Uskudar is one of the most historic and charming districts of Istanbul, located on the Asian side of the city. Known for its stunning waterfront views, Ottoman-era mosques, and peaceful atmosphere, Uskudar is a must-visit if you want to experience a more local and authentic side of Istanbul.
Unlike the bustling European side, Uskudar offers a slower pace, filled with hidden gems, traditional tea houses, and historical sites. Whether you’re here for a day trip or a longer stay, there’s plenty to explore in this underrated yet fascinating part of Istanbul.
Here’s everything you need to know about Uskudar, from the best attractions to where to eat and drink!
Why Visit Uskudar?
Uskudar is a perfect mix of history, culture, and local life. Here’s why you should explore this side of Istanbul:
✔️ Spectacular Waterfront Views – Some of the best sunset views over the Bosphorus.
✔️ Historic Mosques – Home to some of Istanbul’s oldest and most beautiful mosques.
✔️ Less Touristy – A peaceful, local experience away from crowds.
✔️ Local Markets & Tea Houses – Enjoy authentic Turkish flavors and traditions.
✔️ Easy Access to the European Side – Quick ferries to Eminönü, Beşiktaş, and Karaköy.
If you’re looking to experience Istanbul like a local, Uskudar is a fantastic place to explore.
About Uskudar
Istanbul Uskudar district is renowned for its historical and cultural richness. With its mosques, mansions, and fountains from the Ottoman era, it stands as one of Istanbul’s oldest settlements. The district attracts attention with its blend of historical texture and modern living amenities. Its location, overlooking the cool waters of the Bosphorus, adds a unique charm to Uskudar.
Throughout history, Uskudar has hosted many civilizations, and this rich past can be felt in every corner of the district. Walking through its narrow streets, one can see Ottoman-era buildings and historic bazaars.
At the same time, with its modern cafes and restaurants, shopping centers, and green spaces, Uskudar offers an attractive living area for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Uskudar is one of the popular piers for crossing to the European side and offers many beauties such as the enchanting Maiden’s Tower at the mouth of the Bosphorus, 16th-century mosques in the square, the large historic fountain in the center of the square, the miniature Şemsi Paşa Mosque and Madrasah on the coast, Mihrimah Mosque, the historic Karacaahmet Cemetery, the famous Fethi Paşa Grove, and the grand and small Çamlıca hills further away.
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Top Things to Do, Places to See
Istanbul Uskudar offers many places to visit and activities to do, filled with historical and cultural wealth. Among the best activities to do in Uskudar are watching the Maiden’s Tower from the shore, relaxing in Fethi Paşa Grove, and sipping tea while enjoying the magnificent view of Istanbul from Camlica Hill.
One of the district’s most important landmarks, the Maiden’s Tower, is a must-see. Additionally, Ottoman-era mosques like the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque and the Yeni Valide Mosque are among the historical structures worth seeing in Uskudar.
Uskudar’s coastline is ideal for walking and enjoying the Bosphorus view. Fethi Paşa Grove is a perfect escape for nature lovers. Here, you can walk, have a picnic, or enjoy the view in tea gardens.
Another alternative in Uskudar is visiting a hamam. Üsküdar has many historical hamams. The most notable ones include the Şifa Hamam built at the end of the 15th century, the Valide Atik Hamam from 1583, the Çinili Hamam from 1648, the Ağa Hamam from 1610, and the Bulgurlu Hamam.
Visit the Iconic Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi)
The Maiden’s Tower, also known as the Leandros, is one of the most popular landmarks and symbols of Istanbul. It is believed to have been constructed around 340 B.C., and has a legend.
What to Do:
- Take a boat ride to the tower and learn about its legendary history.
- Enjoy panoramic city views.
- Capture stunning photos at sunset.
Location: Off the coast of Uskudar
How to Get There: Boats leave from Salacak Pier every 15 minutes
Explore Camlica Hill & the Grand Çamlıca Mosque
Camlica Hill is one of the highest points in Istanbul, and offers stunning views of the city as an iconic location. Divided into Büyük Çamlıca (Big Çamlıca) and Küçük Çamlıca (Small Çamlıca), it is renowned for its panoramic views encompassing the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, and the Sea of Marmara. It is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.
Located about 4 km from Üsküdar, at an elevation of 260 meters, Çamlıca Hill is perfect for enjoying a relaxing time with magnificent views of Istanbul. It is particularly ideal for breakfast and dinner in scenic spots during weekends.
Camlica Hill, with its lush nature and expansive park areas, is excellent for picnicking, walking, and spending a peaceful day. The hill’s tea gardens and restaurants offer delicious food and drinks with a view.
Don’t Miss: Camlica Tower
Camlica Tower is one of Istanbul’s newest and most modern landmarks. With its modern architecture and technological infrastructure, Çamlıca Tower stands out as one of Istanbul’s most significant tourist attractions. At 369 meters, it is the tallest structure in Turkey, featuring television and radio transmitters as well as observation decks and restaurants.
Located on Camlica Hill, the observation decks of Camlica Tower provide visitors with 360-degree views of Istanbul. These decks showcase the city’s skyline, historical buildings, and the splendor of the Bosphorus. Additionally, the tower’s restaurants offer delicious meals with a view, providing visitors with an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
The modern technologies and architectural design used in the construction of Çamlıca Tower make it both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Besides serving as the central hub for Istanbul’s television and radio broadcasts, the tower is also a major tourist attraction, drawing significant interest.
You are able to have great dining experience here with a range of optional delights – choose from breakfast, lunch, or dinner to complement your experience.
While the tower is situated on the Asian side of the city, uphill along Uskudar, there is also private hotel transfers in air-conditioned luxury.
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Fountain of Sultan Ahmet III
The Fountain of Sultan Ahmet III is a beautiful historical one that was built in 1728. Four sides of the fountain are all decorated with poems, some of which belong to Sultan Ahmed III.
Fethi Pasa Grove
Located at the back hills of Uskudar and Belerbeyi, the Istanbul Fethi Pasha Grove is a great place to have a rest with your drink and watching the beautiful views of the city and the Bosphorus. It covers a 16 hectares of green area and has an outstanding panorama of the Bosphorus. It takes great number of visitors especially at the weekends.
Kite Museum
The Mehmet Naci Aköz Kite Museum, Turkey’s first and only kite museum and one of only 18 in the world, is a fantastic alternative for families with children. The museum features a collection of nearly 2,700 kites and related items from 33 countries around the world, making it a must-see attraction.
In addition to its extensive collection, the museum also offers kite-making courses. With free admission and being open on Saturdays, the Kite Museum provides an educational and entertaining experience for students and their families.
Beautiful Mosques in Uskudar
There are many historical mosques in Uskudar. The most prominent of them include;
- Mihrimah Sultan Mosque that was built by the Architect Mimar Sinan in 1548 for Mihrimah Sultan, daughter of the Grand Vizier Rüstem Pasha,
- the Semsi Pasha Mosque that was built by the Architect Sinan in 1580,
- the Ayazma Mosque that was built by the order of Sultan Mustafa III in 1760 for his mother,
- the Uskudar Yeni Mosque that was built by the order of Sultan Ahmet III for his mother, and
- the Atik Valide Mosque that was built in 1583 by the Architect Mimar Sinan, and for the Sultan Selim II’s wife.
The Most Beautiful Neighborhoods of Uskudar
The neighborhoods of Uskudar district of Istanbul include Acıbadem, Altunizade, Beylerbeyi, Bulgurlu, Cumhuriyet, Çengelköy, Ferah, Kandilli, Kirazlıtepe, Kuzguncuk, Mimarsinan, Muratreis, Selimiye, Ünalan, and Yavuztürk.
Kuzguncuk
Kuzguncuk is a picturesque coastal neighborhood north of Üsküdar, known for its vibrant and colorful streets lined with wooden houses. This charming neighborhood is famous for its bohemian atmosphere, historic texture, and colorful streets.
With its wooden Ottoman houses and narrow streets, Kuzguncuk offers visitors a nostalgic atmosphere. The neighborhood’s cafes, boutique shops, and art galleries attract both locals and tourists.
Explore Kuzguncuk
Beylerbeyi
Beylerbeyi is a beautiful neighborhood located under the Bosphorus Bridge, just after Kuzguncuk. Often referred to as the Ortaköy of the Anatolian side, Beylerbeyi is known for its charm and historical significance.
The symbol of Beylerbeyi is the Beylerbeyi Palace located right under the Bosphorus Bridge. In addition to the palace, Beylerbeyi also features beautiful mosques, waterfront mansions (yalı), a boutique hotel, and restaurants around the pier area.
Explore Beylerbeyi
Cengelkoy
Cengelkoy is a Bosphorus neighborhood that follows Kuzguncuk and Beylerbeyi, where you can feel the traditional Bosphorus lifestyle, surrounded by centuries-old plane trees and charming waterfront mansions.
Among the activities to do in this peaceful Bosphorus neighborhood are walking through the cute streets, around the ferry pier, and along the coast, taking lots of photos, and enjoying food and drinks at cafes and restaurants with sea views.
Explore Cengelkoy
Kandilli
Kandilli is a Bosphorus neighborhood that follows Çengelköy towards the Black Sea, known for its green hills and magnificent waterfront mansions. With its lush nature and historical structures, Kandilli is an ideal escape point for those who want to get away from the noise of Istanbul.
Explore Kandilli
Salacak
Salacak is one of the most central and popular neighborhoods of Üsküdar. Located right across from the Maiden’s Tower, Salacak stands out with its Bosphorus views and historical texture. The coastal strip of the neighborhood is ideal for walking and enjoying the Bosphorus scenery. Salacak is a popular destination for those looking to experience romantic moments, especially during sunset with views of the Maiden’s Tower.
In the narrow streets of Salacak, you can find historic houses and boutique shops. Additionally, the cafes and restaurants in the neighborhood offer delicious meals and drinks with Bosphorus views.
Acıbadem
Acıbadem is one of Üsküdar’s modern and quiet neighborhoods. Its proximity to the city center, wide green spaces, and family-friendly atmosphere make it notable. Acıbadem offers a peaceful living area away from Istanbul’s hustle and bustle. The neighborhood is also rich in education and healthcare services, with many schools, hospitals, and health centers.
One of the most striking features of Acıbadem is its wide parks and walking paths. Acıbadem Park, in particular, offers various activities for both children and adults. With rich shopping and entertainment options, Acıbadem has the facilities to meet the needs of both locals and visitors.
Altunizade
Altunizade is one of the most prestigious and central neighborhoods of Üsküdar. Filled with business centers, shopping malls, and educational institutions, Altunizade is a bustling area for both business and social life. The neighborhood’s proximity to the Bosphorus Bridge provides a significant advantage in terms of transportation.
Altunizade is also notable for its modern housing projects and wide streets. One of the most important spots in the neighborhood is the Capitol Shopping Center, a popular destination for shopping and entertainment. Additionally, the various cafes and restaurants in Altunizade offer a wide range of options for both locals and visitors.
Bağlarbaşı
Bağlarbaşı is a neighborhood that houses the historical and cultural wealth of Üsküdar. The various museums and art galleries in the neighborhood make it ideal for cultural tours. Moreover, Bağlarbaşı Cultural Center is one of the important cultural venues in the neighborhood, hosting various events and shows throughout the year.
Best Places to Eat & Drink in Uskudar
Uskudar is home to amazing local restaurants, bakeries, and tea houses.
Best Restaurants in Uskudar
✔️ Kanaat Lokantası – A famous Ottoman and Turkish cuisine restaurant.
✔️ Ismet Baba Restaurant – One of the best seafood restaurants in Istanbul.
✔️ Tarihi Çınaraltı Çay Bahçesi – A must-visit tea house by the Bosphorus.
Best Street Food Spots
✔️ Uskudar Kokoreççisi – Try kokoreç (grilled lamb intestines).
✔️ Fevzi Hoca Balık Ekmek – Delicious grilled fish sandwiches.
✔️ Uskudar Simitçisi – Famous for fresh simit (Turkish bagel).
Best Cafés & Dessert Shops
✔️ Validebağ Kahvesi – A charming café inside a historic mansion.
✔️ Mug Coffee – Great for specialty coffee lovers.
✔️ Saray Muhallebicisi – Famous for traditional Turkish desserts.
Shopping in Üsküdar – What to Buy?
Uskudar offers visitors a wide range of both traditional and modern shopping options. The district’s historic bazaars and modern shopping centers provide a variety of products and souvenirs for shopping enthusiasts. While shopping in Uskudar, you can find both handcrafted items by local artisans and stores of famous brands.
Historic Bazaars and Local Shops
Uskudar’s historic bazaars are known for preserving their Ottoman-era texture and offering various handmade products. Especially, the Mimar Sinan Bazaar and the Fish Market Bazaar are notable for their fresh food products and traditional handicrafts.
In these bazaars, you can find unique souvenirs such as handmade jewelry, copper and silverwork, handwoven rugs, and kilims. Additionally, authentic Turkish spices, teas, and Turkish delights available at local spice shops make for wonderful gifts for yourself and your loved ones.
Modern Shopping Centers
For those who prefer modern shopping experiences, Uskudar also has several shopping centers. The Capitol Shopping Center in Altunizade and the Emaar Square Mall on Libadiye Street offer a pleasant shopping experience with stores of famous brands, various dining options, and entertainment areas.
Here, you can find products in various categories such as fashion, electronics, and home decoration. These centers also feature cinemas and children’s play areas, ensuring a fun time for the whole family.
Accommodation in Uskudar – Where to Stay?
Istanbul Uskudar offers various accommodation options for visitors looking to explore Istanbul’s historical and cultural richness. The district has hotels and guesthouses suitable for every budget and taste.
One of the best accommodation options in Uskudar is the boutique hotels located in the district’s historic mansions. The most popular among them is Sumahan on the Water, a boutique hotel situated on the Bosphorus coast and converted from an old rakı factory. With its historic atmosphere, elegant decor, and stunning views, it offers visitors an unforgettable accommodation experience.
Other popular hotels in Istanbul Uskudar include Queen Hotel Spa, The Bosphorus House Hotel, and Serra Boutique Hotel.
How to Get to Uskudar?
Public Transportation
Getting to Uskudar Istanbul is very easy. For intercity transportation to Uskudar, you may find many transportation options. It is possible to access Uskudar;
- From Kadikoy; by public buses or shared taxis (dolmus),
- From Besiktas, by public ferries or boats,
- From Sultanahmet and Eminonu, by Bagcilar-Kabatas tram (T1 line) to Sirkeci and than from Sirkeci via the Marmaray, or from Eminonu by public ferries.
You may see the public bus routes and timetables as well as make a route/station search from the Istanbul Municipality Public Busses website. Also check the Istanbul Railway Network Map for the Tram stops and Istanbul Ferry Lines Map for ferries.
Ferry Transportation
You can easily reach Uskudar with ferry services organized from various points in Istanbul. The public ferries operated by Şehir Hatları depart regularly from the Eminönü, Karaköy, Kabataş, and Beşiktaş piers to Üsküdar.
Bus Transportation
It is also possible to reach Uskudar by bus from many points in Istanbul. There are many İETT public bus lines that go to Üsküdar. Regular bus services run from central areas such as Kadıköy, Altunizade, Acıbadem, and Ümraniye to Üsküdar. Additionally, for those coming from the European side, there are bus services from points like Mecidiyeköy and Beşiktaş to Üsküdar.
Minibus and Dolmuş Transportation
Another practical way to reach Üsküdar is by using minibuses and dolmuş (shared taxis). There are minibus and dolmuş services from nearby areas such as Kadıköy, Bostancı, Ümraniye, and Beykoz to Üsküdar.
Best Tips for Visiting Uskudar
✔️ Visit at sunset – The Maiden’s Tower views are incredible.
✔️ Explore beyond the ferry pier – Uskudar has hidden gems everywhere.
✔️ Try local tea gardens – The best place to enjoy Turkish tea with a view.
✔️ Visit mosques respectfully – Uskudar is a historical religious hub.
✔️ Don’t skip the waterfront walk – The Bosphorus views are breathtaking.
Is Uskudar Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Uskudar is one of Istanbul’s most underrated yet beautiful districts, offering a mix of history, scenic views, and local culture. Whether you’re visiting for a day trip or staying longer, Uskudar’s rich history and peaceful atmosphere make it a must-visit destination.