Things to Do in Kadıköy: A Local’s Guide to Istanbul’s Asian Side

Things to Do in Kadıköy

Kadıköy is one of those places where the best thing you can do is just wander, but there are a few experiences you should not miss.

Explore Kadıköy Market

Kadıköy Market is one of the most well known spots in the area, and while I do think it is a bit overpriced, it is still worth visiting at least once.

You will find everything from fresh produce to specialty foods, small shops, and local vendors, including foods you’ll rarely see in the States. Even if you are not buying anything, it is a great place to walk around and take in the energy of the neighborhood.

If you are looking for something more local and less touristy, I would actually recommend checking out one of the neighborhood bazaars instead.

Walk Along the Moda Seaside

This became part of my daily routine when I first moved here, and it is still one of my favorite things to do. If you go early in the morning, especially before 8am, it is calm, quiet, and feels completely different from the rest of the city.

Later in the day, it turns into more of a social scene with people picnicking, drinking, and just enjoying the view along the water.

Experience Kadıköy’s Food Scene

Kadıköy has one of the best food scenes in Istanbul, and this is honestly one of the main reasons I love living here.

Çiya Sofrası is a great place to try a wide range of traditional Turkish dishes, especially ones you might not see elsewhere. It was such an adventure the first time I went and tried foods I had never even heard of before. They also have a great origin story. Check it out in this Netflix episode.

Âlâ Kadıköy is my personal favorite for a traditional fish meyhane meze experience. Murat, the owner, runs a genuinely honest place, which is not always the case at meyhanes. The calamari is my favorite, and after a couple of visits, it really does start to feel like you are part of the family.

Sometimes I will stop in just for tea on my way home or grab a few meze instead of a full meal.

If you want something more local and casual, Öz Kaygısız Lokantası is where you will find a lot of locals eating. It is simple, authentic, and consistently good.

For coffee, places like 180 Coffee and Kamarad are great if you are into third wave coffee. There are also tons of smaller cafés like Benazio, Küf, Yer Cafe, Pikta (french pastries), Palegg Cafe (Scandinavian open-faced sandwiches), and Analog where you can just sit and relax for a while.

If you are looking for a great döner, Tatar Salim is my favorite. Skip the wrap and order it pilav üstü (on top of rice), which is how locals usually eat it. It is so much better that way.

Visit Cultural Attractions in Kadıköy

Kadıköy is not just about food and cafés. You can also find some really interesting history and cultural spaces if you know where to look.

Müze Gazhane is one of my favorite spots. It is a former gasworks that has been transformed into a modern cultural center with rotating exhibitions. It is the kind of place you can just wander through for a bit and always find something new.

You will also come across beautiful churches throughout the area, including Mary Catholic Church, Hagia Triada, and the Armenian Church of Surp Takavor. They feel like a step back in time and are easy to miss if you are not paying attention.

Discover Street Art in Kadıköy

One of my favorite things to do in Kadıköy is just walk around and see what new street art I can find.

The area, especially around Moda and Caferağa, feels like an open air gallery. There is always something new, and I have ended up with way too many photos of murals on my phone.

At this point, I feel like it could turn into a coffee table book someday.

Go Shopping in Kadıköy

Even though I am not much of a shopper, Kadıköy has a ton of options if that is something you enjoy.

The Caferağa neighborhood is full of boutique shops, vintage stores, and small local businesses selling everything from handmade goods to clothing and artwork.

If you are looking for something more traditional, you can check out local bazaars like the one in Göztepe on Mondays or Küçükyalı on Thursdays.

You will also find some great specialty shops like Ecevitler Gurme Şarküteri, which has an incredible selection of pickled vegetables. They pickle everything here.

There are also plenty of bookstores like Mephisto and Penguin where you can sit, read, or just browse for a while.

Relax in Parks and Green Spaces

Kadıköy can feel a bit overwhelming at times, so having access to green space makes a big difference.

Kalamış Park is a great option if you want to get a bit further from the crowds. It has plenty of space and even things like volleyball courts and outdoor tables.

I have actually played volleyball here a few times, and it is a really fun spot to just spend a few hours. There are also ping pong tables and play areas for kids, so it works well whether you are there to be active or just relax.

Özgürlük Park is another good option, especially if you want somewhere quieter for a picnic but it is a little more difficult to get to.

One of my favorite spots is Göztepe 60. Yıl Park, especially when the rose garden is in bloom. I have met friends there just to sit, drink tea, and relax for a while.

And of course, there is the Moda seaside, which is always full of people enjoying the view, having drinks, or just spending time outside.

It is very common to see people having picnics or sitting along the water with a beer, especially in the evenings. It is one of those places where you can just slow down and take everything in.

And then there are the cats. You will see them everywhere, even in places you would not expect. They are very much part of daily life here. People feed them and take care of them, but not all of them want to be petted, so it is best to let them come to you. Just check out #istanbulcats.

DoRock XL

Experience Kadıköy Nightlife

Kadıköy has a very different nightlife scene compared to the European side. It feels more local, more relaxed, and less focused on big clubs.

Railway Pub is a great option if you want something casual with craft beer and live music. It is also one of the more affordable places.

Dorock XL is better if you are looking for something louder and more energetic with live concerts and a strong rock vibe.

Corner is a smaller, cozier spot with live jazz, which is a nice change of pace. It can get quite noisy, but it adds to the atmosphere. It is the kind of place where you sit close, have a beer, and get pulled into the music.

Is Kadıköy Worth Visiting?

Yes, absolutely!

Best for: food lovers, café culture, nightlife, and travelers looking for a more local experience

If you want to experience a different side of Istanbul, Kadıköy is one of the best places to do it.

It feels completely different from the European side. It is less focused on major tourist attractions and more about daily life, food, and just being in the city.

For me, it is the balance that makes it special. You can spend your morning walking along the water, your afternoon trying new foods or exploring cafés, and your evening out at a bar or meyhane, all without feeling overwhelmed.

That said, if your main goal is to see historic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia or Blue Mosque, this is not where you will spend most of your time.

But if you want to actually experience Istanbul beyond the main sights, Kadıköy is absolutely worth visiting.

Where to Stay in Kadıköy

Kadıköy is one of the best areas to stay in Istanbul if you want a more local and relaxed experience while still being well connected to the main sights.

I have lived here since 2020, and one of the things I love most is that you can take a ferry to the European side during the day and then come back to a quieter atmosphere in the evening.

Best Areas to Stay in Kadıköy

Moda

Moda is my personal favorite area. It is quieter, more residential, and right by the water. You will find cafés, parks, and plenty of places to walk, and it is a great choice if you want a slower pace.

Kadıköy Market Area

If you want to be in the middle of everything, this is where you should stay. You will be close to restaurants, bars, and public transportation, but it can be noisy, especially at night.

Bahariye Street

This area sits right between Moda and the market and gives you a bit of both. It is lively and central, with easy access to shopping, food, and transit.

Yeldeğirmeni

Yeldeğirmeni is an up and coming neighborhood just behind the ferry port. Over the past few years, it has started to change quite a bit, with more local cafés, small shops, and even pottery studios popping up.

That said, it still feels a bit rough around the edges in some areas. It is a good option if you are looking for something more budget friendly or want to stay somewhere that feels less polished and more local. There are also a couple of hostels here, which makes it a popular choice for younger travelers.

Bağdat Caddesi

If you are more interested in shopping and a quieter, more residential feel, Bağdat Caddesi is a great option. This area is known for its wide streets, larger apartments, and a mix of international brands and local shops. It feels more upscale and less chaotic than central Kadıköy.

It is a bit further from the main tourist areas and ferry hubs, but if you prefer a calmer stay with easy access to shopping, it is a solid choice.

Hotel Recommendations

Kadıköy has a mix of apartments, boutique hotels, and larger properties depending on your budget.

Budget

Remta Real Estate Apartment
A good option if you want more space and a local apartment feel. The landlord speaks English and it is close to public transportation.

Mid range

My Dora Hotel
Includes breakfast, has comfortable rooms, and a nice rooftop terrace. Rooms are a bit smaller, but it is a solid choice for the price.

Luxury

Wyndham Grand Istanbul Kalamış
Located slightly outside the center near Bağdat Caddesi. It has larger rooms and more amenities, and is a good option if you want a quieter stay.

Quick Tip

If you are booking an Airbnb, make sure it is properly registered. There have been recent crackdowns on unregistered rentals, and it is not something you want to get caught up in during your trip.

If you are booking through Booking.com, I recommend choosing places with a rating of 8 or higher and a solid number of reviews.

Also take a minute to actually read through the reviews. Sometimes lower ratings come from cultural differences rather than real issues. For example, many places in Turkey do not provide washcloths, which surprises some travelers but is completely normal here.

Also, if you prefer softer beds, look for hotels with reviews that specifically mention comfort or consider staying at international chains like Hilton or DoubleTree. Most places in Turkey tend to have firmer mattresses.