Istanbul Asian Side Attractions – A City Guide For Tourists

The city of Istanbul is an exotic, vibrant, and captivating destination. Sitting on a narrow strip of land between Europe and Asia, this ancient city has a deep and diverse cultural history that spans centuries. From its grand monuments and stunning mosques to its bustling markets and vibrant nightlife, there’s something for everyone to explore in Istanbul.

On the Asian side of the city, the attractions are just as diverse. Whether you’re looking for a historic tour, a shopping excursion, or a unique cultural experience, there are plenty of things to do and see on the Asian side of Istanbul. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best attractions on the Asian side of the city, from its spectacular Ottoman palaces to its fascinating museums and galleries.

A Brief History of Istanbul

The city of Istanbul is one of the oldest cities in the world. It was originally founded by the Greeks as Byzantium in 667 BC and later became known as Constantinople when it was made the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire in 330 AD. The city was conquered by Ottoman forces in 1453 and became the capital of the Ottoman Empire until its fall in 1923. Since then, the city has been a major hub of culture, commerce, and history, drawing in visitors from around the world.

General Information

Located on the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey with a population of over 15 million people. It is a sprawling metropolis with a wide range of attractions, from its historical sites to its modern skyscrapers. The city is divided into two parts – the European side and the Asian side – which are connected by several bridges spanning the Bosphorus Strait.

Things To Do on the Asian Side of Istanbul

The Asian side of Istanbul is a world apart from its bustling European counterpart. Here, you’ll find a more laid-back atmosphere and plenty of attractions to explore. Here are some of the best things to do on the Asian side:

Explore the Historic Palaces

The Asian side of Istanbul is home to some of the city’s most impressive historic palaces. The Dolmabahçe Palace is one of the most famous of these palaces, having served as the residence of several Ottoman sultans as well as Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern-day Turkey. The Beylerbeyi Palace is another must-see palace on the Asian side, with its impressive architecture and stunning views of the Bosphorus.

Visit the Historic Mosques

Istanbul is home to some of the most beautiful mosques in the world, and many of them can be found on the Asian side of the city. The Ortaköy Mosque is one of the most well-known mosques in Istanbul, situated in a picturesque setting overlooking the Bosphorus Strait. The Eyüp Sultan Mosque is another noteworthy mosque on the Asian side, known for its intricate architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

Take a Shopping Trip

The Asian side of Istanbul is home to some of the best markets and bazaars in the city. The Kadıköy Market is one of the most popular markets in Istanbul, boasting an array of fresh produce, clothing, spices, and more. The Grand Bazaar is another popular destination for shoppers looking for unique souvenirs and handmade goods.

Experience Local Cuisine

Istanbul is famous for its delicious local cuisine, and there are plenty of great restaurants on the Asian side to sample it. One popular spot is Tarihi Moda Balıkçısı, a seafood restaurant with a stunning view of the Bosphorus Strait. Another popular spot is Lokanta Maya, where you can enjoy traditional Turkish dishes such as dolma (stuffed vegetables) and köfte (meatballs).

Take a Tour

Taking a tour can be a great way to explore Istanbul’s attractions on the Asian side. There are many tour companies offering guided tours around this part of Istanbul, allowing you to experience a wide range of sights and sounds. These tours often include visits to landmarks such as Dolmabahçe Palace and Ortaköy Mosque as well as shopping trips to local markets and bazaars.

Popular Tours on the Asian Side

If you want to experience some of the best attractions on the Asian side of Istanbul, taking a tour can be a great way to do it. Here are two popular tours you can take to explore this part of Istanbul:

Half-Day Bosphorus Cruise Tour

Enjoy a relaxing sightseeing cruise down the Bosphorus Strait to take in some of Istanbul’s most spectacular sights. Your tour will start at Beşiktaş Harbor and take you past famous landmarks such as Dolmabahçe Palace and Ortaköy Mosque. You’ll also get to experience some unique sights such as Maiden’s Tower and Kanlıca Village along the way. At the end of your tour you’ll be treated to a delicious Turkish lunch before returning back to Beşiktaş Harbor. Book a Half-Day Bosphorus Cruise Tour here.

Full-Day Historic Sites Tour

Explore some of Istanbul’s most iconic sites on this full-day tour around the Asian side of the city. Your tour will start at Eminönü Square before making your way past landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar. You’ll also get to visit some lesser-known sites such as Suleymaniye Mosque and Fethiye Museum. At the end of your tour you’ll have time to explore some traditional markets and sample some delicious local cuisine before returning back to Eminönü Square. Book a Full-Day Historic Sites Tour here..

Conclusion

Istanbul’s Asian side offers an array of fascinating attractions for visitors to explore. From its grand palaces and impressive mosques to its bustling markets and vibrant nightlife, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on this side of the city. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing sightseeing cruise or a full-day tour around some famous landmarks, there are plenty of options available to choose from when visiting Istanbul’s Asian side.