5 Things You Must Do In Kadikoy

Explore Kadıköy on Istanbul’s Asian side by catching an opera, visiting antique vendors, dancing to underground tunes and watching a famous sunset over the sea.

Kadıköy is booming with independent art spaces, music venues and colourful murals, making this neighbourhood a popular spot on Istanbul’s Anatolian side. Here are a few things to do if you’re planning on getting on a ferry across the Bosporus.

* Ride the historic tramway

Compared to Istanbul’s European side, Kadıköy has a more relaxed vibe, which can be experienced on the Kadiköy-Moda Nostaljik Tramway. The red wagon might look like a museum artefact, but the tram line still runs and is widely used as everyday transportation. Get on the tram by the ferries, and let it take you along Bahariye Caddesi and through the colourful architecture of Moda. The line only lasts 10 stops in a 2.6-kilometre (1.6-mile) circular loop, perfect for getting a sense of the scenery.

* Visit a renowned Turkish coffee shop

The narrow streets of central Kadıköy are bustling with life, but one place manages to stand completely still. Fazıl Bey’s Turkish Coffee is a neighbourhood institution – a tiny oasis famous for roasting and grinding its own beans since 1923. The shop continues to draw coffee enthusiasts and was recently voted the third best in the country. Try a traditional Turkish coffee, and let the nostalgic Turkish songs that play here take you back in time.

* Take a workshop at communal art spaces

Kadıköy’s many murals light up its concrete walls. This neighbourhood is bursting with art, and its various creative communities are a great way to get a closer look. Here, you can engage with local artists, buy affordable pieces and join activities or classes. Dive into the weekly yoga and drawing classes at Circuit Istanbul, and explore exhibitions, artist meetings and workshops at Halka Sanat Projesi. Also, make sure to visit Arthere, initially founded by a Syrian photographer to support fellow nationals in creating and exhibiting art. It also organises screenings and performances and has a small café.

* Watch a show at the Süreyya Opera House

Residents in Kadıköy are known to take pride in their district and fight for their landmarks, and the Süreyya Opera House is a good example. Dating back to 1927, it remained incomplete and never staged an opera. Instead, it operated as a movie theatre for decades and slowly fell into decay – until 80 years later when the Kadıköy Municipality launched a massive restoration. Süreyya Opera House finally reopened in 2007 and is now the best place to catch an opera, ballet or classical concert on Istanbul’s Anatolian side.

* Dance the night away at Arkaoda

As tourists and young Istanbulites are opening their eyes to the city’s Anatolian side, new night-time venues are constantly springing up. An old classic, however, is Arkaoda, and many believe that it had a central role in transforming Kadıköy into one of Istanbul’s hippest neighbourhoods.