19-12-2024 -
Things to Do in Istanbul
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!
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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.
The people are another factor to fall in love with the Asian side. People sit in parks, drink tea, or play backgammon in the middle of the day because life is a little slower here. With neighbors getting to know one another and children still playing in the streets, it feels more like a community. Actually, you can hear the soul of community if you just ask one of the people reading a book in a park.
Therefore, don't miss the Asian Side, regardless of how many times you've been to Istanbul. See a different side of Istanbul by crossing the Bosphorus by ferry from Eminönü or Karaköy. It may not be as popular with tourists as Taksim or Sultanahmet, but it nevertheless has a certain allure that lingers long after you've left. Come and have a look for yourself; Anadolu Yakası is ready to greet you.
Is It Worth Visiting the Asian Side of Istanbul?
The answer to whether Asian (or Anatolian) side of Istanbul is worth visiting or not is pretty simple: absolutely yes. It can be confusing to decide if you have only a little time in Istanbul, but below you can see what to do in Asian side in only one day. But before let me explain some of my personal reasons to convince you. First of all, Istanbul is full of surprises yes, and half of it is on the Asian side. Actually if you ask me directly, I would tell you that to feel Istanbul's soul in full, you have to take a ferry to cross Bosphorus. Here are some reasons for me as a local, hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
The first thing I would love to mention is that Asian side is definitely greener than the European side. There are various parks and even the streets like Bagdat Avenue are pretty green with old and tall trees. Also as I mention above, the waterfront is amazingly long and colorful. Even for a walk through Moda coastline can be a great memory from your Istanbul trip. You definitely find a slower pace of life here, with people sipping tea in local tea gardens, kids playing on the streets, and fishermen casting their lines along the Bosphorus.
To be honest, even Just the food makes the journey worthwhile. You will remember the street food at Kadıköy's marketplaces, the meyhanes by the river, and even the little family-run cafés in the less visited areas. Not to be overlooked are the breathtaking vistas that can be seen from this side of the Bosphorus. Observing the sunset skyline of the European Side from this location? invaluable.
I think the Anatolian Side is the best-kept secret in Istanbul. Its charm lies in the fact that it is less crowded than the European Side. Yes, it is worth every moment you take to explore it. Experience Istanbul in its whole, including this lovely, soulful side. Enjoy colorful streets, fish markets, small souvenir shops, cool cafes, and local bazaars, and get unique experiences in your Istanbul journey.
What to Do on the Asian Side of Istanbul
Asian Side of Istanbul, or Anatolian side as we call it, have various things to do and most of them a family friendly activities. So in this section we will have look at some of them you can access with your Pass and fall in love with Istanbul even more. We have gathered some very different attractions for you in this list to show you how colorful can be the Anatolian side! Let's start!
The Maiden’s Tower
Maiden Tower is one of the symbols of Istanbul and you probably come across with some photos of it on your way to this blog post. So it might be a good idea to start your adventure with the enchanting Maiden’s Tower, it is pretty easy with a boat ride from the European side of the city. The Tower, this historic gem, is steeped in romantic legends, from a king's protective love for his daughter to tales of forbidden affairs. The tower offers you breathtaking city views -especially on sunsets, a small but nice cafe, and a modest museum filled with myth and history. It is a like gift box on a small isle! So you can visit the Maiden's Tower by boat or simply see the mesmerizing sunset reflected off its timeless walls from Uskudar, you can be sure that your day in Istanbul will be unforgettable.
Camlica Tower
The 369-meter-tall and tulip-shaped Camlica Tower is a contemporary wonder that offers guests sweeping views of the Istanbul skyline. Camlica Tower was built to be the tallest building in the region and actually it is a radio tower that combines all radio communication in itself. While the on-site restaurant and café offer an opportunity to enjoy local cuisines far above the hustle and bustle, the observation deck offers an unmatched view of the city's expansive grandeur. Your visit can be enhanced with intriguing insights about this technical marvel with a complimentary audio guide with your skip-the-line ticket. It's a must-visit location that combines stunning views with modern buildings.
Kucuksu Pavillion
One of the magnificent examples of Ottoman grandeur, the Kucuksu Pavillion is tucked away in a calm location along the beautiful Bosphorus. The Pavillion is one of the must see landmarks for those who love to discover hidden historical gems of Istanbul. Constructed in the 1800s, its elaborate interior design and elaborate architecture transport guests to a time of imperial grandeur. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of its waterfront location—the ideal getaway from the bustle of the city—while immersing yourself in this hidden gem's lavish past.
The Frankenstein Horror House
This is not your typical touristy attraction, and to be fair Istanbul Tourist Pass® is not your typical sightseeing pass. We gather not only the best in ıstanbul but also the most different and exciting ones! Enter the center of Kadıköy and try your courage at Frankenstein Horror House for an exciting twist. This three-story, spine-tingling attraction combines theatrical terror with escape-room challenges. Enter the spooky laboratory of Dr. Frankenstein, where thrill and tension are felt in every nook and cranny. It's a novel approach to add some excitement to your Asian side discovery. There are many adventures in Istanbul waiting for you, if you are in, grab your Pass today.
Emaar SkyView Observation Deck and Skywalk
Emaar Square Garden is a famous mall in Istanbul and there are many things to do in that huge mall. You can spend one whole day in that mall; shopping, having coffee, tasting Turkish cuisine, or walking on clouds! The SkyView Observation Deck is one of the best places to see Istanbul from above. You will feel as though you are walking on air as you ascend above the city at Emaar SkyView. The Skywalk, a glass bridge that is 300 meters above the ground, provides breathtaking views of Istanbul's most famous sites. After that, you can relax at the Sky Café, where a cup of Turkish coffee and breathtaking views go hand in hand. This modern experience gives your Istanbul itinerary a more up-to-date feel, regardless of your preference for romance or adventure. Remember to take as many photos as you can and share them with us on Instagram!
Beykoz Mecidiye Pavillion
The Mecidiye Pavillion in the serene Beykoz district is a prime example of the Ottoman's elegant history and architectural magnificence. Since Beykoz is not a central part of Istanbul, the Pavillion can be tough as a special summer house for the Ottoman elites. This 19th-century masterpiece was a gift to Sultan Abdulmecid. Today, it is one of the prime examples of the opulent architectural style of the era. Beykoz Mecidiye Pavillion is one of the hidden historical treasures of Istanbul, and not many tourists visit there. Explore its fascinating history with an engaging audio presentation, meander through its magnificent halls, and enjoy the tranquility of its grounds. It is worthwhile to explore this cultural treasure and be one of the few tourists who discover this hidden gem!
ViaSea Theme Park
Traveling with your family can make you search for family-fun places and your Pass is here for you to get unforgettable memories for the whole family in Istanbul. Here one of the best kids-friendly places in Istanbul: ViaSea Theme Park at Viaport Marina offers a family-friendly experience that is exciting and enjoyable for people of all ages. The Theme Park has the fastest roller-coaster in the region! In addition to the fast-paced excitement of the Red Fire roller coaster, this park has various kid-friendly rides. Think ViaSea as a huge complex to get a perfect day with your loved ones. It's the perfect destination to combine relaxation and enjoyment because of its excellent amenities and good location by the sea.
Beylerbeyi Palace
Beylerbeyi Palace was not open to visitors for a long time but now it is open for you to witness elegance of Ottoman past. You can enter the magnificence of Beylerbeyi Palace, Ottoman sultans' summer residence for decades. This architectural treasure, which is situated on the Bosphorus coastline, astonishes with its elaborate interiors and verdant gardens. With your Pass, your visit can include skip-the-ticket-lines tickets and can be enhanced with a specifically created audio guide, which offers deep insights into the architecture and history of the palace. An amazing trip into the imperial past of Istanbul is waiting for you!
Bonus: Ertugrul Dirilis TV Show Studio Tour
Turkish TV shows have greatly been watched by millions of people around the globe and one of the most famous ones is the Dirilis Ertugrul. If you are one of the fans, this popular attraction will blow your mind! Get ready to be fascinated and take a guided studio tour of Dirilis Ertugrul and other well-known series Kurulus Osman and Destan to get a deeper understanding of Turkish television. This amazing trip, which is situated in Riva, allows you to see real sets, get behind-the-scenes information, and even eat a delectable lunch. Both history and Turkish tale enthusiasts will find it to be an interesting experience. And, don't worry about the transportation, free shuttles are included with this tour. Your Pass always thinks about making your experience better!
Enjoy Top Attractions in the Asian Side of Istanbul with your Pass!
So, throughout the blog, we wanted to share details about the generally not-so-touristy Asian side of Istanbul, hope you enjoyed reading it! To conclude this blog, we want you to share the best way to experience Istanbul to the fullest and also with savings: Istanbul Tourist Pass®!
Istanbul Tourist Pass® has a 30-year-old tourism agency to back it, and many Istanbul experts working tirelessly to share the best experiences with you. You can have access to 100+ attractions including top museums, best family-friendly activities, indoor and outdoor experiences, and various local services while you save over 70% of regular prices. So, have a great time on the Asian side of this beautiful city and share your unforgettable memories with us!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Asian side of Istanbul worth visiting?
Is the European side better than the Asian side?
Both sides have their unique appeal. The European side is known for its iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar, while the Asian side offers a quieter, more local vibe with lush green spaces and waterfront promenades. The "better" side depends on what you’re looking for—exploration or relaxation.
How do I get to the Asian side from the European side?
There are several convenient ways to travel between the two sides: Ferries: A scenic and affordable way to cross the Bosphorus. Ferries depart frequently from Eminönü, Beşiktaş, or Karaköy to Kadıköy or Üsküdar. Marmaray Metro: A quick and direct route under the Bosphorus Strait. Taxi or car: Cross via one of the three Bosphorus bridges, though traffic can be heavy during peak hours.
Is it safe to visit the Asian side?
Yes, the Asian side of Istanbul is very safe for tourists. Like any large city, staying aware of your surroundings and keeping an eye on your belongings is recommended, but the area is generally calm and welcoming.
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Many tourists coming to Istanbul especially if it is their first time have this question on their mind whether or not to visit the Asian side. The answer is: Absolutely Yes! Especially if you want a unique experience and a different one from many people. The Asian side offers a unique, tranquil charm compared to the bustling European side. It’s rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, with highlights like Maiden’s Tower, Çamlıca Hill, and the lively streets of Kadıköy. Whether you’re seeking panoramic views, local cuisine, or authentic neighborhoods, the Asian side has something special for everyone.