Kadikoy heart of the anatolian side: what to expect
Kadıköy is a famous shopping district for shopping lovers in Istanbul. It appeals to many people from both the Anatolian and European sides of the city. There are many stores and well-known shopping streets in Kadıköy suitable for different needs and styles. Shopping here is not limited to clothing; you can also find bohemian and retro clothes, second-hand books, records, home decoration items, second-hand goods, jewelry, cosmetic products, and shoes. There is also a mall for visitors who prefer to shop indoors in summer or winter. Kadıköy is one of the best, and maybe the only, places to find many products at affordable prices.
Its easy connections also make it practical to combine with other parts of the city. From here, many travelers continue toward places such as Taksim Square on the European side or take a day trip to the Princes' Islands. For public transport details, it is useful to check the official Metro Istanbul website.
Akmar
Akmar is one of the oldest and most famous alleys of Kadıköy. It is a meeting point for people, and there are second-hand bookshops where visitors come to buy rare novels and course books. Akmar Alley is the best place to visit if you are a collector or if you want to look for a first edition book.
Bahariye Street
Bahariye Street is the most famous and best-known shopping street in Kadıköy. It is a long and crowded street lined with shops for every budget and style. It is known for affordable clothing, jewelry, cosmetics, and shoe stores. Bahariye Street has some of Kadıköy’s cheapest shops. You should visit it not only for shopping but also for a walk along a nostalgic route next to the famous Kadıköy-Moda tram. Among the historical buildings and churches on the street, the most striking one is the Süreyya Opera House.
Çilek Street
Çilek (Strawberry) Street is an up-front shopping street in Kadıköy. It is behind the famous bull statue of Kadıköy. Çilek Street has many affordable purse and clothing boutiques. According to many, Çilek Street is the heart of Istanbul fashion. Almost every woman and teenage girl has visited Çilek Street for shopping, affordable prices, and fashionable products.
Onur Bazaar
Onur Bazaar is one of the most preferred shopping spots for shoe addicts in Istanbul. It is also known as a famous shoe bazaar. You can easily find trendy shoes of the season and collections that are not even available in the stores of well-known brands in this bazaar. Shoes can be found at affordable prices, especially at the end of the season.
Kadıköy Salı Pazarı (Cheap Jack)
Kadıköy Salı Pazarı is set up on one of the oldest shopping streets of Kadıköy and is one of Istanbul’s famous cheap jacks. You can visit Kadıköy Salı Pazarı every Tuesday and Friday. The pazar is an open-air mall where you can find branded products at affordable prices. It is known for cheap clothing, fabric, purses, shoes, and home decoration products.
Tepe Nautilus
Tepe Nautilus is a mall located in Kadıköy. It is next to the Marmaray Ayrılıkçeşmesi Station. Tepe Nautilus mall is a good option for those who want to shop and grab a meal in a cool place in summer and a warm place in winter.
A boutique part of Kadıköy: Moda
It is believed that Moda got its name from distinguished people such as noble English families, bureaucrats, and artists who lived there in the 19th century. Things to do in Moda include taking a walk by the beach, having breakfast in tea gardens, cafes, and restaurants, watching the sunset by the shore, eating ice cream from famous shops, and visiting museums. Moda Park and Yoğurtçu Park are lively parks where young people prefer to spend time in summer.
Moda is also known for its antique and vintage shops and the Barış Manço Museum, founded with the contributions of Kadıköy Municipality and the Manço family in memory of Barış Manço, one of Turkey’s most beloved artists. Another popular thing to do in Moda is buy ice cream from the famous shop Dondurmacı Ali Usta and enjoy it while walking by the beach in summer. One thing to keep in mind: this ice cream shop is known for its long queues as much as for its taste.
If you want to continue exploring waterside Istanbul after Kadıköy, you might also like the nearby Maiden's Tower view across the Bosphorus. For broader background on the district’s history, Wikipedia’s Kadıköy page offers a useful overview.
Quick tips for visiting Kadıköy
- Come ready to walk, especially around Bahariye Street and Moda.
- Browse beyond clothing shops; second-hand books, records, and vintage items are part of Kadıköy’s appeal.
- Visit Salı Pazarı on Tuesday or Friday if you want the market atmosphere.
- Use Marmaray and other public transport links for easy access from different parts of Istanbul.
- Expect crowds in the most popular places, especially around famous food stops and central streets.
