We will be returning to Istanbul for a few days this summer. On our last visit we toured the European side of the Bosphorus. Interested in crossing the bridge to the Asian side for a visit. Sights to see? Restaurants?

my suggestion take ferry fromeminonu by galata bridge or besiktas to Asiatic side.
Haremor uskudar(ancient Scutari)
Try the Kanaat restaurant at asiatic side then cross over the bridge.

regards
nejat incedogan
guide

Go to Kanlica and eat at the Ajia Hotel. Wonderful!

Another vote for Ajia....just above the Bosphorus or Kordon next to Sumahan is also nice restaurant....You pay more than regular ones but its well worth it.
A walk at Cengelkoy is also nice or Kanlica as alternative. Staying at Asian side is also an option. Those boutique hotels have regular private boats to transfer their guests to European side for museum visits or shopping etc.

Yesterday it took me taxi and boat combination 15 min. to cross over and its fun.

Happy travelling,
Murat

I would recommend the Kadikoy neighborhood. We visited twice while in Istanbul and it was probably our favorite area for just walking around. It's only a 15 minute ferry ride (frequent service) from the European side. A large shopping area just steps from the ferry. One area specializes in food - we enjoyed that area more than the Spice Market. Many restaurants - would highly recommend Ciya - you can do a google search to find exact location.

Topping for me.

I second Ciya. There are a few now - 2 across the street from each other. One is their kebab place and the other is their sofrasi. They're both really good! Definitely do the 'salad bar' at the sofrasi and the lahmacun at the kebab place. Another great restaurant on the asian side is Korfez. There was a writeup about it in the NY times awhile ago. It's not in Kadikoy, you'd need to either drive there, or they do have private boat pickup from the Euro side. A bit pricier than other places, but really special and right on the water by one of the bridges!

I'm not sure what you're looking to do, but Kadikoy also has a good nightlife area - Bar Street (you'd need a map or good instructions to walk up there) has some neat places to get a drink, in old buildings, some with nice gardens and some fun little shops.

You also might want to think about the Princes Islands. Walking, biking or taking a horse and carriage ride around is nice way to spend a day!

Greetings. I know this is an old thread but 3 1/2 years later we are also looking for any additional recommendations regarding dining and sites to see and experience during a half or full day excursion to the Asian side. Best neighborhood? We are most interested in views, good food (doesn't have to be expensive) and experiencing the real world in this part of the world. Thanks.

If Otherchelebi sees this he will have any recommendations, but it could be past his bed time. And I am not sure he would consider his world real.

You're right on both counts Adu.

Visit the beautiful Beylerbeyi Palace - the summer palace under the legs of the Bosphorus Bridge

Other than Ciya are there any restaurant recommendations for this area? Doesn't have to be fancy; just really good. Thanks.