Maltepe is a suburb of Istanbul, located on the Asian side of the city. It is surrounded by the areas of Kartal to the east and Kadıköy to the west. Cheaper than its neighbours, Maltepe is a blend of residential apartment blocks and quaint houses close to the sea. The suburb offers exceptional vistas over to Princes’ Islands, has many shopping facilities and myriad bar and restaurant options.

Maltepe has lots of amenities from busy shopping districts and large superstores to cinemas, fast food establishments and traditional Turkish kebab houses. On the sea front, cafes play live music, while glorious views of the Sea of Marmara and Princes’ Islands can be enjoyed. There is a picturesque mosque, traditional in structure with a rounded dome and four minarets which have become a prominent landmark of the suburb. The galleries have carved wooden frames and several large tiled mosaics which hold great relevance to the Turkish Islamic religion. The suburb is also home to well-known Maltepe University, which specialises in a diverse range of programmes from philosophy and mathematics to fine arts, graphic design, medicine and engineering. Travellers can take a boat trip from nearby harbours to Princes’ Islands, where they can step back in time with a tranquil atmosphere, lush forests and horse and carriage rides. Alternatively, local buses and trains run to Kadıköy which has some of the liveliest shopping districts and nightlife in Istanbul.

Maltepe is commuting distance from the city of Istanbul and can be reached in many ways. It takes around one hour via a combination of metro and ferry services over to the city’s main attractions. Alternatively, there is a local bus service which operates. Taxis are readily available, and if there are a few in the travelling party, it is a quick and easy way to reach Istanbul. Driving takes approximately 30 minutes.

During the Byzantine era, the suburb was known by the name of Bryas. Since then the coastal area has been a retreat for wealthy Istanbul residents, reaching its peak in the 1970s. The access via rail from the city meant it was popular with day-trippers and weekend visitors. Many still visit for the spectacular views of Princes’ Islands and the calming atmosphere of the cafes and bars on the seafront.