Travel to Istanbul’s Asian side by ferry over the Bosphorus. While exploring the Kadiköy market, finding antique bargains on Tellalzade Street, and indulging in steaming hot borek, you can escape the tourist crowds.
If you wish to visit the Bosphorus by ferry, apply for a Turkish visa online and book a hot-air balloon tour of historical sites, ruins, and landscapes.
Istanbul is a historic city on two continents, separated by the Bosphorus (also known as the Strait of Istanbul). Although the city began on the Asian side, the European side became the centre throughout the Ottoman and Roman periods and is the key historical and touristic hub today. Fewer visitors and more residents result in a more natural experience of this busy metropolis.
Things to do on Istanbul’s Asian side
Eating your way around Istanbul’s “other side” is a terrific way to get to know the Asian side of the city’s soul. A food-tasting tour led by a local will take you on a spectacular journey through the many delicacies available here. Black Turkish tea is served in small, nicely shaped cups, from the ubiquitous simit (round sesame bread) to classic borek (stuffed pastry) and Turkish-style ice creams.
You may tour the colourful district of Kuzguncuk in Üsküdar with a full stomach. This beautiful street packed with vividly coloured traditional houses were formerly populated by Jews, then Greek-Orthodox and Armenian Christians, and now Muslims. Before continuing your journey through the peaceful, beautiful streets, stop in one of the numerous cafés for a refreshing drink.
If you’re in town on a Tuesday, you won’t want to miss the Kadiköy Tuesday Market, which has everything you’ll need and more. This is where the villagers go for their weekly shopping, far from the ostentation of the Grand Bazaar.
Stop at the Fighting Bull statue on Altiyol Square to learn about the bronze bovine beast’s turbulent past before continuing to the ocean to enjoy views over the Sea of Marmara and a strong Turkish coffee at Moda Pier while exploring the east side.
Khedive Palace in the Cubuklu area is about a half-hour drive north of Kadiköy centre if you need a time out from the metropolis. It is not one of the city’s oldest palaces, having been built in 1907, but its lovely, wooded location provides a sense of tranquilly not often found in this 15m strong city.
What to dine on the Asian side of Istanbul?
One of the city’s main pleasures in Istanbul is eating and drinking. Visit Ciya Sofresi in Kadiköy to try their numerous traditional Turkish dishes. Thick, crispy lahmacun (Turkish pizza), warming soups, fluffy pilafs (rice dish), delectable stews, more varieties of kebab than you can eat, and something sweet to conclude. The baklava is not to be missed.
Third-wave coffee businesses exist in the area, including Walter’s Coffee Roastery, which is strongly inspired by the Breaking Bad series. Get your fix of cold brew coffee and create your own using one of the many coffee-making kits available. Walter’s also sells their bright yellow mugs.
Meshur Dondurmac Ali Usta is owned by five brothers who serve the greatest dondurma (ice cream) with 40 flavours to choose from. Don’t forget to inquire about the available toppings. The traditional combination of chocolate and almonds is one of my favourites. Make your decision, then stroll down Moda Caddesi with the residents in the evening.
Join the youths on Kadife Sokak, popularly known as Bar Street for a good reason, for a taste of the local nightlife. This place is constantly packed and has a festive vibe, especially on warm summer evenings. Grab a beer from one of the street’s many pubs and shops and take in the lively Turkish vibe.
Shopping on Istanbul’s Asian side
The European side may have the ultra-cosmopolitan Istiklal Caddesi, but the Asian side has the Istanbulite Champs-Élysées, Badat Caddesi, to compete. It was used for trade and military purposes; now, it is home to fine shops, high-end fashion boutiques, enormous shopping malls, and luxury car showrooms.
In contrast, the array of shops selling old record players, lanterns, telescopes, and other assorted oddities on Kadiköy’s Tellalzade Street, also known as Antique Street, may keep you occupied for a few hours. The Kadiköy Antiques Bazaar is a little further on, with a better collection of antiques.
How to reach the Asian side of Istanbul
The best method to go to Asia is to travel by boat. Regular ferries sail between Eminönü Ferry Terminal and Kadiköy on the west bank of the Bosphorus. Alternatively, you may take a 20-30 minute cab ride from Sultanahmet and be dropped off at Kadiköy. The tram/bus combination requires taking the T1 tram from Sultanahmet to Kabatas, then the 129T bus from Istanbul Beyoglu Teknik Üniversite to Kadiköy, which takes 90 minutes.
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