Discover the Kuzguncuk neighborhood of Istanbul with our local guide. We’ll explore the secrets of this beautiful neighborhood of Uskudar along the Bosphorus Asian shores, including the best things to do, attractions, historical sites, places to see, eat, drink, stay, restaurants, shops, and give you all the info you need to plan your visit.
About Kuzguncuk
Famous for its tranquility, narrow streets, and historical buildings, Kuzguncuk is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. One of the most notable features of the neighborhood is the peaceful coexistence of different religions and cultures for centuries, a multicultural structure that has been preserved to this day.
Kuzguncuk offers a peaceful environment to its visitors with its friendly people, houses with Bosphorus views, and colorful streets. The historical atmosphere of the neighborhood is adorned with stone buildings, old wooden mansions, and magnificent plane trees. Walking here can make you feel like you are traveling back in time. It’s an ideal escape point for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul and spend a quiet day.
Connected to the Üsküdar district, the old name of the neighborhood is Hrisokeramos, which means Golden Tile. It is said to have received this name from a church built during the Byzantine period, with a roof covered with gilded tiles.
Another legend suggests that the name, which was originally Kosinitza, evolved over time to become Kuzguncuk. According to Evliya Çelebi, the neighborhood got its name from a saint named Kuzgun Baba who settled here long ago.
Top Things to Do, Places to See
Kuzguncuk offers a variety of places to visit and activities for its visitors. Among the activities you can do in this peaceful Bosphorus neighborhood are walking in the charming streets and along the coast, taking plenty of photos, and enjoying food and drinks in cafes and restaurants with a view of the sea.
Moreover, you can take a break in the tea gardens of the neighborhood and enjoy the Bosphorus view. Various art galleries and workshops also reflect Kuzguncuk’s cultural richness.
On the northern side of Kuzguncuk, known as Nakkaştepe, there is a walled Jewish cemetery. Nakkaştepe also offers magnificent Bosphorus views and has cafes for visitors.
Opposite the Jewish cemetery on Gümüşyolu Street is the beautiful Abdülmecid Efendi Köşkü, a mansion that once belonged to Abdülmecid Efendi and is spread over 200 acres.
For those who want to spend time and relax in Kuzguncuk, the popular spot known as Çınar Kafe or Çınaraltı Kafe, once frequented by Can Yücel, is a must-visit. Sitting under the plane tree at Çınaraltı Kafe and sipping tea with a view of the Bosphorus is a wonderful activity.
For those who want to eat fresh fish by the Bosphorus, the famous İsmet Baba fish restaurant is recommended.
Historical and Religious Sites
One of Kuzguncuk’s most distinctive features is the peaceful coexistence of different faiths, with many mosques, churches, and synagogues side by side, reflecting good neighborly relations.
One of the most significant symbols of the neighborhood is the Ayios Panteleimon Church, built in 1587. This historic church is one of the places that best reflects the multicultural structure of the neighborhood.
Surp Kirkor Lusaroviç Church (1835), Yeni Mosque (1852) in its garden, and Beth Ya’akov Synagogue (1878) on İcadiye Street are among the works that best reflect this atmosphere of tolerance.
Icadiye Street
Another activity you can do in Kuzguncuk is to walk through the historical streets of the neighborhood. Icadiye Street, one of Kuzguncuk’s most lively and attractive streets, offers visitors a unique experience with its historical texture and bohemian atmosphere. The historic buildings, boutique shops, antique dealers, and cafes lined up on both sides of the street provide visitors with a chance to travel through time. Especially the colorful and cute houses make a great background for photography enthusiasts.
While walking along Icadiye Street, you can visit art galleries and shop at boutiques selling handmade products. Additionally, you can take a break at various cafes and restaurants along the street, enjoying a delicious coffee or local flavors.
Kuzguncuk Garden
Kuzguncuk Garden is a great place for those who want to spend time in nature. This is an open space where locals engage in organic farming and various events are held.
Waterfront Mansions
Kuzguncuk is also famous for its beautiful Bosphorus mansions along the waterfront. The most notable among them is the light pink mansion known as the Pink Mansion or Macanlar Mansion, built in the late 18th century.
Other important mansions in Kuzguncuk include Baştımar Mansion, Arapzadeler Mansion, Sculptor İhsan Bey Mansion, Kamil Pasha Mansion, Fethi Ahmed Pasha Mansion, Madam Agavni Muratyan Mansion, and Halil Haşim Bey Mansion.
Pasalimani
Located between Uskudar and Kuzguncuk, Paşalimanı is one of Istanbul’s areas that reflects the city’s historical and cultural texture. Situated along the Bosphorus, Paşalimanı offers visitors a pleasant tour with its historical mansions and stunning views. Especially at sunset, watching the beauties of the Bosphorus here is a unique experience.
While walking in Paşalimanı, you can watch the historical buildings and the cool waters of the Bosphorus and take a break at cafes and restaurants in the area to enjoy a delicious meal. Additionally, the green areas along the coast provide a pleasant time with loved ones.
Fethi Pasa Grove
Located between Kuzguncuk and Beylerbeyi, Fethi Paşa Grove is one of the most beautiful natural areas in Istanbul. It covers a 16 hectares of green area and has an outstanding panorama of the Bosphorus. With its Bosphorus views, walking paths, and picnic areas, it is an ideal place for those who want to escape the city and be close to nature. The nature walks you take in the grove will relax both your body and soul.
Fethipaşa Grove is also a paradise for nature lovers with its rich vegetation and various bird species. You can take a break at the cafes and restaurants in the grove and enjoy the view. Google map
Popular Places, Restaurants, and Cafes
Kuzguncuk offers a wide range of dining options for its visitors. The cafes and restaurants in the neighborhood’s streets provide delicious meals and a friendly atmosphere.
Especially the places with Bosphorus views offer a pleasant experience at every meal, from breakfast to dinner. Sitting under the shade of the plane tree at Çınaraltı Cafe and sipping your tea with a view of the Bosphorus is a great relaxation and activity. Limonluk Kahvesi, with its historical texture and nostalgic atmosphere, is another perfect stop for coffee lovers.
One of the most popular places in the neighborhood is Ismet Baba Restaurant, famous for its fresh fish and seafood, and its potato börek. Kuzguncuk Balıkçısı stands out with its delicious mezes and warm atmosphere.
The Fethi Paşa Grove Social Facilities, located on the hills of Kuzguncuk, is also one of the ideal places for dining.
Ismet Baba Restaurant
Located by the Bosphorus and famous for its seafood, Ismet Baba Restaurant is one of the most beloved places in Kuzguncuk. Serving since 1951, this historic restaurant offers its guests an unforgettable dining experience with fresh fish and mezes. You can enjoy your meal with a view of the Bosphorus, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
The restaurant’s menu includes daily fresh fish varieties, as well as seafood like calamari, shrimp, and mussels. Additionally, the mezes and salads are quite delicious. İsmet Baba Restaurant is an ideal choice for those who want to spend a pleasant evening in Kuzguncuk with quality service and a magnificent view.
Çınaraltı Cafe
Situated among the historical and natural beauties of Kuzguncuk, Çınaraltı Cafe is a perfect place for those who want to relax and enjoy a peaceful time. Under the shade of century-old plane trees and with a view of the Bosphorus, you can sip your tea and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the neighborhood. Çınaraltı Cafe is ideal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The cafe’s menu includes freshly made sandwiches, salads, and homemade desserts. Additionally, Turkish coffee and various teas are among the must-haves on the menu. Çınaraltı Cafe is a must-visit resting spot for those visiting Kuzguncuk.
Kanaat Lokantası
One of Üsküdar’s oldest and most famous establishments, Kanaat Lokantası has been offering traditional Turkish cuisine since 1933. Located close to Kuzguncuk, this historic restaurant is known for its extensive menu and delicious meals. At Kanaat Lokantası, you can find traditional Turkish dishes such as stuffed grape leaves with meat, dried beans, and hünkârbeğendi, as well as various desserts.
The restaurant’s friendly atmosphere and quality service offer guests an unforgettable dining experience. For those who want to experience the most delicious and traditional tastes of Istanbul, Kanaat Lokantası is a must-visit place.
Shopping in Kuzguncuk – What to Buy?
Kuzguncuk is not only known for its places to visit and dining options but also for its unique shopping experience. The neighborhood’s narrow and charming streets are home to boutique shops, antique stores, and local shops, making it a paradise for shopping enthusiasts. While shopping in Kuzguncuk, you can find a wide range of products from handmade items to antiques, organic foods to artistic objects.
In the boutique shops and antique stores located on Kuzguncuk’s streets, you can discover handmade jewelry, vintage clothing, decorative objects, and old books. Especially the shops on Icadiye Street are perfect destinations for those looking for unique and eye-catching products.
In addition, the small workshops and art galleries throughout the neighborhood offer a variety of artworks from ceramics to glassworks, wood carvings to paintings.
In Kuzguncuk Bostanı, you can find organic vegetables and fruits, and in the neighborhood’s bakeries and patisseries, you can find fresh bread, cookies, and various sweets.
Handmade soap and natural cosmetic product shops are also quite popular in Kuzguncuk.
How to Get to Kuzguncuk?
Getting to Kuzguncuk is very easy. Located on the Asian coast of the Bosphorus, Kuzguncuk is about 1.5 km from Uskudar. You can get there easily on foot from Uskudar.
The most practical and fastest way to reach Kuzguncuk:
- getting Uskudar from Besiktas, Kabatas, and Eminonu; by public ferries (also boats operating between Besiktas-Uskudar),
- afterwards, getting any midibus or public bus going in the direction of Beykoz,
- or on foot along the coast.
You can also use the below public ferry lines to get to Kuzguncuk directly by sea or by walking a short distance from the nearest pier:
- Cengelköy – Istinye line (Cengelkoy – Arnavutkoy – Bebek – Kandilli – Anadolu Hisari – Kanlica – Emirgan – Istinye)
- Anadolu Kavagi – Uskudar line (Anadolu Kavagi – Beykoz – Cubuklu – Kanlica – Anadolu Hisari – Cengelkoy – Beylerbeyi – Uskudar)
- Bosphorus line
Please cross check sehirhatlari.istanbul for all above routes, timetables and prices.