Istanbul Asian Side Highlights
Description
Go beyond the tourist trail and discover the side of Istanbul that most travelers never see. Explore historic mosques, vibrant local bazaars, Bosphorus waterfront views, the iconic Maiden’s Tower, and the colorful streets of Kuzguncuk with a local guide. Unlike traditional city tours focused on major attractions, this experience offers an authentic look at daily life on Istanbul’s Asian side. You’ll walk through local neighborhoods, hear fascinating stories, and uncover hidden cultural gems while experiencing the city like a local.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Meet your local guide at Üsküdar Ferry Terminal, where you’ll be introduced to the experience before beginning your journey through Istanbul’s authentic Asian side. Admission is free.
Enjoy stunning views of Europe and Asia while walking along the Bosphorus waterfront. Stop at one of the best viewpoints of the iconic Maiden’s Tower and learn about Istanbul’s unique geography and history.
Walk through lively local streets and traditional bazaars where residents shop daily and experience authentic Istanbul away from the tourist crowds.
Visit beautiful local mosques and discover their history, architecture, and importance in everyday life on Istanbul’s Asian side.
Discover one of Istanbul’s most charming neighborhoods. Wander through colorful streets, historic wooden houses, local cafés, art spaces, and hidden corners that many travelers never find.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(18)
Met up with two friends from college in Istanbul, hadn't all been together in 10 years. We wanted something to do together that wasn't just food and drinks, and this tour was the answer. Ali let us catch up while he led, jumped in with context at the right moments, and treated us like he'd known us forever. Kuzguncuk was the highlight, we couldn't stop taking photos. Üsküdar was peaceful and beautiful. Best afternoon of the whole reunion week.
Solo female traveler in my 30s, this was day 3 of my trip. Ali made me feel welcome immediately and the small group felt friendly and easy. Üsküdar and Kuzguncuk felt like completely different worlds from the European side I'd been staying on. The pace was relaxed, the views were beautiful, and Ali gave me a list of places to come back to on my own. I went back to Kuzguncuk the next day for dinner and it was magical. Best day of my Istanbul trip.
Five of us, mostly architects and designers in our 30s, came to Istanbul for a week. We'd done the European side and were honestly thinking we'd seen enough. Then Kuzguncuk happened. The wooden Ottoman houses, the painted facades, the way the streets curve up the hill, it was a masterclass in vernacular urbanism. Ali knew so much about the history of these buildings and the families that built them. Üsküdar's mosques showed us another side of Ottoman architecture too. We would have missed all of this without this tour and that's almost a tragedy as designers
Six of us across three generations. The moment Ali walked us down the Kuzguncuk street where the mosque, the church and the synagogue all sit within sight of each other, my mother in law actually teared up. She said she'd lived 70 years and never seen anything like it. That single street told us more about Turkish history and coexistence than any book we'd read. Üsküdar was beautiful in its own way, more traditional, more grand. Without Ali we would never have crossed over, and that thought is genuinely sad to me now
Four of us, all in our late 20s, traveling together for the first time. We're the type who'd usually skip a guided tour but our friend insisted on this one. Best call she ever made. Ali didn't just walk us through Üsküdar and Kuzguncuk, he gave us context for everything we were seeing, why this side feels different, who lives here, how communities have evolved. By the end we understood Istanbul as a real city with real people, not just a list of tourist attractions. We'd have honestly missed the soul of Istanbul without this tour.
Family of 4, kids ages 9 and 12. We almost didn't do the Asian side because it sounded "off the beaten path" with kids. So glad we did. Ali made it accessible and engaging for everyone. The ferry over was a hit with the kids. Üsküdar's mosques were beautiful and Ali shared history in a way both adults and kids could follow. Kuzguncuk was a colorful dream and the kids loved poking around the little shops. Best day of our 9 days in Istanbul.
Three sisters in our 30s and 40s, came to Istanbul for a girls week. Did this tour on our second day and it set the bar very high for the rest of the trip. Ali was kind, funny, and clearly knew every corner of these neighborhoods. Kuzguncuk made us all gasp when we walked into it, the colors, the houses, the cafes. Üsküdar was grand and peaceful at once. Ali pointed out little details we would have missed entirely. Best activity of the whole week.
Took my 70 year old mom to Istanbul for her birthday and we did this tour together. Ali was warm and gentle with her, paced everything to her speed, and the conversations they had during the walks were so sweet. Kuzguncuk reminded her of an old neighborhood from her childhood in another part of Turkey and she got emotional in the best way. Ali noticed and took us to a quiet cafe so she could sit and process. Üsküdar's waterfront and the Maiden's Tower views were the cherry on top. I'll remember this day forever.
We did a walking tour with NUR, it was an incredible guide and amazing tour. Everything was explained detailed.
It was an amazing tour! It ıncludes every highlights to seen in Asian side also tourguide was very friendly and knowledgeable I felt like walking with a local friend
