Istanbul’s Asian Side in One Day: Camlica Tower, Kuzguncuk, Üsküdar and Kadıköy

A good one-day route on Istanbul’s Asian side starts at Camlica Tower when it opens at 10:00, continues to the old Bosphorus neighbourhood of Kuzguncuk for lunch, spends the afternoon on the Üsküdar waterfront and ends in Kadıköy and Moda for dinner and sunset. All the stops lie within the Üsküdar and Kadıköy districts and are linked by short taxi or bus rides and waterfront walks. Camlica Tower is open Tuesday to Sunday, so plan this day for any day except Monday.

Can you see the Asian side of Istanbul in one day?

You can see its highlights in one day if you focus on the two historic districts on the water, Üsküdar and Kadıköy, plus Camlica Tower on the hill above them. Trying to add more distant areas usually means spending the day in traffic.

Why start the day at Camlica Tower?

From the glass-enclosed observation decks, 148.5 and 153 metres above the ground, you see the whole route of the day laid out below you: the Bosphorus, Üsküdar, the historic peninsula across the water and, on clear days, the Princes’ Islands. Mornings soon after the 10:00 opening are usually the quietest, and you can stay on the decks for up to 1.5 hours. If you prefer the sunset, reverse the route and finish at the tower instead; see the best time of day to visit and prices and opening hours.

What is Kuzguncuk known for?

Kuzguncuk is a small neighbourhood on the Bosphorus shore with restored wooden houses, quiet streets and cafés. It is known for having a mosque, churches and a synagogue within a few steps of one another, a reminder of the city’s mixed communities. It is a relaxed place for lunch before heading south along the water.

What can you see on the Üsküdar waterfront?

Next to the Üsküdar ferry pier stands the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, built by the architect Mimar Sinan in the 1540s for Mihrimah Sultan, daughter of Sultan Süleyman. Walk south along the shore towards Salacak for views of Maiden’s Tower on its islet and of the historic peninsula on the European side.

Why end the day in Kadıköy and Moda?

Kadıköy is the liveliest district on the Asian side, with a busy market area, restaurants and cafés. A short walk away, the Moda seafront is a popular spot to watch the sun set over the historic peninsula across the water.

How do you get between the stops?

• Camlica Tower to Kuzguncuk: a short taxi ride down the hill, about 15 minutes.
• Kuzguncuk to Üsküdar: a walk of about 30 minutes along the shore, or a short bus ride.
• Üsküdar to Kadıköy: a bus or taxi, about 20 minutes depending on traffic.
• From the European side, ferries and the Marmaray rail line reach Üsküdar; for the tower, see how to get to Camlica Tower.

Common mistakes

• Planning the day on a Monday. Camlica Tower is closed on Mondays.
• Trying to see too much. Distances on the Asian side are long; keep to Üsküdar and Kadıköy.
• Taking a taxi at rush hour. Evening traffic is heavy; walk or use the ferry and rail where you can.

Ready to go up? Book Camlica Tower tickets online.

Questions answered in this article

• Can you see the Asian side in one day? — Yes, if you focus on Camlica Tower, Üsküdar and Kadıköy.
• Where should you start? — At Camlica Tower when it opens at 10:00, Tuesday to Sunday.
• What is Kuzguncuk known for? — Wooden houses and a mosque, churches and a synagogue close together.
• What is there to see in Üsküdar? — The Mihrimah Sultan Mosque by Mimar Sinan and views of Maiden’s Tower.
• Where should you watch the sunset? — On the Moda seafront in Kadıköy, or from Camlica Tower if you reverse the route.

Sources

• Çamlıca Kulesi (official operator) — observation deck floors
• Wikipedia — Mihrimah Sultan Mosque (Üsküdar)
• Wikipedia — Kuzguncuk