Most visitors to Istanbul head straight for Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu, yet across the Bosphorus a calmer, more local side of the city is waiting. Üsküdar is one of Istanbul’s oldest neighbourhoods, and it makes an ideal half-day escape: a waterfront stroll, two beautiful Ottoman mosques, a tea break and, to finish, the sweeping Bosphorus panorama from Çamlıca Hill. This guide lays out a simple route of about five hours that you can follow at an unhurried pace.
Üsküdar waterfront and the Maiden’s Tower
Start at Üsküdar Square. The promenade near the ferry pier is one of the closest and clearest places to see the Maiden’s Tower. In the morning the light falls directly on the tower, which makes it the best time for photographs. Benches and tea gardens along the shore invite you to slow down.
Walk towards Salacak and the crowds thin out; you can watch fishermen and ships passing along the strait. On a clear day you can even make out the Sarayburnu and Sultanahmet skyline on the opposite shore, one of the great rewards of the Asian side.
Mihrimah Sultan and Şemsi Pasha mosques
The Mihrimah Sultan Mosque on the square is one of Sinan’s elegant works, built for the sultan’s daughter. Its wide courtyard and high dome feel both peaceful and impressive. Remember to remove your shoes and cover your shoulders when entering.
Right on the water, the Şemsi Pasha Mosque offers a completely different atmosphere. Small and set at the sea’s edge, it is often called one of Istanbul’s most romantic mosques. Visiting both takes about an hour.
Çamlıca Hill and the Bosphorus panorama
Çamlıca Hill is a fifteen to twenty minute drive from Üsküdar. Up top you will find restored gardens, cafés and viewpoints offering some of the widest panoramas in Istanbul, with the six minarets of the Grand Çamlıca Mosque clearly visible.
The best plan is to arrive half an hour before sunset and watch the city lights come on while both shores of the Bosphorus sit in one frame. Traffic can be heavy in the late afternoon, so plan your return time in advance.
Food and tea breaks: where and what to eat
Üsküdar’s market streets are full of small home-style restaurants and traditional dessert shops. A plate of meatballs or olive-oil vegetables for lunch, followed by strong tea on the waterfront, is part of the ritual.
At Çamlıca the cafés have views, and prices are slightly higher than by the shore, but tea and dessert with the Bosphorus below is worth it. If you travel with a large group, prepare table arrangements in advance.
Getting there from the European side and group options
From the European side, Marmaray and ferries are pleasant options, and crossing the Bosphorus by ferry is part of the experience. But if you want to reach hilltops like Çamlıca and several stops in one day, a chauffeured car is far more comfortable. A vehicle that collects you from your hotel and waits at every stop keeps the whole day smooth.
For larger parties the advantage grows. A chauffeured minibus (8-16) or bus (30+) moves everyone together in a single vehicle, on time, with nobody left behind and nobody left waiting.
Enjoy the route in comfort
If you would like to make the Üsküdar and Çamlıca route easier, or travel comfortably from the airport straight to your hotel, Kemp Transfer is at your service. Explore our chauffeured car and transfer options and discover Istanbul at your own pace.