How does the Asian side differ from the European side?

Sultanahmet, Topkapi Palace (Topkapı Sarayı) and Galata are on the European side. Across the Bosphorus, you can explore Kadıköy’s markets and cafés, the Moda waterfront, Üsküdar’s mosques, the Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi) and Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayı). The Anatolian side should not be treated as one quiet suburb: busy shopping streets sit alongside residential neighbourhoods and business districts.

The right side of the city depends on your plans. For a visit, consider access to the sights you want to see. For a home, focus on your daily journey to work or school. A short distance on a map does not replace checking the actual route and connections.

Which districts should you explore and compare?

The Asian side extends well beyond Kadıköy and Üsküdar. The areas below offer a starting point for getting to know it. Moda, Kuzguncuk and Beylerbeyi are neighbourhoods within larger districts, rather than separate administrative districts of Istanbul.

DistrictReasons to explore itWhat to check when planning
Kadikoy (Kadıköy)Markets, cafés, cultural life, Moda and waterfront walks.Access to a ferry terminal, the M4 metro or Marmaray.
Uskudar (Üsküdar)The Bosphorus, historic mosques, Salacak, Kuzguncuk and Beylerbeyi.The distance from your chosen neighbourhood to the M5, Marmaray and ferry terminals.
Atasehir (Ataşehir)Residential neighbourhoods and business visits.The route to the specific building; the district is not on the Bosphorus waterfront.
Umraniye (Ümraniye)Places to live and everyday journeys in the northern part of the city.Access to an M5 station from the address you are considering.
Maltepe and KartalResidential neighbourhoods along the Sea of Marmara and coastal walks.The locations of M4 and Marmaray stations in relation to the apartment.
BeykozTrips along the Asian shore of the Bosphorus.Road transport and the timetable for a suitable ferry service.

Pendik, Tuzla, Cekmekoy (Çekmeköy), Sancaktepe, Sultanbeyli and Sile (Şile) are also on the Anatolian side. A visit to the Princes’ Islands, which form the district of Adalar, needs a separate itinerary that takes ferry connections into account.

What is there to see on Istanbul’s Asian side?

Kadıköy and Moda

Start at the Kadıköy ferry terminal, walk through the market and shopping streets, then continue towards Bahariye Street and the Moda waterfront. The historic Moda Pier (Moda İskelesi) is a stop in its own right. This route combines a neighbourhood walk, cafés and time by the water without filling the day with long journeys.

Üsküdar, Salacak and the Maiden’s Tower

Near Üsküdar Square stands the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque (Mihrimah Sultan Camii), designed by the architect Sinan for Sultan Suleiman’s daughter. The Salacak waterfront offers views of the Maiden’s Tower. A waterfront walk and a visit to the tower’s museum are separate plans: check the museum’s visitor arrangements and dedicated boat transfer before going.

Kuzguncuk and Beylerbeyi Palace

You can include Kuzguncuk in a walk around Üsküdar, while allowing separate time for Beylerbeyi Palace. The palace stands on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus, within Üsküdar. Check opening days and tickets on the Milli Saraylar website before visiting. Topkapi Palace, the Istanbul Archaeological Museums and the Sakip Sabanci Museum (Sakıp Sabancı Müzesi) are on the European side and require a different route.

How do you get there from the European side and travel onwards?

  • Ferries: Şehir Hatları operates routes linking Kadıköy and Üsküdar with Karakoy (Karaköy) and Eminonu (Eminönü). Use the current timetable to choose the right terminal and direction: not every sailing calls at every stop.
  • Marmaray: this railway crosses beneath the Bosphorus. At Üsküdar, you can change to the M5. At Ayrılık Çeşmesi, you can change to the M4 towards Kadıköy or in the opposite direction.
  • M4: the line connects Kadıköy with Sabiha Gokcen Airport (Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı), passing through Maltepe, Kartal and Pendik.
  • M5: the line runs from Üsküdar through Ümraniye and Çekmeköy towards Sancaktepe and Sultanbeyli.

Check fares, service frequency and last departures with the operator before travelling. Allow time to get from the station or ferry terminal to your final address. A taxi journey across a bridge depends on traffic conditions.

What can you do in one day?

For walking and cafés, follow the route from Kadıköy ferry terminal through the market and Bahariye to Moda. For historic sites and Bosphorus views, choose Üsküdar Square, the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque and Salacak. You can add Kuzguncuk or Beylerbeyi if you have enough time and have checked the onward journey. These are ideas for independent walks, rather than a timed tour schedule.

How should you choose an area to live in?

Compare specific addresses rather than district names alone. Before viewing homes, decide where you will need to travel each day, whether you need a car, and how much you value being able to walk to the waterfront, schools or shops.

  • Check the commute on a normal weekday, including the number of changes.
  • Visit the street at different times, as noise and traffic levels can vary.
  • Compare the building’s condition, the apartment layout and ongoing maintenance costs.
  • Check walking distances to transport and the services you use day to day.

There is no single property price that represents the whole Asian side. A useful comparison needs current listings for homes of similar size, location and condition.

Frequently asked questions

Can you walk from Europe to Asia?

Do not plan an ordinary walk across a Bosphorus road bridge. For everyday crossings, use a ferry, Marmaray or road transport. Pedestrian access during specially organised sporting events is subject to the organiser’s rules.

Is the Blue Mosque on the Asian side?

No. Sultanahmet Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii), also known as the Blue Mosque, is in Fatih on the European side. Its architect was Sedefkâr Mehmed Agha.

Official sources and trip planning