Moda Seafront

From the 'land of the blind' to a seaside suburb

Moda sits on the land of ancient Chalcedon, founded even before Byzantium. Herodotus relates that a Persian commander declared the Chalcedonians must have been blind to settle here when a far better harbour lay just across the water, and legend links this to the oracle that told the founders of Byzantium to settle 'opposite the land of the blind'. Look across to Seraglio Point from Moda and the jibe makes sense.

In the 19th century Moda became a leafy retreat for Levantine, Greek and well-to-do Istanbul families, with villas and gardens. The graceful Moda pier building, dating from the early 20th century, recalls that era. Land reclamation later widened the shore into the lawns and paths you see today, which work as the neighbourhood's shared back garden.

Along the promenade

• Broad lawns and benches facing the historic peninsula, the Maiden's Tower and the mouth of the Bosphorus
• The historic Moda pier building reaching out into the sea
• The viewpoint at Moda Point, where waves break on the rocks
• Playgrounds and flat paths suited to strollers, bikes and scooters
• A longer shoreline walk south around Kalamış Bay toward Fenerbahçe Park

Sunsets and family time

Sunset is Moda's signature moment. As the sun drops toward the old city, the silhouettes of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia sharpen against an orange sky, and our guests often enjoy spotting the neighbourhood they're staying in from across the water. Our sunset spots guide lists more places like this.

At weekends the lawns fill with families on picnic blankets and children running about. The streets around Moda are known for ice cream parlours, patisseries and tea gardens, and walking the seafront with a cone in hand is practically a local custom. For a calmer visit, come on a weekday afternoon.

Walk in through Kadıköy market

Rather than heading straight to the shore from the ferry, walk through Kadıköy's market streets first. Near the pier you'll find fishmongers, pickle shops, spice sellers and bakeries; taste seasonal fruit and snacks as you go. Then follow Moda Caddesi south past older apartment buildings and small shops until the sea opens up in front of you.

History fans will notice 19th-century churches and traces of Moda's old villas along the way. For more on the area, see our Kadıköy and Moda page, and our street food guide for what to try.

Getting there from Sareban Hotel

The best route is by sea. From our hotel, take the T1 tram to Eminönü or Karaköy and catch a ferry to Kadıköy; the crossing gives you views of the Maiden's Tower, Haydarpaşa Station and the Moda headland. From Kadıköy pier, walk through the market or hop on the nostalgic tram that loops between Kadıköy and Moda.

If you prefer rail, take Marmaray from Sirkeci to Ayrılık Çeşmesi and change to the metro for one stop to Kadıköy. Either way, riding the ferry back to Eminönü in the evening light is the perfect end to the day.