Things To Do In Asian Side Of Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, situated on two different continents, Europe and Asia. Spanning both the Asian and European sides of the Bosporus, the city is full of culture, history, and adventure. From ancient ruins to vibrant markets, there is something for everyone in Istanbul. The Asian side of Istanbul is often overlooked by visitors, but it is just as full of attractions and things to do as the European side. In this guide, we will explore the best things to do on the Asian side of Istanbul and provide helpful information for anyone visiting this incredible city.

Introduction To Istanbul

Istanbul is a city unlike any other. It has been inhabited since the 6th century BC and has been a strategic site for many empires throughout history. Its strategic location at the intersection of two continents has made it a prime spot for trade, travel, and conquest. It was once the capital of both the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire, making it home to a wide variety of cultures and religions.

Today, the city is home to over 15 million people, making it the fourth largest city in Europe. Istanbul is also an important financial hub, with its own stock exchange and several large banks. It is also a major tourist destination, with people from all over the world coming to experience its culture, food, and history. The city is known for its iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, and the Galata Tower, as well as its lively nightlife and delicious cuisine.

Things To Do On The Asian Side Of Istanbul

The Asian side of Istanbul is packed with attractions and activities to explore. From ancient ruins to vibrant markets, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city. Here are some of the best things to do on the Asian side of Istanbul:

Visit The Maiden’s Tower

The Maiden’s Tower, also known as Kizkulesi in Turkish, is an iconic landmark in Istanbul’s harbor. Built in the 12th century by Byzantine Emperor Manuel I Comnenus, it was originally used as a watchtower and a customs house. Today, it is open to visitors and can be reached by boat from Istanbul’s pier. Inside the tower, visitors can explore its various rooms and enjoy views of both the Asian and European sides of Istanbul. There are also several restaurants inside the tower, where visitors can enjoy delicious Turkish cuisine with a breathtaking view.

Explore Altinpinar Park

Altinpinar Park is a public park located in Kadikoy district, on the Asian side of Istanbul. The park is full of lush greenery and offers a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is home to a variety of plants and wildlife and has several walking trails for visitors to explore. The park also has a playground for children and a few cafes which serve up delicious Turkish tea and snacks. Altinpinar Park is a great place for visitors to relax and enjoy some nature in the city.

Shop At The Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is one of Istanbul’s most iconic attractions. Located in Kadikoy district on the Asian side of Istanbul, it is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. It is home to thousands of shops selling everything from clothing and jewelry to carpets and antiques. Visitors can find some great deals here and also enjoy some traditional Turkish food at one of the many cafes located in the bazaar.

Visit The Haydarpasa Train Station

The Haydarpasa Train Station is an impressive building located in Kadikoy district on the Asian side of Istanbul. It was originally built in 1908 by German architects as part of an agreement between Germany and Turkey during that time. Today, it is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks and a popular tourist attraction. The station is no longer used for passenger trains but visitors can still explore its impressive architecture, which includes a clock tower and grand archways.

Experience An Istanbul Sunset Cruise

Experience an unforgettable sunset cruise on the Bosphorus Strait between Europe and Asia with a sunset cruise from Istanbul. This two-hour cruise will take you along the beautiful shoreline between Kadikoy district in Asia and Uskudar district in Europe, where you can experience stunning views of both sides of Istanbul. During the cruise you will also have the chance to enjoy traditional Turkish music and food on board.

Take A Cooking Class

Learn how to cook traditional Turkish dishes with a cooking class from Istanbul. This hands-on class will teach you how to prepare some of Turkey’s most popular dishes such as kebab, mezes (appetizers) and baklava (dessert). You will also learn about Turkish culture and customs while cooking alongside locals in their homes. At the end of the class you will have the chance to enjoy your delicious creations with your newfound friends.

Popular Tours To Book In Istanbul

In addition to exploring all that Istanbul has to offer on your own, there are also some great tours available that will take you to some of the city’s most popular attractions. Here are two popular tours available in Istanbul:

Full Day Istanbul Tour With Lunch

This full-day tour takes visitors to some of Istanbul’s most famous attractions such as Sultan Ahmet Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Spice Bazaar and Grand Bazaar. You will have plenty of time to explore each attraction before having lunch at one of Istanbul’s traditional restaurants. After lunch you will have free time to explore some more before being taken back to your hotel or wherever you need to be. You can book this tour from Viator for an unforgettable experience in Istanbul.

Half Day Private Tour Of Istanbul

This half-day private tour takes you to some of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks such as Galata Tower, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Hippodrome Square. You will have plenty of time to explore each attraction with your private guide before being taken back to your hotel or wherever you need to be. This tour also includes round-trip transportation from your hotel or any other location within Istanbul city center. You can book this tour from GetYourGuide for an unforgettable experience in Istanbul.

Conclusion

Istanbul is a vibrant city full of culture, history, and adventure that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. From exploring ancient ruins to shopping at vibrant markets, there are plenty of things to do on both sides of this incredible city. On this guide we have explored some of the best things to do on the Asian side of Istanbul, including visiting the Maiden’s Tower, exploring Altinpinar Park, shopping at Grand Bazaar, visiting Haydarpasa Train Station and taking a sunset cruise on Bosphorus Strait between Europe and Asia. We also provided helpful information about two popular tours that can be booked from Viator and GetYourGuide for an unforgettable experience in Istanbul.