How to get to the Asian side?
The most interesting option for us is the ferry, which we use daily ourselves. From the Sultanahmet to the terminal Eminönü from which the ferry departs, you take a tram, and than switch to ferry that sails every half hour you will pay a few Turkish lira, which is slightly less than half euro. The ride takes about 25 minutes. Cost-effective, isn’t it? You can also catch a boat from Besiktas boat station.
When you arrive on the Asian side, you have two options: one is a walk to Kadıköy itself, and the other is a taxi. Kadıköy is quite a large neighborhood and our recommendation is to dedicate at least two days to it. You might even consider renting a hotel here because in the evening you will have pubs and bars available at every turn, the kind you won’t easily find on the European side.
Other option to reach Kadıköy is to use Marmaray train from Sirkeci, then you just have two stations to Kadıköy seaside. If you want to visit the most popular street in Kadıköy – Baghdad cadessi, get of at Bostancı Marmaray station.
What to do in Kadıköy?
It is rumored among the locals that Kadıköy either likes or dislikes. Many who live there say they have no need to move to the European side because it is simply great for them there. Let’s see why.
The first thing you should definitely try is to drink tea at the Moda Tea Garden. In addition to enjoying tea, here you will be enchanted by the spectacular views. Enjoy tea with beautiful sea views. Locals suggest that you come here in the evening and enjoy the sunsets.
After relaxing, visit the famous market (Kadıköy Bazaar). Take a walk through the alleys and experience the indigenous atmosphere. You won’t even stay hungry there. Be sure to try their famous fish sandwich.
There are also many hipster shops, mini markets, antique shops, and souvenir shops. If you like sweets, visit Baylan Pastanesi, a patisserie that opened back in 1961. Here you will surely be photographed for Instagram because the layout of the front window and interior is authentic.
Here you will also find a lot of murals or graffiti. Get lost in the streets and enjoy the views that seem to take you to another world, as opposed to the traditional one you will find on the European side of Istanbul. If you love art, visit the so-called hybrid cafe, art gallery and event space called “arthere”.
Also on the list is the Süreyya Opera House, a building built in 1927 that has been used as a cinema for many years. Since 2007, it has regularly hosted performances, ballet and opera concerts.
If you want to see more, walk to the big bull statue. The statue, which symbolizes the victory of France against Germany in the war, was created in 1860 and was made by a French artist. The bull was moved to Germany in 1870 after Germany’s victory over France, and returned in 1917 as a gift. He traveled from Paris to Istanbul over a period of 150 years, and was placed on its current location in 1990. Climb up and take a photo.
If you like green scenes, for you is the Moda district, a quiet and green Kadıköy area.
Add to the list of photos a traditional tram that runs along Bahariye Street. This is the street you want to be on if you love shopping. You certainly won’t leave the stores empty-handed. End the day at a party in one of the cafes on “Barlar Sokak”.