Origin: Kadıköy Bull Statue
The place to begin a tour of Kadıköy seems obvious: the Bull Statue. A symbol of the district as well as its starting point, the Bull Statue is a popular meeting point for locals and residents, as well as a pre-match gathering and entertainment spot for fans of Fenerbahçe, the district’s football team.
The statue is at Altı Yol, the intersection of Söğütlüçeşme, Kuşdili and General Asım Gündüz streets. Although it appears to have been there for centuries, it is a recent arrival, compared to many of the city’s venerable monuments. Created in 1864 by sculptor Houillav Dir Isidore Bonhevr, in Paris, the statue was initially brought to Germany before arriving in Kadıköy. It has been in the Beylerbeyi Palace and Yıldız Palace, and at Bilezikçi Farm and the Marble Pavilion, respectively. It was moved to its current location in 1987, where it marks the center of Kadıköy.
Moda Beach and Moda Pier
Moda Beach, a popular tourist destination in Kadıköy, is renowned throughout the city for its tranquil atmosphere. With a beautiful Bosphorus view and expansive walking paths, Moda Beach offers a terrific setting for watching sailboats, picnicking, or just gathering with friends to soak up the atmosphere. You can even rent a bicycle for a leisurely ride along the coast.
While enjoying the sounds of seagulls on Moda Beach, we also recommend a visit to the historic Moda Pier. You can have a simple breakfast inside the elegant Moda Pier, or quietly read a book, as many of the district’s residents do. Of course, while you’re in Moda, explore Moda Street. In Kadıköy, ice cream is beloved and ubiquitous, and the shops reflect this local culture.
Süreyya Opera
On Bahariye Street, the Süreyya Opera is a historical landmark in Kadıköy, known for its Art Deco architecture and for being the first opera house on the Anatolian side. In 1924, Süreyya İlmen built the elegant opera house, now visible from the Bull Statue, drawing inspiration from western architecture; since 1927, the Süreyya Opera has served as a theater, opera house and concert hall. Check out the Süreyya Opera’s event calendar to reserve a special evening in Kadıköy.
Bağdat Street
Kadıköy is famous for its shopping opportunities and Bağdat Street is one of İstanbul’s most popular shopping spots. Stretching 14 kilometers between the Göztepe and Bostancı districts, tree-shaded Bağdat Street is lined with popular international and local brands, as well as cafes and restaurants. In addition, Bağdat Street is also known for its flower shops – so you might want to pick up a bouquet for yourself or a friend while you’re there.
Kadıköy Bazaar and Kadıköy Fish Market
Another key point in the district is the Kadıköy Bazaar. 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.
Just beyond the Kadıköy Bazaar is the Kadıköy Fish Market. You can purchase seafood to take home or feast on fish while observing the street life of Kadıköy.
Barış Manço Cultural Center and Barış Manço House
Named for Barış Manço, the famous Turkish musician identified with Moda, the cultural center hosts theater performances, concerts, exhibitions and talks throughout the year. Open since 1998, we strongly recommend attending a performance at the Barış Manço Cultural Center.
On Yusuf Kâmil Paşa Street in the Caferağa neighborhood, Barış Manço’s restored home is now a museum that contains the artist’s personal belongings as well as various antiques.
Museum Gazhane
Opened in 1892, the restored Hasanpaşa Gas House now serves as a lively museum hosting events, exhibitions and concerts throughout the year. The Müze Gazhane complex also contains the Climate Museum, the Cartoon and Humor Museum, the Children’s Science Center and the Afife Batur Library.
Akmar Passage
Kadıköy is home to many well-established addresses and the Akmar Passage is one of those places where the sweet breeze of nostalgia still lingers. Akmar Passage is the cultural home of Mühürdar Street with its sahafs (bibliopole) – we can easily call this passage filled with books, records and inspirations from different cultures a key symbol of Kadıköy.
Lush green Kadıköy parks
Kadıköy contains numerous beautiful green parks where you can enjoy an interlude away from the urban bustle. Among them are Yoğurtçu Park, on the banks of Kurbağalıdere at the end of Moda Beach; Fenerbahçe Park, adjacent to the Kalamış Marina; and Özgürlük Park, along with Kalamış Atatürk Park and Göztepe 60th Year Park. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or play sports, these Kadıköy parks are for you!
Haldun Taner Stage
The Haldun Taner Stage is another elegant building that welcomes visitors coming off the ferry at the Kadıköy pier. Named after the famous playwright and writer Haldun Taner, the theater was affiliated with İstanbul City Theaters in 1989. Plays are staged at the theater throughout the year, so do add the Haldun Taner Stage to your list of places to visit in Kadıköy!
Kadıköy Sanatçılar Street (Kadıköy Artists Street)
Kadıköy Sanatçılar Street, also known as Ali Suvai Street in Bahariye, is another place that beautifully reflects the character of the district. Take a stroll along this street, where you can see paintings, handicrafts and other artisanal creations. As you go up from the Kadıköy Bull Statue, just turn left at the first street and visit the artists’ exhibitions in front of the stands.
Kadıköy Tuesday Bazaar
If you want to visit Kadıköy like a local, we recommend the Kadıköy Tuesday Bazaar, one of the oldest markets in İstanbul. Established in Fikirtepe, Kadıköy, the Tuesday Bazaar is frequented by the district’s residents, who come to buy a wide variety of products.
Fenerbahçe Kalamış Marina
An ideal address in Kadıköy for an elegant meal with a view of the sunset is the Fenerbahçe Kalamış Marina. Located in Kalamış Bay, this marina offers docks along with activities such as sailing clubs and yacht races. Among the prettiest places to visit in Kadıköy, the marina also contains stylish restaurants and cafes.
Caddebostan Beach
We conclude our Kadıköy tour with an aromatic coffee on Caddebostan Beach. Featuring long walking and cycling paths, Caddebostan Beach is a popular destination for cycling and rollerblading, as well as gazing at views of the water and the Princes’ Islands. The beach is a short walk from Bağdat Street.
You can buy a plane ticket to İstanbul and start exploring the streets of Kadıköy. Have a pleasant trip!
