Istanbul on the Asian Side

Last Updated on May 20, 2025 by Travelationship

Due to my brilliance, in theory, I thought the Asian side would be more Asian. Yes, I had read and heard it was a more modern side. All that didn’t matter. I was still convinced I would see Asian-like undertones. Instead, it was as I had read: contemporary, busy, and trendy. It felt like I had returned to the US or parts of Eastern Europe. It reminded me of a mix of Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York City. I loved the combination of the remnants of the old with the new. 

Kadiköy Market

We arrived in Kadiköy on the Eminönü ferry and walked to the fresh market area. This is a must-do. The bustle of the shop owners and the local shoppers setting up and bargaining with each other is a treat.

a display of flowers for sale on a street corner.
Flower sales in Kadiköy, Türkiye
an open market display of colorful vegetables.
A vegetable vendor at the Kadiköy Market
A variety of fish on display at a fish stall in a street market.
Seafood vendor, Kadiköy Market
an olive vendor at an open air market.
Olive vendor, Kadiköy Market

Bagdat Avenue, Itsanbul

We spent a little time on Bagdat Avenue, which I was told is Türkiye’s Rodeo Drive. If you are a shopper, this is the place for you. The street is busy with people, shops, cafes, and restaurants. Great people watching. If you have some downtime, enjoy a window seat in one of the cafes or restaurants. 

We didn’t spend nearly enough time in and around the Asia side. I am looking forward to returning and seeing much more.

a cheese crepe folded over with a side salad in a large white ball.
Super tasty cheese crepe

Matthew’s View of the Asian Side

The Asian side of Istanbul is best described as sprawling, or almost like the burbs. One-third of Istanbul’s residents live on the Asian side, largely due to the modernization and better living conditions. 

After visiting the Grand Bazaar, in the old walled city of Istanbul, I was saddened to discover it was mainly a tourist trap. While I still feel everyone should visit at least once, for the historical factor alone; I was searching for something more authentic. The market in Kadiköy quickly appeared on my radar—just a short ferry ride across the Bosphorus to the Asian side of the city. I went there to see what a working local market was like and was not disappointed. 

Off to Kadiköy Market

a ferry boat pulled up to a city dock with a blue-gray mosque in the background.
The ferry dock

We left from the terminal by the Galata Bridge, which I highly recommend because you get fabulous views of old town Istanbul, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. It is initially disorienting when you depart the ferry, as you are atop a busy intersection. Head right down Söğütlü Çeşme Cd, the main road running perpendicular directly in front of you. Hang a left on Muvakkithane Cd (street) and into the market.

a closeup of a fish vendors stall at an open market.
Fish are displayed at a vendor in Kadiköy, Türkiye
stacks of fruit dominated by a pile of oranges in the front at a fruit stand.
Fruit display at a vendor in Kadiköy
an old red and blue wooden cart full of loaves of bread.
Bread cart, Kadiköy Market

It was an outstanding experience. I enjoyed many tasty treats from vendors, and Heather got about a kilo of Turkish Delight to take home; it was heavenly. There were also very fresh fish and vegetables in almost every corner. I highly recommend this walk to anyone.

More Istanbul Fun

We spent most of our time in Istanbul on the European side. You can read about our adventures in Old Town Istanbul and Our Tour in the Sultanahmet District.

See more photos on Flickr. Please look for us on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram!

2 thoughts on “Istanbul on the Asian Side”

  1. Neat to see Istanbul from another point of view! I was surprised by Kadikoy as well. The first time I went to Istanbul I wandered into the Beyoglu district over the bridge from the Sultanahmet area and thought that was the Asian side – giant fail.

    thedailydilk.blogspot.com

    Reply

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