Istanbul is one of turkey’s most popular cities. it is a city that has inspired poetry, films, and novels… natural beauty, palaces, cottages, museums, parks, gardens, monuments, culture, and more enchant tourists to the city. istanbul is a one-of-a-kind metropolis in that it serves as a link between the asian and european continents. the vista of the bosphorus will undoubtedly captivate you! aside from being the most populous city in turkey, istanbul is one of the largest cities in turkey and the globe in terms of art, culture, and economics, with a population of 15 million people.
published: 26 September 2022 / updated: 7 March 2024Share
Both the Asian and European sides of Istanbul have wonderful spots that should be explored. It attracts a lot of attention, particularly because of the historical and natural wonders on the Asian side of the city. The Asian aspect is also becoming more visible due to the millions of visitors who visit each year. Let’s discover this interesting city’s Asian side together!
Bagdat street:
Bagdat Street is one of Istanbul’s busiest streets, next to Istiklal Street. Bagdat Street may be considered an outdoor retail mall. Everything you need may be found there!
With its gorgeous restaurants, cafés, and theme bars, this is a must-see on Istanbul’s Asian side! Every year, businesses host large events during fashion week, which is usually held in the fall. During this fashion week, many celebrities go to Bagdat Street.
Polonezkoy natural park:
Polonezkoy Natural Park allows you to discover Istanbul’s natural beauty! It is situated on Beykoz. The park takes the distinction as Istanbul’s largest park. You should go for a stroll, especially in the early hours of the morning, and reserve the finest spot for yourself! You may also go running, cycling, or hiking while enjoying a delicious picnic! The hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 20 p.m.
Toy museum in istanbul:
The Istanbul Toy Museum is one of the city’s finest museums. Sunay akn, a well-known poet, founded the museum in 2005. There are tricentenary toys on display at a historical house. Sunay Akin, who has been to over 40 countries in the last 20 years, purchased toys from antique stores and auctions.
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Except for Monday, the museum is open to the public from 9.30 a.m. to 18.00 p.m. every day of the week.
The maiden’s tower:
The Maiden’s Tower, also known as the Tower of Leandros, is unquestionably one of the most important parts of the Bosphorus vista. The tower, which was constructed on a tiny island off the coast of Salacak, has been the subject of numerous tales. The most renowned of these tales is the Legend of Leandros, which tells the narrative of two lovers, Leandros and Hero, who face off against the sea.
There are two routes to The Maiden’s Tower. You may reach the tower via boat, which departs from Uskudar and Kabatas.
Do not pass up the chance to see this magnificent antique tower! The hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 19 p.m. The tower is accessible to the public all year as both a museum and a restaurant. In the evening, the tower offers a romantic supper in the midst of the Bosphorus!
If you want to spend a romantic evening with your loved one, the Asian side is one of your finest choices, with amazing Bosphorus view restaurants and the beautiful Maiden Tower. Don’t forget to check out the incredible Toy Museum!
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Beşiktaş is one of the most popular districts in Istanbul. There are many neighborhoods in Beşiktaş with different identities but to be fair it is a great district for shopping. Central Beşiktaş is good for its bakeries, accessories, and small boutiques. Other neighborhoods like Bebek or Etiler on the other hand is great for luxury shopping. Here all you need to now about Beşiktaş and shopping.
Turkey is a country surrounded by seas on three sides. Therefore, it is very rich in fish and seafood. It is possible to get lost among the fish and seafood on the menus of Istanbul restaurants. Because a saying in Turkey is reflected in the culinary culture of the whole country: “I would eat my own father if he came out of the sea.”
Where is selamicesme? the selamicesme neighborhood of the kadikoy district is home to the selamicesme mosque. being one of the most well-known and adored neighborhoods on istanbul's asian side, getting there is not a problem. the marmaray and stepping out at the feneryolu stop are the most direct ways to travel to kadikoy from the european side of istanbul. selamicesme mosque is about a 5-minute walk from there.you can board one of the ferries that depart from eminonu for kadikoy if you prefer a more time-consuming yet enjoyable mode of transportation. by doing this, you can spend about 15 minutes admiring the stunning bosphorus strait while grabbing a cup of tea and some goodies from the store inside the ships. when you arrive at the kadikoy pier, seek the big yellow iett bus pick-up location, which is very close to the kadikoy pier. take the bus with the number 4 or the one with the 16d. to get to the selamicesme mosque, get out at the onsekiz mart stop and walk for 5 to 10 minutes. other things to do in and near kadikoy visit the moda neighborhood: the moda neighborhood is one of kadikoy's attractions that stands out from the rest. there is enough to do here to keep you busy for a full day. take a stroll along istanbul's moda coast to observe the bosphorus strait from one of the city's most picturesque and tranquil coastlines. you will unavoidably pass by a few tea gardens on the way there. choose one with a view of the bosphorus, and as you take in the scenery, order a cup of tea or turkish coffee. visit dondurmaci ali usta to sample any of the more than 50 types of delicious, all-natural ice cream for some of the best ice cream in turkey. next, board a tram and begin exploring kadikoy. you will observe the district's prevailing bohemian aesthetic during your trip. you can take a culinary walks kadikoy tour to enjoy turkish cuisine while touring one of the most well-liked neighborhoods on istanbul's asian side because kadikoy is home to a lot of fantastic restaurants where you can sample numerous dishes from the well-known turkish kitchen. visit moda stage theatre to see some of the finest works of turkish theater and cinema. the location for art lovers in kadikoy, there are various plays and movies being produced here, from well-known shows to more independent, arthouse films. after all of this, it might become a little bit late, but don't worry—kadikoy is recognized for having fantastic nightlife with a variety of top-notch bars and pubs. arkaoda is undoubtedly one of istanbul's top bars and a favorite among both locals and tourists. this establishment, which can be found on bar street, features fantastic live music, a wonderful ambiance, and a wide selection of top-notch drinks. viktor levi wine house provides more than 12 different varieties of wines prepared in their cellar if you prefer outstanding house wine over a few beers. the interior of the building is decorated with a variety of plants, adding to its elegant appearance. do you like rock music? so zincir bar is the spot for you. this inviting and welcoming tavern offers a wide selection of drinks and snacks at more reasonable prices than other bars around. are you prepared for another adventure? the following day, depart from the kadikoy dock and board a ferry to eminonu. once there, enter the historic neighborhood of fatih because there is much to learn about this area.
Hagia sophia or ayasofya could be considered the most visited attraction in istanbul along with its neighbor topkapı palace museum. hagia sophia was built as a christian church around 532. throughout time, hagia sophia has become a mosque, a museum, and a mosque again. the minarets and inscriptions of islam illustrates the theological transformations that have occurred in the region throughout the centuries. after turkey's administrative court reversed a 1934 judgment that paved the way for hagia sophia's usage as a museum, a decree on the 10th of july 2020 to legally classify the hagia sophia as a mosque was issued.