Are you dreaming of a day where you can escape the crowds of Istanbul and truly feel the city's soul? Then set your course for Kadıköy, the shining star of the Asian Side, a vibrant world waiting for you just across the water from the Historical Peninsula. This is more than just a district; it's an experience where history and modern life, art and the street, flavor and tranquility intertwine. This guide we've prepared for you will ensure you can fit the most unforgettable moments into a single day without getting lost among the many things to do in Kadıköy. If you're ready, let's embark on this wonderful journey that begins with the sound of a ferry's whistle and ends in the serenity of the Moda coast!

Start of the Adventure: Cross to the Asian Side by Ferry from Eminönü or Karaköy

The first step of your Kadıköy adventure is to board the iconic city ferry, which is much more than just a means of transportation. It is one of the purest rituals of understanding and loving Istanbul. The moment you step onto the ferry departing from Eminönü or Karaköy, the city's noise gives way to the cool breeze of the Bosphorus and the cheerful cries of seagulls. This twenty-minute journey is like a floating observation deck.   

As the ferry slowly pulls away from the pier, lean back and enjoy the view. The unique silhouette of the Historical Peninsula, with the magnificent domes of Hagia Sophia , the Blue Mosque , and Topkapi Palace slowly receding, makes you feel like you're inside a postcard. This short but impressive journey is actually a transition from the tourist center to the more local and living heart of the city; you leave the historical texture of Europe behind and set sail towards the dynamic spirit of Asia.   

The best place to immortalize these moments is on the open decks at the back of the ferry. Watching this view with a freshly brewed tea and a crispy simit in hand is a priceless experience. The current fare for the ferries, which you can easily board with an Istanbulkart, is around 38 TL. This ferry ride offers you a summary of the   

places to see in Istanbul list.

A Discovery for the Senses: Wander Through the Bustling Atmosphere of Kadıköy Market

The energy that greets you as you disembark from the ferry instantly summarizes why Kadıköy is so beloved. You suddenly find yourself in a vibrant labyrinth of narrow streets, the smell of fresh fish, the cheerful calls of shopkeepers, and colorful stalls. With its 1400-year history, this market is not just a shopping area but also a center that keeps Istanbul's multicultural fabric alive with its mosques, churches, and synagogues.   

While getting lost in this historic market is enjoyable, don't miss a few iconic stops that will add meaning to your visit:

Fish Market: The heart of the market beats here. As you wander among the stalls displaying the freshest fish of the season , the energy of the fishermen will be contagious. You can pick a fish you like and have it cooked instantly at places like Kadı Nimet Balıkçılık right next door, enjoying it at its freshest.   

Şekerci Cafer Erol: This shop, existing since 1807, is like a living museum. The window display of this century-old establishment, which once supplied sweets to the Ottoman palace, turns into a work of art, especially during special times like New Year's. Step inside and lose yourself among the colorful rock candies and Turkish delights.   

Özcan Turşuları (Özcan Pickles): You might remember the famous argument from the movie Neşeli Günler: Are pickles made with lemon or vinegar? This shop has been answering that question since 1935: with both, depending on the vegetable!. Cool off with a glass of mixed pickle juice and witness history by looking at the jar of plum pickles from 1957 on display in the shop.   

Çiya Sofrası: This is much more than a restaurant; it's a Garden of Lost Cultures and Forgotten Tastes. This place, where Chef Musa Dağdeviren presents local delicacies from all over Anatolia that are on the verge of being forgotten, has an international reputation. The menu changes daily, so be prepared to discover a different flavor with every visit.   

These culinary stops show that Kadıköy is not just about commerce, but also about how it preserves a heritage of craft and culture passed down through generations. Shopping from these stores is to become a part of this living history.

Coastal Breeze and Serenity: Stroll Along the Moda Coast and Relax in a Tea Garden

After the intense and energetic pace of the Kadıköy Market, it's time to head to the perfect escape point to rest your soul. A pleasant 15-20 minute walk from the ferry pier will take you to the Moda coast, where the crowds give way to the refreshing sea air. This transition perfectly balances the energy of your day.   

The most special stop on your walk should be the Historic Moda Pier, designed by architect Vedat Tek and built in 1917. After being derelict for years, this elegant structure was meticulously restored by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and now serves not only as a pier but also as a magnificent public library and book-cafe with a sea view. Step inside, choose one of the approximately 10,000 books, and experience the unique pleasure of reading accompanied by the sound of the waves.   

As you continue your walk, another Moda classic will greet you: Moda Aile Çay Bahçesi (Moda Family Tea Garden). This is a meeting point for people of all ages with its sincere and modest atmosphere, far from chic decorations. Sit under the shade of the trees, facing one of the most beautiful sea views in Istanbul, and sip your tea at an affordable price (a glass of tea is 24 TL as of June 2024). Watching the Marmara Sea, painted red by the sky, especially at sunset, offers a peace that will make you forget all the day's fatigue. This delightful break in Moda might remind you of our list of   

Istanbul's best coffee shops, but the simplicity of the atmosphere and the view here are priceless.

While You're Here...

If you've enjoyed Kadıköy and Moda and have some time to spare, add a little extra to your adventure. Take a short bus or minibus ride from Kadıköy to Üsküdar and from there, discover Kuzguncuk, one of the most charming villages on the Bosphorus. With its colorful wooden houses with bay windows, the nostalgic street that hosted the TV series Perihan Abla, and the mosque, church, and synagogue standing side by side on the same street, Kuzguncuk will present you with Istanbul's unique cultural mosaic in a calm and peaceful atmosphere.   

Bibliography

For ferry schedules and current fare information, we always recommend checking the most reliable source, the official website of Şehir Hatları.   

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What is the best way to get to Kadıköy?Answer: If you are coming from the European Side, the most enjoyable and practical way is to use the ferries departing from Eminönü or Karaköy. The journey takes about 20 minutes. From the Anatolian Side, you can easily reach it via the M4 Metro line, Marmaray (Ayrılık Çeşmesi station), and numerous bus lines.   

Question 2: What are the must-try delicacies in Kadıköy Market?Answer: The market is a food paradise. For the most special dishes of Southeastern Anatolian cuisine, visit Çiya Sofrası. For century-old sweets, get Turkish delight or rock candy from Şekerci Cafer Erol. For a different experience, have a glass of pickle juice from Özcan Turşuları, and for the famous lahmacun, try Borsam Taşfırın or Halil Lahmacun.   

Question 3: How much time should I allocate to visit Kadıköy and Moda?Answer: To comfortably complete the route described in this article, it is ideal to set aside a full day (approximately 6-8 hours). This allows you to enjoy the ferry ride, explore the market, have lunch, and take a pleasant break on the Moda coast.