Discover the Best of Istanbul’s Asian Side in 1 Day

Istanbul is a unique city not just because of its cultural and historical background but also because it is the only city that connects two continents in the world. Being the connection point of Asia and Europe, the city is a bridge that connects two different worlds. Tourists coming from all over the world generally tend to stay on the European side. This is understandable because the main economic and cultural hubs of Istanbul are generally on the European side of the city. But on the contrary, there are many amazing things to do on the Asian side as well. Actually, we the Istanbul people call the Asian side the "Anatolian side" of Istanbul. It is mostly residential but also has many hidden treasures waiting to be found.

In this blog, we will guide you through the best things to do on the Asian side in a single day. But before we dig into this, let’s have a look at the best way to discover Istanbul no matter the side: Istanbul Tourist Pass®! With this first and most inclusive Pass, you can get access to over 100+ attractions including entry tickets to the top Istanbul museums, amazing Bosphorus cruises, entertaining shows, the best family-friendly activities, and so much more! So don’t wait for more, just grab your Pass and start your Istanbul discovery!

General Information About the Asian Side of Istanbul

When you step into the Asian Side of Istanbul (Anadolu yakası as we call it here), it feels like you are stepping into a whole different world. Istanbul is one city, but the two sides of Bosphorus have their own souls, their own rhythms. The Asian Side is quieter, more residential, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s boring. It’s full of life in its own way – maybe even more colorful than the European Side if you take a closer look.

First, let me say this: the Asian Side is huge. Seriously, it’s so big that sometimes even we locals joke about it being its own city. From the coastlines to the hills, every part has its own character and charm. The neighborhoods here are diverse and have their own vibe – you’ll feel it as soon as you start exploring.

First stop is Üsküdar. One of the earliest places to see Istanbul's actual history is here. Imagine a beach where you can relax and watch the boats sail by, mosques with exquisite minarets, and winding streets. Also present is the Maiden's Tower, which towers majestically above the Bosphorus as if to watch over the city.is among the oldest places to witness Istanbul's true history.

Then there’s Kadıköy. Oh, Kadıköy is a whole mood on its own. Kadıköy is the beating heart of the Asian side of Istanbul with its vibrant, colorful, and creative lifestyle. May be that's the reason of many artists live there! The markets, streets, and colorful small shops are lively, with vendors calling out the best rates for spices or fish, while variarty of cafes are along the streets. Kadıköy's Moda area offers a more relaxed vibe and is ideal for eating ice cream and strolling along the waterfront. Actually the Moda waterfront is a pretty popular place to see the "cool kids" in Istanbul. You can have a wine or beer with you and sit on the beautiful grass with your friends. In summer it is a popular place to have a sunbath.

If you go a bit further north, you’ll find Beykoz. Now this is where nature takes over. It’s green, peaceful, and feels like a getaway within the city. Beykoz is where you’ll see wooden mansions and lush forests. Also,, the road following the waterfront from Üsküdar to Beykoz also has small neighborhoods you can fall in love like Cengelkoy. There are various famous meyhanes in those you can taste the excelent samples of the Turkish cuisine and enjoy drinking rakı!

Let's not overlook Atasehir or Kurtkoy either. These are more contemporary neighborhoods with tall skyscrapers and rapid urban growth. Local markets and little tea gardens, however, are still present here, where people congregate and converse for hours on end. Recently, it is common to see many touristic activities to start in these areas, especially in huge malls of the area.

One of the things I love most about the Asian Side is the colors. It’s not as gray as the European Side. The greens are greener, the blues of the Marmara Sea are deeper, and even the sunsets feel warmer.