Exploring the Asian side of Istanbul – Where to Go and What to Do
Turkey’s largest city attracts millions of visitors each year. Famously, this city straddles two continents, Europe and Asia. Many of the ancient attractions, such as Hagia Sofia, are in the old European side. However, is the Asian side of Istanbul worth visiting? Exploring the Asian side of Istanbul unveils a treasure trove of cultural, historical and culinary delights waiting to be discovered. From ancient landmarks to bustling markets, tranquil parks to lively neighbourhoods, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this vibrant part of the city. In this guide, we’ll delve into the myriad of attractions and activities that make the Asian side of Istanbul a must-visit destination.
Historical Landmarks on the Asian Side of Istanbul
There are some really beautiful landmarks on this side of the Bosphorus. We thoroughly enjoy walking around and exploring some of the most stunning parts of the Asian half of the city Here are some of our favourites that you should try out when you visit the city.
Üsküdar
Üsküdar is a lively neighbourhood on the Asian side of Istanbul. With plenty to do here, this bustling part of town is not to be missed when visiting the Turkish city. Here are some of the best things to do in Üsküdar –
- Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi): This iconic tower sits on a small islet off the coast of Üsküdar and offers stunning views of the Bosphorus.
- Yeni Valide Mosque: A masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, this mosque was commissioned by Sultan Ahmet III in the 18th century.
- Şemsi Pasha Mosque: Dating back to the 16th century, this mosque features intricate tile work and is surrounded by a peaceful courtyard.
Beylerbeyi Palace
This stunning palace was once a summer dwelling for Ottoman sultans. This lavish residence boasts stunning architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens. It is definitely one of the best things to do when visiting the Asian side of Istanbul.
Çamlıca Hill
Offering panoramic views of the Bosphorus and the city skyline, Çamlıca Hill is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Climb it in time for sunset for some incredible vistas across Istanbul.
Cultural Attractions on the Asian side of Istanbul
This side of Istanbul is packed full of culture. There is definitely a different feel here than the European side. There are fewer tourists, but still loads to explore!
Kadıköy
There is plenty to see in this part of the city! Check these out –
- Moda: This trendy neighborhood is known for its hip cafes, boutiques, and street art.
- Kadıköy Fish Market: A bustling market where you can sample fresh seafood and local delicacies.
- Bahariye Street: A bustling shopping street lined with shops selling everything from clothing to spices. Souvenirs on this side of the Bosphorus are also much cheaper as there are fewer tourists.
Istanbul Toy Museum
Located in Göztepe Park on the Asian side of Istanbul, this charming museum showcases a vast collection of toys from around the world.
Miniatürk
An outdoor miniature park featuring scaled-down replicas of famous landmarks from Turkey and beyond. Quite an odd way to spend and hour or two but worth a look if you like something a bit different.
Hammams
The Asian side of Istanbul offers a more local, authentic hammam experience. Many of the hammams in the European side are geared towards tourists, and so are the prices. We found an amazing place called Atik Valide Turkish Bath (sometimes Valide-I Atık). There were only locals there and the prices reflect that. We paid less than €15 for a hammam and scrub. Facilities are basic but the service was great. Check out our post about visiting a Turkish Hammam HERE.
Ride a Vintage Tram
Jump on the T3 line, aka. the Kadıköy-Moda Nostalgia Tramway for a vintage tram experience in the Asian side on Istanbul. This service is a lot quieter than the popular Taksim-Tünel Nostalgia Tramway, aka. T2 line, on the European side.
Outdoor Activities on the Asian side of Istanbul
There is some really great hiking in this part of the city! If getting some fresh air and exercise is on your list, check out these ideas.
Fenerbahçe Park
This sprawling park offers walking paths, picnic areas, and sports facilities, making it a perfect spot for outdoor recreation or even just relaxing in the beautiful weather.
Çamlıca Woods
A tranquil forested area where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a leisurely hike or picnic.
Bosphorus Cruise
Embark on a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus and take in the stunning views of Istanbul’s skyline and historic waterfront. A cruise a sunset provides really stunning views of the city with an amazing, golden backdrop.
Culinary Delights on the Asian side of Istanbul
The food all across Istanbul is amazing, we always find something new to try and are rarely disappointed! Here are some of our recommendations when exploring the Asian side of the city.
Turkish Breakfast
Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast featuring an array of cheeses, olives, bread, and pastries. The Turkish breakfast is pretty famous and definitely worth trying on your next visit! It is a great way to start a day of exploring in the Asian side of Istanbul.
Seafood
Sample fresh seafood dishes at one of the many restaurants along the coast, such as grilled fish sandwiches or seafood mezes.
Turkish Coffee
Indulge in a cup of rich and aromatic Turkish coffee at a local café. We made the mistake of having one of these potent brews in the late afternoon. Definitely not a good idea if you want to sleep that night!
Shopping on the Asian side of Istanbul
Istanbul is an incredible city for shopping. While visiting the Asian side of Istanbul, you can try out these areas for something a bit different.
Bağdat Avenue
Known as Istanbul’s answer to Paris’s Champs-Élysées, Bağdat Avenue is lined with upscale shops, cafes, and restaurants. It can get quite busy in this area but it is definitely worth a visit.
Kadıköy Market
Explore the vibrant Kadıköy Market, where you can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts and souvenirs. There are also plenty of places to pick up some delicious Turkish delight.
Antique Shops
Browse the antique shops and markets in Üsküdar and Kadıköy, where you can uncover unique treasures and collectibles. This is particularly fun if you happen to be there on a rainy day.
Nightlife on the Asian side of Istanbul
The nightlife in Istanbul is buzzing and varied. No matter what your thing is, you will most likely be able to find it somewhere in this vast city. Sticking to the Asian side, however, here are a few ideas.
Kadıköy Bars and Cafes
Experience the lively nightlife scene in Kadıköy, with its eclectic mix of bars, cafes, and live music venues.
Bosphorus Night Cruise
Enjoy a romantic evening on a Bosphorus night cruise, where you can dine on delicious Turkish cuisine while taking in the illuminated city skyline.
Ortaköy Square
Visit Ortaköy Square in the evening to enjoy the bustling atmosphere, street performers, and stunning views of the Bosphorus Bridge.
Is it Worth visiting The Asian Side of Istanbul?
The Asian side of Istanbul offers a diverse array of attractions and activities that cater to every interest and taste. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, an outdoor enthusiast, or a night owl, you’ll find plenty to love about this dynamic part of the city. So, next time you’re in Istanbul, be sure to cross the Bosphorus and explore all that the Asian side has to offer.
How to Get to The Asian Side of Istanbul
If you are visiting Istanbul and staying in another part of the city, there are several ways to get to the Asian side of Istanbul. Here’s a rundown of some of the best ways to go.
1. By ferry: You can take a ferry from the European side of Istanbul to the Asian side. There are several ferry terminals where you can catch a ferry, such as Eminonu, Karakoy, Kabatas, and Besiktas. The ferry ride takes about 20-30 minutes and offers beautiful views of the Bosphorus. We usually use this mode of transport because you get fantastic views of the city, especially at sunset.
2. By metro: You can also take the Marmaray metro line, which connects the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. This metro line runs under the Bosphorus and is a quick and convenient way to travel between the two sides of the city. This is also a super easy way to travel. If the weather is bad, it’s better than braving the elements on the ferry.
3. By bus: There are several bus lines that operate between the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. You can take a bus from Taksim, Kadikoy, or Uskudar to reach the Asian side. This takes a little longer due to city traffic.
4. By car: If you have a car, you can drive across one of the bridges that connect the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. The two main bridges are the Bosphorus Bridge (15 July Martyrs Bridge) and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge.
Overall, there are plenty of options to get you exploring the Asian side of Istanbul, so you can choose the method of transportation that works best for you.
How Expensive is the Asian Side of Istanbul
This is a tricky one. The last time we visited, Turkey was struggling with hyperinflation making their currency – the Turkish Lira – worth a lot less. Not great if you live there as your pay-packet is essentially smaller. However, we got an amazing exchange rate for our British pounds making it a very cheap visit!
Being one of the world’s largest cities there is something for every budget. You will find the Asian side to be cheaper than the European side due to the relatively small number of tourists that venture over. We also found that the prices weren’t adjusted for inflation as they were in the tourist districts.
Food and drink is also cheap – when compared to European capitals – with the exception of alcohol which is similar to other large cities. For a pint of local beer we paid about €3.
Is the Asian Side of Istanbul Safe
This is a pretty common question for us. As two pale, western women we went to great efforts not to stick out too much. However, this didn’t seem to be a big issue as many Turkish women dress in “Western” fashion.
Visitors in the warmer months should be respectful of the country’s religion and culture and dress relatively modestly. We avoided walking around late at night.
There is a considerable threat of pickpocketing in busy areas. We would recommend that you remain aware of your surroundings, don’t carry too much cash and leave your passport in the safe in the hotel.
Drivers in Istanbul can be pretty reckless. Take precautions when crossing the road and plan your trip well if hiring a car.
Don’t drink the tap water!
What to Pack when Exploring the Asian side of Istanbul
We have put together a convenient, basic packing list for your trip across the Bosphorus to the Asian side of Istanbul
- Backpack
- Book/audiobook
- Water bottle
- Weather appropriate clothing (conservative dress in summer is recommended)
- Good shoes for walking
- Sunglasses
- Sun cream
- Map or downloaded GPS or map application on your phone
- Phone, charger and adaptor (European plugs)
- Power bank
- Decent camera with plenty of space for pictures
- IstanbulKart for travel on public transport
- Turkish Lira is always useful for shopping at markets
The Turkish Language
Many Turks in the cities speak a bit of English but it is useful to learn a few phrases in Turkish. It is certainly not an easy language for English speakers but any attempt is greatly appreciated by the locals. Here are a few words to try out:
| English | Turkish | Sounds Like |
| Hello | Merhaba | mer-ha-ba |
| Goodbye | Allaha ısmarladık | ah-LAHS-mahr-lah-duhk |
| Please | Lütfen | LEWT-fehn |
| Thank you | Teşekkür ederim | tesh-ek-ur, ed-er-im |
| Yes | Evet | eh-VEHT |
| No | Hayır | HAH-yuhr |
Where to go next
Ready for another adventure? Take a trip to ancient Troy in southern Turkey. Or, if you have more time in Istanbul, why not explore some of the city’s most beautiful mosques.
Final note: Things change in the Balkans all the time and there is not much information online in English. We would definitely advise checking with a local where possible. We found people to be really friendly and super helpful.
Have you visited any Istanbul or Turkey? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you!
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