The beautiful silhouette of Istanbul combines both historical sites and monuments, while the skyline covers monumental minarets with skyscrapers and plazas. Historical peninsula and the Bosphorus offers great views of the city. And after you’ve explored Istanbul from the ground level, it’s a great option to head upwards and watch out the city’s beautiful views from above.
There are plenty of great places and viewpoints that you can enjoy a panoramic view of Istanbul, from historic places like towers, mosques and palaces, to rooftop terraces to groves and hilltops. Here we put together a few our recommendations for enjoying the breath-taking views across the city.
1. Rooftop Restaurants & Bars
There’s nothing better than to enjoy your evening dine & wine in one of the best terrace or rooftop restaurant or bar, in the company of panoramic views of the city. You can both appreciate the excellent cuisine and the great views in these places. See best rooftop restaurants and bars in Istanbul.
2. Galata Tower
Galata Tower is an old Genoese tower overlooking the beautiful Istanbul and has a luxurious restaurant at the top. Travelers may enjoy the excellent panoramic views of Istanbul, Golden Horn and Bosphorus. Continue reading…
3. Camlica Hill
Camlica Hill is a great leisure and tourist area located in the Asian side of Istanbul. Camlica Hill offers great panoramic views of the city. The hill is the highest one to find the best views of Istanbul from 265 meters above the sea level. There are also several cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy your views. Address: Kısıklı, Turistik Çamlıca Cd., 34692 Üsküdar/Istanbul Google Map
No Regrets Booking Advice
4. Topkapi Palace
One of world’s richest museums, the former residence of the Ottoman emperors, three courtyards, terraces with astonishing views, as well as precious collections, one of the top tourist attractions. The 4th courtyard has great views of the city. Continue reading…
5. Pierre Loti Hill & Cafe
Pierre Loti Hill is a great leisure and tourist area in the Golden Horn region of Istanbul. Pierre Loti Hill offers great views for the visitors. The hill is about 55 meters from sea level. Drinking your tea or Turkish coffee at the Pierre Loti Cafe and enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Golden Horn is a great activity at the Pierre Loti Hill. Continue reading…
6. Ulus Park & Cafe
The Ulus Park is located on the Adnan Saygun Street in Ulus, on the hills through Besiktas. Ulus Park is a well preserved one and has an outstanding panorama through the Bosphorus. Google Map
7. Buyuk Valide Inn
Located close to Grand Bazaar in the Mahmutpasa ramp, Fatih district of Istanbul, the 17th century Inn with more than 300 shops. The terrace of the Inn has become very popular in the recent year with the photo lovers. Entrance to the terrace is only 1 TL. Note: Due to collapse on the roof, the terrace is temporarily close until the restoration works end. Address: Büyük Valide Han Mercan, Çakmakçılar Ykş. no: 31, 34116 Fatih/Istanbul Google Map
We Highly Recommend These Fantastic Night-time Activities
8. Otagtepe (Fatih Grove)
Located by the Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridge, along Kavacik, in the Beykoz district on the Asian side, the Fatih Grove Tema Vehbi Koç Nature Culture Center (formerly known as Otağtepe Park) offers spectacular views of Istanbul and so called as fake heaven. You can see the two bridges and the city’s best scenery with a bird’s eye view, and combined with the unique Bosphorus view. No cafes or restaurants. Google Map
9. Sapphire Shopping Mall
Located in Kagithane neihborhood, Sapphire is a great shopping mall where you can both enjoy the shopping and dining with the 360 degree panoramic views of Istanbul. You can enjoy the spectacular views of the city from the observation terrace from a height of 236 meters. Address: Emniyetevleri Mh. Eski Büyükdere Cd. No:1 Kağıthane-Istanbul Google Map
10. Rumeli Hisarustu Duatepe Park
Located by the Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridge, in the Sariyer district on the European side, the Rumeli Hisarustu Duatepe Park offers spectacular views of Istanbul. You can see the Hidiv Pavilion and Anatolian Fortress, and combined with the unique Bosphorus view. Great place to watch the scenery while having your drink at the cafes. Google Map
11. Fethi Pasa Grove
Fethi Pasa Grove is located between Uskudar and Belerbeyi, on the Bosphorus Asian Shore. It covers a 16 hectares of green area and has an outstanding panorama of the Bosphorus. It takes great number of visitors especially at the weekends. Google map
12. Mihrabad Grove
Mihrabad Grove is a beautiful grove overlooking Bosphorus and covers an area of 25 hectares, located in Kanlica, Bosphorus Asian shore, close to the Black Sea. There are variety of gardens as well as with monumental cypresses, umbrella pines, Judas and bay trees. It is also a favorite place for the ones who want to have an open buffet breakfast and dinner at the weekends. Google Map
