Istanbul is the largest and busiest city in Europe—it can be hard to imagine taking a wellness-focused weekend in the mega-metropolis. But taking the ferry across the Bosphorus to the Asian side of the city provides a laidback atmosphere conducive to rest and relaxation.
Kadıköy is still a busy neighborhood—but it provides a much more local feel than the tourist hotspots on the European side. Here’s what you’ll want to do and see in Kadıköy if you’re looking to indulge in a little me-time.
Where to Stay
There aren’t quite as many hotels on the Asian side of the city as there are on the more touristy European side but the DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul – Moda is a great bet to position you near to public transportation, including the ferry system and metro lines, as well as great views of the Sea of Marmara.
The Wyndham Grand Istanbul Kalamis Marina Hotel is another great option with sea views and within walking distance of most major attractions. This property overlooks the Kalamis Marina and has a stunning rooftop for winding down at the end of the day.
Where to Eat and Drink
Start the day at Thymos Smoothie Bar in Moda. Here you’ll find a large variety of different vitality and detox-focused smoothie and juice options (including wellness shots) as well as smoothie bowls, vegan-friendly pastries, desserts, and more. If you’re looking for a more caffeinated route, check out POCO Coffee & Matcha Bar, which has one of the best iced matcha lattes in Istanbul right now.
For lunch, head to Kumin Vegan Lezzetler. The charming Rasimpaşa address boasts a variety of healthy, plant-based, Mediterranean-inspired dishes and a gorgeous backyard garden that feels miles away from the bustling Istanbul streets.
Dinner calls for fun and casual and Kem Küm Egyptian Street Food is a great option that balances both indulgence and healthy ingredients. The fast casual eatery is small and cozy with a great menu of Egyptian classics that are entirely vegan-friendly.
What to See and Do
The E Spa Wellness & Massage tucked in the Holiday Inn Kadıköy Istanbul is a hidden gem on the Asian side. The deep tissue massage is top notch and relatively affordable compared to other places and the massage price also includes access to the facility’s sauna and steam room.
If you’re looking for a more local leaning experience, heading to a Turkish bath is a no-brainer. The hamams on the Asian side—like the Aziziye Hamamı—are geared toward locals rather than tourists which means a more affordable price point and a deeper scrub.
The Floating Gym in Idealtepe is arguably the most beautiful pilates studio in the city. The studio is situated right on the Sea of Marmara, with floor-to-ceiling windows that allow the sea’s views to seep right into the practice. Private reformer classes are available as well as larger group yoga classes and mat pilates classes.