Kadikoy, with its lively atmosphere and city life, historical buildings, being an important transportation hub, market, large young and student population, cultural events & arts, shopping centers, cafes, pubs and restaurants by the seaside and inland and lively nightlife especially along its famous “Bar Street” and the nearby residential suburb of beautiful Moda, is one of the most popular and colorful districts of Istanbul. In Kadikoy you may experience and enjoy how the Istanbul locals live.
Kadikoy in Turkish means “the Village of the Judge”. Kadikoy was once a separate settlement area while standing the Byzantium across the Bosphorus on the historical peninsula. History of the Kadikoy dates back to the Chalcedon of the Megarians, 635 BC.
Strolling around the Kadikoy Sqaure, Moda and Fenerbahce Kalamis area and watching the crowd, having a rest and drinking tea or coffee at the various cafes nearby the sea, visiting Bahariye Street and make shopping are the best things to do in Kadikoy. The Kadikoy shoreline is very popular with the young people
Kadikoy Market and the famous Bahariye Street are the most popular places to visit and see in Kadikoy. The Kadikoy market area is also known as “the Beyoglu of the Istanbul’s Asian side”, and Bahariye street as “the Istiklal Street of Istanbul’s Asian side”. There are wide range of places at the Kadikoy market area from greengrocers to fishmongers, from spice shops to patisseries, cafes, pubs and restaurants.
The famous fish market in the Market area is worth a visit and see. The Tellalzade Street along the Kadikoy market area is famous for its antique shops and second-hand bookstores. Before you get to the Bahariye Street, on the way you’ll come across to the other famous Sanatcilar (Artists) Street and here you may find variety of pretty ceramics, paintings and art shops by the local ceramics artists.
The traffic free Bahariye Street can be considered as the most lively and famous place in Kadikoy. There is also an old fashioned tram operating from Kadikoy harbor. Bahariye Street is always lively and crowded. You may find variety of lovely cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants as well as quality shops and cultural event centers in the Bahariye Street. The Sureyya Opera House is the most eye catching building in the Bahariye Street.
The Sureyya Opera House Süreyya was designed as an opera, theater and ball house in 1927 by Sureyya Ilmen Pasa but used to serve as cinema hall for many years. After a hard work in 2007, Sureyya Opera House restored to its original and has become the first opera house on Istanbul’s Asian side and 6th one in Turkey. The building is very attractive with its facade with the cravings of the Muses and masks of art, tragedy and comedy as well as the very beautiful interior. You’ll also see a marble sculpture named Vodvil standing by the building.