Asian Side Tour

Nakkastepe Park and its Bosphorus views

Nakkastepe is a hillside national garden on the Asian shore, and it is the best way to begin an Asian side tour of Istanbul because the view arrives straight away. From the terraces you look across the Bosphorus to the European side, with the first Bosphorus Bridge stretching over the strait, and the lawns and paths make it easy to walk for a while before the day gets busy.

The mood here is calmer and more residential than the old city, which gives a first impression of how the Asian side differs in pace and atmosphere. Many visitors ask about the best time to visit Nakkastepe Park: a clear morning gives the sharpest views, while late afternoon is lovely for photographs. Your driver waits while you walk, so there is no need to hurry.

Camlica Mosque on Camlica Hill

Camlica Mosque stands on Camlica Hill, one of the highest hills in the city, and opened in 2019. It is among the largest mosques in the country, with six minarets, a vast prayer hall and wide courtyards designed for tens of thousands of worshippers. Because the hill is so high, the views from the terraces sweep across both sides of the city, and the tall tower on the same ridge is visible from the courtyard.

It is a working mosque, so dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, and women should wear a headscarf. Visitors who ask how to visit Camlica Mosque are usually surprised by how easy it is with a private driver: you are dropped close to the entrance and can take as long as you like. Avoid prayer times if you want to see the inside quietly.

A break at Emaar Square Mall (optional)

Emaar Square Mall is a modern shopping centre on the Asian side with international and Turkish shops, restaurants and cafes. On this tour it is an optional stop, useful if you want lunch in comfort, air conditioning on a hot day, or a short shopping break between the hilltop views of Camlica and the street life of Kadikoy.

Because the vehicle is private, you decide how long to stay. Groups that prefer to keep exploring can shorten it or skip it, and the time you save goes to the park, the markets or the waterfront. Families with younger children often like the mall for a clean place to rest, change and eat before the afternoon.

Kadikoy's markets and lanes

Kadikoy was founded as Chalcedon more than 2,600 years ago, long before Byzantium became Constantinople, and today it is the liveliest district on the Asian side. Its market streets are full of fish stalls, bakeries, spice sellers, cafes and small shops, and locals rather than tour groups set the rhythm. A Kadikoy walking tour is mainly about browsing, tasting and watching everyday life.

Plan on walking, because the best streets are on foot. The area suits families, since your driver can drop you close and collect you when you are ready, and you can stop whenever children need a break. If you ask whether Kadikoy is worth visiting, travellers who have already seen the historic peninsula usually say it is the highlight of the day.

The Maiden's Tower from the shore, and an optional boat ride

The Maiden's Tower, known in Turkish as Kiz Kulesi, stands on a small islet just off the Asian shore at the mouth of the Bosphorus. Its silhouette is one of the best-known in Istanbul, and from the waterfront near Kadikoy and the shoreline promenade you can see it clearly without crossing the water. This is an easy viewpoint for guests who prefer to stay on land.

If you want to see the tower closer, a short boat ride is available as an optional addition, paid separately. Many people search for how to get to the Maiden's Tower, and this tour answers it with a shoreline view or a short boat trip, depending on the group. Tell your driver in advance so we can fit it into the schedule.

Cubuklu Silos on the Bosphorus (optional)

Cubuklu Silos is a newer waterfront viewpoint on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus, created from former silos by the municipality, which now offers wide views across the strait. It contrasts with the older mosques and parks earlier in the day and suits guests interested in Istanbul's newer developments as well as its historic sights.

As an optional stop it is usually placed late in the day, when the light is soft over the water. How long you stay, and whether you include it at all, depends on your group and the time that is left. Your driver will tell you whether the schedule allows it once the earlier stops are complete.