Guide to Explore Kuzguncuk

By Justin Mays:

In the Asian part of Istanbul, in the Üsküdar district, you can find Kuzguncuk, one of the quietest and most beautiful neighborhoods in Istanbul. It is an area far from the city center, which has many green spaces where you can breathe fresh air. It is the perfect place to walk during the weekend, to disconnect and recharge batteries. In addition, it is known for housing hundreds of houses with beautiful and colorful facades.

If you want to get to know this neighborhood, below we explain everything you need to know about it. We are sure you will like it!

How to get to Kuzguncuk?

As we have already mentioned, Kuzguncuk is located in the Asian part of Istanbul, therefore you will first have to go to Üsküdar. To do this, you have several options. On the one hand, you can take the Marmaray intercontinental metro from Sirkeci or Yenikapi. On the other hand, you can go to Üsküdar by ferry from Eminönü, Karaköy, or Beşiktaş.

Once in Üsküdar, you can go to Kuzguncuk by foot, which takes about 20 minutes, or by taxi, which takes about two minutes. If you prefer, you can also go to Kuzguncuk by bus, but they are usually quite full.

Best things to do in Kuzguncuk

Without a doubt, one of the best things you can do in Kuzguncuk is to walk through its beautiful streets, look at its colorful houses and watch life go by in one of its cafes. It is a perfect place to relax, enjoy the little things and spend time in good company. It is also a very beautiful place to take photos, organize a dinner with friends or sit in front of the Bosphorus and let yourself be possessed by the sea breeze.

But if this doesn't sound enough and you want to visit popular sites, in Kuzguncuk you will find what you are looking for. Below, we list some of the most relevant points in the history of this neighborhood:

1. Beth Yaakov Synagogue, which was built in 1878, is the only synagogue that still functions in Kuzguncuk.

2. Bet Nissim Synagogue, which was built in 1840, is the second synagogue in this area, but it doesn’t function anymore.

3. The Nakkaştepe Jewish Cemetery, which dates snack to the 16th century, is one of the largest Jewish cemeteries in the city.

4. The Armenian Surp Krikor Lusavoriç Church was built in 1835 by the architect Ohannes Amira, but it was later rebuilt in 1861.

5. Ayios Yorgios Greek Orthodox Church is an interesting place because no one knows exactly when it was built.

6. Kuzguncuk Mosque, which was built in 1952 in the courtyard of the Armenian church, became the earliest mosque in the area.

7. Kuzguncuk Gardens, which now functions as a community garden where people plant herbs and vegetables for their own use.

8. Abdülmecid Efendi Pavilion is a historical wooden mansion that was built in 1800 and has a Neo-Ottoman design. 

Most popular cafeterias in Kuzguncuk

Kuzguncuk is a neighborhood also known for having dozens of boutique cafes. They are very cozy places with a special charm, where one can sit for hours and hours to enjoy exceptional coffee and unparalleled homemade desserts. Also, being located in such a beautiful area, the energy they give off is very special. If you come to this neighborhood, we strongly recommend that you stop by one of the following cafeterias: Kuzguncuk Begonvil Cafe, Aliki Cafe Kuzguncuk, Glow Coffee, or Neruda Coffee.