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!
Kadıköy Tuesday Market
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
Half-day €35-45 — Full-day €75+
Easy cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance
Kadıköy Daily Market
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
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.
Geoffrey Laredo says
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!
Erlend says
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.
Janet Ann Habib says
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
Erlend says
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.
Ari says
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
Erlend says
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.
Judith Mpinga says
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
Erlend says
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.
Julia says
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.
Erlend says
Thanks a lot Julia, I updated the location. Due to construction work it moved temporarily.