Traditional & scenic · Asian Side
💰💰 Mid-rangeThe spiritual and historic heart of Asian Istanbul — ferry landings, Ottoman mosques, tea gardens, and one of the city's most beloved waterfront promenades.
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A sprawling tea garden on the slopes of Büyük Çamlıca hill with panoramic views of the entire Bosphorus and Istanbul. One of the city's great viewpoints.
Büyük Çamlıca, Üsküdar💡 Go on a clear day for views spanning both continents. Sunset is spectacular but busy — weekday afternoons are more peaceful.
Traditional tea gardens right by the Üsküdar ferry landing. Watching ferries cross the Bosphorus over a glass of çay is a perfect Istanbul moment.
Üsküdar İskelesi, ÜsküdarNew events are added weekly — check back soon.
Explore other neighborhoodsThe charming neighbourhood of Kuzguncuk (just north of Üsküdar) has excellent independent cafés on its picturesque main street.
A historic Istanbul lokanta open since 1933. Traditional home-style Turkish cooking in a timeless setting. One of the best of its kind in the city.
Selmani Pak Cad. No:9, Üsküdar💡 Arrive at noon when the daily dishes are freshest. The braised lamb and stuffed vegetables are outstanding.
Several excellent fish restaurants near the Üsküdar waterfront. Better value than European side equivalents with the same quality.
Üsküdar Sahili, ÜsküdarThe Kuzguncuk neighbourhood has a cluster of excellent meyhane (tavern-restaurants) popular with locals. Mezes and grilled meat in a relaxed garden setting.
Kuzguncuk, ÜsküdarA beautiful long waterfront walk with unmatched views of the Bosphorus, Topkapı Palace, and the old city skyline. One of Istanbul's finest urban walks.
Üsküdar Sahili, Üsküdar💡 Walk north toward Kuzguncuk at dusk for the best light on the European shore skyline. About 30 minutes each way.
Istanbul's newest and largest mosque, visible from across the city. The interior is vast and the hilltop location offers extraordinary views.
Büyük Çamlıca, ÜsküdarA remarkably preserved historic neighbourhood with wooden Ottoman houses, colourful façades, a Greek church, synagogue, and mosque on the same street.
Kuzguncuk, Üsküdar💡 Walk up the main street (İcadiye Cad.) on a Sunday morning. The neighbourhood is quiet, beautiful, and feels like it belongs to another era.
The iconic tower in the Bosphorus — a short boat ride from Üsküdar. Newly restored with a café and restaurant inside.
Kız Kulesi, Üsküdar💡 Book the restaurant for dinner to avoid the entrance queue. The exterior is best photographed from Üsküdar waterfront at golden hour.
