Istanbul Asian Side Things To Do

Istanbul is a vibrant and diverse city located on two different continents – Europe and Asia. It is the largest city in Turkey and one of the oldest in the world, with a history that dates back over two thousand years. Istanbul is a city of contrasts, where traditional mosques, churches, and other monuments stand alongside modern skyscrapers and world-class cultural attractions. As a result, the city is a popular tourist destination offering something for everyone.

The Asian side of Istanbul is perhaps the most overlooked part of the city. This area is home to some of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, and it contains some of the best hidden gems, including trendy restaurants, unique shops, and traditional Turkish markets. Whether you’re looking to experience the city’s rich cultural heritage or explore its modern side, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Istanbul’s Asian side.

History of Istanbul Asian Side

The history of Istanbul’s Asian side dates back to the ancient Greeks, who settled the area around BC 500. During this time, the city was known as Chalcedon, and it was an important port for trading spices, silk, and other goods from the Far East.

In the centuries that followed, the city changed hands many times. In 1453, it was finally captured by the Ottoman Empire and renamed Istanbul. The city flourished under Ottoman rule, with the Asian side becoming an important center of commerce and culture. Today, this area remains one of the most interesting and vibrant areas in Istanbul.

Overview of Istanbul Asian Side

The Asian side of Istanbul is divided into three main districts – Kadıköy, Üsküdar, and Beykoz. Kadıköy is the most populated and vibrant district, while Üsküdar is more residential and Beykoz more rural. Each district offers something unique to discover, making them worth exploring if you have time.

Kadıköy is home to some of Istanbul’s oldest neighborhoods and is known for its lively markets, street food, and vibrant nightlife. Here you can find some of the city’s best restaurants, bars, and cafes, as well as its most popular attractions such as Haydarpaşa Train Station, Eminönü Market, and Fenerbahçe Stadium.

Üsküdar is a quieter district with a rich cultural history. This area is home to some of Istanbul’s oldest mosques and monuments, as well as its most popular parks and gardens. It’s also home to some of the city’s best shopping streets and traditional markets.

Finally, Beykoz is a largely rural district located at the northern tip of the Bosphorus Strait. Here you can find some of Istanbul’s most stunning natural scenery and beautiful views of the Black Sea. The area is also home to some of the city’s best seafood restaurants and traditional fishing villages.

Things To Do In Istanbul Asian Side

Whether you’re looking for culture, history, nature, or nightlife, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Istanbul’s Asian side. Here are some of the most popular activities:

Explore Haydarpaşa Train Station

Haydarpaşa Train Station is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. Located in Kadıköy, this stunning building was constructed in 1909 and served as the starting point for travelers heading to Europe or Asia by train. Today, it stands abandoned but still serves as a reminder of Istanbul’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Visit Kuzguncuk Neighborhood

Kuzguncuk is one of Istanbul’s oldest neighborhoods and is located in Üsküdar. The area is known for its traditional wooden houses and cobbled streets which make it look like something out of a fairytale. It’s also home to some of the city’s best cafes and restaurants, making it a great place to spend an afternoon.

Shop at Eminönü Market

Eminönü Market is one of Istanbul’s oldest and most vibrant markets. Located in Kadıköy, this bustling market is filled with vendors selling everything from spices to clothing to furniture. It’s also home to some of the best street food in the city, making it a great place to grab a bite to eat.

Visit Maiden’s Tower

Maiden’s Tower is one of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks. Located on an island off the coast of Üsküdar, this ancient tower dates back to the 5th century BC when it served as a fortification for Constantinople. Today it has been turned into a popular tourist attraction, offering stunning views of the Bosphorus Strait from its observation deck.

See Suleymaniye Mosque

Suleymaniye Mosque is one of Istanbul’s most impressive mosques. Located in Üsküdar, this grand mosque was built in 1557 by Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent and stands as a reminder of his rule over Istanbul. The mosque is open to visitors who wish to admire its beautiful interior and architecture.

Go Fishing at Anadolu Kavagi

Anadolu Kavagi is a small fishing village located at the northern tip of the Bosphorus Strait in Beykoz district. Here you can find some of Istanbul’s best seafood restaurants as well as traditional fishing boats that offer tours around the area. It’s also a great place to enjoy some stunning views of the Black Sea.

Two Popular Tours in Istanbul Asian Side

If you want to explore more of Istanbul’s Asian side but don’t have much time, there are several tours that can help you get an overview of the area in just a few hours. Here are two popular tours that you may want to consider:

Istanbul Old City Tour

This tour takes you around some of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks on the Asian side such as Suleymaniye Mosque, Maiden’s Tower, and Haydarpaşa Train Station. You can learn about the history and culture of each place from your expert guide as you explore the area on foot or by boat depending on your preference. The tour also includes some free time for shopping at Eminönü Market or having lunch at one of Kuzguncuk’s traditional restaurants. Book an Istanbul Old City Tour here.

Bosphorus Cruise Tour

This tour takes you on a journey along the Bosphorus Strait on a luxury boat where you can admire stunning views of both sides of Istanbul while learning about its history from your experienced guide. You will pass by beautiful palaces and monuments such as Dolmabahçe Palace and Maiden’s Tower as well as quaint fishing villages such as Anadolu Kavagi. The tour also includes stops for lunch at some of Istanbul’s best seafood restaurants and free time for shopping or exploring on your own. Book a Bosphorus Cruise Tour here.

Conclusion

Istanbul’s Asian side is an often overlooked part of this vibrant city but offers plenty of things to do for visitors who are looking to explore its culture and history up close. Whether you want to explore centuries-old monuments or go on a shopping spree at one of its traditional markets, you won’t be disappointed with what this part of Istanbul has to offer. And if you don’t have much time, there are several tours that can help you get an overview of this area in just a few hours – from boat tours on the Bosphorus Strait to walking tours of its iconic landmarks.