Kartal
Istanbul district guide · Asian side · Updated 2026
A southeastern coastal district with a marina, sea views and ferry links to the Princes' Islands, backed by the hillside villas of Dragos.
At a glance
- Side of the city: Asian (Anadolu) side
- Nearest rail station: Soğanlık (~808 m from the centre)
- İETT bus stops: 471
- Typical traffic speed: 43 km/h · slowest around 18:00
Why visit Kartal
Kartal is one of Istanbul's 39 districts, on the Asian (Anadolu) side. Come for Kartal seafront promenade and marina, Ferry pier for the Princes' Islands, Dragos hill for panoramic Marmara views — and for the everyday life of its neighbourhoods (Soğanlık, Yakacık, Dragos). A southeastern coastal district with a marina, sea views and ferry links to the Princes' Islands, backed by the hillside villas of Dragos..
What to see
- Kartal seafront promenade and marina
- Ferry pier for the Princes' Islands
- Dragos hill for panoramic Marmara views
Neighbourhoods
Soğanlık · Yakacık · Dragos · Cevizli
Transport access
Buy an İstanbulkart for the metro, tram, ferries and buses. The nearest rail link is Soğanlık, about 808 m from the district centre. Kartal has 471 İETT bus stops. Traffic is typically slowest in the evening peak — check live conditions before you set off, and prefer rail or ferry across the Bosphorus.
Nearby places
Explore the neighbourhoods of Soğanlık, Yakacık, Dragos, Cevizli within Kartal, then continue across the Asian (Anadolu) side — see all 39 Istanbul districts for what's next door.
Local tips
- Tap an İstanbulkart for the metro, tram, ferries and İETT buses — transfers are discounted.
- The nearest rail link is Soğanlık (~808 m from the centre); rail beats road traffic at peak times.
- Avoid arriving by car around 18:00, the typical evening peak.
- Local flavour: seaside fish and meze restaurants.
Best time to visit
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are ideal for Kartal — mild weather and thinner crowds than high summer. On any day, traffic is heaviest around 18:00, so plan sightseeing earlier or move by rail.
Eat & drink
Seaside fish and meze restaurants.
See it live
Open Kartal on the live City OS map for current traffic colour, weather, air quality and the nearest transit — real İBB and Open-Meteo data, updated through the day.
Map
Open Kartal on the live tactical map →
FAQ
Is Kartal on the European or Asian side of Istanbul?
Kartal is on the Asian (Anadolu) side of Istanbul.
How do I get to Kartal?
Take rail to Soğanlık (about 808 m from the centre), or use the metro, Marmaray, tram, ferries or İETT buses with an İstanbulkart. Kartal has 471 İETT bus stops.
What is Kartal known for?
A southeastern coastal district with a marina, sea views and ferry links to the Princes' Islands, backed by the hillside villas of Dragos.
When is the best time to visit Kartal?
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October).
Plan your visit
Keep exploring Istanbul with the rest of the platform:
- Istanbul transport & smart routes — metro, Marmaray, tram, ferries and İETT buses.
- Live traffic & city pulse — the İBB index and the busiest districts right now.
- AI trip planner — ask how to get to Kartal or what to see.
- All Istanbul guides · all 39 districts.
More on the Asian side: Ataşehir · Beykoz · Çekmeköy · Kadıköy · Maltepe