11 Best Asian Side Guided Tours in Istanbul (2025)
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Istanbul’s Asian side, often overlooked by visitors, offers a wealth of history, culture, and local experiences that rival the more famous European side. If you’re looking to discover a quieter, more authentic side of the city, exploring the Asian districts is a must.
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How to Explore the Asian Side
The Asian side of Istanbul is easily accessible by ferry, metro, or car. Ferries from Eminönü, Karaköy, or Beşiktaş regularly cross the Bosphorus to key Asian districts like Kadıköy and Üsküdar, offering you a scenic and enjoyable way to start your journey.
Once there, the Asian side reveals a slower pace of life, with quieter streets, authentic neighborhoods, and landmarks that often get missed by most tourists. Exploring with a local guide can help you uncover the area’s unique blend of modern and traditional culture, all while enjoying stunning views of the Bosphorus from a different perspective.
Read More: The Things to Do on the Asian Side of Istanbul: Places, Districts, Cafe, and Top Attractions (2025)
Top Areas to Explore on the Asian Side
Kadıköy
A lively cultural hub with bustling markets, cafes, and the laid-back Moda district. Perfect for foodies and those who enjoy walking by the sea.
- Must-see: Kadıköy Market, Moda Pier, Haydarpaşa Station.
Üsküdar
Rich in history, with stunning mosques and waterfront views. Visit the iconic Maiden’s Tower and explore the quiet streets of Kuzguncuk.
- Must-see: Maiden’s Tower, Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, Çamlıca Hill.
Beykoz
A peaceful, green area with parks and forests. Ideal for nature lovers, with spots like the Hidiv Kasrı and Polonezköy offering beautiful escapes from the city.
- Must-see: Hidiv Kasrı, Polonezköy.
Istanbul Bosphorus Cruises with Asian Side Stop
Half-Day Istanbul Asia Tour With Beylerbeyi Palace
Explore Istanbul’s Asian side on this half-day guided tour, combining history, culture, and breathtaking views. Cross the iconic Bosphorus Bridge and discover the beauty of Beylerbeyi Palace, a former Ottoman summer residence. Wrap up the tour with a visit to Çamlıca Hill, the highest point in Istanbul, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours
- Duration: 4 hours
- Inclusions: Professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, small group setting
- Comfort: Small group tour for a more personalized experience
2 Continents Tour incl. Beylerbeyi Palace [full-day]
Discover both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul in this full-day guided tour. Sail along the Bosphorus Strait, explore Beylerbeyi Palace, and take in panoramic views from Çamlıca Hill. The tour also includes a visit to a spice bazaar and landmarks like Dolmabahçe Palace and Topkapi Palace.
- Duration: 6 to 7 hours
- Inclusions: All taxes and fees, lunch, professional guide
- Comfort: Group tour with a personalized touch
- Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours before the experience starts
More about Beylerbeyi Palace >>
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Istanbul Asian Side Walking & City Tour
Asian Side of Istanbul Tour – Half-Day Small Group Tour
Explore Istanbul’s Asian side on this half-day tour. Cross the Bosphorus Bridge, visit Beylerbeyi Palace, and enjoy panoramic views from Çamlıca Hill. Stroll through Bagdat Street, known for its boutiques and cafes.
- Duration: 4 hours
- Inclusions: Professional guide, air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pickup
- Private or Group: Small group tour
- Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours
Bosphorus and Two Continents Tour
Explore both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul on this full-day tour. Enjoy a 2-hour Bosphorus cruise, passing iconic landmarks like Dolmabahçe Palace and Rumeli Fortress. Then, cross the Bosphorus Bridge for a tour of the Asian side, including a stop at Beylerbeyi Palace and the panoramic Çamlıca Hill. A 3-course seafood lunch is included.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours
- Duration: 6 hours
- Inclusions: 3-course lunch, live onboard commentary, professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off
- Private or Group: Group tour
Asian Side Uskudar & Kadiköy Tour with Lunch
Discover the charm of Istanbul’s Asian side with this immersive full-day tour led by an art historian. Explore the historical districts of Üsküdar and Kadıköy, enjoy a stroll through local markets, and end the day with a ferryboat cruise along the Bosphorus.
- Duration: 8 hours
- Highlights: Üsküdar district, Kadıköy fish market, Moda quarter, Bosphorus ferry ride
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees, lunch, ferry ride
- Group Size: Small group (up to 6 participants)
- Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours
Istanbul Food Tours on The Asian Side
Evening Food and Culture Tour – Dinner in Asia, Dessert in Europe
Begin with a ferry ride across the Bosphorus to visit the vibrant Kadıköy Market. Return to the European side for a traditional Turkish dinner, followed by delicious desserts like Künefe and Turkish ice cream.
- Duration: 5 hours
- Inclusions: Professional gourmet guide, tastings at 9 food stops, dinner, non-alcoholic drinks
- Private or Group: Small group (up to 10 participants)
- Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours
Street Food Tour: Bosphorus Ferry, Kadıköy, and Moda
Experience the vibrant street food scene of Istanbul’s Kadıköy district on this 3.5-hour tour. Hop on a Bosphorus ferry to the Asian side and explore Kadıköy’s bustling food market, sampling a variety of local favorites like midye dolma, kokoreç, baklava, and pide. Visit 7 different eateries, while your guide shares stories about Turkish food culture.
- Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Inclusions: All food and drinks, 2-3 non-alcoholic beverages, professional English-speaking guide
- Private or Group: Small group tour
- Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours
Evening Private Food Tour In Kadikoy
Discover the culinary delights of Kadıköy on this 3-hour private evening food tour. Begin with a scenic ferry ride across the Bosphorus from the European to the Asian side of Istanbul. Once in Kadıköy, explore its vibrant streets and sample a range of local dishes, including meze and street food.
- Duration: 3 hours
- Inclusions: Snacks, food tastings, street food samplings, expert guide
- Private or Group: Private tour for a personalized experience
- Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours
Taste of Turkey on Two Continents: From European Istanbul to Asian Kadikoy
Start in European Istanbul before catching a ferry across the Bosphorus to explore the vibrant Kadıköy district on the Asian side. Along the way, taste iconic Turkish dishes like doner kebab, meatballs, pide, and baklava, with stops at local landmarks.
- Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Inclusions: All food and drinks, round-trip ferry tickets, professional guide
- Group Size: Small group (up to 8 people)
- Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours
Istanbul Attractions Tickets on The Asian Side
Camlica Tower: Entry, Transfer & Dine Choices
Enjoy hassle-free transfers from your hotel, and choose from a variety of dining options, including Turkish coffee and dessert, breakfast, or a 3-course traditional meal. Soak in 360-degree views of iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Bosphorus Bridge from the observation deck.
- Duration: 4 to 5 hours
- Inclusions: Private transfers, entry ticket, optional Turkish coffee & dessert, or meal (if selected)
- Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours
Read More: Camlica Hill and Camlica Tower: Entrance Fee, Things to Do, Opening Hours (2025)
Frankenstein House of Horror, Escape Room Game
Step into the Frankenstein Horror House for a thrilling and adrenaline-packed escape room experience. Spread across 3 floors and 19 levels, this horror-themed adventure is filled with mazes, puzzles, and scares.
- Duration: 1 hour
- Highlights: Horror-themed escape room, 3 floors, 19 levels, thrilling adventure
- Group Size: Ideal for small groups
- Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours
Key Takeaways
- Small Group or Private: Tours such as the Street Food Tour and Bosphorus and Two Continents Tour offer intimate, personalized experiences, perfect for deeper exploration.
- Unique Tours: The Asian side of Istanbul offers a variety of tours, from food adventures in Kadıköy to historical visits at Beylerbeyi Palace and Çamlıca Hill, giving you a different perspective of the city.
- Food Experiences: Tours like the Traditional Food Tour and Private Kadıköy Food Tour highlight local flavors, with tastings of meze, kokoreç, and baklava, along with market visits.
- Two Continents: The Taste of Turkey on Two Continents tour allows you to explore both the European and Asian sides, with food stops and scenic ferry rides across the Bosphorus.
- Stunning Views: The Camlica Tower Tour provides 360-degree views of Istanbul’s landmarks, paired with dining options like Turkish coffee or a traditional meal.
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Old City Digital Route №1
A step-by-step guide to uncovering Istanbul’s hidden gems beyond Sultanahmet. Access the route via Google Maps and a handy PDF guide, both packed with:
- Local dining spots for any budget
- Currency exchange tips
- Recommended hotels in Fatih
- Directions from the airport to Sultanahmet
- Souvenir and gift ideas
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