Travel writing based on first-hand experience
Find out what to do in Uskudar in our guide. Explore Üsküdar’s charming side—visit historic mosques, stroll along the seaside promenade, wander local markets, savor Turkish tea with Bosphorus views, and uncover hidden gems in this vibrant Asian-side district of Istanbul.
More Istanbul Guides Worth Opening Next
Fallen for Üsküdar’s waterfront views, mosque silhouettes, ferry rides, and gloriously local rhythm? These guides pair neatly with our What to Do in Uskudar post, whether you want to zoom out to the wider Asian side, stitch the district into a fuller city plan, or keep chasing the kind of Istanbul corners that feel wonderfully under-hyped.
- See how the district fits into the wider city with this Istanbul itinerary
- Go deeper into the east side of the city with this Asian side Istanbul guide
- Trade the obvious route for side-street finds with these hidden gems in Istanbul
- Keep the planning practical with this guide on getting around Istanbul
- Want more everyday culture than headline sights? Try these best local experiences in Istanbul
- Prefer a broader city roundup? Start with the best neighborhoods in Istanbul
- Short on time? Work it into this 3 days in Istanbul itinerary
- Want to keep costs down between ferry rides and tea stops? Add these free things to do in Istanbul
Table of Content
What To Do in Uskudar: Best Places To Visit
1. Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi)
Perched right in the middle of the Bosphorus and facing the Salacak shore of Üsküdar, the iconic Maiden’s Tower is one of Istanbul’s most photographed landmarks. This mysterious tower has served many roles—lighthouse, watchtower, customs station—throughout Byzantine and Ottoman history. Recently restored, it’s not just a symbol of the city but also the heart of a tragic legend.
Entry fee: 550 TL (Free with Museum Card)
Boat transfer: 50 TL
Opening hours: Daily, 9:30 AM–5:00 PM
Author’s Note: Boats run from near Galataport and Salacak between 9 AM–8 PM.
[Location Link]
2. Salacak Coast
A peaceful coastal stretch, Salacak is where Istanbulites come to walk, breathe in the sea air, and fish. It’s a scenic spot with views of the European side and historic sites all around.
Author’s Note: Grab some köfte at the legendary Filizler Köftecisi, then unwind with tea at Nevmekan.
[Location Link]
3. Çamlıca Hill & Çamlıca Tower
Only 4 km from Üsküdar center, Çamlıca Hill is the perfect panoramic escape. Divided into Big and Little Çamlıca, this hill has long been a favorite of poets and travelers. The new Çamlıca Tower has dual glass elevators that soar up to a viewing terrace.
Tower Entry Fees:
- Full: 225 TL
- Discounted: 100 TL
- Fast Track: 500 TL
- Foreign Visitors: 600 TL
- Foreign Fast Track: 1,050 TL
- Kids under 6: Free
Opening Hours: Daily, 10 AM–10 PM
Author’s Note: The café at the top offers breakfast platters, but book in advance!
[Location Link]
4. Çamlıca Mosque & Museum of Islamic Civilizations
This is Istanbul’s largest mosque—7 floors, 6 minarets, and space for 63,000 worshippers. Completed in 2019, it houses a sprawling complex and a museum filled with rare Islamic artifacts.
Museum Entry: Free
Open: Daily (except Mondays), 9 AM–7 PM
Author’s Note: There’s a separate prayer space for women and a huge 3-story parking area. Don’t miss the Kaaba curtain, sultans’ talismanic shirts, and young Mehmet the Conqueror’s notebook.
[Location Link]
5. Fethi Paşa Grove
Spanning 16 acres, this lush park offers sweeping views over the Bosphorus and a perfect picnic setting. Especially vibrant in spring, it’s only a 20-minute walk from Kuzguncuk.
Author’s Note: Try the seabass skewers or the “Fethipaşa Special” at the on-site restaurant, located in a historic mansion once home to writer Cemil Meriç.
[Location Link]
6. Mihrimah Sultan Mosque
Commissioned by Sultan Süleyman for his daughter, this mosque by Mimar Sinan was built in just two years (1546–1548). Located right across from the ferry pier, it’s impossible to miss.
Author’s Note: On the mosque’s right side, you’ll find one of the best examples of a historical sundial. And the old madrasa? It’s now a children’s library!
[Location Link]
7. Fountain of Sultan Ahmet III
Right across from the ferry terminal, this 1728 fountain carries poems etched into its surface—tiny snapshots of Ottoman artistry from the Tulip Era.
[Location Link]
8. Historical Çinili Hamam
A local favorite for centuries, this traditional bathhouse was built in 1640 by Kösem Sultan. Today, it still draws visitors seeking an authentic hamam experience.
Massage (40 min): 500 TL
Hours:
- Men: Daily, 7 AM–10 PM
- Women: Daily, 8 AM–7:30 PM
[Location Link]
9. Şemsipaşa Mosque & Library
Designed by Mimar Sinan, this modest mosque sits right on the shore and includes the tomb of Şemsi Paşa inside. The adjacent library is open to the public, especially students.
[Location Link]
10. Rum Mehmed Pasha Mosque
Built by Ottoman Vizier Rum Mehmed Pasha, this was the first mosque on the Anatolian side. Located on a hill overlooking the Bosphorus, it’s truly serene.
[Location Link]
11. Tomb & Mosque of Aziz Mahmud Hüdayi
A beloved religious site in Üsküdar, this mosque and tomb were commissioned by Sultan Süleyman’s granddaughter. Hüdayi, a revered mystic, even girded Sultan Murad IV with the sword of sovereignty.
[Location Link]
12. Selimiye Barracks
Built by Sultan Selim III, this historical military base once hosted Florence Nightingale during the Crimean War.
Museum Entry: Free
Florence Nightingale Museum Hours: 10 AM–5 PM
Author’s Note: Submit an application with ID details 2 days in advance to visit.
[Location Link]
13. Beylerbeyi Palace
Commissioned by Sultan Abdülaziz, this waterfront summer palace merges Byzantine, Ottoman, and Renaissance elements.
Fees:
- Adult: 45 TL
- Student: 25 TL
- Garden Only: 10 TL
Free with Museum Card
Closed on Mondays
Author’s Note: No indoor photography allowed, but the garden is fair game—go snap those ducks in the pond.
[Location Link]
14. Adile Sultan Pavilion
Gifted to Sultan Abdülaziz’s sister in 1853, this elegant mansion later became a teachers’ lodge. It’s also where the famous Turkish film Hababam Sınıfı was shot.
Entry: Free
Hababam Sınıfı Museum: 10 TL donation
Hours:
- Museum: 9 AM–5 PM
- Café/Restaurant: 9 AM–10 PM
[Location Link]
15. Çinili Mosque
Commissioned by Kösem Sultan and designed by Mimar Kasım Ağa, this mosque is known for its vibrant İznik tiles—tulips, carnations, roses, and plum blossoms cover every corner.
[Location Link]
16. Atik Valide Mosque
Built by Mimar Sinan for Afife Nur-Bânû Valide Sultan, this is his last great unified complex, with a unique architectural touch that stands out from classical Ottoman style.
[Location Link]
17. Kuzguncuk Seaside
Stroll past colorful houses and nostalgic streets in Kuzguncuk, just 1.5 km from central Üsküdar. It’s a pocket of peace dotted with charming cafes and historical landmarks.
Author’s Note: Sip strong tea at Çınaraltı Café, walk in IBB Park, and pop into Beth Ya’akov Synagogue, Surp Kirkor Lusaroviç Church, and Yeni Mosque.
[Location Link]
18. Kuzguncuk Garden
One of the few urban gardens in Istanbul, this space includes hobby plots, orchards, picnic spots, walking trails, and even a medicinal herb section.
Author’s Note: Only locals can apply to farm here through the muhtarlık (local headman).
[Location Link]
19. Abdülmecid Efendi Mansion
Built in the 1870s by Egypt’s Khedive for his son, this ornate mansion became the summer residence of Abdülmecid Efendi. The interior, especially the marble pool hall, is breathtaking. Now managed by Koç Holding, it occasionally hosts exhibitions.
Author’s Note: Can only be visited during special events.
[Location Link]
20. Nakkaştepe National Garden
A 90,000 sqm park with picnic areas, adventure trails, playgrounds, a biological pond, and scenic viewing terraces. Great for families with kids!
[Location Link]
21. Üryanizade Mosque
Said to have been completed in just 40 days, this wooden mosque has a beautiful view over the Bosphorus and a peaceful simplicity that’s hard to resist.
[Location Link]
22. Historic Çınaraltı Café
Located in Çengelköy, this nostalgic café is one of Istanbul’s classic spots. Perfect for a slow breakfast with the breeze from the Bosphorus.
[Location Link]
23. Kuleli Coast
Take a scenic stroll along the Kuleli shoreline, admire the majestic Kuleli Military High School, and catch the sunset from one of the best angles on the Bosphorus.
[Location Link]
24. Uncular Street
The liveliest street in Üsküdar is buzzing with cafes, dessert shops, and tea houses. Perfect for a break during your walk.
Author’s Note: Don’t miss a cup of Turkish coffee from Kurukahveci Hafiz Efendi!
[Location Link]
25. Mehmet Naci Akgöz Kite Museum
This whimsical little museum houses over 3,000 kites from all around the world. If you check the events calendar, you might even catch a kite-making workshop!
Entrance fee
- Free
Opening hours: The museum is open every day except Sundays and welcomes its visitors between 09.30 and 17.30.
[Location Link]
FAQs: What to Do in Uskudar
What are the must-see places in Üsküdar?
Start with Salacak promenade (Maiden’s Tower view), Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, Şemsi Paşa Mosque, Beylerbeyi Palace, Kuzguncuk’s colorful streets, Fethi Paşa Grove, Çamlıca Hill/Grand Çamlıca Mosque, and Çengelköy’s Tarihi Çınaraltı tea garden.
Where’s the best view of Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi)?
From Salacak waterfront at sunset. You can also take shuttle boats when operating, but the free shoreline view is the classic.
How do I get to Üsküdar from the European side?
Ferries from Eminönü, Beşiktaş, and Karaköy are scenic and frequent. Marmaray (intercontinental rail) also stops in Üsküdar.
What’s a good half-day Üsküdar itinerary?
Salacak → Mihrimah Sultan Mosque → Şemsi Paşa Mosque & seaside tea → ferry to Kuzguncuk for village-like streets → Fethi Paşa Grove for views.
And a full-day plan?
Add Beylerbeyi Palace in the morning, lunch in Çengelköy, coffee at Tarihi Çınaraltı, then taxi up to Çamlıca Hill for a sunset panorama.
Family-friendly things to do?
Promenade time at Salacak, Kuzguncuk park and ice cream, picnic spots in Fethi Paşa or Validebağ Grove, and views from Çamlıca.
Where to eat in Üsküdar?
Fish restaurants along the coast, classic pide/kebap houses near the square, and tea gardens in Çengelköy/Kuzguncuk. For budget bites, try the Üsküdar market streets.
Is Üsküdar good for shopping?
Yes for local life: spice/dry-goods shops, pastry bakeries, small boutiques in Kuzguncuk, and everyday markets near the ferry.
What about mosques and etiquette?
Dress modestly, avoid visiting during prayer, stay quiet inside, and remove shoes where required. Courtyards are great for photos.
Best viewpoints in Üsküdar?
Salacak (Maiden’s Tower), Fethi Paşa Grove (bridge + Bosphorus), and Çamlıca Hill (wide city panorama).
Can I visit Beylerbeyi Palace?
Yes—guided routes run most days. Expect a paid ticket; gardens and waterfront façade are highlights.
Any hidden gems?
Kuzguncuk’s backstreets (synagogue–church–mosque triangle), narrow lanes down to the water in Paşalimanı, and old wooden yalıs dotted along the shore.
How conservative is Üsküdar?
It’s more traditional than Beyoğlu/Kadıköy. Smart-casual clothing is fine; be respectful around religious sites.
Is Üsküdar walkable?
Along the coast—very. Hills rise quickly inland (Çamlıca area), so consider taxis or buses uphill.
What’s the best time to go?
Golden hour to sunset for the light on Maiden’s Tower and the skyline. Weekday mornings are calm for mosques and markets.
Rainy-day ideas?
Beylerbeyi Palace interiors, tea houses under awnings by the waterfront, and hopping ferries for covered views.
How to combine Üsküdar with Kadıköy/Moda?
Ride Marmaray or ferry down to Kadıköy after sunset in Salacak for dinner and cafés—easy same-day combo.
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