After our Top 10 Places in Beyoğlu article, we hope you have started to go there at least once a week. Reasonable! However, unfortunately, one day the weather was so bad that all the ferries were canceled, and you could not find a single taxi around. Well, now you are stuck in Kadıköy. You have been coming here for ferry purposes only, so you are not familiar with the area. Everyone knows and has gone to Kadıköy for sure, but you do not know anyone that actually goes there regularly or can be considered a local. Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Here is how you can spend a day in Kadıköy.
1. the Republic of Pancake
People are divided into two groups according to whether they prefer something salty or sweet for breakfast. Republic of Pancake, located in Caferağa, is a cafe that is famous for its pancakes, as is obvious from the name, but that also has salty options for its fans. It is a really nice and central place in Moda. The pancakes will definitely help you get energized for the rest of the day. Nothing is better than satisfying your sweet tooth while sipping your coffee and gossiping with your friends about the same thing for the tenth time.
2. Bahariye Street
Bahariye Street is the street that leads to Moda from the center of Kadıköy, where the famous Bull Statue is. This street is famous for its cafes, street musicians, and definitely boutiques. Kadıköy is one of the best places to shop, especially clothing, with its variety of boutiques and vintage stores. Bahariye Street can definitely be the place you can start your shopping spree at. You can shop around and then just sit on the sidewalks with the colorful semi-ball-like things spread parallel to the road and listen to your favorite classical piece from the talented violinist, who is somehow always there.
3. Akmar Passage
Akmar Passage is a literally hidden treasure. It is a passage that hosts many booksellers, vinyl stores, etc. and you can find literally any book and/or vinyl here. Books from a geometry book for the AYT exam to Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen are all present there; the variety speaks for itself. Another biggest perk of the passage is that you can find many books in English or other foreign languages at a much cheaper price than you would in other bookstores. Akmar has a very important place for both students and people who enjoy reading in Istanbul, thus, it would be a shame to not stroll around. Let’s be honest, there isn’t a single thing a good book shopping spree cannot help.
4. Zapata Burger
The strolling around at Bahariye Street and Akmar has kind of worn you out and you are in need of food, or any source of energy. Here is when I lead you to one of my favorite burger places ever: Zapata Burger. This place stands out with its original sauces, which you should definitely go and try out yourself. There are no sauces like ketchup, but there are special sauces they have made themselves, like sweet mustard, beet sauce, and homemade mayonnaise.
5. Moda Sahil
After the delicious hamburger you have just had, you want to rest a bit and take advantage of the pretty Marmara sea. By now, the weather is already better, even warm. You are both used to and tired of the bipolar weather of Istanbul. It is the perfect place to just sit on the green and chat with your friends while being in the beautiful presence of the colorful and radiant people of Kadıköy.
6. Story Cafe
While chilling, you remember that you have to get some work done. You just want to have a cup of coffee and a cinnamon roll and get done with your work to continue your day with your dinner. Story Cafe is the place for that. It is located under an apartment covered with ivies; both the inside and outside design of the cafe is really nice and spacious compared to many other cafes in Kadıköy. As mentioned, the cinnamon roll is a must here. Take my advice.
7. Viktor Levi Winehouse
With the joy of getting your work done, you and your friends meet up again and decide to eat something, again. However, you are kind of in the mood for some red wine or a delicious plate of cheese accompanying your chat. Well, let’s head to Viktor Levi Winehouse, which is located on one of the busiest streets in Kadıköy, Kadife Sokak. With its beautiful yard, here you can enjoy the atmosphere, the chat, and the dining at the same time.
8. Kadıköy Pier
Last but not least, of course, the pier area. After your dinner, you wanted to walk to the pier with the group to look at the sea view at night, with all the ferries and lights. While you are approaching, you hear a tune, increasing as you come closer. The street musician just next to the Beşiktaş ferries is playing one of your favorite songs with a semi-circle crowd surrounding him. Everyone singing along, some even having their phone flashes on. You and your friends join the crowd and just experience live music for like half an hour before calling it a day. Very special.
Bonus: Chicken and Rice!
I said last for the Kadıköy pier but I didn’t want to finish this guide without mentioning chicken and rice while you are there. It is one of the most attached things to Kadıköy, and one of the most delicious. Just keep that in mind too.
Hope you have enjoyed your day here in this ‘chaotic’ but equally fun place, Kadıköy. We hope to see Kadıköy having its name in your ‘go-to-places’ list just below Beyoğlu and that you can make the most out of your day at each visit. Have fun!
Photographs:
Backyard. Viktor Levi Moda, www.viktorlevimoda.com/hakkimizda. Accessed 20 Oct. 2022.
The Best Trails in Moda, TR.34 (Turkey). wikiloc, www.wikiloc.com/trails/outdoor/turkey/tr-34/moda. Accessed 20 Oct. 2022.
Story Coffee. Zomato, www.zomato.com/tr/istanbul/story-coffee-moda-istanbul. Accessed 19 Oct. 2022.
ZAPATA. ILKERDORKIP, ilkerdorkip.com/2018/05/30/zapata-6-10/. Accessed 20 Oct. 2022.