Things to Do in Üsküdar: Maiden's Tower, Mosques, Kuzguncuk and Viewpoints
Üsküdar is one of the oldest neighbourhoods on Istanbul's Asian side. Known in antiquity as Chrysopolis, it was later graced with mosques built for Ottoman queen mothers. Today its waterfront faces the Maiden's Tower, its streets hold mosques by Mimar Sinan, and its hills look out over the Bosphorus. It is calmer than the Old City and just a short ferry ride away.
The Maiden's Tower and Salacak
The Maiden's Tower (Kız Kulesi) stands on a tiny islet just off the Üsküdar shore. It reopened in 2023 after restoration and is reached by boat. Opposite, the Salacak waterfront is one of the best places in the city to watch the sun set behind the Old City skyline. Boats and tickets are covered in our Maiden's Tower guide.
The main square and its mosques
Step off the ferry and two imperial mosques face you, with a small domed mosque at the water's edge. All three fit into a short walk.
Mihrimah Sultan Mosque. Built by Mimar Sinan for Suleiman the Magnificent's daughter Mihrimah, right opposite the pier. Locals call it the Pier Mosque.
Şemsi Pasha Mosque. A small Sinan mosque from 1580, set right on the water. Legend says birds never land on it.
Yeni Valide Mosque. Built in the early 18th century for Gülnuş Emetullah Sultan, mother of Ahmed III. Her open tomb under a lattice dome is the square's most unusual sight.
Paşalimanı and Kuzguncuk
Walk north along the shore and you reach the green slopes of Fethi Pasha Grove, then Kuzguncuk.
Fethi Pasha Grove. A wooded hillside park with views of the Bosphorus Bridge and the Ortaköy shore.
Kuzguncuk. Colourful wooden houses, a community garden and small cafés. A mosque, a church and a synagogue stand close together on the same street. It is a favourite filming location for Turkish TV series.
Nakkaştepe Nation's Garden. A large park on the ridge above Kuzguncuk. Its "flying terrace" juts out over the slope with a sweeping view of the Bosphorus and the bridge.
Beylerbeyi and Çamlıca
Beylerbeyi Palace. A summer palace on the Bosphorus, completed in 1865 under Sultan Abdülaziz, right by the bridge.
Çamlıca Hill. One of the highest points on the Asian side, with both Bosphorus bridges and the Old City in one view.
A day in Üsküdar
- Take the ferry to Üsküdar and visit the Mihrimah Sultan and Yeni Valide mosques.
- Walk along the shore past the Şemsi Pasha Mosque to Salacak, facing the Maiden's Tower.
- Have lunch near the pier; Kanaat is a classic.
- Follow the shore to Fethi Pasha Grove and Kuzguncuk.
- Climb to Nakkaştepe for sunset over the Bosphorus.
Practical tips
- Getting there: ferries run from Eminönü, Karaköy and Beşiktaş. The Marmaray and M5 metro lines meet at Üsküdar station.
- Mosques: visits pause at prayer times. Cover shoulders and knees; women should bring a headscarf.
- Walking: Üsküdar to Kuzguncuk along the shore takes about 30 minutes. Nakkaştepe and Çamlıca are uphill.
FAQ
What are the top things to do in Üsküdar?
See the Maiden's Tower from Salacak, visit the Mihrimah Sultan, Şemsi Pasha and Yeni Valide mosques, walk to Kuzguncuk and catch the view from Nakkaştepe or Çamlıca Hill.
Is Üsküdar worth visiting?
Yes. It combines Ottoman mosques, a beautiful waterfront and some of the best Bosphorus views, with fewer crowds than the European side.
How do I get to the Maiden's Tower?
By boat from Karaköy or Salacak. See our Maiden's Tower guide for details.
Where is the best sunset in Üsküdar?
Salacak for the Old City skyline, Nakkaştepe for the Bosphorus and the bridge.