Üsküdar & Çamlıca Hill
Üsküdar
Üsküdar is one of the oldest and most conservative districts on the Asian side — and one of the most atmospheric. The mosques on the waterfront (Mihrimah Sultan Camii, Yeni Valide Camii) offer one of the best views of the European skyline, especially at sunset. The ferry terminal is a meeting point for anglers, tea drinkers, and seagulls.
Kız Kulesi (Leander's Tower / Maiden's Tower)
The Maiden's Tower stands on a small island in the Bosphorus off Üsküdar — an iconic Istanbul landmark that has sparked the imagination for 2,500 years. Various legends surround the tower: A sultan locked up his daughter to protect her from a prophesied snake — in vain. Today, the restored tower houses a restaurant and an observation deck. Ferry from Üsküdar (€15 round trip).
Çamlıca Hill & Mosque
The Çamlıca Hill (268 m) is the highest point in Istanbul and offers the most extensive panoramic view of the city — over the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara, the Princes' Islands, and on clear days, as far as Uludağ (120 km away). On the hill stands the Çamlıca Mosque since 2019, the largest mosque in Turkey: space for 63,000 worshippers, six minarets, 72-meter-high dome. Architecturally controversial, but the scale is impressive. Admission: free.
- Tea Gardens: Around the hill, there are several Çay Bahçesi (tea gardens) with panoramic views. A glass of tea (€0.50) and the view over Istanbul — it doesn't get better than this.
- Getting There: Metro to Üsküdar, then bus (15 min.) or taxi (€10).