Did you know that Üsküdar is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Istanbul? (The other two are Sultanahmet and Galata)
While it may be one of the oldest neighborhoods, Üsküdar is also one of the least-visited places by tourists! However, there’s a positive side: you’ll have it all to yourself, without the throngs of selfie stick-wielding tourists. 🙂
If you’re searching for a quieter, more authentic side of Istanbul, Üsküdar is the perfect destination. Away from the crowded tourist spots, this bustling neighborhood offers elaborate mosques, cozy cafes, delicious local restaurants, and panoramic views of the city.
Üsküdar also pairs well with another Asian side neighborhood, Kadıköy, or, if you don’t have that much time, you can also combine it with the nearby Kuzguncuk (only a 15-minute trip via metro!)
Anyway, enough chatting — let’s get into this Üsküdar travel guide, along with how to get there, what to do in Üsküdar, where to stay, places to eat, and more!
How to Get to Uskudar
From Sultanahmet (Istanbul Old Town) — The best way to get to Üsküdar from Sultanahmet is by Marmaray (light rail). You’ll need to go to the Sirkeci Station (click for location) and take the train in the ‘Gebze’ direction. Then get off at the next station, Üsküdar. Voila!
Meanwhile, the most scenic way to travel to Üsküdar is by ferry. 🙂 Go to the Eminönü pier (click here for location) and find the “Üsküdar-Karaköy-Eminönü” line. From there, it’s a 15-minute journey. Be sure to get off at the correct station (Üsküdar!) instead of getting off too early at Karaköy (although no worries, we have a Karaköy Travel Guide too, it’s a cool neighborhood :)).
From Beyoğlu (Galata) — The easiest way to travel from the Galata area to Üsküdar is by ferry. Go down to the Karaköy pier (click here for location) and take the “Üsküdar-Karaköy-Eminönü” ferry line to Üsküdar.
From Taksim — To travel to Üsküdar from Taksim, go to the Taksim metro station (click here for location) and follow signs for the M2 metro (green line). Take the metro in the ‘Yenikapı’ direction and get off at the last station (Yenikapı). From there, transfer onto the Marmaray (there are signs posted all over the station, so don’t worry about getting lost). Take the train in the ‘Gebze’ direction and get off at the Üsküdar station.
From Beşiktaş — Go to the Beşiktaş Dentur pier (click here for location) and take the ferry to Üsküdar — a direct route that takes about 10 minutes.
From Kadıköy — Since Kadıköy and Üsküdar are neighbors, it’s just a short distance to travel between the two 🙂 The most straightforward way is to go to the Kadıköy bus station (click here for location) and take the 12 or 12A bus to the ‘Üsküdar Marmaray’ stop.
What To Do in Uskudar
Üsküdar Square
At first glance, Üsküdar Square is chaotic, busy, and bustling with people.
However, it’s also the perfect introduction to this neighborhood, as it perfectly encapsulates everything about Üsküdar: you have mosques on one side, the Bosphorus on the other side, ferries gently swaying with the waves, fishermen casting their lines… add the sounds of the azan mixing with the seagulls above, and you’ve got the full Üsküdar experience!
Üsküdar Square is one of our favorite places to chill out, eat a simit, and watch the sunset from the wooden benches.
📍 Location →
Üsküdar Waterfront (Salacak Coast)
If you continue walking west from Üsküdar Square, you’ll be strolling along the Üsküdar Waterfront. Stretching a little over 2 kilometers (1.3 miles), the waterfront offers a lovely seaside walk where you’ll encounter local fishermen, views of Istanbul’s European side, and the crisp Bosphorus air. If you get hungry, no worries — there are plenty of cafes and restaurants on the other side of the road.
📍 Location →
Kiz Kulesi (Maiden’s Tower)
Of course, we couldn’t forget about Üsküdar’s most famous landmark: the Maiden’s Tower!
Located just 200 meters (650 ft) from the coast of Üsküdar, the Maiden’s Tower has quite a place in Istanbul’s history. The earliest form of the tower actually goes back to 400 BC, when a general built a special station to control ships coming from the Black Sea — and collect taxes, of course. 😏
During the Byzantine period, Emperor Manuel I Komnenos reinforced the tower and used it as a fort to monitor naval traffic and protect the city from potential invasions. In fact, there was a chain that was looped around the Maiden’s Tower and another tower on the European side (near Topkapı Palace) that would control entry and exit of any ships!
During the Ottoman period, the Maiden’s Tower undertook many functions, including a show platform, defense castle, deportation station, a quarantine hospital (during the cholera outbreak in the 1830s), and even a cyanide storage facility. Through it all, the tower has never lost its main function of guiding people and passing ships at night.
Fun fact: The tower also served as a signal post — it was a tradition to fire a cannon on holidays and during the coronation of a new sultan.
With such a rich history, the Maiden’s Tower also has a few legends surrounding it. The most famous tells of a Byzantine emperor who heard a prophecy that his favorite daughter would die from a snake bite. In order to protect her, he built the tower in the middle of the sea — and away from any snakes! Unfortunately, one of the daughter’s assistants unknowingly brought a snake hidden in a basket of fruit. The snake bit the princess, thus fulfilling the prophecy and ultimately giving the tower its name.
What you see today isn’t the original tower; it has been renovated multiple times over the centuries. The current structure dates back to the 18th-century restoration under Mahmud II, who preserved elements of the original design while incorporating Ottoman touches. The most recent renovation was completed in 2024 after two years of restoration work.
📍 If you want to visit Kiz Kulesi and see its history, you can do so by taking a ferry. The ferry departs from the pier in front of Karaköy Ziraat Bank (so, in the Karaköy neighborhood) from 9:30 to 18:00 every day. There’s a booth where you can buy your tickets – click here for latest prices. The tower has a small cafe from local patisserie company Baylan.
Üsküdar Mihrimah Sultan Mosque
If you’ve been to the Süleymaniye Mosque, relaxed at Hürrem Sultan Hamam or Kılıç Ali Pasha Hamam, or walked through the kitchens of Topkapı Palace, then you’re already familiar with one of Türkiye’s greatest architects, Mimar Sinan (he designed all of the aforementioned places and more than 350 other works!)
Which brings us to another of his most famous works, the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque. However, it isn’t just the sheer size or design of the mosque that makes it so special — it’s the legend behind it.
According to legend, Mimar Sinan, the chief architect of the Ottoman court, is said to have fallen deeply in love with Mihrimah Sultan (the first daughter of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and Hürrem Sultan). However, his love remained unfulfilled because Mihrimah Sultan was married off to Rüstem Pasha, a powerful statesman. (There was also the fact that Sinan was in his early 50s and Mihrimah was 18 or so, but that’s another story 🙈)
Anyway, Mimar Sinan finished the Üsküdar Mihrimah Sultan Mosque in 1548, and the second, the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque in Edirnekapı, was completed in 1565 on the European side.
It’s said that on the spring equinox, if you stand in a spot where both mosques are visible, you can witness the sunset behind one mosque and the moonrise behind the other, poetically capturing the meaning behind Mihrimah’s name — “sun and moon” — and the undying love Sinan had for her.
Üsküdar Bazaar
If you love wandering around local markets and bazaars, then you’ll love this spot. 🙂
Located less than 5 minutes from the Marmaray/metro and ferry stations, Üsküdar Bazaar stretches along the narrow Atlas Sokak and features local fruit and vegetable stands, plus sellers of dried fruit, tea, spices, candy, baked goods, and much more. Location →
Üsküdar Sahaflar Çarşı
After walking around Üsküdar Bazaar, we recommend visiting another market just a few meters away — the Üsküdar Book Bazaar!
Located in a cute wooden building, the Üsküdar Sahaflar Çarşı (literally, Üsküdar Secondhand Book Bazaar) has multiple small kiosks selling books, manuscripts, and other related items. Although most of the books are in Turkish, you might also find a few in English, Ottoman Turkish, and Arabic.
It’s definitely worth a quick stroll and look around as you explore Üsküdar!
Mimar Sinan Gallery & Mimar Sinan Çarşısı
We’re not done with Mimar Sinan just yet! 😌 Aside from the iconic Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, this legendary architect also lends his name to an entire building and gallery in Üsküdar.
If you visit Üsküdar Sahaflar Çarşı (above), you’ll be conveniently located near our next two places. The Mimar Sinan Gallery, located in the same building as the secondhand book bazaar (just on the opposite side), is a cozy art and culture space with rotating exhibits. When we visited, there was an exhibition on the Üsküdar Printing House, hence the floating books in the photo above. 🙂
Just a few steps away is the Mimar Sinan Çarşısı (Mimar Sinan Bazaar), a newer structure that functions more like a small shopping mall than a traditional bazaar. The original bazaar used to be housed in the building where the secondhand bookshops are now, but it moved to the newer space to accommodate more shops. While it may not have the classic ‘bazaar’ vibe, the antique stores on the bottom floor are really interesting and worth a visit.
Üsküdar Gastronomy Street
Are you hungry yet? If so, you’ll love this ‘landmark’ in Üsküdar — an entire street dedicated to delicious food!
The aptly-named Gastronomy Street (Üsküdar Gastronomi Sokağı) features dozens of beautifully-decorated restaurants, cafes, and patisseries (pastry shops), as well as a handful of small boutique shops selling local goods.
You really can’t go wrong here, but if you want our recommendations, check the ‘Where to Eat in Üsküdar’ section — some of the places mentioned are located on Gastronomy Street.
* Note: The official name of the street is Uncular Street, but it’s unofficially been rebranded to Gastronomy Street.
If you follow Gastronomy Street to the end and walk towards the coast, you’ll arrive at our next two locations…
Nevmekan Sahil
This is one of our absolute favorite places in Istanbul! Besides the gorgeous interior (the ceiling has a lotus-shaped mosaic), Nevmekan Sahil functions as a cafe, restaurant, and library.
The building itself has an interesting history: it was previously used as the Üsküdar marriage office before being transferred to the Üsküdar Municipality in 2018. From there, it was transformed into a vibrant restaurant, library/study center, and cultural venue.
The library has more than 80,000 books (with a capacity of 100,000 books!) and is a popular place for local students to study. Likewise, Nevmekan Sahil sometimes hosts art or photography exhibits.
Since Nevmekan is run by the local municipality, the restaurant has fantastic prices (much cheaper than other restaurants in the area!) — you can eat a full meal, including appetizer, main course, dessert, and a drink, all for less than $10 per person!
Sultana Museum
When we say the words Ottoman Empire, who comes to mind first? Sultan Mehmet Fatih, who conquered Istanbul in 1453 and ended the Byzantine Empire? Perhaps Suleiman the Magnificent, who expanded the empire to its peak and commissioned iconic architectural masterpieces? Or maybe even Osman I, who founded the Ottoman Empire and laid the foundation for one of the greatest empires to ever exist?
While sultans were undoubtedly important in the Ottoman Empire, many women also played significant roles in shaping the empire’s history. Hence, in order to honor these powerful and influential figures, the Üsküdar Municipality established the Sultana Museum!
The museum contains more than 30 figures, including valide sultans (mothers of sultans), lady sultans (wives of sultans) and princesses (daughters of sultans). To read more about the life and legacy of each person, there are little pull-out trays with information below each figurine.
If you’re into fashion and costume, you’ll love this next fact: all of the costumes are historically accurate! In fact, an academic research committee from Marmara University studied hundreds of manuscripts and documents from the 16th to 19th centuries to make sure that every detail was authentic and true to the era. How cool is that?
Even better, then Sultana Museum is located right across from Nevmekan Sahil (there’s a cute little garden between them). If you’re interested in exploring more interesting museums, check out our 10 Unique Museums in Istanbul post! →
Have more time? These places are a bit further
(but definitely worth a visit!)
Visit the cozy neighborhood of Kuzguncuk
One of the best ‘day trips’ from Üsküdar is its neighbor, Kuzguncuk! Located on the quiet Bosphorus waterfront coast, Kuzguncuk is best known for its colorful Ottoman-era wooden houses, narrow streets, and neighborhood-like stores and restaurants.
Thanks to its compact size, you can easily visit Kuzguncuk in a few hours and, if you have time, combine it with nearby attractions like Beylerbeyi Palace and Nakkaştepe Park. Click here for our full Kuzguncuk travel guide, including how to travel from Üsküdar, what to see, where to eat, and more →
See Art & Culture Come Alive at Abdülmecid Efendi Köşkü
Have you ever wanted to go inside an Ottoman prince’s mansion? Now you can — and it’s free!
The Abdülmecit Efendi Köşkü was built by famous architect Alexandre Vallaury for an Egyptian royal, but eventually bought by Prince Abdülmecid (hence the name). The prince loved everything related to art, and enjoyed painting, writing, and hosting other intellectuals in the mansion’s salon.
After the Ottoman empire fell, the mansion became state property and was eventually restored in the 1980s. Nowadays, the mansion is used for various art and culture exhibits, and rotates its offerings twice a year. The last time we were here, there was an amazing exhibit on women’s costumes from the 1920s (late Ottoman period to the new Republic). The inside of the mansion is also fantastic — be sure to keep an eye out on the details!
Note: It’s a good idea to check the opening hours online, as there may be temporary closures between exhibits.
Go Shopping at Nev Çarşi or Capitol
If you want to add some shopping to your Üsküdar itinerary, you’ll love this next point.
Nev Çarşı, a cute shopping center that opened in 2020, is just a 15-minute walk from Üsküdar Marmaray station and focuses on blending modern shopping with a traditional market atmosphere (hence the ‘çarşı’ in its name, which translates to bazaar or market!)
Meanwhile, Capitol AVM is a bit further (although it’s just one stop away on the M5 metro line) but has more than 150 stores, plus a large food court, kid’s play area, and cinema. If you’re going to Capitol AVM, you can also combine it with a trip to Abdülmecid Efendi Köşkü.
Relax at a Hamam
Did you know that there’s a historical hamam in Üsküdar? The Çinili Hamam was commissioned by Kösem Sultan in 1640 and has served locals ever since. If you’re looking for a local experience, check out this hamam! Men’s hours are from 7:00 to 22:00, while women’s hours are 8:00 to 19:30 (there are separate entrances).
Psst… looking for our top hamam picks? Click here to read our review on the top 10 hamams in Istanbul! →
See the tulips at Fethipaşa Korusu
Fethipaşa Grove is a gem in Üsküdar that dates back to the Ottoman era. Named after Fethi Ahmet Pasha, an influential Ottoman ambassador, this park was once part of his grand estate. It was transferred to Istanbul Municipality in 2003 and has a restaurant, cafe, waterfall, and a large grove.
The Fethipaşa Grove is especially beautiful in the spring, as it’s one of the top places to see the tulip festival (check out all of our top tulip festival locations here!) in April as well as the Judas tree blooming in May.
See Panoramic Views at Çamlıca Hill
Did you know that the highest point in Istanbul is located near Üsküdar? Çamlıca Hill, which stands at 288 meters (945 ft), has beautiful panoramic views of the Bosphorus, Sultanahmet (Old Town), and parts of the Golden Horn. The hill has a cute municipality-run cafe with snacks and drinks, plus a few restaurants nearby.
The easiest way to get to Çamlıca Hill is by taking the M5 metro from Üsküdar and getting off at Kısıklı station. From there, it’s about a 20-minute walk. Although the walk is uphill and a bit long, the views are worth it!
Marvel at Ottoman Baroque Architecture at Beylerbeyi Palace
Located right on the Bosphorus, Beylerbeyi Palace is a beautiful 19th-century mansion that was used as a summer residence for the Ottoman sultans. It’s especially famous for its intricate architecture, lush gardens, and marble details, and is a great spot for fans of history, design, and beauty. 🙂
You can combine your trip to Beylerbeyi Palace with Kuzguncuk, as both places are just a quick 10-minute bus ride (or 25-minute walk) from each other. Click here to check tickets for Beylerbeyi Palace →
Visit Kadikoy!
Last but certainly not least, don’t miss our favorite neighborhood in Istanbul: Kadıköy!
Kadıköy is a vibrant neighborhood that’s famous for its authentic food scene, lively arts and music culture, street art, and trendy atmosphere. It’s *that* place where you’ll find vintage shops, delicious (and budget-friendly!) restaurants serving authentic cuisine, cute third-wave cafes with artisanal pastries, and bustling street markets… all on one street!
Some of our favorite places include Kadıköy Market (Kadıköy Çarşısı), riding the historic tram (T3 line), and looking for cool street art. Of course, there’s no better way to discover Kadikoy than just walking around and letting yourself get lost in the atmosphere. 🙂
Looking for even more things to do? Check out our 17+ Things To Do on the Asian Side of Istanbul post here! →
Where to Stay in Uskudar
216 Bosphorus Suite
One of the best hotels in Üsküdar! 216 Bosphorus Suite has an impressive 4.6 out of 5 rating on Google and an 8.7 out of 10 on Booking, so you know it’s a favorite among travelers.
The hotel offers stunning sea views where you can watch the ferries glide gracefully along the Bosphorus, or sip on some çay while watching the sunset. The location is also perfect — it’s just a 5-minute walk to the ferry station, Marmaray station, and metro station, making it easy to go practically anywhere in Istanbul!
A11 Hotel Bosphorus
For incredible views that’ll leave you speechless, A11 Hotel Bosphorus is a top choice in Üsküdar. All of the rooms feature gorgeous ceiling-to-floor windows with views of the Bosphorus, plus a chic modern design and plenty of space.
Besides the rooms, A11 Bosphorus has a chic inner courtyard pool and garden, on-site restaurant, bar, and spa. Speaking of which — the sps is absolutely fantastic, and it’s one of our favorite places to go for a spa day and massage (maintaining a travel blog is hard work! 😁).
The Palm Bosphorus Hotel
Conveniently located on a quiet street, The Palm Bosphorus is a new hotel (it opened in 2024!) that has everything you need for a comfortable stay in Üsküdar. As a nice bonus, it’s also located right across from Gastronomy Street (mentioned above), so you’ll never run out of options on where to eat!
Frezya – Woman-Only Hotel
Are you a solo woman traveler or visiting Istanbul with your girlfriends? Then you’ll love the Frezya hotel!
This interesting concept is a woman-only hotel that recently opened (in 2024) and offers a variety of room options, including Single, Double, and Triple Rooms, as well as Deluxe Double and Deluxe Triple Suites. Best of all, it’s located right near Gastronomy Street and has easy access to transportation and all of Üsküdar’s landmarks!
May Otel
Chic, spacious, modern, and breakfast included? May Otel is the perfect mid-range hotel in Üsküdar!
Royal Residence Maiden Tower
This is an excellent apartment rental in Üsküdar that’s perfect for large groups! The 130 sq m (1,400 sq ft) apartment features 3 bedrooms (each with double beds), 2 bathrooms, living room, and kitchen, and can hold up to 6 guests.
The best part of this apartment is the living room, with wrap-around windows showcasing panoramic views of the Bosphorus.
Likewise, it’s also in a very convenient location — the apartment is just a 5-minute walk to the Marmaray, metro, and ferry stations, yet located in a quieter area. Plus, it’s close to cool places like Nevmekan Sahil and the Sultana Museum (both mentioned above in this guide!)
Ottoman Suites by Sera House
If you’re looking to stay in an authentic Ottoman-era mansion, Ottoman Suites by Sera House is a must! Although it’s located a bit further from Üsküdar center, this 120-year-old building retains many of its original features and is definitely worth a stay. Be sure to try the Turkish breakfast, which is included as part of the stay.
Likewise, the hotel is only a 15 minute walk to Kuzguncuk or a 10-minute bus ride to Üsküdar.
Sumahan Bosphorus
Sumahan Bosphorus is an amazing once-in-a-lifetime stay with a rich history. The mansion originally belonged to Mahmud Nedim Pasha, the Ottoman ambassador to Vienna, before being turned into a seaside rakı factory. In fact, the name “Sumahan” is a nod to its origins, combining suma (the purest form of alcohol distilled from fruit) with han (meaning inn).
Since Sumahan is listed as a historical building, the exterior has retained its original facade, and guests can enjoy an authentic slice of Ottoman-era architecture right on the Bosphorus.
See all hotels in Üsküdar here →
Where to Eat in Üsküdar
☕️ Payedar Kahve — This sweet cafe is set in a small wisteria-lined alleyway near Üsküdar Square and features authentic Turkish coffee and Ottoman-era drinks like şerbet. For an extra atmospheric experience, go upstairs and sit on the balcony — you’ll get an amazing view of the Bosphorus and Mihrimah Sultan Mosque! (Psst – Payedar Kahve was featured in our Turkish Coffee History blog post!). Location →
🍰 Ira Bakery — If you love sweets and baked goods, definitely add this place to your itinerary! Located on Gastronomy Street, Ira Bakery features delicious croissants, pastries, cakes, and other delicious desserts (although they also have sandwiches and savory dishes as well!). We particularly love the ‘cube cake’ (see photo above). Location →
📚 1727 Kitabevi — Love books? Love coffee? Then you’ll definitely love 1727! 😉
This bookstore/cafe combination is tucked away on a quiet side street and features floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with books. There’s also a second floor where you can chill, meet friends, and work. We particularly love the selection of drinks, including coffee from local roaster Montag, tea, and summer drinks. Location →
☕️ Kurukahveci Hafız Ahmet — Another sweet cafe, this time on Gastronomy Street. Stepping into Hafız Ahmet is like stepping into old Istanbul — there’s the beautiful classic interior, retro photos of Istanbul in the 1950s, and even vintage roasting equipment in the back. They also carry unique Turkish coffee varieties like dibek kahvesi (our favorite!) Location →
Nevmekan Sahil & Nevmekan Baglarbasi — These two places are under the same brand, so we decided to combine them here. 🙂
Nevmekan is run by the Üsküdar Municipality and there are currently three locations: Sahil (near Üsküdar center), Baglarbasi (15 minutes from the center), and Selimiye (a 30 minute walk from the center). We’ll talk about the first two here.
We’ve mentioned Nevmekan Sahil above — it’s the former Üsküdar marriage office and has a gorgeous lotus-shaped ceiling mosaic. It’s also the most convenient of the Nevmekans, as it’s just a short 7-minute walk from Üsküdar station and right near the waterfront (Sahil translates to coast!). Location →
Meanwhile, Nevmekan Baglarbasi was the first of the Nevmekans to exist. It’s located in a former bus garage (a beautiful building from 1911!) and features plenty of natural light, a cool loft-style layout, and even an original tram from the Ottoman empire! Nevmekan Baglarbasi is a 15-minute walk to the Abdulmecid Efendi Kosku, so you can easily combine both. Location →
🍳 Üsküdar Van Kahvalti — If you’re craving a hearty Turkish breakfast, Üsküdar Van Kahvaltı is the place to be. Known for its generous spread of cheeses, olives, fresh bread, and more, it’s perfect for when you’re hungry and looking to start your day with a traditional feast. Location →
🍜 Taretan — If you want something different than Turkish food, this is a good Indonesian restaurant. The menu includes favorites like nasi goreng, noodle dishes, ayam geprek (fried chicken), and even bubble tea. Plus, it’s very budget-friendly! Location →
🧆 Köfteci Arnavut — If you’re craving delicious meatballs (köfte), check out this hidden gem… and when we write hidden gem, we literally mean it: it’s located inside a very local shopping mall (tip: enter on the ground floor, go to the end, and turn right). 😅
Although the menu is fairly small, everything is done with love — besides their specialty (köfte porsiyon), the restaurant also makes köfte sandwiches, grilled chicken (tavuk şiş), and salads. Best of all, it’s very budget-friendly, and you could easily spend less than 500 TL for two people. Location →
🍕 Onion Cafe & Restaurant — Despite the interesting name, this is a super cute restaurant that serves favorites like pizza, burgers, wraps, and more. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting (the employees are so friendly!), plus the decor is beautiful. Truly everything you could want in a restaurant. 🙂 Location →
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