First, we recommend starting your breakfast with something light. If you are staying on the European side, getting to the Asian side and exploring it will take some time. There are so many enjoyable things to do, so let’s start the day with a warm, crispy börek and a Turkish tea.
Assuming you are staying on the European side, we recommend two places for delicious börek:
- Feridiye Börek Cafe (From Taksim Square: 3 min. on foot)
- Hazal Börek Salonu (From Sultanahmet Square: 8 min. on foot)
We’ve had our fill, and now we’re not off to a palace or a museum. We’re starting with a really fun activity!
Traditional Paper Marbling (Ebru)
You can enjoy this traditional art experience at Art Üsküdar. It is not a touristy place, and it is nice and peaceful, which is why we recommend it. You can enjoy the experience with your kids, too!
Please save Art Üsküdar’s phone number and contact them via WhatsApp in advance to let them know the day and time you plan to visit.
From Kabataş Pier to Üsküdar Pier: 7 min. by ferry
From Üsküdar Pier to Art Üsküdar: 8 min. on foot
For more detailed information about Paper Marbling (Ebru), check out this article. Ebru(Paper Marbling): Where Color Meets Water and History🖌️
How about some köfte?
We recommend having köfte at Filizler Köftecisi, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Maiden’s Tower. If you’re wondering what köfte is like, take a look at this article. foodistanbul: Kofte (Meatball)
From Art Üsküdar:
On foot: 17 min.
By taxi: 9 min.
We’d recommend walking to Filizler Köftecisi and enjoying the sights of Üsküdar along the way. If you noticed, we suggested having a light breakfast so you’d have room for the köfte!
After that, we recommend a very peaceful and beautiful church with a long history.
Agios Panteleimonas Greek Orthodox Church
This beautiful Greek Orthodox church is dedicated to Saint Panteleimon, a Christian saint and physician. It is one of the historic churches that adds to Kuzguncuk’s multicultural character.
From Filizler Köftecisi:
By 15, 15B, 15C, 15U, 15Y bus + on foot: 21 min.
By taxi: 8 min.
Üsküdar is also known for its old Ottoman houses, and you can find some beautiful examples in Kuzguncuk.
Then, we continue walking. Botanical Gardens Kuzguncuk is only 8 minutes away. We definitely recommend stopping by Kuzguncuk without missing this spot. Local residents sometimes organize events here.
From there, it is a 9-minute walk to Üryanizade Ahmet Esat Efendi Mosque. This tiny but charming mosque offers a beautiful view of the Bosphorus. Its neighbor across the water is the Büyük Mecidiye Mosque in Ortaköy.
Afterwards, you can head to Kadıköy for some shopping and a chocolate break.
Kadıköy is a favorite spot for young people and the young at heart, with great food and shopping. If you have a sweet tooth, we also recommend stopping by Çikolatacı Aziz Bey (Chocolatier Aziz Bey). Their handmade chocolates are a lovely way to end your day. Their pomegranate chocolate is especially famous, so definitely give it a try!
If you would like to end the day with a fun-filled adventure, we recommend Tuzak Escape Games. You can make a reservation through their website and then head there. You need to be at least two people.
We have shared an itinerary for the Asian side of Istanbul that is peaceful, relaxing, and a little lively, with places you should definitely see. If you have any questions or need help with anything, just leave a comment.
We wish you a wonderful trip to Istanbul!
Want to explore Istanbul more?
Our website: funistanbulguide.com
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