How To Explore the Asian Side of Istanbul

One of the easiest ways to travel from the European side of Istanbul to the Asian side is to hop on a ferry. Public ferries in Istanbul are a fun way to experience the city from a different viewpoint, whether you have a specific destination or simply want to ride and take in the sights and fresh air. Alternatively, head to the city center and take a yacht cruise along the Bosphorus Strait,with stops on the Asian side included.

Go for a walk along the Uskudar Coast Walkway to take in the sights and views across the water from the Asian to the European side. Spot fishermen waiting for the catch of the day, stop at streetside cafés, and stay until the sun sinks into the Bosphorus. Kadikoy’s Moda neighborhood also has a boardwalk, plus you can visit the Moda Pier to visit its cafés and library, as well as to catch colorful sunsets.

A short walk from the Kadikoy ferry terminal is the Kadikoy Market, one of the best attractions on the Asian side of Istanbul. This maze of stands sells all sorts of fresh seafood on ice, plus olives, roasted nuts, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and sweet treats such as Turkish delight. Make sure to come hungry to sample the market’s diverse culinary offerings, whether you stop at a sit-down restaurant serving the catch of the day or sample from casual grab-and-go joints selling specialties such as lahmacun (flatbreads). Join a guided food tour to compare the culinary delicacies of Istanbul’s European and Asian sides.

One of the best travel tips for Istanbul’s Asian side is to leave behind the hustle and bustle of the city and spend the day on Princes' Islands. Less than an hour by ferry from Istanbul, this archipelago includes four main islands and several smaller islands in the Sea of Marmara. The islands are mostly car-free and known for their horse-drawn carriages, historic homes, and slow pace of life. Spend the day walking along trails, visiting sandy and rocky beaches, and sampling fresh fish.

Istanbul has more than 3,000 mosques to explore, and the Asian side is home to several notable ones worth visiting. The 16th-century Mihrimah Sultan Mosque is in the historic center of Uskudar and boasts expansive grounds and a grand, domed structure. Not far away is the Camlica Mosque, the largest mosque in Istanbul; the expansive structure was completed in 2019, and you can visit its library and art gallery.

It is difficult to grasp just how expansive Istanbul is when you’re in and among the busy markets and winding streets, but Camlica Hill offers the perfect spot to gain a different perspective. Located near Uskudar, the hill features two peaks: Little Camlica and Big Camlica. Climb to the top with a picnic to take in the sprawling city intersected by the Bosphorus. Join a guided tour to combine a trip to Camlica Hill with the Camlica Mosque, as well as other top sights on the Asian side, such as the Bosphorus Bridge.

Moda is a seafront residential district in Kadikoy that has emerged as one of the most popular Istanbul neighborhoods on the Asian side in recent years. The area has a bohemian feel; here you can browse boutiques and dig for vintage treasures at Akmar Passage, stop at cafés housed in old Ottoman buildings, and look for colorful streetside murals. Unwind by the water at Moda Park and maybe dip your toes into the area’s nightlife scene after dark.

Located in the Beylerbeyi neighborhood, the ornate structure of Beylerbeyi Palace is visible from the Bosphorus. The palace was built in the 1860s and used as the summer residence for Sultan Abdülaziz, and today you can admire the building from afar or book tickets to explore the grounds. Once you’ve admired the elaborate details and decor, enjoy views across the water from the palace’s lush gardens.

The quiet and colorful streets of the Kuzguncuk neighborhood offer respite in the big city. Originally, Kuzguncuk was a fishing village where Greeks, Armenians, Jews, and Muslims lived side-by-side for hundreds of years, resulting in a multicultural feel which endures today. Browse specialty shops, wander the narrow streets between brightly colored wooden buildings, and explore Kuzguncuk’s religious history at Kuzguncuk Mosque, Beth Yaakov Synagogue, and the Church of St. Gregory the Lusaveriç.