Üsküdar Waterfront — Best Old City Panorama
Watch the sun set behind the mosques of the Old City from the peaceful Üsküdar waterfront — Istanbul's most romantic view.
The View
The Üsküdar waterfront on the Asian side offers arguably Istanbul's most beautiful panorama — the silhouette of the Old City's mosques (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Süleymaniye) set against the sunset sky, with ferries crossing the Bosphorus in the foreground. It's a scene that hasn't changed much in
Best Spots
Salacak waterfront (near Maiden's Tower boat dock) has the most iconic view. Kuzguncuk neighborhood just north is charming with colorful houses. The Mihrimah Sultan Mosque on the hilltop is worth visiting for its Mimar Sinan architecture. Numerous tea gardens line the waterfront.
Getting There
Take the ferry from Eminönü or Kabataş to Üsküdar (15-20 minutes). Or use the Marmaray metro under the Bosphorus. Walk south along the waterfront toward Salacak. The ferry ride itself is one of Istanbul's best experiences.