Destinations
Urban Sunbathing
On the Anatolian side of İstanbul, the neighbourhoods of Suadiye and the adjacent Caddebostan have small stretches of beach next to their waterfront parks and promenades, making them some of the best spots for urban sunbathing. The contrast between water and sand can vary, but the proximity to the city centre is hard to beat for a quick suntan or swim. Caddebostan also has a windsurfing centre and even offers courses for rowing. Bikes can be hired along the coast and there are plenty of eateries and cafes to grab a bite to eat or a drink nearby.
Park Life
Strolling along the waterfront, near the ferry ports, where there is a beautiful view of the European side of İstanbul, and on the southern coast of the city, in Caddebostan-Dalyan Park. There are walking and cycling paths, a beach, and a view of the Princes’ Islands to the south. Lounging on the grass in Caddebostan Park is a favourite pastime of the locals: People bring their beers, even their own entertainment and music, and books and spend the afternoon there. There is also the unusual attraction of the old mansions that line the waterfront - huge structures like the Sabiha Hanım Köşkü and the Ragıp Paşa Köşkü from 1906.
Be sure to look out for the tea gardens, which are dotted about and overlooking the Sea of Marmara west of the Bosphorus, they are simply one of the nicest places in the neighbourhood and the city to relax. Here you can bring your own pastries or simit from the nearby street vendors, sit down and drink tea or Turkish coffee. The best experience is catching the sun setting over the sea.
However, this is not just a new cool and transformation of a district, many of the must-visit places in Kadıköy-Moda have been around for decades and there is a wonderful blended tapestry of old meets, the atmosphere between those who have lived there for years and the third wave newcomers is generally one of cordial co-existence and a lot of fun.
