Üsküdar Istanbul: History, Sights & Visitor Guide

A Neighbourhood Older Than the Conquest

Üsküdar's history predates the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople by centuries, with roots stretching back to Byzantine and even ancient Greek settlement. Under the Ottomans, the district became a favoured residential and religious quarter, home to some of the empire's grandest imperial mosques, commissioned by sultans and their family members. Unlike the more touristic old city across the water, Üsküdar retained its role as a genuine residential neighbourhood, which is part of what gives it such an authentic, lived-in atmosphere today.

Mihrimah Sultan Mosque and the Skyline

Perched on a hill overlooking the ferry terminal, the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque was designed by the great imperial architect Mimar Sinan for Mihrimah Sultan, daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent. Its elevated position makes it one of the first landmarks visitors see when approaching Üsküdar by boat, and its courtyard offers sweeping views across the Bosphorus toward the domes and minarets of the historic peninsula.

Şemsi Pasha Mosque

Nearby, the Şemsi Pasha Mosque sits almost at the water's edge, one of the smallest yet most photogenic of Sinan's works, framed perfectly against the passing ferries and the old city skyline beyond.

Maiden’s Tower

Just offshore from Üsküdar, the small islet tower known as Kız Kulesi, or Maiden’s Tower, is one of Istanbul’s most recognisable landmarks. Wrapped in legend, including a tale of a princess hidden away to escape a prophesied death by snakebite, the tower has served over the centuries as a lighthouse and a quarantine station. Since 2023 it has been a Ministry of Culture museum with a café. Boats leave from Salacak on the Üsküdar shore and from Karaköy; at the time of writing the boat costs ₺110, and the museum ticket is 27 euros in 2026, rising to 30 euros from 1 April 2027. In winter the tower is open from 09:00 to 18:00. See our Istanbul attractions: hours, tickets and closed days table for the latest hours.

Waterfront Tea Gardens and Everyday Life

Üsküdar's seafront promenade is one of the most pleasant places in Istanbul to slow down. Locals gather at simple tea gardens along the water to drink çay and watch the ferries cross to Karaköy and Beşiktaş, while fishermen line the railings much as they do on Galata Bridge.

Best Time to Visit

In the evening, the lights of the old city reflecting across the Bosphorus make this one of the most romantic and least touristy viewpoints in the entire city — arrive an hour before sunset for the best light.

Getting to Üsküdar from Istanbul Airport

Üsküdar is on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus, opposite Beşiktaş and the historic peninsula. From Istanbul Airport (IST) a private transfer takes about 60 to 90 minutes, because the drive crosses the Bosphorus; Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), also on the Asian side, is the closer airport.

With Airports Transfer Turkey your driver waits just outside the arrivals exit, and after you land they send you the exact meeting point and a short video on WhatsApp. The price is per vehicle and shown before you pay, with no extra charge for traffic or flight delays. See Sabiha Gökçen to Üsküdar for prices.

By public transport the airport coaches, metro and tram are the cheaper options, with changes and luggage to manage. Our guides compare every option with journey times and 2026 fares: Istanbul Airport to Üsküdar, Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Kadıköy and Where to stay in Istanbul.

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