Have you ever wondered what lies on the other side of the Bosphorus, the strait that divides Istanbul into two continents? If you are looking for a less touristy and more authentic experience of Istanbul, you should definitely visit Uskudar, a hidden gem on the Asian side of the city.
Uskudar is one of the oldest and most historic districts of Istanbul, with a rich and diverse cultural heritage. It was once a Greek and Armenian settlement, then a Byzantine and Ottoman stronghold, and now a modern and vibrant neighborhood. Uskudar is home to some of the most beautiful mosques, museums, parks, and towers in Istanbul, as well as some of the best cafes, restaurants, and bakeries.
In this article, we will show you the best things to do, see, eat, and drink in Uskudar, and how to get there by ferry, metro, bus, or taxi. Whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, with family, or with friends, you will find something to suit your interests and preferences in Uskudar. So, let’s get started!
How to Get to Uskudar
One of the best things about visiting Uskudar is the journey itself. You have several options to reach Uskudar from the European side of Istanbul, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are the main ones:
Ferry:
This is the most scenic and enjoyable way to get to Uskudar, as you can admire the panoramic views of the Bosphorus and the European side, and feel the breeze on your face. You can take a ferry from Kabatas or Eminonu, which are both easily accessible by tram or bus from the main tourist areas. The ferry ride takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and costs 5 Turkish Liras (about 0.5 USD) per person. You can also use the Istanbulkart, a rechargeable card that you can use for all public transportation in the city. The ferries run every 15 to 20 minutes, from 6 am to midnight.
Metro:
This is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Uskudar, as you can avoid the traffic and the crowds. You can take the Marmaray metro line from Yenikapi, which is also connected to the tram and bus lines. The metro ride takes about 10 minutes, and costs 3.5 Turkish Liras (about 0.4 USD) per person. You can also use the Istanbulkart for the metro. The metro runs every 5 to 10 minutes, from 6 am to midnight.
Bus:
This is the cheapest and most flexible way to get to Uskudar, as you can choose from many routes and stops. You can take any bus that goes to Uskudar from Taksim, Besiktas, or Sultanahmet, which are the main tourist hubs. The bus ride takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the traffic, and costs 2.6 Turkish Liras (about 0.3 USD) per person. You can also use the Istanbulkart for the bus. The buses run every 10 to 15 minutes, from 6 am to midnight.
Taxi:
This is the most comfortable and private way to get to Uskudar, as you can enjoy the ride in a spacious and air-conditioned car. You can hail a taxi from anywhere in the city, or use a mobile app like BiTaksi or iTaksi. The taxi ride takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the traffic, and costs about 40 to 50 Turkish Liras (about 5 to 6 USD) per car. You can pay by cash or credit card for the taxi. The taxis are available 24/7.
What to See and Do in Uskudar
Uskudar has a lot to offer to visitors, from historical and cultural attractions, to natural and scenic spots, to entertainment and leisure activities. Here are some of the best things to see and do in Uskudar:
The Maiden’s Tower:
This is the most iconic and recognizable landmark of Uskudar, and one of the symbols of Istanbul. The Maiden’s Tower is a small tower on a tiny islet in the middle of the Bosphorus, with a fascinating history and legend.
According to the legend, a sultan built the tower to protect his daughter from a prophecy that said she would die from a snake bite on her 18th birthday. However, the prophecy came true, as a snake hidden in a fruit basket was delivered to the tower, and bit the princess. The tower has been used for various purposes over the centuries, such as a lighthouse, a quarantine station, a military base, and a restaurant. Today, you can visit the tower and its museum, which displays the history and culture of the tower and the Bosphorus. You can also enjoy a meal or a drink at the tower’s restaurant or cafe, and admire the stunning views of the city and the sea. The tower is open every day from 9 am to 7 pm, and the entrance fee is 25 Turkish Liras (about 3 USD) per person. You can take a shuttle boat from Uskudar or Kabatas to reach the tower, which costs 20 Turkish Liras (about 2.5 USD) per person for a round trip.
The Mihrimah Sultan Mosque:
This is one of the most beautiful and majestic mosques in Istanbul, and a masterpiece of the famous architect Sinan, who designed many of the Ottoman mosques and buildings. The Mihrimah Sultan Mosque was built in the 16th century by the order of Mihrimah Sultan, the daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent, the most powerful and influential sultan of the Ottoman Empire. The mosque has a magnificent dome, four minarets, and a spacious courtyard, decorated with exquisite tiles, calligraphy, and carvings. The mosque is also known for its unique feature, as it is aligned with the sun, and the sun rays illuminate the mosque’s interior twice a year, on the 21st of March and the 21st of September, which are also the dates of Mihrimah Sultan’s birth and death.
The mosque is open every day from dawn to dusk, and the entrance is free. However, you should respect the dress code and the prayer times, and remove your shoes before entering the mosque. You can also visit the nearby market and the fountain, which are part of the mosque complex.
The Kuzguncuk Neighborhood:
This is one of the most charming and colorful neighborhoods in Istanbul, and a hidden gem in Uskudar. The Kuzguncuk Neighborhood is a quaint and cozy area, with old wooden houses, narrow streets, flower gardens, and art galleries. The neighborhood is also known for its diversity and tolerance, as it has been home to different religious and ethnic communities, such as Turks, Greeks, Armenians, and Jews. You can see the traces of this diversity in the neighborhood’s mosques, churches, and synagogues, which coexist peacefully. You can also enjoy the neighborhood’s cafes, shops, and restaurants, which offer a variety of cuisines, such as Turkish, Greek, Armenian, and Jewish. The neighborhood is also a popular spot for film and TV productions, as it has a nostalgic and authentic atmosphere. You can walk around the neighborhood and explore its hidden corners, or take a guided tour to learn more about its history and culture. The neighborhood is open every day, and the entrance is free. You can reach the neighborhood by walking from Uskudar, or by taking a bus or a taxi.
The Fethi Pasa Grove:
This is one of the most lush and peaceful parks in Istanbul, and a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. The Fethi Pasa Grove is a large and green park on the hillside of Uskudar, overlooking the Bosphorus and the European side. The park was once the property of Fethi Pasa, a prominent Ottoman statesman and diplomat, who donated it to the public after his death. The park has many walking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports facilities, as well as a cafe and a restaurant. You can also visit the Fethi Pasa Mansion, which is now a museum, displaying the personal belongings and memorabilia of Fethi Pasa and his family. The park is also a great spot to watch the sunset and the city lights, as it offers a panoramic and romantic view. The park is open every day from 6 am to 11 pm, and the entrance is free. You can reach the park by walking from Uskudar, or by taking a bus or a taxi.
The Camlica Hill and Tower:
This is the highest point in Istanbul, and one of the best places to see the city from above. The Camlica Hill and Tower are located on the outskirts of Uskudar, and offer a spectacular view of the Bosphorus, the European side, and the Asian side.
The Camlica Hill and Tower are located on the outskirts of Uskudar, and offer a spectacular view of the Bosphorus, the European side, and the Asian side. The Camlica Hill is a natural and scenic spot, with a park, a cafe, and a restaurant. You can walk around the hill and enjoy the fresh air and the greenery, or sit and relax at the cafe or the restaurant, and savor the view. The Camlica Tower is a new and modern attraction, opened in 2020. It is a 369-meter-high observation tower, with a glass elevator, a revolving restaurant, and a museum. You can go up the tower and see the city from different angles and heights, or dine at the restaurant and watch the city rotate around you. You can also visit the museum, which showcases the history and culture of Istanbul and Turkey. The Camlica Hill is open every day from 6 am to 11 pm, and the entrance is free. The Camlica Tower is open every day from 9 am to 11 pm, and the entrance fee is 100 Turkish Liras (about 12 USD) per person. You can reach the Camlica Hill and Tower by taking a bus or a taxi from Uskudar.
Where to Eat and Drink in Uskudar
Uskudar has a lot to offer to foodies and drink lovers, from traditional and local cuisines, to international and fusion dishes, to delicious and tempting desserts. Here are some of the best places to eat and drink in Uskudar:
Kanaat Lokantasi:
This is a traditional and popular restaurant in Uskudar, serving a variety of dishes, such as soups, salads, meats, and desserts. The restaurant is famous for its quality, quantity, and variety, as it offers more than 200 dishes every day, prepared with fresh and seasonal ingredients. You can choose from the dishes displayed in the glass cases, or order from the menu. Some of the specialties of the restaurant are the lamb stew, the stuffed grape leaves, the lentil soup, and the rice pudding. The restaurant is open every day from 7 am to 11 pm, and the average price for a meal is 40 Turkish Liras (about 5 USD) per person. The restaurant is located on Selmanipak Caddesi, near the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque.
Cinaralti Cay Bahcesi:
This is a cozy and scenic tea garden by the waterfront, offering a selection of teas, coffees, and snacks. The tea garden is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the view of the Bosphorus and the Maiden’s Tower, especially at sunset. You can sip a cup of Turkish tea, coffee, or apple tea, and nibble on a simit, a sesame-covered bread ring, or a borek, a pastry filled with cheese, spinach, or meat. You can also try the nargile, a water pipe with flavored tobacco, for a more authentic and exotic experience. The tea garden is open every day from 8 am to midnight, and the average price for a drink or a snack is 10 Turkish Liras (about 1.2 USD) per person. The tea garden is located on Cinaralti Caddesi, near the Uskudar ferry terminal.
Beyaz Firin:
This is a famous and old bakery in Uskudar, with a wide range of pastries, cakes, cookies, and breads. The bakery was founded in 1836, and has been serving the locals and the visitors with its delicious and fresh products ever since. You can find some of the best examples of Turkish and European desserts, such as baklava, kunefe, eclair, cheesecake, and brownie. You can also order a custom-made cake for a special occasion, or buy some souvenirs, such as Turkish delight, chocolate, or jam. The bakery is open every day from 7 am to 10 pm, and the average price for a pastry or a cake is 15 Turkish Liras (about 1.8 USD) per person. The bakery has several branches in Uskudar, but the main one is on Mimar Sinan Caddesi, near the Uskudar metro station.
Haci Bekir:
This is a renowned and historic confectionery shop in Uskudar, specializing in Turkish delights, candies, and chocolates. The shop was established in 1777, and has been producing and selling its sweet and colorful products for more than two centuries. You can find some of the finest and most original flavors of Turkish delight, such as rose, pistachio, lemon, and pomegranate. You can also try some of the other specialties of the shop, such as hard candies, soft candies, and chocolates. You can buy some of the products as gifts or souvenirs, or enjoy them on the spot. The shop is open every day from 8 am to 8 pm, and the average price for a product is 20 Turkish Liras (about 2.4 USD) per person. The shop is located on Mimar Sinan Caddesi, near the Uskudar metro station. !A plate of Turkish delight and a cup of Turkish coffee
We hope you enjoyed this article and learned more about Uskudar, a hidden gem on the Asian side of Istanbul. Uskudar is a historical and cultural district, with stunning views of the Bosphorus and the European side. It has a lot to offer to visitors, from historical and cultural attractions, to natural and scenic spots, to entertainment and leisure activities, to delicious and tempting food and drinks. Whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, with family, or with friends, you will find something to suit your interests and preferences in Uskudar.
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