Atasehir

Introduction

Ataşehir is a district on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, sitting at the junction of the O-2 and O-4 motorways. It borders Ümraniye to the north, Sancaktepe to the northeast, Maltepe to the east, Kadıköy to the south and Üsküdar to the west, which makes it easy to place within the wider Asian side of the city.

When to go

Ataşehir has a Mediterranean climate, which shapes the year into two fairly distinct halves. Winters are cool rather than severe: expect chilly days and the wetter, greyer part of the year, with rain more likely than snow. Pack warm layers if you visit then.

Summers are warm to hot and reliably dry, following the classic Mediterranean pattern. Days are long and sunny, so plan around the midday heat and expect the driest conditions of the year.

Three days in Atasehir

Day one: Start in Ataşehir itself, on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, and get your bearings in this modern district before heading out. It sits within easy reach of Sancaktepe, Maltepe and Kadıköy, so you can shape the rest of your stay around the Asian side rather than crossing to the European shore. Pack light layers, because summers here are warm and Mediterranean in feel while winters are cold enough to want something heavier.

Day two: Give the day to Kadıköy, the neighbouring district on the Asian side, and let the pace slow down. Days here are best spent wandering rather than rushing between sights, and the waterfront setting makes it an easy place to linger. It is the kind of area where you can eat well and simply watch the city go about its business.

Day three: Use Ataşehir as your base for a last look at the Anatolian side, perhaps drifting towards Maltepe or Sancaktepe if you want a change of scene. Keep the day loose, since the distances between these districts are manageable and you can move between them without much planning. It is a fitting way to close a stay that stays on the Asian side of Istanbul.