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Istanbul Insider

Istanbul travel guide and advice by locals.

Is the Asian Side of Istanbul Worth Visiting – Part 1

Yes, it is. But only if you’re in Istanbul for 4 days or more, or visiting this gorgeous Turkish metropolitan for the second time. Let’s not beat around the bush, with the huge concentration of (historical) sightseeing spots on the European side of Istanbul, the Asian shore is playing second fiddle to its European counterpart.

If you already have this ‘been there, done that’ feeling, then the Asian part offers a view of Istanbul and its inhabitants not found in Sultanahmet or Taksim. The best way to start exploring the Asian side of Istanbul is by taking a ferry to Kadıköy. Here are my favorite spots worth paying a visit in the different Istanbul!

Aerial view of the Kadıköy dock in Istanbul, Turkey.
Aerial view of the Kadıköy dock in Istanbul. © Photo by VikiPicture

Kadıköy Tuesday Market

Picture of market in Kadıköy, Istanbul.
Kadıköy market. © Vali

If you happen to be in town on a Tuesday or Friday, the famous Tuesday market is a remarkable spot for an adventure in the local market. Starting from 1969 the market place in Kadıköy was the sanctuary of the local shoppers. Naturally it grew with the city and the population. Finally in 2008 it moved from its traditional place in Altıyol to a modern forty thousand square meters area, with four thousand stalls and a car park in Fikirtepe.

Some of the locals still miss the historic market despite the (traffic) chaos it created. They say the new one does not have the same ambience. Yet some are really happy with the spacious new spot.

You can simply take a taxi to the market place which is about 3 km away from the ferry dock. Alternatively you can take a bus from Kadıköy, 8A and get off at Mandıra Caddesi or Ş.Er Bülent Altınsoy station. You can walk too, but keep in mind that it is uphill most of the time.

Guided Tours of Istanbuls Asian Side

Kadıköy Daily Market

Picture of the nostalgic Kadıköy-Moda tram in Istanbul, Turkey.
Nostalgic tram Kadıköy. © ACP

If you can’t make it on a Tuesday, you can always visit the daily Kadıköy market. It’s a different experience, but not less enjoyable — and much closer to the pier. Cross the main street after leaving the ferry dock and make a right and then turn left. If you find yourself in car-free streets filled with shops, you’re there. It is a really laid-back place to walk or shop around in. There are also plenty of nice pastry shops, bookstores and cafés (with terraces) to recharge your batteries.

Moda

Picture of the famous cafe on the Moda quay in Kadıköy, Istanbul.
Moda quay. © VikiPicture

I seem to have a love-hate relationship with this part of the Asian side. Unlike other people, I don’t think it’s that spectacular, but when on the Asian side (and after visiting the market) I can’t seem to skip having a tea or coffee in Moda while overlooking the Sea of Marmara. You can walk all the way to Moda, but taking the nostalgic tram is more convenient — get off at the Moda stop.

The place I always go to is a café/restaurant at the Moda pier (Moda İskele). You can tell that the venue has had more glorious times in the past, but it remains a cool place to relax and enjoy the sea view (see picture).

Continue reading the second part of our favorite spots on Istanbul’s Asian side.

Further Recommended Reading

  1. Why and How Should You Visit the Princes’ Islands in Istanbul?
  2. What Bosphorus Cruise Tour to Take in Istanbul?
  3. Use Public Transportation in Istanbul to Reach Most Places of Interest

Filed Under: Attractions, Istanbul Neighborhoods, Places to Visit Tips, See & Do, Travel Tips, Trip Planning Tagged With: Asian Shore, Asian Side, Çarşı, Istanbul, Kadıköy, Market, Moda, Söğütlüçeşme, Tuesday Market

Comments

  1. Geoffrey Laredo says

    May 20, 2021 at 5:51 am

    Wonderful recommendations and descriptions, thank you. Can you comment on the current state of things, as of 20/5/21. Has the loosening of the curfew helped? Are the markets open? Etc. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      May 20, 2021 at 8:43 pm

      Hi Geoffrey,

      Thanks a lot. That’s a very difficult question to answer. Whatever I write here may be outdated next week. It’s not even clear if there will be a curfew the coming weekend or not. I’m sure you’ll understand that following and reporting every decision is beyond the scope of this blog. I suggest you follow the recommendations given by your government regarding travelling to Istanbul or Turkey.

      Reply
  2. Janet Ann Habib says

    November 10, 2019 at 8:12 am

    Hello I would like to know will the princess island boat trips still operating at the beginning of December?. Another question what is the name of the area where you have a bunch of restaurants in one street for turkish food

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      November 11, 2019 at 3:57 pm

      Hi Janet,

      There are still ferries going to the Princes’ islands, but of course much less than in summertime. Check the timetables of Şehir Hatları for details. As for the street you’re looking for, the only ones I can come up is Nevizade, a sidestreet about halfway Istiklal Caddesi.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  3. Ari says

    June 9, 2019 at 7:38 pm

    Hi. Which hotels would you reccomend in Karikoy. I’m thinking of booking the Hilton Moda but I am now not so sure. Is Moda extremely noisy and busy? And are there any other hotels that you would reccomend

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      June 11, 2019 at 1:07 pm

      Hi Ari,

      Istanbul is a very lively hence noisy place I’m afraid. Moda is a very nice neighborhood, so I would go for it.

      Have a nice stay.

      Reply
  4. Judith Mpinga says

    June 5, 2019 at 4:38 pm

    I am coming to Turkey for the first time in December from Africa, according to my ticket, my landing airport is Sabiha Gokcen Airport on Emirates which is on the Asian side.

    Please advise if i will find nice things like clothes and tour places without using a ferry dock. i am not a fun of water.

    regards

    Judy

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      June 5, 2019 at 6:38 pm

      Hi Judith,

      The Asian side has many nice shops and shopping centers as well as open air markets. I’m sure you can find nice clothes without having to use a ferry. As for sightseeing spots, many are on the European side of Istanbul, but you can get there by train under the Bosphorus as well as by bus and car. No worries

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  5. Julia says

    May 1, 2019 at 10:20 pm

    We went to the tuesday market this week and there was nothing happening. We found the correct area, a lady informed us the market moved to a new location.

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      May 2, 2019 at 8:14 pm

      Thanks a lot Julia, I updated the location. Due to construction work it moved temporarily.

      Reply

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