Are you planning a day trip to Istanbul’s Asian side and need inspiration? This list has more than 15 amazing places to visit and things to do on Istanbul’s Asian side!
As two locals (we live in one of the neighborhoods on this list 😉), we’ve explored practically every centimeter of Istanbul’s Asian side, from popular darlings like Kadıköy and Üsküdar to quieter spots like Kuzguncuk, Göztepe, Caddebostan, and more… and eventually decided to write this Istanbul Asian side travel guide to help others do the same!
If you’re looking for a change of pace from Istanbul’s busy European side, then take a ferry and come visit the better Asian side. You’ll be rewarded with colorful districts, beautiful parks, amazing cafes and restaurants, an authentic atmosphere, and much more.
Here are the best places on the Asian side of Istanbul!
How to get to Istanbul’s Asian side
Just popping in here real quick to mention that we also have a very in-depth guide on how to travel from Istanbul’s European side (including Sultanahmet/the Old Town, Beyoğlu, and Galata) to the Asian side — click here to read!
Leave Your Heart in Kadıköy
If we were to list all the reasons we love Kadıköy, it would easily fill multiple blog posts. It’s that amazing! 🙂
Kadıköy is one of the top places to see on the Asian side of Istanbul, and for good reason. It’s a large and vibrant neighborhood that’s famous for its authentic food scene, lively arts and music culture, street art, and trendy atmosphere that’s catered towards a younger crowd.
Kadıköy is also that place where you’ll find vintage shops, delicious (and budget-friendly!) restaurants serving authentic cuisine, cute third-wave cafes with artisanal pastries, and bustling street markets… all within one street!
While Kadıköy is technically a huge area that incorporates more than 20+ smaller neighborhoods, we’ll be talking about Kadıköy center, which consists of the Caferağa, Osmanağa, and Rasimpaşa neighborhoods.
Many Istanbul Asian side attractions are located in Kadıköy, including the bustling Kadıköy Market (Kadıköy Çarşısı), a stroll down Bahariye Caddesi (you can also ride the historic tram!), antique hunting on Tellalzade Sokak (there are more than a dozen shops crammed onto one street!), and searching for cool street art.
Of course, don’t forget to take a photo with the Kadıköy Bull statue (Kadıköy Boğa Heykeli), which was a popular meeting point before cellphones were invented — actually, we take that back, it’s still used as a reference point for meet-ups. 🙂
Since the neighborhood is famous for its delicious and authentic food (seriously, you’ll find some of the best places to eat on the Asian side of Istanbul here), why not enjoy a Kadıköy food tour as well? Our favorite is the Guided Food and Culture Tour, which includes 15 dishes and 4 drinks in various cafes, restaurants, street food stalls, and more!
Find Peace (and Ice Cream!) in Moda
Kadıköy is also a natural segue to the Moda neighborhood, which is located south of Kadıköy center (it’s often lumped into Kadıköy, but that’s another story!). So, let’s continue our Asian side tour and take a look at Moda 🙂
But first, a little background information… Moda (which literally translates to fashion) is a posh residential neighborhood that’s famous for its peaceful atmosphere and ice cream parlors (an interesting combination, right?).
The area around Moda became a fashionable summer resort around the time Türkiye became a republic (in 1923) thanks to the many beaches, summer houses, and mansions. While most locals prefer Bodrum or Ayvalık for their summer vacation nowadays, many of the aristocratic mansions and beautiful architecture of Moda still stand.
One of the best things to do on the Asian side of Istanbul is to relax at the Moda Çay Bahçesi (Moda Tea Garden), which has a beautiful view of the city and a small assortment of drinks (including Turkish tea and coffee).
After enjoying the tea garden, take a walk around the southern part until you get to Moda Pier (second photo). This beautiful work of architecture was built in 1917 by famous architect Vedat Tek and restored in 2020. You can go to the second floor for a lovely view, or buy a snack from the kiosk inside.
If you’re feeling especially adventurous, you can even take a ferry from Moda Pier to Karaköy, Kabataş, or Bostancı.
Oh, before we forget — don’t leave Moda without eating at one of the many waffle and ice cream parlors in the neighborhood!
Take the Kadıköy-Moda Nostalgic Tram
Did you know that the famous Istiklal Caddesi tram has a twin on the Asian side? 🙂
It’s true! The Kadıköy – Moda Nostalgic Tram Line (simply known as the T3 line) is a 2.6 km (1.6 mi) long tram line that makes a perfect circle in the middle of Kadıköy.
It starts from Kadıköy Square (the large square near the ferry pier and metro station) and continues onto the main thoroughfare (Söğütlü Çeşme Cd), turns onto the colorful Bahariye street, goes south until Moda, and continues back to the square.
Without a doubt, taking a ride on this retro tram is one of the top top things to do in Istanbul’s Asian side. Be sure to look around the interior and notice the pretty details!
Go shopping at the Kadıköy Tuesday Market
Honestly, this is such an iconic activity that it deserves its own space on this list! The Kadikoy Tuesday Bazaar is one of the largest and most popular weekly markets in Istanbul, and spans multiple streets. You’ll find practically anything and everything here, including fresh fruits and veggies, clothing, dried fruit, household goods, spices, and so much more.
Visit Üsküdar
Besides Kadıköy, Üsküdar is one of the most popular areas on Istanbul’s Asian side. It was one of the original four settlements of Istanbul, and has a number of historical sites and landmarks.
The most famous attraction near Üsküdar is none other than the Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi), which was recently restored and opened to the public. Besides taking the ferry to the tower, you can walk around Üsküdar’s waterfront area and take photos from there. The Üsküdar seaside is also a lovely place to sit and watch the sun set. 🙂
Other things to do in Üsküdar include the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque (built by famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan), Nevmekan Sahil (a restaurant/library featuring beautiful ceiling mosaics), and the Üsküdar Lady Sultans Museum (one of the most unique museums in Istanbul!).
We also wrote an entire Üsküdar Travel Guide – click here to read! →
See the ‘Old Istanbul’ in the quaint Kuzguncuk Neighborhood
Although Istanbul is currently going through a major building transformation, there’s one neighborhood that has managed to protect its culture and history — Kuzguncuk.
In fact, many locals say that Kuzguncuk is one of the few places in the city where the unique atmosphere of Old Istanbul is preserved!
This quiet neighborhood on the Bosphorus is famous for its colorful Ottoman-style wooden mansions, winding alleyways, and traditional cafes and restaurants (many who have been in the area for 50+ years). You’ll definitely find some of the prettiest Asian side Istanbul sights in the alleys of Kuzguncuk!
Kuzguncuk has quite a unique history, since it was originally a small fishing village where Jewish, Greeks, Armenians, and Muslims peacefully coexisted for many centuries — and remnants of their architecture can still be seen to this day.
Thanks to Kuzguncuk’s small size, you can visit this cute Istanbul neighborhood in just a few hours. You can also combine it with a trip to Üsküdar (mentioned above) for a full-day trip to Istanbul’s Asian side.
Visit the Cat Park & Check out a third-wave coffee shop in Fenerbahçe
While Kadıköy may be the reigning hipster neighborhood on Istanbul’s Asian side, Fenerbahçe is a close second. This neighborhood is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere, lovely coastal views, green spaces, and … third-wave coffee shops!
If you’re craving a change of pace from the usual Turkish coffee, you’ll find plenty of trendy cafes and coffeehouses around Fenerbahçe. Our favorites are William’s Roastery, Wandervogel, Doppio Fika Point.
While you’re in Fenerbahçe, definitely don’t miss a stroll through Fenerbahçe Parkı. Besides having nice walking paths and lush nature, the park is home to more than 100 cats! We come here whenever we want to de-stress and see some cute cats (most of them are super friendly and will run up to you for pets :)).
See Tulips (In Season) in Göztepe Park
Just a bit further from Fenerbahçe is Göztepe, another well-to-do neighborhood with a sprawling park.
The İBB Göztepe 60th Year Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Istanbul, and offers beautifully-landscaped gardens, walking paths, a marble fountain, children’s playgrounds, and plenty of benches to sit. It’s a popular spot for families and those seeking a peaceful escape from the city bustle.
Göztepe Park is also one of the best places to see Istanbul’s famous tulips during the spring! You can check out our Ultimate Guide to the Istanbul Tulip Festival to see photos and read more about the park →
Stroll along the Waterfront in Caddebostan
Göztepe Park borders the lovely Caddebostan neighborhood, which is especially famous for its extensive waterfront promenade. The best time to visit is either early in the morning (when it’s fairly quiet) or during the sunset (for lovely views of the Prince Islands and surrounding sea).
The Caddebostan promenade is a popular hangout spot for locals, and you’ll find plenty of people running or biking along the trails, picnicking on the lawn, or sitting down and chatting with friends.
Shop on Bağdat Caddesi
Not too far from Caddebostan is Bağdat Caddesi, one of Istanbul’s most famous shopping streets. It’s often nicknamed the Turkish Rodeo Drive or 5th Avenue thanks to the hundreds of boutique shops, luxury brand storefronts, and posh restaurants that line both sides of the street.
If you’re looking to go shopping on the Asian side of Istanbul, this is definitely the place to do so!
Glimpse Amazing Views on Çamlıca Hill
Did you know that the highest point in Istanbul is located on the Asian side? Since Ottoman times, locals have been coming to Çamlıca Hill to see beautiful panoramic views of the Bosphorus, Old Town, and parts of the Golden Horn.
The hill has a handful of cafes and restaurants (with panoramic views, of course ;)) that serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There is also a municipality-run cafe with snacks and drinks.
Çamlıca Hill is nicknamed “Bride’s Hill” for two reasons — it’s a popular place to propose to your loved one and to take wedding photographs. 🙂
To the north, you’ll find Çamlıca Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Turkey. It was completed in 2019 and can hold up to 63,000 people.
To the south, you’ll find Çamlıca Tower (Çamlıca Kulesi), a telecommunications tower with an observation deck and restaurants. If you’re interested in seeing a panoramic view of Istanbul, you can buy a ticket and visit the top!
If you have more time, consider exploring these other destinations on the Asian side (that are just a bit further!)
Enjoy a day trip to the Prince Islands
Of course, we couldn’t leave out one of the most popular Istanbul day trips — a ferry ride to the Prince Islands!
Located a few kilometers south of Istanbul, the Prince Islands are a cluster of 9 islands, yet only 4 of those islands are usually visited (Büyükada, Heybeliada, Kınalıada, and Burgazada). The most popular island is Büyükada (literally Big Island), where you’ll find cute wooden mansions, beautiful pine forests, and old Greek monasteries. If you’re planning on spending a whole day on the island, be sure to rent a bike!
Click here to read our Heybeliada Island Travel Guide →
Be Amazed at the Luxurious Beylerbeyi Palace
If you’ve already seen Topkapi Palace and Dolmabahce Palace, come to Beylerbeyi instead! 😉
Beylerbeyi Palace is a beautiful 19th-century mansion that was used as a summer residence for the Ottoman sultans. It’s especially famous for its intricate architecture, lush gardens, and marble details, and is a great spot for fans of history, architecture, and pretty places. 🙂
Check skip-the-line tickets for Beylerbeyi Palace here →
See a Unique Bosphorus View at Nakkaştepe
Located just 1 km (0.62 mi) from Kuzguncuk, Nakkaştepe National Garden is one of the city’s most popular public spaces.
Thanks to its location above the water, Nakkaştepe offers some of the best views from Istanbul’s Asian side, including a beautiful view of the Bosphorus Strait and the Bosphorus Bridge (15 July Martyrs Bridge).
The park is surrounded by nature and there are plenty of places to sit, rest, and enjoy a picnic. There are a few visitor facilities (cafes) and pockets of nature (a flower garden, zipline area, lake, suspended bridge over the park, and so on). Don’t forget to look for the little turtles when walking near the lake. 🙂
Try the Legendary Yogurt in Kanlıca
One of the cutest hidden gems in Istanbul’s Asian side is located further up the Bosphorus, in the little coastal neighborhood called Kanlıca.
Kanlıca is famous for three things: its peaceful atmosphere, stunning yalı (waterside mansions), and yogurt — with the latter being the claim to Kanlıca’s greatest fame.
Yes, really. You can’t leave Kanlıca without trying the famous Kanlıca yoğurdu (Kanlıca yogurt)! The secret to this delicious treat is that it’s all natural and doesn’t have any additives — it’s meant to be enjoyed fresh! Traditionally, Kanlıca yogurt is served with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, although some places might also offer it with yogurt or fruit jams.
The most famous place to eat Kanlıca yogurt is İsmailğa Kahvesi, but you really can’t go wrong with any of the seaside cafes near the pier. 🙂
Other interesting attractions near Kanlıca include the beautiful İBB Hıdiv Kasrı Korusu (a public park that includes a palace built for the last khedive of Egypt), İskele Meydanı (Pier Square), and Mihrabat Grove.
Climb Up Anadolu Hisarı
Without a doubt, one of the most historical sites on Istanbul’s Asian side is Anadolu Hisarı. This fortress was originally built as a military outpost in 1395 and served as a base to launch attacks against the Byzantine Empire. In fact, the location wasn’t an accident — Anadolu Hisarı was built on the narrowest part of the Bosphorus!
Fun fact: In 1451, Rumeli Hisarı was constructed on the European side specifically to complement Anadolu Hisarı and to completely control the Bosphorus Strait. The tactic worked, as Constantinople was captured by the Ottomans in May of 1453.
Anadolu Hisarı was recently restored and opened up to the public as a museum. The fortress is open every day (except Mondays) from 10:00 to 18:00, and the ticket fee is 300 TL (click here for the latest prices).
You can walk around the grounds of Anadolu Hisarı, read the information placards (both in Turkish and English), and walk along the fortress walls. Be sure to go upstairs, as the views are amazing! You can see an example of our photo above. 🙂
You can visit Anadolu Hisarı on a fun day trip and make your way down the coast to other attractions on this list, like Beylerbeyi Palace, Kuzguncuk, Üsküdar, and so on. The easiest way to get to Anadolu Hisarı is via the direct ferry from Üsküdar — click here for the timetable (make sure to select ‘Üsküdar Departure’) →
… Or Take a Day Trip to Anadolu Kavağı
While the names may sound alike, don’t confuse Anadolu Kavağı with Anadolu Hisarı! 🙂
Anadolu Kavağı, which translates to Anatolian Poplar [tree], is a picturesque neighborhood located at the end of the Bosphorus Strait, where it opens into the Black Sea. Thanks to its peaceful environment and cozy village-like feel, Anadolu Kavağı is an especially popular getaway for locations and tourists looking to escape the hectic atmosphere of Istanbul city center.
One of the most famous landmarks in Anadolu Kavağı is Yoros Castle, an ancient Byzantine fortress located on top of a hill overlooking the Bosphorus. Dating back to the 13th century, the castle was strategically important for controlling the passage between the Bosphorus and the Black Sea. Although partially in ruins, Yoros Castle offers panoramic views and is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Anadolu Kavağı is also famous for its fresh and delicious seafood, often caught daily from the nearby waters. There are dozens of waterfront restaurants that offer lovely views and amazing seafood dishes!
Where to stay on Istanbul’s Asian Side
The majority of hotels on Istanbul’s Asian side are located in Kadıköy (seriously, there’s like 50+ hotels there!). A lot of our readers kept asking for recommendations, so we wrote a huge post about Where to Stay in Kadıköy, including an overview of the different neighborhoods and which ones are suited for which travelers (i.e. best for budget travelers, best for luxury, best for a local experience, etc.)
Likewise, there are a handful of hotels in Üsküdar and Kuzguncuk, as well as others scattered around the Bosphorus. You can read our Kuzguncuk hotel recommendations in our Kuzguncuk Travel Guide →
Q&A | Questions & Answers
What’s the difference between the Asian Side and the European Side?
Besides geographical location, the Asian side is more modern, has better prices (and fewer chances of getting scammed!), more authentic food, and better nightlife.
Meanwhile, the European Side is more historic and tourist-centric, featuring major attractions in neighborhoods like Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu. It’s more concentrated on international visitors, so you’ll find more English speakers and tourist amenities. However, the prices here can be higher due to the focus on tourism.
Is it worth going to the Asian side of Istanbul?
100% yes! 🙂 The Asian side of Istanbul offers a unique and less touristy experience. It has something for everyone, whether that’s authentic local culture, interesting neighborhoods (like Kadıköy and Üsküdar), beautiful green spaces, historical landmarks (Anadolu Hisarı or the Maiden’s Tower), and much more.
It’s also a great place to explore Istanbul from a different perspective, away from the tourist crowds of the European side.
What is the best area on the Asian side of Istanbul?
There are several great neighborhoods on the Asian side, each with their own charm. We recommend Kadıköy or Üsküdar to get started.
What is the famous street in the Asian side of Istanbul?
Bağdat Caddesi (Bagdat Avenue) is the most famous and bustling street on the Asian side, known for its high-end shops, upscale boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and chic atmosphere. It’s a popular destination for shopping and dining.
What’s on the Asian side of Istanbul?
Everything! 😉 You’ll find lively neighborhoods, modern shopping malls, lush green areas and parks, historic sites (like the Maiden’s Tower and Anadolu Hisarı), traditional markets, historical mosques, and delicious restaurants.
What is the Asian side of Istanbul called?
The Asian side of Istanbul is generally referred to simply as “the Asian side” (in tourist brochures) or “Anadolu Yakası” (Anatolian Side) among locals.
Which side of Istanbul is better: European or Asian?
We’re partially biased because we live on the Asian side. 😉 However, the choice between Istanbul’s European and Asian side really depends on your interests.
The European Side is better for historical attractions, major landmarks like Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar, and touristy areas.
Meanwhile, Istanbul’s Asian Side offers a more local experience with cute neighborhoods, less crowded spots, and a good balance of city life and public parks. It’s ideal for those looking to explore a different and less touristy side of Istanbul.
Photo credits: Maiden’s Tower via Linus Mimietz | Ice cream via Asuman Dondurma | Moda Pier via Tolga Ahmetler
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