Üsküdar is located in the heart of the Bosphorus on the Asian side. Üsküdar's history dates back to the 7th century B.C. It is surrounded by Kadıköy, Beykoz and Ümraniye. Once known as Scutarii, it was home to many different populations throughout history, such as Athenians, Byzantines, and lastly the Ottoman Empire.
Now it is among the most populated areas of Istanbul with half a million people. Central Üsküdar and some of its surrounding neighborhoods are very conservative.
There are a lot of places to see in and around it. The symbol of Üsküdar, Maiden's Tower built on rocks out in the sea, is surely among the places to be seen. There are mosques, churches and synagogues in this area. Famous mosques include Mihrimah Sultan Mosque designed by Mimar Sinan for Mihrimah Sultan, the favorite daughter of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent, and Şemsi Pasha Mosque. There are close to 200 mosques in Üsküdar, a few of them by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. In addition, many historical fountains are worth seeing, such as the Fountain of Ahmed III (classical Ottoman style) and the Fountain of Hüseyin Avni Pasha (Baroque style). There are also historical residences in greater Üsküdar area such as Beylerbeyi Palace (a 10-minute drive to the north), Abdülaziz Hunting Villa, and Adile Sultan Pavilion, as well as madrasahs such as Ahmediye Madrasah and Mihrimah Sultan Madrasah.
Some of the most important archaeological discoveries in Istanbul and even in Turkey were made during the construction of Marmaray, an underground sea tunnel that connects Üsküdar on the Asian side to Sarayburnu, Eminönü on the European side. The construction was delayed by almost two years to unearth some of the findings from thousands of years ago — from the Neolithic period (about 6500 years ago) and Byzantine periods in Üsküdar, and most importantly on the European side, the Yenikapı area with the 4th-century Port of Theodosius in Yenikapı.
You can eat famous 'Kanlıca Yogurt' in the Kanlıca district of Üsküdar, about half an hour drive up the Bosphorus.
Little fish restaurants on the sea offer fish at moderate or cheap prices. Although delicious, the fish sandwiches sold in Üsküdar, Kadıköy, Eminönü, and other corners of Istanbul are Norwegian mackerel — more appropriate for sandwiches as they are without bones and also cheap. If you are on a budget and want to try local fish, we suggest fried İstavrit any day of the year or Hamsi (from September to July) by sitting at a small restaurant.
Most importantly, you can eat at Kanaat Lokantası, which offers delicious Ottoman cuisine. You can sit in the tea houses near the sea with the great view of the Bosphorus and drink Turkish tea or coffee. If you want to drink alcohol, you can try Turkish rakı in the beautiful taverns of the Kuzguncuk district of Üsküdar.
Üsküdar can easily be accessed from almost every corner of Istanbul.
You can take ferries from main districts of Istanbul such as Karaköy, Beşiktaş, and Eminönü. For more information see İDO ferry hours for boats serving the Bosphorus.
Or you can take any bus with "Üsküdar" on its sign panel from almost every direction in Istanbul. The Marmaray train line also connects Üsküdar to the European side.
Getting there by ferry: Frequent ferries from Eminönü (20 min), Karaköy (15 min), Beşiktaş (10 min). Also take Marmaray train from Yenikapı, Sirkeci, or Kazlıçeşme on the European side.
Best time to visit: Weekday mornings are quietest. The waterfront promenade is spectacular at sunset (17:00–18:30 depending on season) when the European skyline lights up. Summer evenings are lively but crowded.
Where to eat: Kanaat Lokantası (founded 1933) on Doğancılar Street is legendary for Ottoman-Turkish cuisine, try the hünkar beğendi (lamb on eggplant purée). For Kanlıca yogurt, take a bus or taxi to Kanlıca village (30 minutes north). For fish, walk along the Üsküdar waterfront toward Salacak.
Mihrimah Sultan Mosque hours: Open daily from morning prayer to sunset. Free entry. Modest dress required.
Beylerbeyi Palace: Open Tuesday–Sunday 09:00–17:00 (summer), 09:00–16:00 (winter). Admission approx 250 TL. Museum Pass accepted. Closed Mondays.
Kuzguncuk (adjacent district): A charming, multi-faith neighborhood with narrow streets, colorful houses, and excellent taverns serving rakı and meze. Walk from central Üsküdar (20 minutes) or take a short bus ride.
Çamlıca Hill (Büyük Çamlıca Tepesi): The highest point in Istanbul at 268 meters. Offers panoramic views of the entire city, the Bosphorus, Golden Horn, Princes' Islands, and both Asian and European shores. A former pine forest, now a popular park with tea gardens. Take bus 11Ü from Üsküdar (15 minutes).
Fethi Paşa Korusu (Grove): A hillside park with walking paths, wooden pavilions, and stunning views of the Bosphorus Bridge. Less touristy than Çamlıca. Perfect for a picnic or afternoon walk.
Half-day in Üsküdar: Take morning ferry from Eminönü (10:00) → walk to Kanaat Lokantası for lunch (10:30-12:00) → visit Mihrimah Sultan Mosque (12:00-12:30) → walk down to the waterfront and photograph Maiden's Tower from Salacak (12:30-13:00) → tea at a seaside tea garden (13:00-13:30) → ferry back to Eminönü or walk to Kuzguncuk for afternoon exploration.
Full-day Üsküdar exploration: Add a visit to Beylerbeyi Palace (30 minutes by bus or taxi north) and Çamlıca Hill for sunset views before returning.