Haydarpaşa Station
A grand, now-closed railway station on the Asian shore, built in 1908. It's a beautiful but melancholic landmark, its future uncertain since a 2010 fire.
“See a monumental piece of Istanbul's history, frozen in time on the Bosphorus shore.”
See the exact spot on the map at right. The highlighted pin clearly marks this stop.
Haydarpaşa was the main terminal for trains from Anatolia until 2012 and was once Turkey's busiest station. The imposing 1908 building, with its distinctive German neo-Renaissance style, sits majestically at the edge of the Kadıköy waterfront. It's a powerful symbol of a bygone era of rail travel.
Since a major fire in 2010, the station has been closed to the public and its fate is unclear. You can't go inside, but walking around its exterior offers a poignant look at Istanbul's layered history. The view of the station from the Kadıköy ferry is particularly striking.
Combine your visit with a walk along the nearby Kadıköy waterfront (rıhtım) for tea and simit.
Viewing is from public sidewalks and the waterfront park, which are generally step-free. The station building itself is closed.
Keep going in Kadıköy
A few places that pair well with this stop on the same day.
Kadıköy Square (İskele Meydanı)
Kadıköy Square is the main transport hub and meeting point on the Asian side. It's a busy, open area in front of the ferry terminal, surrounded by shops and cafes.
Bahariye Avenue
Bahariye Avenue is the main pedestrian street in Kadıköy, lined with shops, cafes, and historic theaters. It's the neighborhood's central artery, always full of life.
