Üsküdar is a historic Bosphorus-front district on Istanbul's Asian side, known for Maiden's Tower and the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque; its Marmaray and ferry connections give it fast access to both sides of the city.
- Key sights
- Maiden's Tower, Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, Üsküdar Ferry Terminal
- Transit
- Marmaray, M5 Metro, frequent ferries
- Distance from IST
- ~47-50 km, 43-70 min
- Distance from SAW
- ~33-36 km, 21-45 min
- Example hotel
- Vakko Hotel Sumahan Bosphorus
About Üsküdar
Üsküdar sits on Istanbul's Asian side, directly across the Bosphorus — sometimes called the "Golden City" — and has been the main gateway to the European side since Byzantine times. Maiden's Tower (Kız Kulesi), rising from the water at the mouth of the Bosphorus, is one of Istanbul's most recognizable landmarks and is reached by boat. The Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, designed by Mimar Sinan, dominates the waterfront as the district's most significant religious landmark.
Üsküdar Ferry Terminal, in service since 1853, is a busy maritime hub with ferries to Beşiktaş, Kabataş, Eminönü and Karaköy departing every 10 minutes. The terminal also connects to the Marmaray (the undersea rail tunnel reaching Sirkeci in under 5 minutes) and the M5 metro line — making Üsküdar one of the few districts with genuinely fast access to both sides of the city.
The district mixes Bosphorus-front boutique hotels like Vakko Hotel Sumahan Bosphorus (an adults-only luxury property converted from a historic raki distillery) with modern business hotels like Address Istanbul and Mercure Altunizade. Colorful waterfront villages like Kuzguncuk, known for its wooden houses, also fall within Üsküdar's boundaries.
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Routes to Üsküdar
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Hotels in Üsküdar
Journey Details & FAQs
Which airport should I book my transfer to Üsküdar from?
Check your flight confirmation — Istanbul has 2 airports (Istanbul Airport, Sabiha Gökçen Airport) and which one you land at directly affects your transfer time.
How much luggage can I bring?
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What happens if my flight is delayed?
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Can I combine a transfer with a tour?
Yes — many travellers book an airport transfer to their hotel first, then a separate private tour once settled in.