🌅 Üsküdar – Asian Side of Istanbul

• Location
• How to get there
• Highlights & mosques
• Food & cafés
• Maiden’s Tower views
• Sunset tips
• Useful links
• FAQ

• Located on the Asian side of Istanbul, directly across the Bosphorus from Eminönü and Karaköy.
• Acts as a gateway to the Asian side and an easy base to connect to Kadıköy and further inland.
• 📍 Google Maps – Üsküdar »

• ⛴️ By ferry from the European side:
  Take a Şehir Hatları or other public ferry from Eminönü, Kabataş or Karaköy directly to Üsküdar pier. The crossing usually takes 8–12 minutes depending on the route and conditions.
• 🚇 By Marmaray:
  The Marmaray line connects both sides of Istanbul under the Bosphorus. Use Üsküdar station or nearby Ayrılık Çeşmesi for fast, reliable transfers at rush hour.
• 🚌 From the Asian side:
  Frequent local buses link Üsküdar with Kadıköy and other districts.
• 🚖 By taxi or ride apps:
  Within the city, use BiTaksi (Istanbul taxi app) » or Uber in Turkey » when you don’t want to deal with traffic or parking.

Choose the ferry if you want classic Bosphorus views and photos. Pick Marmaray when you need speed and less risk of traffic delays.

• 🕌 Mihrimah Sultan Mosque:
  A classic mosque by the great architect Mimar Sinan, just beside the ferry pier with views of the Bosphorus and the old city.
• 🕌 Şemsi Pasha Mosque:
  A small, serene mosque right on the water. Its courtyard and seafront setting are perfect for quiet contemplation and photos.
• 🏝️ Maiden’s Tower views:
  Üsküdar is the best base for admiring or visiting Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi).
• 🌅 Üsküdar Promenade (Salacak):
  Walk the waterfront path towards Salacak for some of the best sunset views in Istanbul with Maiden’s Tower in the foreground and the historic peninsula behind.
• ☕ Cafés in Çengelköy & Salacak:
  Relax at traditional tea gardens and cafés right by the water with locals.

• Fresh fish and sandwiches sold from boats and stalls along the seafront.
• Traditional Turkish tea houses right by the water—sit on low stools and watch the ferries.
• Local dessert shops serving baklava, künefe, and seasonal sweets.
• Easy to combine with a Bosphorus cruise for dinner or night views of the bridges.

Üsküdar’s star attraction sits on a tiny islet just offshore in the Bosphorus. From the Salacak shoreline you’ll get postcard-perfect views of Maiden’s Tower with the old city behind it.

• 🚤 Boat access: When the tower is open, small boats usually operate from the Üsküdar / Salacak side to take visitors across.
• 📷 View only: Even if you don’t go inside, many people prefer to enjoy it from the promenade with tea and simit instead.
• 🌉 Combine with Bosphorus views: After sunset, continue towards Bosphorus Bridge viewpoints or join a Bosphorus night cruise .

• ⏰ Timing:
  Aim for late afternoon → sunset → blue hour for magical light and reflections.
• 🌅 Best angles:
  Walk the promenade towards Salacak coast and find a spot facing Maiden’s Tower and the historic peninsula.
• 📷 Tripod or stable surface:
  For sharp blue-hour photos, stabilise your camera or phone on a railing or small tripod.
• 🍽️ Romantic dinner:
  Reserve a Bosphorus-view restaurant nearby if you want a longer evening with the skyline lit up.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly vibe:
  Üsküdar is generally calmer than many European-side districts, with wide waterfront areas that work well for families and strollers.

You can easily combine Üsküdar with Kadıköy in a single day—Marmaray and buses connect them in just a few minutes.

• ⛴️ Official ferries:
  Şehir Hatları – schedules & routes »
• ⭐ Visitor reviews (area):
  Tripadvisor – Üsküdar »
• 🚶 Asian-side & Üsküdar tours:
  GetYourGuide – Üsküdar & Asian side experiences »