About this experience
Take a stroll through the colorful Kadıköy, ride public transport, discover the fashionable Moda district, indulge in delicious treats and coffee, all while enjoying views of the Marmara Sea — this is just part of the program I suggest to experience a different, non-central Istanbul. I will take you to interesting spots and share city secrets.
What to Expect
This program is suitable for adult travelers as well as families with children.
You will:
- Get to know the colors of the Asian district Kadıköy and its youthful part — the Moda district
- Feel the connection between modernity and the past
- Do some mini-shopping in local shops
- Indulge in tasty treats
- Have coffee while enjoying beautiful views of the Marmara Sea
- Stroll through the parks and playgrounds of Moda and Kalamış
- See the famous Fenerbahçe stadium
- Ride local public transport
- Hear many interesting facts from a guide who has been living in Istanbul for 10 years (that's me)
Program Details
If you have arrived in Istanbul and have already become tired of endless crowds of tourists, visited the Grand Bazaar, seen the main attractions, then it's time to visit the Asian part of the city!
First, you need to get to the famous Kadıköy district. This can be done by boat from the Eminönü or Karaköy piers. There are other ways — the Marmaray railway passing under the Marmara Sea, the Eurasia automobile tunnel, or the bridge over the Bosphorus. But the boat (or "vapur") is the most enjoyable option. The city views from the water, the blue waves of the Marmara Sea, the soaring seagulls (called "feathered gypsies" here) waiting to receive bagel pieces from passengers, all create an unforgettable Istanbul atmosphere.
I will meet you at the Kadıköy pier (or another location in the district). We will board the old tram "Kadıköy — Moda", which will take us to Moda. This place was very popular among Europeans and Russian immigrants. It was foreigners who brought a special atmosphere and way of life here, which allowed this district to be called Moda. We will walk along the Moda pier and visit the recently renovated port that now houses a library and a cafe (we can visit it if desired).
The Moda coast gradually transitions to the locally popular Kalamış Park, which we will reach via a bridge near the Fenerbahçe stadium. There are many children's playgrounds, picnic spots, and great views in the coastal areas. In Moda, you can also try authentic Italian pizza or vegetarian food, buy souvenirs, or go shopping.
Organizational Details
To travel around the city by public transport, you need to purchase an Istanbulkart. It is sold at vending machines at stops. The cost of the card is 70 lira. The boat fare is 20 lira, bus and metro fares are 15 lira each. Marmaray railway and metrobus are 30 lira (each Marmaray and metrobus station has iade machines: if the trip was not long, you need to touch the card to the machine, and it will refund part of the ticket price).
