Istanbul Asian Side Tour
On the Istanbul Asian Side Tour, you can learn about Turkish food, culture, and different types of architecture. On the Asian side of the Bosphorus, we are touring the local areas. Book private Asian side tours of Istanbul today.
Service Provider: Romos Travel
Service Details
This tour is for people who have already seen Istanbul’s historical sites and want to learn more about the Asian side of the city. On this trip, we have recently launched the Istanbul Asian Side Tour to introduce the native neighborhoods of Istanbul, which have existed since Roman and Ottoman times and are also known as “Istanbul, Between the Two Bridges.”
On the Asian side of the Bosphorus are such neighborhoods:
Kadikoy is one of the most interesting and popular neighborhoods in Istanbul. It has old buildings, cute streets, and traditional restaurants, cafes, pubs, and shops. Aside from these components, Kadiköy also has a number of interesting neighborhoods, including Moda, Bahariye, Fenerbahçe, Sanatçlar (artisans) Street, and Tellalzade Street. Since the district is largely pedestrianized, you shouldn’t worry about the traffic and should feel free to explore on foot.
Uskudar: In ancient times, the neighborhood was known as Khyrsopolis, which means “the golden city.” Uskudar, with its Ottoman mosques, is the Asian side’s most historic neighborhood. The Maiden’s Tower is the district’s most recognizable landmark.
Kuzguncuk: Though the precise year of their settling is unknown, this is the first Jewish colony in Istanbul. According to 17th-century accounts, there was a tiny Jewish community in Kuzguncuk. Kuzguncuk is now renowned for its vibrant wooden Turkish and Roman homes.
Beylerbeyi, near the Bosphorus Bridge and the Beylerbeyi Palace, is one of Istanbul’s most picturesque neighborhoods. It is well known for its seafood restaurants and cafes. You should relax, sip some Turkish coffee, and enjoy the Bosphorus wind.
The Roman Emperor Justinian II built the Roman Palace in the sixth century, which is where the area’s name, Sophianai, comes from. The most exquisite Ottoman houses once stood there; they are now cafes and restaurants. In the past, Çengelköy produced the tastiest cucumbers.
Anadolu Hisari: The name of the area comes from an Ottoman fortification that the Ottoman Sultan Yildirim Bayezid constructed between 1393 and 1394, long before the Ottomans conquered Istanbul. The Ottoman Sultan Abdulmejid constructed the Küçüksu Pavilion in the Anadolu Hisar area in the 19th century.
Tour Highlights
Anadolu Fortress, Bosphorus, Bosphorus Bridge, Kuzguncuk, Moda, Kadikoy, Uskudar
Why Book This Service
· Discover the charm and culture of Istanbul’s Asian side, exploring its historic neighborhoods, vibrant streets, and unique architectural styles, offering a quieter and more traditional contrast to the European side.
· Visit Kadikoy, one of Istanbul’s liveliest districts, featuring pedestrianized streets, traditional restaurants, charming cafes, artisan shops, and neighborhoods like Moda and Bahariye, perfect for leisurely exploration on foot.
· Immerse yourself in the history of Uskudar, home to ancient Ottoman mosques and the iconic Maiden’s Tower, a landmark steeped in legend and history.
· Wander through Kuzguncuk, known for its colorful wooden Turkish and Roman houses, and learn about its origins as Istanbul’s first Jewish settlement.
· Relax in Beylerbeyi, a picturesque neighborhood near the Bosphorus Bridge, famous for its seafood restaurants, cozy cafes, and breathtaking views of the Bosphorus.
· Explore Çengelköy, once home to exquisite Ottoman mansions, and enjoy its charming streets and historic cafes, all while experiencing the legacy of its Roman and Ottoman past.
· Marvel at Anadolu Hisari, where an Ottoman fortification and the 19th-century Küçüksu Pavilion stand as reminders of Istanbul’s rich history along the Bosphorus.
What's Included
- Private Professional Tour Guide
- Private Vehicle with Driver
- Parking Fees
- Bridge Toll
Please Note
- The Istanbul Asian Side Tour contains walking as well as driving. We suggest you wear casual clothes and comfortable shoes.
- The tour duration is between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
- The tour price includes transportation.
- Please inform us of which hotel you are staying at so we can organize pick-up.
Meeting Point
At your Hotel
Cancellation Details
Booking can be cancelled up to 3 day(s) before the tour start.
11 reviews for Istanbul Asian Side Tour
Tour Pictures from Travelers
The ferry ride over was smooth and offered fantastic views of the Golden Horn, and Bosphorus. On the Asian side, we strolled through Üsküdar’s historic mosques, browsed Kadıköy’s vibrant market, and enjoyed tranquil street art in Moda before being dropped back—truly immersive!
Great insight into the local scene. We avoided tourist traps and instead strolled through backstreets, discovered bookshops and cafés, and had delicious tea right by the water. Felt genuinely local and authentic.
Feel like a local! Private tour, ferry, markets, mosque visits, and scenic tea stops. The guide was friendly and full of local stories. A perfect introduction to Istanbul’s hidden side.
An exceptional private tour of Istanbul’s Asian side! We started at the ferry docks and crossed the Bosphorus, leaving the European hustle behind. In Üsküdar, we toured hidden religious sites and peaceful waterfront parks before heading to the vibrant streets of Kadıköy. Here, the markets were alive with locals buying fresh produce and street musicians adding to the lively vibe. The day ended with a walk along the seaside promenade, where we stopped for tea as the sun set over Istanbul’s silhouette. Truly a highlight of our trip.
We absolutely loved this private exploration of Istanbul’s less touristy side. After an enjoyable ferry ride, our guide led us through the narrow streets of Üsküdar, pointing out Ottoman fountains and artisan bakeries. Kadıköy’s market was a foodie paradise, where we tasted fresh simit and local cheeses. The guide shared stories of the area’s diverse communities, blending history and modern culture. We concluded at Moda with a peaceful stroll along the waterfront, sipping Turkish tea as ferries glided by.
Our private Asian-side tour was exceptional. After crossing the Bosphorus by ferry, we wandered through Kadıköy’s lively food market, sampled street snacks, and explored the charming bars and antique-lined streets. The guide shared insider tips on local life, then we finished with tea at a seaside café with stunning city views.
Perfect private experience. We saw the city from the water, visited Camlica Hill for panoramic views, roamed Kadıköy’s antique streets, and ended with soup at a neighborhood eatery. Everything was customized to our interests with smooth logistics.
This private tour gave us an authentic glimpse into the Asian side of Istanbul, far removed from the usual tourist crowds. Our day began with a peaceful ferry ride across the Bosphorus, where the guide explained Istanbul’s fascinating dual-continent history. In Üsküdar, we visited historic mosques with stunning tile work and learned about their Ottoman foundations. Then in Kadıköy, we wandered through fish markets, spice stalls, and trendy bookshops before relaxing at a waterfront café. Our guide personalized the experience and answered all our questions with enthusiasm. The day felt immersive and real.
Fascinating tour! We crossed by public ferry, explored Usküdar’s Osman Ağa Mosque, then headed to Kadıköy’s market where we tasted local cheese and olives. The guide took us to a hidden café with a sea view—family-run and full of charm.
One of the best private tours I’ve done anywhere. From the scenic ferry crossing to the vibrant streets of Kadıköy, every step felt personal and meaningful. Our guide tailored the experience to our interests, showing us local street art, historic mosques, and hidden cafés known only to locals. We sampled regional street food, shopped at family-run antique stalls, and enjoyed panoramic views from Çamlıca Hill. The conversations, the small details, and the authentic pace made this tour unforgettable.