Switching continents for just $1

Istanbul is the only city in the world straddling two continents. Naturally, when you are visiting, you don’t want to miss the experience of crossing over from Europe to Asia in a matter of 20 minutes and for the price of $1.

It’s a bit like crossing the equator, not much difference between one side and the other, but even so it’s a unique sensation.

The best route to take for the ‘continent switching trip’ is from Eminönü to the thriving district of Kadikoy on the Asian side.

Take the streetcar from Zeytinburnu to Kabtas, get off at the Eminönü stop, cross over towards the waterfront and look for the IDO/Kadikoy ticket counter.

As usual for Istanbul you have to buy a token which costs TYL 1.50 ($1), insert it in the machine and board the ferry which will take you across the Sea of Marmaris to Kadikoy.

The trip lasts about 20 minutes and, whilst you look behind you, you get he most stunning view of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia and Topkapi palace all lined up on the receding hills. There is no other opportunity in Istanbul to see all major landmarks in one single row.

Frankly, if you expect the Asian side to be more ‘oriental’ perhaps or in any way different from the European side, you will be disappointed. People look the same, do the same and, of course, speak the same language. These remarks are not at all fancy; I have heard tourists discussing if they speak a different language on the Asian side.

However, Kadikoy is a district which has developed into a thriving center for shopping, fine dining and general entertainment aimed more at Istanbul’s locals than tourist which makes for a more sedate atmosphere.

From the dock, just head up Baghdad Avenue (map), past the historical railway terminal which once was the final stop for the Istanbul-Baghdad line. You’ll find very nice street cafes and when you enter into the side streets, bookshops and many patisseries which seem to specialise in sweets and decorations to do with babies and birth.

Patisserei in Kadikoy with sweets for new babies

On weekends a flower market is held near the docks and I was especially impressed with the great variety of roses and carnations.

Flower market at the docks in Kadikoy

Kadikoy also has an old fashioned streetcar, although a bit younger than the one in Galatasaray. It runs between the center of Kadikoy  and Moda, but unfortunately, the pretty green cars are totally plastered with adverts for banks etc, so they now look really ugly.

On your return journey you can again admire the breathtaking view of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks appearing on the horizon and if you return around sunset, the spectacle is even more stunning.

Photographs are authors own.