Moda

Moda is Kadikoy's laid-back seaside pocket: a long Marmara-facing promenade, tea gardens, art-house cinemas, pastel mansions and legendary Ali Usta ice cream. A friend sends you here to slow down and watch the sunset with locals. Caveat: it's short on 'sights,' so come for the vibe, not a checklist.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Is Moda worth visiting?

If you want to see how Istanbulites actually spend a lazy afternoon, absolutely. If you're chasing monuments and famous sights, it'll feel like not much happens here, which is exactly why locals love it.

What is there to do in Moda?

Walk the seaside promenade, drink tea at Moda Cay Bahcesi, eat Ali Usta ice cream, browse the pastel streets and art-house cinemas, and just linger. It's a slow, locals-hang-out kind of place rather than a sightseeing hit list.

Is Moda the same as Kadikoy?

Moda is a neighborhood within the larger Kadikoy district, its calmer seaside corner. Most people do them together: the market and bar streets of central Kadikoy, then a wind-down stroll out to Moda's waterfront.

What's the Moda tram?

It's a charming 2.6 km heritage tram loop through Moda's quiet streets, more novelty ride than real transport, at about 15 TL. It's a fun two-minute hop, but honestly the neighborhood is small enough to just walk.

How do I get to Moda?

Get to Kadikoy first (ferry from Eminonu, Marmaray, or M4 metro), then it's a flat 15-20 minute walk south to the Moda seafront. The little heritage Kadikoy-Moda tram also loops through the neighborhood if you'd rather ride.

Where should I eat or drink in Moda?

For the classic experience, Ali Usta ice cream and the seaside Moda Cay Bahcesi tea garden. Beyond that, the streets are full of relaxed cafes, brunch spots and small bars catering to the arty local crowd rather than tourists.

Is Moda good for sunset?

It's one of the best sunset spots on the Asian side; the promenade faces west over the Sea of Marmara with the Princes' Islands on the horizon. Arrive an hour before sundown, grab tea or ice cream, and stake out a bench on the point.

How much time do I need in Moda?

Two to three hours is plenty for the promenade, a tea, and an ice cream. It's best folded into a full day on the Asian side alongside Kadikoy rather than as a standalone trip across the water.

Nearby in Ask Istanbul

• Moda TerasCafé0.11 km · 1 min walk
• Walter's Coffee RoasteryCafé0.49 km · 6 min walk
• Bant Mag BahçeBar0.65 km · 8 min walk
• Karga BarBar0.68 km · 9 min walk
• Kadıköy Çiya KebapRestaurant1 km · 13 min walk