Things To Do
in Kartal
Kartal is a coastal district on the Asian side of Istanbul, facing the Marmara Sea with a mix of residential neighborhoods and growing business hubs. The coastline offers promenades, seafood eateries, and family-friendly parks, while hillside districts provide sweeping city views. It blends traditional Turkish life with modern developments and easy access to central Istanbul via rail and road.
Its proximity to nature, including Aydos Hill and Fethi Pasa Korusu, makes it a convenient gateway to both urban culture and outdoor escapes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a refreshing walk along the Kartal Coast, enjoying the serene views of the Sea of Marmara. The gentle sea breeze and morning light make it perfect for photography and peaceful reflection. Stop by a local café to savor a traditional Turkish breakfast with fresh simit and çay.
Head to the Kartal Sahil Market, where vibrant stalls offer fresh produce, spices, and handmade crafts. Engage with local vendors to learn about regional specialties and pick up unique souvenirs. Enjoy a seaside lunch featuring freshly caught fish at one of the waterfront restaurants.
Relax at Kartal’s waterfront parks as the sun sets, watching the sky change colors over the water. Dine at a cozy restaurant serving authentic Turkish mezes and grilled seafood. Finish your evening with a leisurely walk along the promenade, soaking in the lively atmosphere and street performances.
Venture into Aydos Forest, a lush green retreat northeast of Kartal, for a morning hike surrounded by towering trees and chirping birds. The fresh forest air invigorates your senses, and you may spot native bird species along the trails. Bring a picnic and take a restful break at one of the scenic lookout points.
Explore further into the forest to discover hidden streams and small waterfalls, perfect for photography and nature appreciation. Visit Aydos Castle ruins perched atop the hill for panoramic views of Istanbul’s outskirts. Return to the forest’s edge to enjoy a traditional Turkish tea at a nearby café nestled in nature.
As dusk falls, head back toward Kartal town center to experience local eateries bustling with evening diners. Choose a restaurant offering hearty Anatolian dishes such as kebabs and pide. End the day with a quiet stroll through Kartal’s illuminated streets, appreciating the blend of urban and natural charm.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🚇One-way public transport ticket | $0.5-1.5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (1 night) | $60-120 |
| 🧃Grocery item (1L milk) | $1-2.5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Coastal location with easy access to nature
- More affordable than central Istanbul for housing and dining
- Strong seafood scene and parks along the coast
- Good transport links to other parts of Istanbul
- Can be far from central business districts
- Nightlife is more low-key than Kadıköy/Maltepe
- Public transport can be crowded during rush hours
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Neredesiniz?" - Where are you?
- "Ne kadar?" - How much?
- "İyi günler" - Good day
- "Hesap lütfen" - The check, please
- "Afiyet olsun" - Enjoy your meal
Places to Visit in Kartal
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic sea view over the Marmara and the Princes’ Islands; especially magical at sunrise.
Lush hillside park with terraces and vantage points for cityscape and sea shots.
Dramatic sunset silhouettes of boats and the shoreline with the skyline in the distance.
Forest ambiance with a lookout over Istanbul’s eastern districts and water beyond.
Food in Kartal
Kartal Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh Marmara bluefish grilled with lemon and herbs; a staple at seaside fish restaurants along Kartal's coast.
Must-Try!
Turkish dumplings served with garlicky yogurt and a paprika oil, commonly found in traditional eateries.
Tomato, pepper, and egg scramble cooked in olive oil; best enjoyed with warm simit.
Spicy tomato-pepper dip (ezme) and a selection of vegetable mezes; ideal with bread at waterfront taverns.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Coastal weekend market with fresh fish, fruit, nuts, and quick street bites; go early for the best picks.
Stalls offering fried or grilled fish sandwiches, calamari, and freshly squeezed drinks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a handshake or a nod; use Turkish greetings like Merhaba and Nasılsınız? in formal settings.
Wait for everyone to be served, keep hands clean and visible; offering tea is a sign of hospitality.
Safety
Tipping in Kartal
Ensure a smooth experience
In sit-down restaurants, if service isn’t included, leave about 5-10%; small tips for taxis and drivers are appreciated.
Cards are widely accepted; contactless is common; carry cash for markets and small vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with occasional sea breezes; carry sunscreen and water; seas remain pleasantly warm for beaches and coastal walks.
Mild to cool with frequent rain; snow is rare on the coast but can dust the hills; bring a light jacket.
Mild temperatures and blooming trees; ideal for outdoor markets, hikes, and photography.
Comfortable days with cooler evenings; great for strolls along the coast and forest trails.
Kartal at Night
Hiking in Kartal
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest trails with panoramic views of Istanbul; a popular weekend hike.
Hillside trails with viewpoints and lush greenery near the Kartal coastline.
Airports
How to reach Kartal by plane.
On the Asian side, well connected by road and public transit to Kartal; major domestic and international flights.
New international hub located on the European side; longer drive from Kartal but reachable via express routes and airport shuttles during non-peak times.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many families with schools and parks in residential neighborhoods.
Proximity to business hubs and affordable housing attracts a steady student and commuter crowd.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport at amateur and professional levels; many local clubs and pickup games.
Popular in schools and community centers; some outdoor courts near parks.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kartal.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Navigate by sticking to meze platters, lentil soups, and vegetable dishes (zeytinyağlılar); ask for olive oil instead of meat-based stocks.