Yes, Kadıköy is absolutely worth visiting for a modern, authentic, and vibrant alternative to Istanbul’s historic European side. Located on the Asian side, it offers a youthful, artistic vibe with bustling markets, a renowned food scene, lively nightlife on Kadife Street, and a scenic ferry ride across the Bosphorus.
It's the perfect place for a casual night out in Istanbul. A lovely ferry ride across the Bosphorus brings you to Kadikoy. This district has everything from vintage shops and clothing stores to bars and restaurants that liven up after dark. A lovely place to visit.
Choosing between Kadikoy or Uskudar is not a question of superiority, but of personal preference and the experience you are seeking. Kadikoy immerses you in a modern, young, and gourmet Istanbul, while Uskudar offers an immersion in Ottoman history, spirituality, and tranquility.
Drawing visitors and locals, the bazaar features a range of products from textiles to food, while the historical mosques and churches in the area reveal the district's ethnic diversity. In addition, the bazaar houses numerous long-running restaurants.
Kadıköy Travel Guide: Hidden Gems & Local Favorites in Istanbul
Is Kadikoy expensive?
One of the most expensive places in Istanbul, Kadıköy is a residential and commercial area that, with its numerous bars, cinemas and bookshops, is the liberal cultural centre of the Anatolian side of Istanbul.
Yes, tipping is expected in restaurants. In small and casual eateries, rounding up the bill is enough. For example, if the bill is 190 TL, leaving 200 TL is polite. In mid-range restaurants, leaving 5–10% is common.
A must-buy from bazaars in Turkey is a Turkish rug or carpet, known for intricate designs and craftsmanship. Other top picks include lokum (Turkish delight), hand-painted ceramics, and spices.
Istanbul is often considered the most captivating city in Turkey. Why travelers love Istanbul: Iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Stunning Bosphorus views.
In Turkish cities, shorts and T-shirts are acceptable. Female tourists wear their usual clothing. There is no problem wearing shorts for comfort, except when you visit mosques.
- The city halls of Istanbul and Bodrum have banned swimming in the sea in underwear. - It is also forbidden to use photos of girls in swimsuits on advertising billboards in Istanbul. - In the city of Kumlujah (Antalya region), women are prohibited from working in drinking establishments.
According to 2020 data, Dr. Berat Dağ noted that the most frequently committed crimes in Türkiye were intentional injury (40,445 convicts) and theft (39,279 convicts). He added: “The 2020 data reveal that nearly 8,500 young people aged 15–17 entered prison due to theft, assault, and drug-related crimes.”
Don't make any derogatory comments about the Turkish Flag, or Kemal Atatürk, the Turkish Republic's Founding Father or in fact anything else about Turkey. It is obviously impolite and disrespectful! Don't stand with your hands on your hips or in your pockets. Don't point at someone with your finger.
Yes, in the U.S., a 10% tip is often considered low and potentially insulting for standard sit-down restaurant service, where 15-20% is the norm, but it can be acceptable for mediocre service or in regions where tipping culture differs (like parts of Europe). The perception depends heavily on location, service quality, and the type of establishment, with fine dining expecting more and takeaway sometimes expecting less, but a 10% tip generally signals dissatisfaction with service in America.
Generally it's enough when you don't overspend yourself and don't want to do all at once. Just my advice here is, don't come now and wait at least beyond September. Either make your plans for end of September or October, when the weather is still Okey and the crowd is a bit less.
The "333 rule" in clothing refers to two popular minimalist fashion concepts: the viral TikTok trend of using 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 shoes to create numerous outfits (9 items total) for styling practice, and the more extensive Project 333, where you select 33 items (including clothes, shoes, and accessories) to wear for three months, excluding essentials like underwear, workout gear, and sleepwear, to simplify your wardrobe and reduce decision fatigue. Both methods focus on versatility, quality over quantity, and creating a functional capsule wardrobe.
It is important to take care not to say anything offensive about the Turkish nation or the Turkish flag or to write such things on social media. It is also a criminal offence to deface or tear up Turkish currency. The penalty for these crimes is from 6 months up to 3 years imprisonment.
Yes, it is fine to kiss your girlfriend in Turkey. Public displays of affection, including hugs and short kisses, are generally tolerated in Istanbul, Izmir, or Ankara.
