Spend a day in Kadıköy


ISTANBUL — Resting on the Bosporus, Kadıköy is considered one of the liveliest neighborhoods in Istanbul. Located on the Anatolian side of the city, Kadıköy will certainly have you entertained from dawn till dusk with its vast array of cafes, bars, cinemas and shops Bull Statue At the center of Kadıköy is a bull statue marking the meeting point of six roads including the shopping corridor of Bahariye Avenue, Söğütlü Çeşme Avenue, which is the gateway to the coast, Barlar Sokağı (Kadife Street) and Osmancık Street.Sea, tea and peace - Moda is a good place to start the day. Get there by taking the tram in front of the Kadıköy ferry station and debarking at the Moda tram stop. Baris Manco Museum Start your day off right by drinking tea on the water's edge at Polka Dot in Moda, followed by passing the infamous house of Barış Manço. The world-renown Turkish rock singer passed away in this house in 1999 and it has now been transformed into a museum by his loving wife. Here you will see his costumes, jewelry, classic car and other personal belongings. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. After the museum, returning to Kadıköy by foot along Moda Avenue will lead you to Tellalzade Street (or Antiques Street) taking you back in time to the 1960s with its antique shops and old colorful houses. Be sure to stop by the cute little cafe on the corner, you can't miss it. Ali Suavi At Serasker Street you will find the famous statue of the Ottoman thinker Ali Suavi. On this street you will also find vendors selling handmade jewelry, ceramics, glasswork and original artwork. The street is also home to the Surp Levon Armenian Church. Istanbul Toy Museum With over 1,000 toys on display from 20 different countries, there is bound to be one that takes you back to your childhood.Founded by famous poet and writer Sunay Akın, the museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on the weekends from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.At the seaside in Kadiköy you will also find the Deniz Yıldızı cafe. The outer appearance of this cute cafe is a ship with a beautiful view of the Bosporus. Be sure to end your day of adventure here as it is particularly beautiful at sunset.