Panoramic view of Kadikoy
Until recently not many tourists ventured across to the Asian side of istanbul . Although it is true that the obligatory stops are on the European shore, the trendy neighborhood in Kadiköy has for some time now lived up to its name.
On the banks of the Bosphorus, on the Asian side of Istanbul, Kadikoy Until a few years ago, it was a residential neighborhood to which many locals moved to escape the high rents in the European center of the city.
As has happened in many other big cities, with the flood of new residents the number of businesses also skyrocketed: bars, cafes, shops, cultural centers.
The district of Kadiköy, and specifically its fashionable neighbourhood, became the meeting point for liberals and culturetas and, little by little, an obligatory stop for tourists visiting the city. this is how you can squeeze Kadiköy in 24 hours like a local.
The Haydarpasa Terminal, a train station built in 1909 and a symbol of the Asian part
HAVING TURKISH BREAKFAST
Turks take it very seriously that breakfast is The most important meal of the day. Especially weekend, when they get together with friends or family to do brunch: tomato, cucumber, eggs, honey, jams, olives, sausages… and cheese, lots of cheese.
If you stay in the European quarter, like most of the tourists who visit the city, take one of the many ferries going out to the asian side from Eminönü, in the Sultanahmet neighborhood; or from Karaköy, near the Galata Bridge. It will leave you directly on the other shore, ready to start the tour.
pattis It is a must see for most hipsters And the proof that modernity does not have to be at odds with quality. Besides, what better place to have breakfast than one that serves breakfast at all hours ? If the Turkish breakfast does not appeal to you, you can also order the already mythical avocado toast, or pancakes.
Another special place is Walter's Coffee Roastery. With locations in Kadiköy, Dubai and Doha, this coffee lab reminiscent of the Breaking Bad series prepare the most sophisticated coffees you can find. Breakfast, simple, but will not leave you indifferent.
At Pattis they serve delicious breakfasts at all hours!
DISCOVERING KADIKÖY
One of the greatest charms of Kadiköy is its open market. Fruit and vegetable stalls are interspersed with fish stalls. no matter the day, It is always open and with fresh product.
It is the perfect place to do some shopping at local prices. If you like to take 'useful' things with you as a souvenir, take the opportunity to buy spices, teas or nuts.
The neighborhood is also known for its shops with products created by young Turkish designers. Punta Design is one of them. there you can find from t-shirts to cushions for the house or jewels.
Kadiköy is also the perfect place for lovers of Street art. Several buildings in the area are covered by true works of art, thanks in part to a graffiti festival that is organized every year in the neighborhood: Mural Instanbul Festival. On their website you can see the locations of each of them.
Kadiköy is a paradise for street art lovers
Continuing with the artistic line, don't miss the Cultural Center of Baris Manço, in honor of the famous Turkish rocker who died in 1999, a pioneer of rock in Turkey with the look of Jesus Christ Superstar.
His vinyls are sold, second-hand, for more than 100 euros in the many music stores in the area. Precisely another of the charms of Kadiköy are its thrift store vinyl, although the prices may not be so attractive.
Because all the records are imported, and the growing popularity of turntables, their prices far exceed European prices. However, if you want to take something special to add to your collection, take advantage of the occasion.
Due to the condition and quality of its vinyl, Rainbow 45 Records is one of the obligatory stops. If you have the time and desire to search through thousands of vinyls –many in not so good condition–, In Akmar Pasaji you can find several second-hand record and book stores.
Kadiköy's vinyl, record and book stores are home to a myriad of unique treasures
For the tourist photo, search the Kadikoy bull and be prepared to wait your turn. No matter how long that bull has been there, the locals love to take pictures with him.
It is also a regular meeting point to meet friends. The bronze statue was created by the French sculptor isidore bonheur in 1864, and erected in a French square to commemorate the victory against the Germans.
In the early 1870s, after a German victory, soldiers took the statue away. Later, during the First World War, in which the Ottoman Empire remained faithful to the Germans, Kaiser Wilhelm II sent the statue to the Turks as a gift.
After losing the war, the statue changed location numerous times until reaching its current place in the 90s.
The Kadiköy bull: the inhabitant of the neighborhood that attracts the most flashes
HAMAM LIKE THE LOCALS
One of the must do in Istanbul should be to go to a hamam. The problem is the prices on the European side.
If you want to enjoy the Turkish bath experience without leaving you a fortune, in Kadiköy there is a very simple but very affordable hamam: Aziziye Hamam.
for about ten euros you'll walk out of there with the skin of a baby. Of course, without great ceremonies and probably with less hygienic measures than in other places.
WHERE TO EAT
For something light and fast, but without losing the opportunity to try typical food Enough! street food It's the place. The classic renovated durum, or a lamb burger are some of its dishes. It does not disappoint.
For something more traditional, Ciya Sofrasi. It has two stores, one opposite the other. In one of them they offer traditional Turkish food, including stews, soups and salads.
In front, kebab in all its forms. If you go with more people and you do not agree, there is no problem. You can sit in one of the restaurants and order dishes from the other without any problem.
Çiya Sofrasi has two stores, one for traditional Turkish food and the other for kebabs
There are plenty of other traditional (and less traditional) options in the area. From the classic kokoreç (cow gut) sandwich to gözleme, a kind of thin dough, made with flour and water, stuffed with different ingredients: cheese, spinach, mushrooms. In Butme Evi They prepare it wonderfully.
THE WARRIOR'S REST
If the weather is good, there is a visit that can be perfect both for a good nap outdoors, and to wash down food.
The Fashion park, on the coast. A promenade facing the sea, and one of the favorite areas of Istanbulites when the sun rises to walk, have a picnic with friends, or simply sit down and read a book. You will feel like a local.
Kadiköy Fashion Park is ideal for a picnic
OF BEERS BY KADIKÖY
One of the greatest attractions of Kadiköy is precisely its breweries In few areas of Istanbul are there so many bars so close to each other, which has turned the neighborhood into one of the new nightlife areas of the city.
To have a beer outdoors, nothing like the “secret” garden of **Zeytin Café Bar.** Quiet in the afternoon, and always lively at night, especially on summer nights.
Other of the favorite bars of the most brewers, and where to taste some of the Turkish craft beers are Fil or AYI. In addition to the classic Bomonti or Efes, two of the most common beers in the city, They have a wide selection of international beers. Although they are not always all available, so do not despair.
Don't miss the secret garden of Zeytin
Between the turkish craft beers most common that you will find in bars are Pablo, Gara Guzu or Pera.
A RESTAURANT
It's time to regain strength and fill the stomach. The street Günesli Bahce It is full of fish restaurants , perhaps the most common choice among groups of friends who meet for dinner.
It is usual to share some starters or mezze and then order fish. Among the most common mezze are the marinated sea bass or the Roman squid (unbelievably good!) .
In these restaurants there is rarely a menu, they simply show you the product and you decide what to order. Of course, do not forget to ask the price before!
With fish there is another essential 'ceremony', especially if you are passing through Istanbul and want to try everything. Although in these restaurants you can also order wine, the usual thing is to drink raki. A kind of monkey anise that they take mixed with water. For tastes… colors!
If you don't want to eat fish, don't miss the restaurant Victor Levi. Its terrace has a special charm that more than compensates for a very normal menu.
Mezzes are the Turkish equivalent of Spanish tapas
LIVE MUSIC
On weekends, Kadiköy is the place to party. If you decide to stay after dinner, you will find several places that offer live music, drinks, or cocktails.
One of the favorites of the locals is Do Rock, where they sound Turkish and international music in equal parts. On the other hand, Arkaoda has been animating the Istanbul nightlife since 1999 with his independent music.
Undoubtedly thousands of options to explore and enjoy, for now, without the 'tourist tax' like another place.
Views of the Bosphorus with Kadiköy in the background