Why visit the asian side of istanbul?
If you want to see a different face of the city, the asian shore is ideal for ferries, neighborhood markets, tea gardens, sea views, and everyday Istanbul life. It is also one of the best places to admire the historic peninsula from across the water, including silhouettes such as Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque.
Ferry rides and waterfront moments
- After boarding a ferry from Kadıköy, take in the aroma of the Bosphorus while throwing a piece of simit to the seagulls.
- Watch the sunset over Topkapı Palace and the Blue Mosque while sitting quietly on the shoreline between the Beşiktaş and Eminönü ferry harbors.
- Sit in front of Haydarpaşa Station and take a few photographs.
- Rest at one of the bars or restaurants on Kalamış Marina and enjoy the sea view.
- Take a walk along the seaside and the beach in Caddebostan.
- Watch the sunset with Maiden's Tower in view while cracking sunflower seeds on the Salacak shore.
- Drink tea with a sea view at Katibim Çay Bahçesi in Salacak.
For ferry routes and current schedules, check the official Şehir Hatları website.
Kadıköy highlights
Kadıköy is one of the most beloved districts on the asian side of istanbul, and much of its charm comes from walking without a strict plan.
- Wander through the Historical Kadıköy Market.
- Explore the Kadıköy Flea Market.
- Thumb through antique posters and records in Akmar Arcade.
- Take a trip through Kadıköy on the Nostalgic Tram.
- Listen to music and have a drink at one of the bars on Kadife Caddesi.
- Explore the Artists’ Street on Bahariye Sokak.
Classic food stops in Kadıköy and Moda
- Try the ice cream from Ali Usta in Moda.
- Enjoy the famous taste of ‘Coup Grillet’ at Kadıköy Baylan Patisserie.
- Eat Turkish delight from Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir.
- Try lahmacun at Borsam Taşfırın.
- Sample traditional Anatolian dishes at Çiya.
- Savour the chocolate pastries from Beyaz Fırın.
- Try home-made jams and Fatih Sarması from Cafer Erol Sweets.
- Buy spices from the Historical Brazil Spice Sellers.
- Sit at Moda Çay Bahçesi or Cafe Kemal and drink a small cup of freshly brewed tea.
- Have a delicious waffle at Moda Kup.
From Bağdat Caddesi to museums
- Shop at the chic boutiques along Bağdat Caddesi.
- Visit the Toy Museum.
- Watch antique cars pass by at the Sabri Artam Foundation Classic Automobile Museum.
Üsküdar and Çamlıca experiences
- Experience the flavors of Turkish cuisine at the Üsküdar Kanaat Restaurant.
- Stroll along the Fish Market in Üsküdar.
- Explore the Flea Market in Üsküdar.
- Climb to the top of Çamlıca Hill.
- Take a stroll in the natural surroundings of Mihrabad and Fethi Paşa Woods.
If you are planning to continue higher up the skyline, you can also check practical visitor information for Camlica Tower. For public transport connections across the city, the official Metro Istanbul website is useful.
A simple way to plan your day
A relaxed route could start with a ferry to Kadıköy, followed by breakfast or a market walk, then continue to Moda for tea or ice cream. Later, head to Üsküdar for shoreline views and sunset near Salacak, or finish with a climb to Çamlıca Hill. The beauty of this side of the city is that even a loosely planned day feels full.
Pleasure guaranteed.
