Is the Asian shore of the Bosphorus in Istanbul too far from Old Istanbul and Beyoğlu, on the European shore, to use as a base for your visit?
Not really.
If you're staying in Istanbul for just one or perhaps two nights, it makes perfect sense to stay in Old Istanbul because the top sights are there and you'll spend less time in transport.
But if you intend to visit any sights outside that area—Beyoğlu, the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus, the City Walls, the Princes Islands, etc.— the advantage diminishes.
Here's why: to go to any of these districts outside of Old Istanbul, you'll use public transit—just as you will if you start from the Asian shore. For example, you can start some Bosphorus cruises from either shore, so there's no huge advantage to being in Europe rather than Asia.
The Asian shore's advantages are:
1. Lower prices: the hotels here are not (yet) popular with tourist hordes.
2. Quiet neighborhoods: more of the Asian shore is residential, so you may have quieter nights.
3. Views: when you're in Old Istanbul, you don't see Old Istanbul. For the best postcard views, look from Asia!
4. Bosphorus cruises: whenever you go to the Euroepean shore, you enjoy a fine 20-minute Bosphorus mini-cruise.
With these thoughts in mind, have a look at the tidy, quiet, 16-room My Home Garden in Kadıköy, designed by an businessman—architect husband-and-wife team. On a quiet street less than a 10-minute walk from the dock for TurYol ferries to Eminönü and Karaköy on the European shore, it's also near Kadıköy's lively market district with its many fish restaurants and lively tavernas. All the comforts: private bath with good shower, air-conditioning, minibar fridge, in-room safe, an elevator/lift, a small but welcome private garden in the rear, and experienced, professional staff. More...
Use this Hotel Search Box to find other good hotels and apartments/flats in Kadıköy on the Asian shore:
—by Tom Brosnahan
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