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Kadıköy for first time visitors to Istanbul?

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My wife and I (mid 60s, Chicago area) will be visiting Istanbul for the first time for 3 full days in mid February on our way to Tanzania for a safari/beach adventure. Of course we plan to visit the iconic historical sites of the old city like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, etc, For ease of visiting these sites, we initially were thinking that we would stay in Sultanahmet. However, the more I researched places to stay, the more I seemed to encounter the consistent theme that Sultanahmet is mainly a very touristy area and not representative of authentic Istanbul.

Another thing drawing us to Istanbul was the opportunity to cross over the Bosphorus and step into Asia. While we hope to have a longer stay somewhere on the continent on a future trip, this would at least allow us to tick off the bucket list item of having stepped foot in Asia for the time being. Thinking that actually spending a few nights on the Asian side might lend a little more credibility to our claim of having "visited" Asia. I know, kind of silly.

Anyways, wanted to get thoughts on staying in Kadikoy as a first time visitor. While farther away from the historic sites we hope to visit, it seems nonetheless that they are pretty easily accessible by ferry, and I'm thinking that taking the ferry in and of itself could be a fun part of the trip. While nightlife isn't high on our list of priorities, Kadikoy seems to be pretty vibrant with lots of bars/restaurants should we want to experience that stuff. There also seems to be a pretty good supply of reasonably priced Airbnbs in the area. Looking at a rental rather than hotel as we would like to have a washer/dryer to do some laundry prior to starting the African leg of our journey.

So a couple of questions:

Would Kadikoy be a good place to stay for first time visitors to Istanbul?

If so, are there certain neighborhoods, we should try to target are search? We'd prefer something quieter, but if we are near nightlife, that's ok.

Are there other neighborhoods on the Asian side we should consider?

Is staying on the Asian side a good idea to begin with? Would it be more of a hassle to visit some of the historic sites than its worth.

Appreciate any and all feedback. Thanks!

Posted by
3655 posts

I took a food tour that went to Uskudar and Kadikoy and it is definitely more of a neighborhood feel. You might have more difficulties navigating the language as it's not tourist focused. And you'll have more transportation to figure out and navigate to get to the tourist areas, probably 20-45 minutes each way depending on time of day. With only three days I myself would stay closer to the tourist sites, if only because I liked being able to take a break at my hotel. There are quieter areas in Sultanahmet and Karikoy (I stayed in both) and I am sure you could find a serviced apartment with laundry if that's a must have. BTW it's a solid hour to/from airport pretty much no matter where you stay in the city so be sure to plan for that. And be at the airport at least 3 hours ahead of your flight to check in and get through security.

Posted by
9941 posts

I stayed in the Taksim square area on the European Side and enjoyed the area. The two hotels I stayed at were Nippon Hotel and Taksim Point Hotel. They are next door to each other and across the street from where the Coach #16 drops of people from the airport making them quite convenient. The funicular down to the waterfront and tram line is a 3 minute walk away as is the Metro Station. Many restaurants. Easy walk to Mehter Band Concerts.

I also stayed at the Legacy Ottoman Hotel which is located next the Galata Bridge, Spice Market, tram line, and ferry dock. This was also a good choice but a bit more of a touristy area.

I can't comment on staying on the Asian Side, but visiting it from the European side is quite easy. One way I enjoyed was taking Yummy Istanbul's "Taste of Two Continents" food tour. You start on the European Side at the Spice Market, have a traditional Turkish Breakfast, then take the ferry across to the Asian Side where you eat your way through several stops. It was interesting and delicious. Along the way you learn about how to travel on ferries, the general layout of the area, and the history and tradition of different Turkish foods.

I can't imagine that staying on the Asian side would be a problem. You should ask yourself where you plan to spend most of your time.

Posted by
4897 posts

We were just in Istanbul last month. We stayed in the sultanahmet area and walked to the sites. Since you only have 3 days there, I would not stay on the Asian side. You will waste too much time getting to the sites you want to see.
Most of the sites, Hagia Sophia, blue mosque, Topkapi palace, hippodrome, archeological museum, grand bazaar, and basilica cistern are all very near each other in this area. Also the dance or whirling dervish show Rick mentions in his book. All very close.
The spice bazaar and Galata bridge to Taskim street and the Galata tower are a short walk away. Also the ferry to the Asia side.
We would sometimes walk back to the hotel for a rest or to drop off purchases and go out again. Why make it harder on yourself.

Posted by
6486 posts

If it was a longer stay, I would say it really does not matter much, but if I were just going to be there a few days, I would stay closer to walk to the sites.

Posted by
6200 posts

If I pose your question to myself, my answer to staying on the Asia side (1st time, 3 day visit) would be no. My preference would be to stay closer to the typical first visit sights so that I could, say, drop back to the hotel midday before continuing sightseeing.

If it were my 2nd or 3rd trip, I might say yes, because I might be venturing further for my sightseeing than during a first visit.

If you decide to do it, then perhaps consider morning sightseeing in the Old Town area, then a break back to your lodging, and continue sightseeing in the afternoon in Ortakoy (by ferry) or on the Asia side. Or plan at least one full day to stay on the Asia side. But normally I wouldn't recommend those for a 3 day first time visit.

Another option to lend more credibility to your Asia visit would be one of the food tours that goes there. Be careful to note that many of the food tours start on the Europe side.

If you decide to stay on the Europe side, you could plan a day of sightseeing to Kadikoy or Üsküdar.

Posted by
1710 posts

Do also factor in the jet lag you will face which will impact your first couple of days - having a hotel close by is recommended.

Posted by
1 posts

I just got back from Istanbul last week (first time visit), so I hope my comment might be useful/relevant to you.
Considering your 3 days, and the historic locations, I would recommend a trip over a stay. Many tours take place in Sultanahmet, and if they start in the morning, it may be difficult to get there from an airbnb in Kadıköy. Locations to consider staying if Sultanahmet feels too touristy: Karakoy, Kabatas (both Europe side). There's a lot of places to visit around Sultanahmet, and because the terrain can be sloped/hilly, it can add to extra walking time needed when you're exploring.

Kadıköy is easily accessible by the boat ferry. There are 3 ferries every hour until 8pm, with each ride taking 20+ mins. The most convenient ferry route would be Kadıköy to Eminonu (where the historic sites are). If you end up staying near Sultanahmet, I recommend this local ferry schedule for travelling from Kadikoy back to your accomodation. The Istanbulkart works for the boat ferries.

I really liked Kadıköy personally - lots of cute, old streets, local life, and cheap shopping (clothes, shoes). But understandably these aren't priorities for most travellers, especially first-timers to Istanbul! I would prioritize the historic sites. You can visit Kadıköy during your downtime, particularly because many Kadıköy stores are open till 9pm or even 11pm.

I didn't like Taksim at all - bad public transport, it's uphill (80 meters / 262 feet), international shopping/retail stores with nightlife and tourist prices to match. The opposite of Kadıköy, imo. Not bad, just boring.

One last tip on navigation - Googlemaps was more of a 'suggestion.' Urban planning and signage throughout Istanbul was not great, so old fashioned talking to locals and double checking directions was more reliable for me. Uber was also good - slightly more expensive than local public transport (USD$7 - 15/ride) but cheaper than U.S. ubers and very convenient. I hope you enjoy your trip!

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