Kadıköy, the jewel of the Anatolian side, is a district where history and culture beautifully blend together. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, historic charm, and colorful streets, Kadıköy offers much to explore. When you find yourself in Kadıköy, here are just a few must-do activities. We leave the rest for you to discover on your own!
Things to See and Do
Kadıköy is full of narrow streets, boutique shops, and street artists. While strolling through famous areas like Moda Street and Barlar Street, you won’t be able to take your eyes off the historic buildings and colorful wall graffiti surrounding you. In addition, Kadıköy holds a unique place in the world of gastronomy. The fish market and restaurants within the bazaar, places offering local and street food, cafés, and the marketplace provide a variety of options to explore and satisfy your taste buds.Bagdat Street
Bagdat Street stands out as one of the most vibrant and popular streets not only in Kadıköy but also in the entire city. It offers a shopping experience where every step is an exploration, and every window display tells a story, making it an essential stop for those who love to stroll and discover.Kadıköy Market
Kadıköy Market is famous for its two-story buildings and hosts shops and stores showcasing traditional Turkish handicrafts. Here, you can find a wide range of products, including silver jewelry, leather goods, carpets, kilims, spices, teas, and various souvenirs. The market is also known for its restaurants and cafes serving traditional Turkish cuisine. Especially the fish restaurants are among the must-visit spots in Kadıköy Market. Additionally, the historic Haydarpaşa Train Station is nearby.Kadıköy Market is one of Istanbul’s most popular tourist destinations and well worth a visit.Moda Beach
Moda Beach is one of the most popular spots in Kadıköy. It’s a perfect place to take a relaxing walk along the coast, enjoying the soothing view of the sea. You can also unwind at the cafés and restaurants along the beach, where you can sit back and savor delicious food and drinks. This vibrant area, loved by both locals and tourists, offers a refreshing break from the city’s hustle and bustle, making it an ideal destination for a peaceful getaway.Ayia Efimia Greek Orthodox Church
The Ayia Efimia Greek Orthodox Church, with its 320-year history, is a timeless monument that carries the magic of the past! The foundation stones were laid in 1694, and the church, which has undergone a magnificent transformation over time, still stands tall and proud, bearing the weight of centuries. The Ayia Efimia Greek Orthodox Church is not just a place of worship, but also an invitation to those who wish to trace the footprints of history and enjoy a peaceful break in a historic atmosphere.
Fenerbahçe Parkı
Fenerbahçe Park offers a relaxing and rejuvenating experience with its peaceful view of the sea and lush greenery. On weekends, the park comes alive like a vibrant painting, filled with smiling brides, families having picnics, and those escaping the stresses of city life. Our suggestion is to start your day with a breakfast surrounded by the chirping of birds and the salty sea breeze, setting the tone for an energy-filled day ahead.Barış Manço House
The Barış Manço Museum is dedicated to the memory of Barış Manço, one of Turkey’s most famous singers. Located in Istanbul, the museum showcases his life, music career, personal belongings, albums, and concert memorabilia.The museum also features special areas, including Barış Manço’s study room, where you can get a closer look at the environment in which he created his music and how he worked.
Dining and Drinking in Kadıköy
Kadıköy is one of Istanbul’s most flavorful neighborhoods, offering a wide variety of restaurant and café options.Çiya Sofrası
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The first thing that brought us here was, in fact, lahmacun. We entered the restaurant with the intention of having lahmacun, but what caught our attention first were the local delicacies. The food is served hot, right off the grill, and you get to choose what you want by seeing it in front of you, which is a great advantage for us, as sometimes it’s hard to know exactly what you’ll get when you order from a menu.
Just beyond the first dishes that greeted us, we found the flavors we tried and loved right away. The bulgur salad (kısır), thyme salad (zahter), hummus, stuffed grape leaves (sarma), and a variety of appetizers were all impressive. We came for lahmacun, but based on a recommendation, we also ordered the bulgur salad, thyme salad, and stuffed grape leaves. The appetizers are served in any quantity you desire, and you can create a mixed plate. They are weighed immediately, and the pricing is based on the amount you take.
We took our mixed appetizer plate, sat at a table, ordered lahmacun, and of course, homemade ayran. While eating the appetizers we had chosen just as a snack, we had to resist ordering a second plate. The lahmacun was perfectly crispy and crunchy, exactly the kind of lahmacun you’d say, “This is what lahmacun should be.” It’s served with parsley and lemon, and honestly, we didn’t feel the need for more appetizers as the lahmacun was so delicious.
This was our first experience at Çiya, and it was just a taste of what the place offers. Our next visit will definitely be an opportunity to try even more of their delicious offerings.
Regarding the Netflix documentary we mentioned earlier, we highly recommend watching Chef’s Table featuring Turkish chef Musa Dağdeviren before visiting. In our upcoming updated post, we will provide more details about Çiya’s establishment and mission. We highly recommend the dishes we tried and can’t wait for our next visit to explore more flavors!
Kemal Usta Waffle
Kemal Usta, who has mastered the art of waffles, offers a variety of waffle options in different flavors. In addition to waffles, the menu also includes sweet treats like pancakes, wafers, and milkshakes, making it a perfect spot for dessert lovers. You’ve probably seen a photo taken at this place on social media, as it’s well-known for its vibrant, delicious waffles. The atmosphere is so Instagram-worthy that you won’t be able to resist taking a photo while enjoying your treat!
Paul’s Lasagna
Located just across from Saint-Joseph French High School, this small, cozy restaurant is easily accessible with a lovely walk from Kadıköy Market to Moda. Upon entering, the first thing that strikes you is its intimate and warm atmosphere. What truly impresses, though, is the delicious lasagna, prepared in clay pots after you place your order. If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, you won’t be disappointed.
