Looking to escape the tourist traps of Sultanahmet, sidestep the crowds of Beyoğlu, and experience a different side of Istanbul? We recommend staying in Kadıköy!
Located on Istanbul’s Asian side, Kadıköy offers a genuine ‘local’ experience that’s often overlooked by the average traveler. It’s a sprawling neighborhood that feels like “a city within a city” but with a hint of fun, bohemian/hipster, vibrant energy that’s hard to find anywhere else. Think of Kadıköy as Istanbul’s equivalent to Berlin’s Kreuzberg, NYC’s Williamsburg, Paris’ Le Marais, or London’s Shoreditch.
You’ll see street art, plenty of third-wave cafes, international (and local!) restaurants, antique shops, street markets… I think you get the idea. 🙂
If this sounds like your cup of tea, then we cordially invite you to keep reading — this guide will show you the best places to stay in Kadıköy.
Whether you’re searching for a budget-friendly stay, a lively hostel, a luxurious 5-star hotel, or a charming boutique hotel, Kadıköy has it all! We’ve been living in Kadıköy for the past few years and hope to share some of its charms with you. 🩵
To make this guide even more convenient, we’ve divided Kadıköy’s neighborhoods based on their unique strengths (i.e. the best neighborhood for luxury, the best neighborhood for nightlife, for budget-friendly travelers, and so on).
For each neighborhood, we also included a brief but informative introduction so that you can get a ‘feel’ for the area. And, of course, there are plenty of Kadıköy hotel recommendations under each section!
Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Kadıköy
Before we get to the actual accommodations, we wanted to note that Kadıköy is the name of a district and a neighborhood.
Kadıköy is one of the 39 districts of Istanbul and encompasses a large area that includes multiple neighborhoods. There are 21 “sub districts” that make up Kadıköy.
Within the Kadıköy district, there is also a neighborhood that’s named Kadıköy. This central area is often referred to as Kadıköy Merkez (Kadıköy Center) and includes popular neighborhoods like Caferağa, Osmanağa, and Rasimpaşa.
If this all sounds confusing, don’t worry — we’ve done our best to illustrate it with a Google Map!
In the map of Kadıköy below, we’ve colored the entire district of Kadıköy (i.e. the one with 21 sub-districts) in yellow.
Likewise, the sub-neighborhoods mentioned in this guide are also outlined (click the box in the upper right corner to open the full version). This is where most tourists usually hang out because it has the most attractions, cafes, restaurants, and so on.
It’s also very convenient to get to Kadıköy thanks to its transportation links. We’ve added pins so you can see the main ferry pier, metro station, Marmaray station, and so on.
In this article, we’ll be talking about the neighborhoods that make up Kadıköy Merkez, what makes them special, which travel style they’re suited for (i.e. luxury, hipster, budget-friendly), and where to stay in each neighborhood.
Here’s a list of all the neighborhoods we talk about:
🧿 Moda — Best Kadıköy neighborhood for luxury & a quiet atmosphere
🧿 Yeldeğirmeni — Best Kadıköy neighborhood for alternative & hipster travelers
🧿 Caferağa — Best Kadıköy neighborhood for a local feel
🧿 Central Kadıköy — Best Kadıköy neighborhood for nightlife
🧿 Osmanağa — Best Kadıköy neighborhood for budget-friendly travelers & easy transportation
* Side note: While we did our best to divide the neighborhoods, the borders are kind of fluid (i.e. Yeldeğirmeni is technically part of Rasimpaşa, but most locals refer to it as Yeldeğirmeni). Anyway, let’s get to it. 🙂


MODA Neighborhood: Best for Peace & Luxury Travel
Moda, which translates to fashion in Turkish, is an upscale residential neighborhood that’s famous for its peaceful ambiance, picturesque coastline, and cute ice cream parlors. A nice combination, right? 🙂
Moda gained its fashionable reputation in the 1920s, as locals flocked to its beaches and coastlines each summer. Many affluent families constructed elegant mansions and summer houses here, many of which still stand today.
Nowadays, Moda is stereotyped as the ‘Old Money’ neighborhood of Kadıköy thanks to its private schools, stately mansions, and peaceful atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a quiet and charming neighborhood in Kadıköy, Moda is an excellent choice. Its peaceful ambiance is partly due to its distance from the bustling central districts (like Caferağa) and its limited transportation options. However, you’re not completely isolated — Moda is well-served by the charming retro tram (T3 line), which conveniently connects you to key destinations like the Kadıköy ferry pier, the metro station, and Söğütlüçeşme Street.
You might also notice that there are fewer accommodations and hotels in Moda, as it is primarily a residential neighborhood. However, this adds to its charm — just be sure to reserve your accommodations early, because it’s a highly sought-after neighborhood!



Riva’s Moda
Best boutique hotel in Moda
Perfectly situated between two beautiful parks, Riva’s Moda is a sweet boutique-style hotel that has everything you need for a comfortable stay — there’s an on-site restaurant, beer garden, 24-hour front desk, and spacious rooms. If you want to wake up to amazing views, the King Room with Sea View can’t be beat!
Juliet Rooms
Best mid-range hotel in Moda
Juliet Rooms is a very interesting combination: it’s both a hotel and hostel! The place has a variety of rooms, including Double Rooms, 6- and 8-bed dorm rooms, and female-only dorm rooms.
The entire staff is super nice, and so is the location — although it’s located on a quiet street, it’s just steps away from Moda Park, an outdoor workout area (!), and dozens of cafes and restaurants nearby. If you’re a digital nomad or like to meet up with other travelers, the first floor has a shared lounge where you can work (there’s fast WiFi!), drink tea, and chat with others.
DoubleTree By Hilton Istanbul – Moda
Best luxury hotel in Moda
Without a doubt, this is the best luxury hotel in Kadıköy! The DoubleTree Hilton Moda features spacious and well-decorated rooms (most with stunning sea views!) along with lush amenities like a rooftop infinity pool, full-service spa, fitness center, in-house restaurant, and a bar. Like other Hilton properties, this hotel has a variety of rooms, including Twin, Double, King, Junior Suite, and Family Rooms.
The hotel has one of the best locations in the area — the retro tram stops right in front of the hotel, and the metro station is a short 4-minute walk. Of course, you’ll also be within walking distance of cute cafes, boutique stores, and the waterfront.


Your Oasis in Lively Moda
Best apartment rental in Moda
Prefer the comfort of an apartment rental? Your Oasis is a fantastic choice. 🙂
This property is a 2-bedroom apartment that can hold up to 4 adults and 2 children, and includes chic modern furniture, plenty of space, air conditioner, and a fully-stocked kitchen. No wonder it has an almost perfect 10 score!
Es Moda
Located on a calm street near the western coastline, Es Moda is a nice and budget-friendly option.


YELDEĞIRMENI Neighborhood: Best for hipsters & alternative travelers
If you’re looking for the coolest neighborhood in Kadıköy, you won’t have to look far — it’s Yeldeğirmeni!
Making up Kadıköy’s northern border, Yeldeğirmeni is characterized by its vibrant street art, beautiful architecture (including art nouveau and Ottoman-style mansions), third-wave cafes, popular Kadıköy breakfast and brunch restaurants, and art studios. It’s the place to feel the legendary Kadıköy atmosphere!
Despite its small size, Yeldeğirmeni has a lot to offer. The neighborhood typically attracts digital nomads and travelers looking for an alternative from the busy tourist districts (like Sultanahmet or Beyoğlu), as well as art enthusiasts, backpackers, and foodies.
Fun fact: Yeldeğirmeni translates to ‘windmill’ — four windmills were built here in the late 1700s by Sultan Abdulhamid I, and the name has stuck ever since.



İkiz Konak Boutique Hotel
Best boutique hotel in Kadıköy
Situated in the heart of Yeldeğirmeni, İkiz Konak is a charming boutique hotel housed in a beautifully preserved Ottoman-style mansion. True to its name, “İkiz,” which means “twin” in Turkish, the hotel features two adjacent 19th-century mansions that mirror each other. 🙂
İkiz Konak is practically perfect: it’s just steps away from cute cafes, restaurants, and shops, yet is also within walking distance to transportation. The rooms are spacious with original elements throughout, and the staff are friendly and helpful. No wonder multiple reviewers noted that it was one of the best hotels they’ve stayed in during their trip to Türkiye!
Tilas Rooms
Another lovely hotel set in an Ottoman-style mansion, Tilas Rooms is a quintessential Yeldeğirmeni-style accommodation with cute hand-painted murals, tastefully furnished rooms, and a fairytale vibe.
The owners are on-site to help when needed and will make you feel at home as soon as you arrive (they used to travel the world before coming back to restore this house!). Speaking of which, the hotel has everything you need, including a kitchen, washing machine, and a friendly atmosphere. 🙂
Hush Hostel Lounge
Best hostel in Yeldeğirmeni
Hush Hostel is described with three C’s — comfort, community, and convenience!
This hostel offers a variety of options, including 4- and 6-bed dorms (female-only and mixed), small single rooms, double rooms with shared bathrooms, and double rooms with private bathrooms.
True to the hostel spirit, Hush Hostel also organizes a ton of activities and events, including guided city tours, movie nights, yoga sessions, pub crawls, Turkish cooking classes, game nights, and much more. You definitely won’t be bored here. 🙂
It’s also a perfect hostel for digital nomads and freelancers, as they have a co-working space with ergonomic furniture, high-speed internet, and desk space, as well as two other working areas (an outdoor garden and a rooftop coworking terrace).



Allegro Apartments Kadıköy
If you’re looking to rent an apartment in Kadıköy, Allegro Apartments is an excellent option. It’s sparkling clean, spacious, newly renovated, and has everything you need for a great stay. There are also various options, including one- and two-bedroom apartments, as well as family suites.
Istanbul Life Hotel
A popular choice for travelers who want to stay near the ferry pier (it’s just a 2-minute walk), Istanbul Life Hotel is decorated in a chic style that mixes traditional Ottoman motifs with modern minimalist details and has plenty of options.
Best Hotel Kadıköy
Besides the very SEO-friendly name (😉), Best Hotel Kadıköy has a beautiful facade (those flowers!) and modern, no-frills rooms.
Other great options:
🧿 Dimora Kadıköy
🧿 Panorama Suite
🧿 Parkhouse Hotel & Spa
🧿 My Dora Hotel
🧿 Meet İstanbul Hotel Kadikoy
🧿 Otel Kadıköy

CAFERAĞA Neighborhood: Best for a local atmosphere
Initially, we planned to write about the Caferağa neighborhood as a whole. However, we decided to split it into two parts: Caferağa (this section) and Central Kadıköy (next section). Although “Central Kadıköy” is technically part of Caferağa, it mostly caters to those looking for fun and nightlife.
Meanwhile, the rest of Caferağa (i.e. the places mentioned in this section) offers a quieter, more authentic atmosphere that captures the essence of local life.
Similar to Yeldeğirmeni, Caferağa is a neighborhood where you can experience the true spirit of Kadıköy. The streets are lined with cute sidewalk cafes, restaurants serving local and international cuisine, antique shops, and little passageways.
Caferağa is also where you’ll find the bustling Kadıköy Çarşısı (local bazaar), where dozens of storefronts sell fruits and veggies, fish, spices, dried goods, coffee, and more. It’s like a local version of Sultanahmet’s Egyptian Bazaar. 🙂
The upper streets of Caferağa also host famed local brands that have been there for years, like Cafer Erol, Baylar, Haci Bekir, and more.
Given its local vibe, Caferağa is where you’ll typically find apartments for rent in Kadıköy (rather than hotels) because the buildings are mostly residential.




B-Suites
Best apartment rental in Kadıköy
B-Suites is a collection of chic and well-appointed apartments with fully-stocked kitchens, spacious rooms, and comfortable furniture. This property really does have everything you need to feel comfortable, including a washing machine (with detergent!), a full kitchen, TV, and fast Wifi. It’s especially fantastic for longer stays and digital nomads!
Vicolo Otel
Vicolo is a good option if you’re looking for something central, spacious, and within steps of cafes, restaurants, and bars.
Mood In Flats
Ah, isn’t this just the cutest collection of boho-inspired apartments? 😍
The company has three apartments: a one-bedroom with balcony and sea view, a two-bedroom apartment, and another one-bedroom apartment. All three are well-furnished, spacious, and feel like a home away from home.
Dekalb Hotel
If you want to feel like royalty, book a room here. 😉
The hotel has a grandiose baroque-inspired design, with extravagant details, crown molding, and gold accents — fit for a sultan or sultana! Rooms either have city or sea views, and a delicious breakfast spread is included.

CENTRAL KADİKÖY: Best for bars & nightlife
Roughly outlined by Dr. Esat Işık Caddesi/Moda Caddesi to the west/south, Söğütlü Çeşme Caddesi to the north, and Bahariye Caddesi to the east, Central Kadıköy is the best neighborhood if you’re looking to take advantage of Kadıköy’s legendary nightlife.
In fact, if you type in ‘Kadıköy bars’ into Google Maps, you’ll find most of them concentrated in this triangle-shaped area 🙂
At the heart of the action is Kadife Sokak, which is nicknamed ‘Bars Street’ by locals thanks to the dozens of bars, lounges, and small nightclubs dotted along the street.
As mentioned, Central Kadıköy is an ideal location for travelers who want to be in the center of Kadıköy’s buzzing nightlife scene. If you value your beauty sleep and prefer a quieter option, then we highly recommend looking outside this neighborhood (Moda or Yeldeğirmeni would be a better fit)!



Elephant In The Room Hotel
Best hotel for nightlife in Kadıköy
The hotel is located right on Bars Street (Kadife Sokak), so naturally you’ll be right in the center of the action… and just steps from the best bars in Kadıköy!
Elephant In the Room Hotel is also one of those rare hotels that has clean and comfortable rooms, yet is also budget-friendly.
Fun fact: There’s a bar on the first floor!
Moda Hostel
Best party hostel in Kadıköy
A hostel in every sense of the word, this place has 4- and 6-bed dorm rooms, as well as private rooms (with an in-suite kitchen and bathroom!)
Be sure to book ahead of time, as this is one of the most popular hostels in Kadıköy!
BKM Hostel
Best hostel in Kadıköy
BKM is also located on Bars street, just a few steps from Elephant Hotel (mentioned above).
While technically a hostel, all of the rooms are private, with the option of shared or in-suite bathrooms.
BKM is ideal for those who appreciate a good laugh, as the first floor hosts a stand-up comedy club. 🙂 Best of all, they have soundproof windows (!), so you can enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep after a night on the town.



Kuzen Otel
Best mid-range hotel for nightlife in Kadıköy
If you’re looking to be right in the center of all the action, there’s no better place to stay than Kuzen Otel (we know because we’ve stayed here before!)
The hotel’s first floor is a bar/pub/restaurant, while the rest of the street is full of bars and lively meyhanes (tavernas).
Red Stone Hotel
Best mid-range hotel in central Kadıköy
Featuring a chic minimalist design, Red Stone Hotel is situated in a quieter area but just a short walk to bars, cafes, and restaurants (it’s just a 2-minute walk to the most popular restaurant in Kadıköy, Çiya Sofrası!)
If you want to be wowed, be sure to ask for the sea view room with balcony. 🙂
MyKent Hotel
A nice standard option with delicious breakfast, friendly employees, and an excellent location.
Other good options:

OSMANAĞA Neighborhood: Best for budget-friendly travelers & Transportation
Last but certainly not least, we have the Osmanağa neighborhood! This area is centered around Söğütlü Çeşme Caddesi and ‘divides’ Kadıköy in half, with Moda and Caferağa to the south, and Yeldeğirmeni to the north.
Travelers typically choose Osmanağa because it has the most budget-friendly hotels in Kadıköy.
Osmanağa is an ideal choice for travelers seeking convenience, especially when it comes to transportation. The western edge of Osmanağa has Kadıköy metro station, Kadıköy Pier (perfect for ferry trips), and the IETT bus terminal (where the HavaIST bus stops in Kadıköy). Meanwhile, the eastern border features Söğütlüçeşme Marmaray station, which provides a direct connection to Istanbul’s Old Town (Sirkeci station). There is also a tram stop (T3 retro tram) and multiple bus connections near the Bull station.
You really do have almost all of Istanbul’s transport options within steps of Osmanağa!
Finally, Osmanağa is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in if you’re flying to or from Sabiha Gökçen Airport, as the metro goes directly to the airport! We’ve even written a comprehensive transportation guide about traveling to/from SAW Airport to Kadıköy — check it out here.



Güner Business Hotel
Looking for a cute boutique-style hotel with breakfast included? You’ll love Güner Hotel!
Besides the gorgeous rooms and quiet location, you’re located just a short 10-minute walk to the Marmaray station, plus the tram and bus stops.
Classio Hotel Kadıköy
True to its name, this hotel features a classic yet stylish design and plenty of space. It’s located right next to the famous Çilek Street (where you’ll find dozens of cute clothing stores and boutiques), and just minutes from the sweet cafes and local restaurants of Yeldeğirmeni. No wonder it has a 4.8 out of 5 rating on Google Maps!
La Vita Suites
Best boutique hotel in Osmanağa
Another top-rated hotel in Kadıköy is the super cozy and chic La Vita Suites. Besides the beautiful rooms, this hotel also has an on-site hamam and spa, room service, and a breakfast room.
It’s also a short walk to all of the main attractions, including the bazaar, retro tram, and even the Umbrella Street in Kadıköy!



Sun Suites
Budget-friendly aparthotel in Kadikoy
Sun Suites offers a great budget-friendly option for travelers who want to stay in the heart of Kadıköy. This aparthotel has all the basics covered, while its location makes it easy to explore both north and south Kadıköy. Ideal for those who want affordability without compromising on location.
216 Style Suite
A wonderful hotel to use as your ‘base’ when exploring Kadıköy and beyond (it’s also close to the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium if you want to catch a Fenerbahçe game!).
Dugi Hotel
Dugi Hotel is another great option in Kadıköy, offering well-designed, spacious rooms that cater to both business and leisure travelers. We absolutely love the cute yellow accents and touches of nature throughout the rooms!
Hotels Outside of Kadıköy Center
Looking for something a little off the beaten path? No worries, there are plenty of interesting boutique hotels, resorts, and aparthotels in other parts of Kadıköy!


39 Kalamış Marina Hotel & Restaurant (Fenerbahçe)
Gorgeous design hotel right near the Fenerbahçe Marina
Located right near the posh Fenerbahçe Marina, 39 Kalamış Marina Hotel & Restaurant is a stunning boutique hotel with one of the best locations. The hotel’s gorgeous design and close proximity to the marina make it a perfect choice for those looking to enjoy the fabulous waterfront and upscale restaurants nearby.
Wyndham Grand Istanbul Kalamış Marina Hotel (Fenerbahçe)
No doubt, this is one of the best luxury hotels in Kadıköy! The Wyndham Grand is also located near the Kalamış Marina and offers lavish rooms, excellent service, and views of the sea.
It’s everything you would expect (and more!) from this 5-star hotel.


Holiday Inn Istanbul Kadikoy (Hasanpaşa)
This Holiday Inn is a popular choice among business travelers thanks to its proximity to the Marmaray and metrobus stations. While it’s a bit further from the center, its convenient location for transportation makes it a great option for those who plan to use Istanbul’s public transportation system to explore the city. It’s also a short 15-minute walk to the famous Kadıköy Tuesday Market!
The Marmara Suadiye Residence (Suadiye)
If you want to stay in the heart of Bağdat Avenue (the Rodeo Drive of Istanbul) while enjoying all of the amenities of an aparthotel, this is an excellent luxury option. The Marmara Suadiye offers classic apartment-style rooms (in one-, two-, or three-bedrooms) that include a living room, bedroom, fully-stocked kitchen, and a 24-hour concierge/front desk service.


La Cielo Suites (Bostancı)
If you want to get away from the crowds and enjoy a local feel, La Cielo is an excellent choice. We stayed here during our move to the Asian side and really enjoyed everything about the hotel, from the super friendly staff to the plush beds, sea view, and the delicious scent they use (seriously, it smells so good!).
It’s also close to Bağdat Caddesi (perfect for shopping!) and the Marmaray station.
Petek Pansiyon Fenerbahce Kadikoy (Fenerbahçe)
Someone said that this apartment rental looks like something out of an Orhan Pamuk book, and we would agree — it has such a cute retro style going on! The apartment has plenty of charm and character, but the best part is that it’s just a short walk to Fenerbahçe Park (also known as Cat Park thanks to the hundreds of cats that live there!) 🙂
Photo credits: Hotels via respective hotels
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