Asian Side and Bosphorus Walking Tour (Self Guided), Istanbul

Istanbul is the only megalopolis in the world that straddles two continents. The Bosphorus Strait splits Turkey's biggest city into two parts: European and Asian. The latter, known locally as Asya Yakası (“Asian Side”), or more commonly as Anadolu Yakası (“Anatolian Side”), is found east of the strait, geographically on the Asian mainland.

The vast Anatolian shore, wrongly considered more “oriental” than its European counterpart, constitutes the main beauty of the city, and is a home to waterfront attractions like the ornate Beylerbeyi Palace and the 1500s Semsi Pasha and Mihrimah Sultan mosques.

On a tiny island, slightly offshore, the picturesque Maiden’s (aka Leander's) Tower offers sweeping views over the Marmara Sea and to the old city. Likely this place was built as a lighthouse to warn the ships entering the Bosphorus waters, back in the old days.

Straddling the Strait the Bosphorus Bridge is an attraction in its own right, being the first inter-continental bridge, constructed in 1973. Situated beneath it, amid a beautiful garden is another attraction, the Beylerbeyi Palace, built in 1861-1865 by Sultan Abdulaziz. Strangely, one of its key highlights is the second floor restroom, with a large window affording a great view of the Bosphorus - possibly the most beautiful restroom view in the world!

Albeit quite dense, this lively area is quite pleasant and has a very different vibe to that of Sultanahmet. To experience some of it, plus to enjoy the spirit of the Orient whilst admiring the beauty of the waterway and the historic buildings lining its shores, take this self-guided walking tour of the Eastern side of Istanbul.