Did you know Üsküdar is one of Istanbul’s oldest neighborhoods, alongside Sultanahmet and Galata?
Although it ranks among the oldest parts of the city, Üsküdar is often overlooked by tourists. That’s a benefit if you prefer quieter streets and a more authentic local atmosphere—no long lines or selfie-stick crowds.
If you want a calmer, genuine side of Istanbul, Üsküdar is ideal. Away from the busiest attractions, it offers historic mosques, cozy cafés, traditional restaurants, and sweeping views of the Bosphorus.
Üsküdar pairs well with nearby Asian-side neighborhoods like Kadıköy, or with the charming Kuzguncuk—just a short metro ride away.
Let’s dive into this Üsküdar travel guide: how to get there, top things to do, where to stay, where to eat, and more.
How to Get to Uskudar
From Sultanahmet (Old Town) — The quickest option is the Marmaray light rail from Sirkeci Station toward Gebze; get off at Üsküdar. For a scenic route, take the ferry from Eminönü on the Üsküdar–Karaköy–Eminönü line; the trip takes about 15 minutes and offers great Bosphorus views.
From Beyoğlu (Galata) — Take the ferry from Karaköy pier on the Üsküdar–Karaköy–Eminönü line to reach Üsküdar directly.
From Taksim — Ride the M2 metro toward Yenikapı, transfer at Yenikapı to the Marmaray toward Gebze, and disembark at Üsküdar.
From Beşiktaş — Ferries from Beşiktaş Dentur pier run directly to Üsküdar in around 10 minutes.
From Kadıköy — Kadıköy and Üsküdar are neighbors. Take buses 12 or 12A to the Üsküdar Marmaray stop for a short trip between the districts.
What To Do in Uskudar
Üsküdar Square
Üsküdar Square is lively and bustling—an excellent introduction to the neighborhood. Here you’ll find mosques, ferries, fishermen, and Bosphorus views. The call to prayer and seagulls create a distinct soundscape. It’s a favorite spot to relax with a simit and watch the sunset from wooden benches.
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Üsküdar Waterfront (Salacak Coast)
Walk west from the square along the waterfront for about 2 kilometers (1.3 miles). The promenade is perfect for seaside strolls, fishing views, and panoramic sights of Istanbul’s European side. Cafés and restaurants line the street across the road for easy dining options.
Kiz Kulesi (Maiden’s Tower)
The Maiden’s Tower, a short distance from Üsküdar’s shore, has a history stretching back to ancient times and has served many roles—navigation, defense, quarantine station, and more. The current structure reflects restorations over centuries and remains an iconic Bosphorus landmark. Ferries depart to the tower from Karaköy during daytime hours, and a small café operates on the island.
Üsküdar Mihrimah Sultan Mosque
Designed by the great Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque in Üsküdar dates to the 16th century. A local legend links this mosque and its counterpart on the European side with a romantic story about sun and moon imagery—an evocative detail that adds poetic charm to the skyline.
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Üsküdar Bazaar
Just minutes from the Marmaray and ferry stations, the bazaar runs along Atlas Sokak with fresh produce, dried fruits, spices, baked goods, and local specialties. It’s ideal for a market stroll and tasting regional flavors.
Üsküdar Sahaflar Çarşı
Nearby, the Üsküdar Book Bazaar sits in a charming wooden building and hosts secondhand book kiosks and manuscripts. While most titles are in Turkish, you may find books in English, Ottoman Turkish, or Arabic. It’s a pleasant stop for book lovers and browsers.
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Mimar Sinan Gallery & Mimar Sinan Çarşısı
Close to the book bazaar, the Mimar Sinan Gallery hosts rotating cultural exhibitions. Nearby, Mimar Sinan Çarşısı is a modern bazaar-style complex with shops and interesting antique stores on the lower floors.
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Üsküdar Gastronomy Street
Uncular Street, unofficially known as Gastronomy Street, is lined with restaurants, cafés, and patisseries. It’s the neighborhood’s food hub and a great place to sample local dishes and desserts.
Follow the street toward the coast to reach Nevmekan Sahil and the Sultana Museum below.
Nevmekan Sahil
Nevmekan Sahil is a popular municipal cultural venue with a cafe, restaurant, and a library housing tens of thousands of books. Housed in a former marriage office, it now serves as a community space and hosts exhibits at very reasonable prices.
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Sultana Museum
The Sultana Museum honors influential women of the Ottoman court—valide sultans, royal wives, and princesses. The museum displays historically accurate costumes and informative exhibits that highlight these women’s roles in Ottoman history. It’s located right across from Nevmekan Sahil and makes an excellent combined visit.
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Have more time? These places are a bit further but worth visiting.
Visit the cozy neighborhood of Kuzguncuk
Kuzguncuk is a lovely Bosphorus-side neighborhood known for colorful wooden houses, narrow streets, and intimate cafés. It’s compact and easy to explore, and pairs well with visits to Beylerbeyi Palace and nearby parks.
See Art & Culture at Abdülmecid Efendi Köşkü
This restored mansion hosts rotating art and cultural exhibitions in a richly detailed interior. Openings vary, so check current hours before visiting.
Go Shopping at Nev Çarşı or Capitol
Nev Çarşı is a compact shopping center near Üsküdar station blending modern shops with a market atmosphere. Capitol AVM, a bit further away by metro, offers many stores, a food court, cinema, and family facilities.
Relax at a Hamam
Çinili Hamam, commissioned in 1640, still serves locals and visitors. It offers separate hours and entrances for men and women and provides a traditional Turkish bath experience for those seeking a relaxing cultural ritual.
See the tulips at Fethipaşa Korusu
Fethipaşa Grove is a historic park with a café, waterfall, and large green areas. It’s especially beautiful during the spring tulip displays and seasonal blooms.
See Panoramic Views at Çamlıca Hill
Çamlıca Hill, Istanbul’s highest point near Üsküdar, offers sweeping views of the Bosphorus, Old Town, and the Golden Horn. Take the M5 metro to Kısıklı and enjoy a scenic (though uphill) walk to the summit.
Marvel at Ottoman Baroque Architecture at Beylerbeyi Palace
Beylerbeyi Palace is a 19th-century riverside mansion with ornate interiors and gardens. It’s an excellent stop for architecture and history enthusiasts and pairs well with visits to Kuzguncuk.
Visit Kadikoy!
Kadıköy is a lively neighborhood celebrated for its food scene, street art, markets, and cafés. It’s a short journey from Üsküdar and rewarding to explore on foot—browse the market, ride the historic tram, and enjoy the creative atmosphere.
For more ideas, there are many additional activities to enjoy on Istanbul’s Asian side.
Where to Stay in Uskudar
216 Bosphorus Suite
A highly rated hotel with sea views and a convenient location just a short walk from ferry, Marmaray, and metro stations—ideal for exploring Istanbul.
A11 Hotel Bosphorus
Rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows offer striking Bosphorus views. The hotel includes a courtyard pool, restaurant, bar, and spa for a pampered stay.
The Palm Bosphorus Hotel
A newer hotel with modern rooms, conveniently located near Gastronomy Street and local attractions.
Frezya – Woman-Only Hotel
A woman-only hotel concept suitable for solo female travelers or groups of women, offering a range of room types and easy access to Üsküdar’s highlights.
May Otel
A comfortable mid-range option with modern rooms and breakfast included.
Royal Residence Maiden Tower
A spacious apartment-style rental with panoramic Bosphorus views, three bedrooms, and easy access to public transport and local sights.
Ottoman Suites by Sera House
Stay in an authentic Ottoman-era mansion for a traditional atmosphere and Turkish breakfast. It’s a pleasant walk to Kuzguncuk or a short bus ride to Üsküdar.
Sumahan Bosphorus
A historic waterfront mansion restored into a boutique hotel with authentic architecture and a unique backstory rooted in Ottoman-era production.
A map of local accommodations is often provided to help visualize options and book directly.
See all hotels in Üsküdar here →
Where to Eat in Üsküdar
Payedar Kahve — A cozy café tucked in a wisteria-lined alley near Üsküdar Square, serving traditional Turkish coffee and Ottoman-era drinks. For atmosphere, sit on the balcony for Bosphorus views and proximity to local landmarks.
Ira Bakery — A popular spot on Gastronomy Street for croissants, pastries, cakes, and savory items. Their desserts are a local favorite.
1727 Kitabevi — A bookstore-café hybrid with floor-to-ceiling shelves and a relaxed second-floor seating area—great for reading with coffee from local roasters.
Kurukahveci Hafız Ahmet — This classic café on Gastronomy Street offers traditional Turkish coffee varieties and a nostalgic interior that evokes old Istanbul.
Nevmekan Sahil & Nevmekan Bağlarbaşı — Two branches of the municipal cultural-café brand. Sahil is close to the waterfront and Üsküdar center; Bağlarbaşı is in a historic former bus garage with a loft layout and cultural exhibits. Both offer tasty, affordable meals and pleasant atmospheres.
Üsküdar Van Kahvaltı — Known for generous traditional Turkish breakfasts with multiple cheeses, olives, and fresh bread.
Taretan — An affordable Indonesian restaurant offering dishes like nasi goreng, noodles, and ayam geprek for a change of pace from Turkish cuisine.
Köfteci Arnavut — A local favorite for meatballs (köfte) located inside a small mall. The menu is focused but well prepared and budget-friendly.
Onion Cafe & Restaurant — A cozy spot serving pizza, burgers, wraps, and more, with friendly service and attractive decor.