday and Friday Market. It’s unlike the big and fancy Grand Bazaar, this is where locals shop for the week. You’ll find everything you need and maybe even more.
Khedive Palace (Hidiv kasri)
If you want a break from the city, take a short drive north of Kadıköy to the Cubuklu area. There, you’ll find Khedive Palace (Hidiv kasri), which was built in 1907. It might not be the oldest palace, but beautiful woods surround it and offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city with its 15 million people.
Where to eat
Ciya Sofrasi, Kadıköy
Head to Ciya Sofrasi in Kadıköy for a taste of traditional Turkish classics. Try their thin and crispy lahmacun (Turkish pizza), comforting soups, fluffy pilafs (rice dishes), flavorful stews, and a variety of kebabs, and don’t forget to end your meal with their delicious baklava.
Happy Moon’s Cafe
Happy Moon’s is a café/restaurant located in a very pretty villa in Kadiköy on the Asian side of the city. In summer, everyone settles in the vast garden adjoining the house, where it is good to settle down and make the most of the charm of the place.
Suflor Kadikoy
A visit to Suflor Kadikoy feels like entering the pages of a real-life comic book. Its black-and-white animated décor is truly mesmerizing.
The walls are adorned with creative sketches, and even ordinary room features like window sills, and curtains have been transformed into elements straight out of a sketchbook. It’s a one-of-a-kind place that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Kadife Istanbul
To experience the local nightlife, head to Kadife. It’s always bustling with a vibrant atmosphere, especially on warm summer evenings. Grab a beer from one of the bars or kiosks along the street and soak in the lively Turkish vibes.
Shopping
Bağdat Caddesi (Baghdad Avenue), Asian Side
While the European side boasts cosmopolitan Istiklal Caddesi, the Asian side offers a glamorous shopping experience on Bağdat Caddesi. This street has a rich history, once used for trade and military purposes during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Today, you’ll discover elegant shops, high-end fashion boutiques, large shopping malls, and luxury car showrooms.
Tellalzade Sokak (Antique Street), Kadıköy
If you’re into vintage treasures and unique finds, head to Kadıköy’s Tellalzade Street, also known as Antique Street. Here, you can explore a variety of shops selling vintage record players, lanterns, telescopes, and a mix of intriguing oddities.
Kadıköy Antiques Bazaar
For a more curated selection of antiques, venture further into Kadıköy to visit the Kadıköy Antiques Bazaar. It offers a finer collection of antique items, perfect for collectors and those looking for distinctive pieces of history.
How to get there
To get to the Asian side from the European side of Istanbul, here are a few transportation options:
Ferry:
The most scenic way to reach Asia is by taking a regular ferry from Eminönü Ferry Terminal on the west side of the Bosphorus to Kadıköy on the Asian side. It’s a delightful ride with beautiful views.
sehirhatlari.istanbul/en/price-list
Taxi
If you prefer a more direct route, you can take a taxi from the Sultanahmet area. The journey typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Tram and Bus
Another option is to use public transportation. Take the T1 tram from Sultanahmet to Kabatas, and from there, catch the 129T bus to Kadıköy. This route may take longer, approximately 90 minutes in total, but it’s a cost-effective way to reach the Asian side.
