Things To Do
in Kartal
Kartal is a district located on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, Turkey. It is known for its picturesque views of the Sea of Marmara and the Prince Islands. Kartal is a rapidly developing area with modern residential complexes, shopping centers, and recreational facilities.
It also has a rich history with ancient ruins dating back to the Byzantine and Ottoman periods.
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Evet" - Yes
- "Hayır" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $60
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at Kartal Coast, enjoying a leisurely walk along the waterfront. Grab a fresh breakfast at a local café while soaking up the morning sun.
Visit the picturesque Aydos Forest for a hike surrounded by nature. Have lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling traditional Turkish dishes.
Wind down at Marina Park, where you can relax with a view of the sunset over the sea. Enjoy dinner at a seafood restaurant by the marina.
Spend your morning at the beach, sunbathing or swimming in the warm waters. Enjoy a brunch at a beachside bar with fresh fruits and pastries.
Engage in water sports such as jet skiing or paddleboarding at Kartal Beach. Afterward, take a stroll along the sandy shores.
Dine at a beachfront restaurant, enjoying fresh fish and local wines. Take a night walk along the beach under the stars.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Scenic views of the Sea of Marmara
- Proximity to Istanbul, providing easy access to a large metropolitan area
- Rich historical and cultural sites
- Diverse community with various amenities and services
- Developing infrastructure and modern housing options
- Traffic congestion due to its proximity to Istanbul
- Higher cost of living compared to rural areas
- Potential for urban sprawl leading to overcrowding
- Seasonal tourism fluctuations affecting local businesses
- Limited public transportation options compared to central Istanbul
Best Activities in Kartal
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride along the coastal area of Kartal Sahil Park, with beautiful views of the sea and green spaces.
Explore the natural beauty of Aydos Forest by hiking or having a picnic amidst the lush greenery and calm surroundings.
Take a boat ride from Kartal Piers to enjoy the scenic views of the sea and relax on the water.
Tours
Uncover the best of Kartal with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Kartal
Visit one of these nice places.
The Kartal coast offers stunning views of the sea and the Marmara shoreline, making it a great location for photos and enjoying the scenery.
Aydos Hill provides an elevated vantage point overlooking the city of Kartal and the surrounding landscape, making it an ideal spot for panoramic photos.
The Kartal Bridge offers unique perspectives of the surrounding area and waterways, making it a picturesque location for capturing urban and waterfront scenes.
Food in Kartal
Kartal Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Juicy, marinated meat grilled to perfection, often served with fragrant rice and fresh vegetables. Indulge in this local favorite at Kartal's popular kebab shops, such as Kervan Kebap.
Must-Try!
A delightful dish featuring Black Sea anchovies sautéed with seasoned rice, giving a symphony of flavors. Visit local seafood restaurants like Balıkçı Barınağı to savor this coastal delicacy.
Tiny, handmade Turkish dumplings filled with spiced meat or savory ingredients, typically topped with yogurt and infused with a drizzle of buttery sauce. Delight in authentic Mantı at venues like Mantıcılar Restaurant.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Kartal Pazarı, where local vendors showcase an abundance of fresh produce, aromatic spices, and regional specialties. Sample delectable street foods like Simit, the Turkish sesame bread ring, from street carts dotted throughout the market.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Kartal, it is customary to greet people with a handshake and direct eye contact. It is important to show respect by using formal titles such as 'Mr.' and 'Ms.' when addressing individuals, especially when meeting someone for the first time.
Respect for elders is highly valued in Kartal. It is customary to show deference and attentiveness to older individuals, and to address them with appropriate formalities and titles.
It is important to be aware and respectful of local customs and traditions in Kartal. Observing and participating in cultural practices and festivities can show appreciation and respect for the community's heritage.
Safety
Tipping in Kartal
Ensure a smooth experience
In Kartal, Turkey, tipping is not obligatory, but it is customary to leave a small tip, usually 5-10% of the bill, in restaurants, cafes, and for services such as taxi rides and hotel staff.
Payment in Kartal, Turkey is commonly made in cash, but credit and debit cards are widely accepted in larger establishments. It's always good to have some cash on hand for smaller vendors and local markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit is in the spring (April to June) when the weather is mild and wildflowers are in bloom. Expect pleasant temperatures and lower tourist crowds.
Summer (July to August) can be hot and crowded, but it's a great time to enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities. Expect high temperatures and lively atmosphere.
Fall (September to November) offers comfortable weather and the beautiful colors of changing leaves. Expect mild temperatures and a quieter atmosphere.
Winter (December to February) can be cold, but it's a good time to experience local culture and indoor attractions. Expect chilly temperatures and fewer tourists.
Kartal at Night
Hiking in Kartal
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Aydos Forest is a popular hiking location near Kartal, offering a range of trails through lush greenery, picnic areas, and scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
Located a short drive from Kartal, Polonezköy Nature Park features various hiking trails, beautiful forests, and a chance to observe local wildlife in a serene environment.
About an hour from Kartal, the hiking trails around Şile offer a unique coastal experience with stunning cliffs and beach views, perfect for day hikes.
Çamlıca Hill provides several hiking paths and panoramic views of Istanbul, making it a great spot for both hiking and sightseeing.
Though not a traditional hiking spot, this botanical garden has walking paths and beautiful surroundings, ideal for a relaxed nature walk close to Kartal.
Aiports
How to reach Kartal by plane.
The main international airport serving Istanbul and one of the largest airports in the world, located approximately 40 km from Kartal.
An international airport located on the Asian side of Istanbul, approximately 24 km away from Kartal.
Previously the main international airport in Istanbul, located about 30 km from Kartal, now primarily serves domestic and cargo operations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Kartal, representing the majority of the population.
A significant minority group in Kartal, primarily consisting of Kurds from southeastern Turkey.
A smaller demographic group in Kartal, including both native Arabic speakers and migrants.
Includes small populations from various backgrounds such as Georgian, Bosnian, and others.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Kartal, with numerous local clubs and a passionate fan base.
Basketball is widely played and followed in Kartal, with many young athletes participating in local leagues and teams.
Volleyball enjoys popularity among both men and women in Kartal, with various amateur and youth teams competing.
Tennis is growing in popularity in Kartal, with several facilities and clubs promoting the sport among residents.
Swimming is a favored recreational activity in Kartal, with access to pools and the nearby sea encouraging participation.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kartal.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Turkish cuisine prominently features meat-based dishes, numerous eateries in Kartal offer flavorful vegetarian and vegan alternatives, such as mercimek köftesi (lentil kofte) and various fresh salads. Visit restaurants like Yeşil Çardak or request customized vegetarian dishes at local establishments.
Individuals seeking gluten-free options can relish dishes like güveç (Turkish stew) or grilled fish served with a side of nutritious vegetables at accommodating venues such as Ada Akvaryum Balıkçılık.