15 Things to Do on the Asian Side of Istanbul
Last updated on: 7 May 2022
Head across the Bosphorus to explore Istanbul’s Asian, or Anatolian, side. Wander through small streets filled with colourful houses and indulge in some of the best food you will find in Istanbul, here are 25+ things you can do on the Asian side of Istanbul…
Istanbul, the only city in the world that is located on two continents: Europe and Asia. While most travellers explore the beautiful sights that the European side has to offer, only a few take the journey across the Bosphorus to explore the Asian (Anatolian) side of Istanbul. A short ferry ride from one of Istanbul’s many ports will take you on a scenic journey over the Bosphorus, a ferry ride that truly is worth the trip alone.And while the ferry ride might be the highlight of your trip to the Asian side of Istanbul, those who have the time to venture further will find some of Istanbul’s most stunning and unique sights hidden in the streets of Anatolian Istanbul. Mosques, markets, cafes, stunning views and restaurants serving some of the best food of Istanbul, keep on reading to find out which sights on the Asian side of Istanbul you should be adding to your Istanbul bucket list…
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The Asian (Anatolian) Side of Istanbul
Is it Worth Going to The Asian Side of Istanbul?
Honestly? 100%! The ferry ride alone to the Asian side is worth the trip as is has some of the most scenic views that you will find in Istanbul. However, if you have the time we highly recommend exploring the Asian side, there are so many stunning and unique sights that deserve a spot on your itinerary. We would recommend spending at least one day, but ideally two days, on the Anatolian Side of Istanbul which will give you a small taste of all that it has to offer!
How to Get to the Asian Side of Istanbul
The most scenic way to reach the Asian side of Istanbul is by taking the ferry. The ferry is part of the public transport system in Istanbul and can be accessed with your Istanbul Kart. Ferries leave from all over the city to both Kadiköy and Üsküdar. The easiest way to find the best ferry connection in your vicinity is by using Google Maps!
Another option is to take the Marmaray. The Marmaray is an underground train that leaves from the European side of Istanbul to Üsküdar. We personally have not used this option as we were staying North of the Galata Tower which meant that taking a ferry was the quicker and easier option.
The areas worth exploring on the asian side of istanbul
If you only have one day we highly recommend visiting Moda, located in Kadiköy, the best place to not only hang out at cafes but also to try the best Turkish street food in Istanbul. If you have a bit more time, or prefer to go sightseeing then we would highly recommend exploring Üsküdar. Üsküdar is home to some of the most unique sights including the Sakirin Mosque, which is the believed to be the first mosque in the world that was designed by a woman and the Çamlica Mosque the largest mosque in Turkey. Besides food and mosques there are many other things to do in Üsküdar and Kadiköy, we have listed our favourite 25+ things to do below.
Things to do in Üsküdar
Maiden's Tower
One of the most iconic sights of Üsküdar is the Maiden’s Tower, a tower located on a small island in front off the coast of Üsküdar. The tower has been featured in many films including James Bond, Hitman and the famous game Assassin’s Creed. There are many legends about how and why this tower was build, but currently it is home to a restaurant and a cafe. We personally did not visit the island as the tower was under construction, however, we recommend visiting the waterfront that has a view over the Maiden’s Tower as it is one of the most scenic spots in Üsküdar. It is the perfect spot to grab a cup of coffee or tea and to simply relax and enjoy the stunning views over the Bosphorus.
Şakirin Mosque
The Sakirin Mosque is undeniably one of Istanbul, if not Turkey’s, most unique mosques. The Sakirin Mosque was built in memory of Ibrahim and Semiha Sakir and is believed to be the first mosque in the world that was designed by a woman, Zeynep Fadillioglu, a great niece of Ibrahim and Semiha Sakir. The mosque has a capacity for 500 people, with a balcony up top that was specifically designed for the women to have a clear view of the unique chandelier. Men enter the mosque through the courtyard where they will have access to the ground floor of the mosque. Women can enter on the left hand side (as seen from the courtyard) where, when you walk through the first door on your left hand side you can access the staircase that will take you to the balcony.
Practical Info
Address | Barbaros, Nuhkuyusu Cd No:2
Opening Hours | 24 hours a day
Entry Fee | The mosque is free to visit for everyone
What to Wear | As you are visiting a mosque you will be required to dress modestly. It is best to wear loose fitting clothing that cover your full legs and shoulders. Women are required to wear a headscarf as well and to make sure their chest area is covered. Everyone is required to remove their shoes before entering the mosque.
Good to Know | The mosque is closed during prayer times. You can find the prayer times for the day you are visiting by Googling “prayer times Istanbul”.
Nevmekan Sahil
Located close to the harbour of Üsküdar Nevmekan Sahil is one of those places you will easily miss unless you know about it. Nevmekan Sahil is a cafe located in a local library, however, what makes it so unique is the dome that covers the cafe. An intricate design with a beautiful windows light the room, a unique design that you won’t find anywhere else in Istanbul! Besides the cafe Nevmekan Sahil is also home to an exhibition hall, and of course is home to over 50,000 books. Pop in for a quick visit to admire the architecture or sit down to enjoy some tea or coffee to relax from sightseeing and simply enjoy the stunning architecture!
Practical Info
Address | Semsi Pasa Cd. No:2, 34672 Üsküdar
Opening Hours | Daily from 10AM - 11PM
Yeni Valide Camii
The Yeni Valide Mosque, located close to the harbour of Üsküdar, is a 18th century mosque that is quite typical in its design for the Ottoman period. Compared to many of the other mosques in Istanbul the Yeni Valide Mosque is rather small, but nonetheless not less impressive. The mosque is home to a beautiful courtyard, an oasis of peace and quiet in a city as busy is Istanbul. The mosque is free to enter and is a perfect stop for those who are planning on visiting Üsküdar. Wander around the courtyard or pay a visit to the inside to admire the beautiful interior decorated with motifs and Arabic scriptures.
Practical Info
Address | Mimar Sinan, 34664 Üsküdar
Opening Hours | 5am - 9pm daily
Entry Fee | The mosque is free to visit for everyone
What to Wear | As you are visiting a mosque you will be required to dress modestly. It is best to wear loose fitting clothing that cover your full legs and shoulders. Women are required to wear a headscarf as well and to make sure their chest area is covered. Everyone is required to remove their shoes before entering the mosque.
Good to Know | The mosque is closed during prayer times. You can find the prayer times for the day you are visiting by Googling “prayer times Istanbul”.
Üsküdar Fishermen's Market
Located right next to the harbour you will find the Üsküdar fishermen’s market. While this market is rather small, it is a perfect place to start your day of exploring Üsküdar. Take a quick stroll through the market to see the catch off the day or browse through the little shops beyond the market selling nuts and dried spices. Seeing the whole market will take you less than 10 minutes, and if you are not interested in buying fish perhaps you like to try some of the delicious food from one of the bakeries or cafes located in and near the market instead!
Marmara Üniversitesi İlahiyat Fakültesi Camii
The Mosque of the Marmara University of Theology is, in our opinion, one of the most stunning mosques in Üsküdar, mainly due to the reason that this mosque is like nothing we have ever seen before. The grand mosque stands tall right outside the entry of the metro station and is incredibly hard to miss due to its modern and bright design. Upon entering you are welcomed in a mosque that is filled with light coming through the many windows located in the mosque, creating a mosque that is home to both modern and traditional designs. The mosque itself is a lot more minimal in design than most mosques we have seen in Istanbul with a simple neutral colour pattern and beautiful Arabic scriptures displayed in gold on the walls of the mosque. Men and women enter through the same door, however, the floors are segregated with men staying on the ground floor and the women’s section occupying the balcony (the stairs are located on the left hand side after you enter the mosque).
Practical Info
Address | Altunizade, Mahir iz Cd.
Opening Hours | unknown
Entry Fee | The mosque is free to visit for everyone
What to Wear | As you are visiting a mosque you will be required to dress modestly. It is best to wear loose fitting clothing that cover your full legs and shoulders. Women are required to wear a headscarf as well and to make sure their chest area is covered. Everyone is required to remove their shoes before entering the mosque.
Good to Know | The mosque is closed during prayer times. You can find the prayer times for the day you are visiting by Googling “prayer times Istanbul”.
capitol AVM
Located right next to the Mosque of the Marmara University of Theology you will find the Capitol Mall, a perfect spot for those who would like to take a little break from sightseeing and do some shopping instead. The Capitol Mall is a multi-story mall that is home to tons of clothing shops, home goods stores and electronic stores. On the top floor of the mall you will also find a cinema and a massive food court that has some famous chain restaurants as well as some smaller cafes (some even have a balcony outside where you can enjoy the view over Üsküdar. One of the most unique things we saw when we visited this mall is that there was actually a man playing live music on the top floor of the mall for everyone to enjoy.
Practical Info
Address | Altunizade, Mahir iz Cd
Opening Hours | 10am - 10pm
Walk along the Bosphorus
And last, but definitely not least, on the list of things to do in Üsküdar is to take a long walk along the Bosphorus! Start at the Maiden’s Tower and make your way all the way up to Beylerbeyi Palace, located just past the suspension bridge that connects Europe to Asia, or perhaps even further! Along the way you can simply enjoy the stunning views or sit down at a restaurant or cafe to enjoy a cup of Turkish tea or coffee.
Things to do in Kadiköy & Moda
The Bull Statue
The fighting bull statue is an iconic historic landmark located at an intersection in Kadiköy. It has become a popular meeting points for locals and when visiting the bull you will notice it is not only a historic landmark, it also has become an iconic photo spot. The fighting bull is actually almost two centuries old and it dates back all the way to the 19th century! The bull has had a nomadic life up until 1987, when it was installed at this intersection, and it seems like it is here to stay!
Cafe Hopping in Moda
Moda is one of Istanbul’s hipper neighbourhoods, known for its trendy restaurants and incredible amount of cafes. No matter which way you will turn in Moda you will find a new cafe or restaurant to discover. If you prefer to escape the tourist crowds in Fatih, perhaps the less visited (but still a bit touristic) area of Moda is a spot to add to your itinerary. Spend a day roaming the streets, sipping on coffee at one of the many third wave coffee shops!
Antique Shopping at Tellalzade Street
If you are looking for a bit more of a unique souvenir (instead of the standard kitchen magnets), head over to Tellalzade Street in Kadiköy. Tellalzade street is filled with antique shops where you can browse, probably for hours, to find the perfect antique souvenir. From furniture to glass ware, you will find a little bit of everything here!
have ice cream at Ali Usta
Visiting Istanbul during the summer? Be sure to stop for some delicious ice cream at Ali Usta’s if you are in the Moda area! Ali Usta is one of the most popular and widely known ice cream places in Istanbul. Enjoy some delicious berry flavoured sorbets or opt for a more traditional nut of chocolate flavoured ice cream (my personal favourite). There is a flavour here for everyone, so be sure to stop by on your next visit to Kadiköy!
Practical Info
Address | Altunizade, Mahir iz Cd
Opening Hours | 10am - 10pm
enjoy the Turkish Cuisine
Besides the cafes and ice cream Kadiköy is also one of the best areas in Istanbul to try authentic Turkish cuisine. You will find restaurants on every single street corner, and Kadiköy is the area where actually many of the food tours take place. We did a DIY street food tour in Kadiköy and had some of the best food we had in Istanbul on that day. These were some of our favourites:
Halka Tatlisi from a little street food stand close to the harbour of Kadiköy
Pide from Pide Sun
Gözleme and dolma’s at Bütme Evi
Another popular restaurant located in Moda is Çiya Sofrasi, a restaurant that was featured on the Netflix show “Chef’s Table”. We unfortunately did not have the chance to try it during out visit to Istanbul but it is definitely still on our bucket list!
Ride the Historic Tram
In Moda you will a tram that follows a historic tramline that you ride if you want a little break from walking. The tram basically goes in a circle (more of a rectangle) around the Moda area. You can find an overview of the stops (including a little map) on this website. The tram is one of the two heritage tram lines in Istanbul (the other one is in the Taksim area) and used bright red tram cars that were made in Germany.
Have traditional Turkish Coffee at Fazil Bey's
And last, but definitely not least, is have some traditional Turkish Coffee. You will find Turkish coffee stalls everywhere in Istanbul, with some better of course than others. We were recommended to try the Turkish coffee at Fazil Bey’s in Moda, and we absolutely loved it. The coffee was hot, not too sweet, and incredibly delicious. It might be good to know that Turkish coffee differs from the coffee you might be used to as in Turkish coffee the coffee grounds are left in, so be sure to let the coffee sit so the grounds can sink to the bottom. Turkish coffee traditionally is drank without any milk, and sugar is added during the coffee making process so don’t be surprised when you are asked if you like yours sweet!
Practical Info
Address | Altunizade, Mahir iz Cd
Opening Hours | 10am - 10pm
Map of Things to do on The Asian Side of Istanbul
Istanbul Travel Tips & Essentials
ACCOMMODATION IN ISTANBUL | There is no shortage of accommodation in Istanbul. No matter if it is luxury or budget, there is something for everyone in Istanbul. We personally used AirBnB as we stayed in Istanbul for multiple months, however, for a short stay we recommend checking out Booking.com to find the perfect place for you!
HOW TO GET AROUND ISTANBUL | The easiest way to get around Istanbul is by either using public transport, or by getting a taxi. Read our extensive guide filled with prices, tips and tricks on how to get around Istanbul here.
VISA FOR TURKEY | You might need a visa to visit Turkey so before you leave check here to see if you can get an e-visa, or even to see if you are visa exempt!
ISTANBUL TRAVEL ESSENTIALS | Planning your trip to Istanbul? Be sure to put these travel essentials in your backpack!
Power Adapter - Turkey uses the type C and F plugs, so if you are coming from a country that uses any other type of plug (such as UK, USA or Canada) be sure to put a power adapter in your suitcase so you can charge your electronics during your trip to Istanbul!
Earplugs - Turkey has a predominantly Muslim population and as such the call to prayer, also known as ezan, can be heard five times a day in Istanbul. The call to prayer times change throughout the year, however, some of the call to prayers can take place during the night or around dawn. If you are staying close to a mosque and you are not used to the call of prayer you might want to pack a set of foam or silicone earplugs if you are a light sleeper.
(Head)scarf - Istanbul is filled with stunning mosques with many of them absolute must sees during your trip to Istanbul. However, each of these mosques have a conservative dress code requiring you to cover shoulders, legs and for women also their hair. A large scarf to cover your hair and possibly even shoulders as such could come in handy when sightseeing in Istanbul.
VPN - While you technically can’t put a VPN in your backpack, it truly is a must have travel essential for your cyber safety. When traveling you will often log in to tens of different wifi networks, not knowing how safe these wifi networks truly are! We personally use Surfshark VPN to make sure that our data and privacy is protected when using public Wi-Fi!
EXPLORE ISTANBUL WITH OUR TRAVEL GUIDES
And there you have it, everything there is to do on the Asian side of Istanbul! Anything we missed? Be sure to let us know in the comment section down below so we’ll add it to our to do list for our next visit. Oh, and before you go, be sure to check out our other Istanbul travel guides filled with tips and tricks:
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