Uskudar is the district located on the Asian shores of the Bosphorus, Istanbul, just across Besiktas. Uskudar is famous for its beautiful shoreline, the Maiden’s Tower, Camlica Hill, Fethi Pasha Grove, historic places such as 16th century Mosques, fountains and many more. Here you’ll find a quick guide to explore Uskudar with top things to do and see plus insider advice.
Things to Do & See
Strolling around the Uskudar Sqaure, watching the crowd, having a rest and drinking tea or coffee at the various cafes nearby the sea in the company of Bosphorus, visiting Fethi Pasha Grove and Camlica Hill to enjoy the beautiful and panoramic views of the Bosphorus, and visiting Maiden’s Tower are the best things to do in Uskudar.
Maiden’s Tower
The Maiden’s Tower, also known as the Leandros, is one of the most popular landmarks and symbols of Istanbul. An evening night out by watching the sunset and dining there is one of the best things to do in Istanbul. It is believed to have been constructed around 340 B.C., and has a legend. Continue reading…
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Fethi Pasa Grove
Located at the back hills of Uskudar and Belerbeyi, the 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. Location >>
Camlica Hill
Camlica Hill is a great leisure and tourist area located in the Asian side of Istanbul. Camlica Hill offers great panoramic views of the city. The hill is the highest one to find the best views of Istanbul from 265 meters above the sea level. There are also several cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy your views. Address: Kısıklı, Turistik Çamlıca Cd., 34692 Üsküdar/Istanbul Google Map
Don’t Miss: Camlica Tower
Discover Istanbul like never before from its most spectacular vantage point – Camlica Tower. This iconic tower will offer you a breathtaking 360-degree city panorama that will leave you in awe.
Nestled atop Istanbul’s picturesque hilltops, Camlica Tower stands as a true architectural wonder, seamlessly marrying culture, history, and contemporary design. Soaring to a remarkable height of 369 meters, it proudly claims the title of Turkey’s tallest structure, providing an unrivaled vantage point from which to admire the breathtaking panoramic vistas of Istanbul.
We Highly Recommend These Fantastic Night-time Activities
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.
Book Your View, Seat & Meal + Transfer
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.
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.
Neighborhoods worth visiting
Kuzguncuk
Kuzguncuk is a colorful seaside neighborhood located on the north of Usküdar towards the Bosphorus. For those who want to enjoy a lively day out by the Bosphorus shores and relax at the seaside cafes and restaurant, Kuzguncuk is a great place to head for. You can rest and enjoy your drink at the historic Cinar Cafe and under the shade of the famous huge plane tree.
Beylerbeyi
Beylerbeyi is also a beautiful seaside neighborhood located after Kuzguncuk, on the north of Uskudar towards the Bosphorus. Located under the Bosphorus bridge, the Beylerbeyi Palace is the symbol and popular landmark of the area. There are also many beautiful mosques, mansions, a boutique hotel and restaurants that can be visited around the ferry port. You can enjoy the Bosphorus at the cafes on the shores.
Cengelkoy
Cengelkoy is a very lively seaside neighborhood surrounded by centuries-old plane trees and charming mansions, located after Kuzguncuk and Beylerbeyi on the north of Uskudar. It is a place where you will feel the traditional Bosphorus life.
The Cinaralti Mosque, Cengelkoy fountain and numerous fish restaurants and cafes next to the ferry port are among the places where visitors can take a break. The colorful Cengelkoy Square is also a must for visitors. You can have a rest and enjoy your drink with beautiful views of the city, at the famous historical Cinaralti Tea Garden at any time of the day.
Eating Out
Uskudar offers a wide variety of dine and wine opportunities in Istanbul. You can find every kind of food & beverage, Turkish & world cuisine for your taste in Uskudar. Both at the coastal and inner areas, you can fine tea gardens, cafes and restaurants.
The Comlek Restaurant (famous for its special bean dish – located in the Kisikli Camlica street), the Kanaat Restaurant (famous for its Turkish food, quince dessert, sheep milk and Yozgat sahleb – located in the Selmanipak street) and the Zekibey Iskender (famous for its İskender kebab – located in the Tavuscu Bakkal street) are some of the recommended restaurants in Uskudar.
Where to Stay?
As for accommodation; Uskudar hosts good range of accommodation opportunities in from budget apartments, apart hotels to quality hotels of Istanbul.
You may check and find your ideal Uskudar hotel via Booking.com Uskudar Hotels or Trivago Uskudar Hotels with the hotels info, photos, comments and price comparison and book your Uskudar hotel online.
How to Get There?
Public Transportation
Getting to Uskudar 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.
From Istanbul Airports
For getting to Uskudar;
- from New Istanbul Airport (IST) (52 km. to Uskudar and takes about 110 mins.) – you may take a taxi or take a Private Shuttle which is the best of all and we recommend.
- from Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) (35 km. to Uskudar and takes about 50 mins.) – you may take take a taxi or take a Private Shuttle again which is the best of all and we recommend.
