UNIQUE VENUES

Although İstanbul famously straddles two continents, most visitors only ever experience the European side, where the headline attractions are located. Though the Asian side may be observed across the Bosporus, it tends to be overlooked as a destination in its own right. That’s a pity, because this part of İstanbul has much to offer.

You can cross to Asia by ferry, by bridge or by tunnel (the least satisfying mode, offering no view). The most interesting Asian district is Kadıköy, directly opposite Fatih with its exotic skyline. The tightly packed neighborhood includes street art, buskers, a bustling market and eateries.

To the north of Kadıköy, on a hillside above the Bosporus, stands Adile Sultan Palace, named after the most famous female poet of the Ottoman era. For many decades it was a girls’ school, but after a fire in 1986 it was restored to its former glory and became a prestigious venue. Primarily popular for weddings, the palace also offers an ideal location for meetings, conferences and seminars. adilesultan.com