Last updated on March 18, 2024.
Kadıköy is a district on the Asian side of Istanbul. It was originally settled by the ancient Greeks as Chalcedon (Χαλκηδώνα) in 685 BC, almost 20 years before Byzantium (Constantinople).
History
Chalcedon played a very important role in ecclesiastical history as the location of the Fourth Ecumenical Council of Chalcedon in 451, where the human and divine nature of Jesus Christ was defined. It later fell into obscurity as the importance of Constantinople grew. Unfortunately nothing remains of ancient Chalcedon. Nowadays, the area is filled with modern apartment buildings and a few Ottoman homes scattered here and there.
What to Do
Despite the lack of attractions, Kadıköy is a great place to spend time and observe local life. There are several excellent restaurants and bars, especially in Central Kadıköy and Moda. Kalamış is one of Istanbul’s upscale areas and contains parks and marinas. Nearby is the stadium for Fenerbahçe, one of Istanbul’s premier football teams.
Bağdat Avenue (Bağdat Caddesi) has even more restaurants and cafés and is frequented by shoppers looking for luxury goods. There’s also a long stretch of paths and parks along the Marmara Sea for those interested in running, biking, or just enjoying the fresh air.
Getting There
Most people will arrive in Kadıköy via ferry from the European side. There are frequent ferries from Eminönü, Karaköy, Kabataş, and Beşiktaş (as of March 2024) on the public Istanbul city ferry lines (İstanbul Şehir Hatları). Turyol ferries run service from Eminönü and Karaköy (as of March 2024). Dentur Avrasya can get you there from Beşiktaş (as of March 2024).
You can also arrive via dolmuş from Üsküdar, Taksim, and Bostancı. The main city bus terminal in Kadıköy is located near the ferries. The metro for the Asian side of the city also terminates there, and you can get there by riding the Marmaray and changing at Ayrılık Çeşmesi.