13 Stunning Places with the Best Views in Istanbul

ByOlga M

Istanbul’s skyline is magical – minarets in the sky, ferries crossing the Bosphorus, and sunsets coloring the city in gold. Over the years, I’ve visited some of the places with the best views of Istanbul, including iconic towers and modern glass terraces. So here’s the list of my favorite top places to catch mind-blowing views of the city.

European Side: 

1. Galata Tower 

Galata tower is an iconic symbol of Istanbul that offers panoramic views of the city’s historic peninsula, the Bosphorus, and the Golden Horn.​ It’s a must-visit attraction and one of the oldest places with the best views in Istanbul, actually. It was built in 1348.

You can see the whole city from the top – sea, bridges, mosques, everything. It’s one of the most charming places to enjoy views and take pictures from. Make sure to climb to the top and reach the small museum and the observation deck for the best views. If you catch the sunset there – it’s magical, but expect a lot of crowds, as many people will be there with the same goal.

  • Address: Bereketzade, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
  • Entrance Fee: around 975 TRY or $35 (Museum Pass Istanbul accepted)
  • Opening Hours: Daily 08:30–23:00
  • Views of: Golden Horn, Bosphorus, Historical Peninsula, rooftops of Beyoğlu
  • Elevator: Yes, but there is one last tight staircase to get to the balcony

Pro Tip: If you can, go on a weekday during the early hours to avoid the long queues. There is an elevator that makes things easier, but to reach the open-air balcony at the top you need to do the final climb of the last steps.​

2. Topkapı Palace

Topkapı palace is one of the must-sees in Istanbul! It’s not just another museum; it’s the power seat of the Ottoman Empire for 400 years. The palace itself is like a small city inside walls, with courtyards, secret gardens, and the famous Harem section. To get to the best views of Istanbul I’m talking about, you need to reach the back terraces.
From here you can watch the blue Bosphorus waters, ships crossing it, and the other side of Istanbul stretching out.

3. Süleymaniye Mosque

Süleymaniye mosque, built by the famous Ottoman architect Sinan in the 1500s, is one of the largest and most elegant mosques.
It’s actually way more than just a mosque – located in the Third hill of the city, this makes it one of the most Instagrammable spots in Istanbul with some of the best views.

The back terrace area gives a perfect angle over the Golden Horn. It’s quiet, even peaceful, and there’s something really grounding about looking out over centuries of history from that high point.

Photos by Ulrich Mählert

4. Rooftop Cafés, Restaurants & Photo Studios

One of the best ways to enjoy the city views is sitting with a Turkish breakfast and coffee at one of Istanbul’s rooftop restaurants and cafes.

And if you want to catch these memories in a professional photo shoot, then the Rooftop photo Studios in Istanbul are the right places for that!

No matter which place you choose from these – some of the best views in Istanbul are absolutely guaranteed!

  • Location: All over – Galata, Karaköy, Sultanahmet, and Taksim have tons.
    Check here the locations of the best rooftop restaurants, cafes with views and rooftop photo studios
  • Entrance Fee: Usually free with a drink or food order; photo studios charge by session
  • Opening Hours: Varies, but usually for cafés and restaurants between 09AM and 11PM; photo spots are open until sunset, by appointment
  • Views: Mix of the Bosphorus, mosques, domes, and rooftops depending on location
  • Elevator: Most have one, but some still involve stairs

5. Büyük Valide Han

If you love places that feel a little secret and a lot old, Büyük Valide Han is your spot.
It’s a 17th-century caravanserai built by Kösem Sultan, one of the most powerful women of the Ottoman Empire. And it hides one of the rawest rooftop views in Istanbul.
The place is hidden behind the chaos of the Grand Bazaar and not so popular and easy to find. The climb up is tricky – you have to ask about the cafe with a view or find the guy who keeps the keys and it’s not exactly official (and definitely not free anymore). But if you make it, the domes, the Golden Horn, and all those little streets lay out beneath you like a painting.

6. Pierre Loti Hill

Pierre Loti Hill is named after a French writer who was in love with Istanbul (Who isn’t?!). It’s quiet and peaceful on the top and perfect for watching the sunset while catching some of the best views of Istanbul from above. You can go up by the cable car or walk up the steep hill – both have their own charm. The views you’ll have are of the Golden Horn and the old parts of the city.

7. Rumeli Hisarı Fortress

It’s sad how many people miss Rumeli Hisarı when they visit Istanbul, it’s definitely an interesting historical attraction with nice views.

Rumeli Hisari is a medieval fortress sitting right on the edge of the Bosphorus. It was built was by Sultan Mehmed II before he conquered Constantinople – it was ready in just four months back in 1452 to cut off Constantinople’s supply lines. Climbing up the towers and walls is a bit of a workout, but the view from the top is absolutely worth it – you can enjoy ships gliding by, the bridges, and the green hills of the Asian side across the water.

  • Address: Rumeli Hisarı, Yahya Kemal Cd., 34470 Sarıyer/İstanbul, Türkiye
  • Entrance Fee: ~$7
  • Opening Hours: 09AM – 7PM in the Summer Period (1 April – 31 October) and 09AM – 5PM in the Winter Period (31 October – 1 April) (Closed Mondays)
  • Views: Bosphorus Strait, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge also known as the Second Bosphorus Bridge (İkinci Köprü), Istanbul’s waterfront
  • Elevator: No, only stairs

8. Sapphire Observation Deck

Sapphire Observation Deck is inside one of the tallest residential skyscrapers in Istanbul, called Sapphire. It has one of the highest views in Istanbul. 

From the observation deck on the top floor, you can catch one of the best views in Istanbul – enjoy from above the Bosphorus Strait, the Golden Horn, and Istanbul’s landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace. You can even seesight the Princes’ Islands and the Asian side on clear days.


After enjoying the views you can also try the 4D simulation of helicopter ride departing from the observation deck.

9. Bosphorus Ferry or Cruise

  • Routes: Regular ferries from Eminönü, Karaköy, Üsküdar, Kadıköy or cruise boats
  • Fee: Regular city fare $2-3, or from $35 for a Bosphorus cruise
  • Opening Hours: 06:00–23:00 or so
  • Views: Bridges, palaces, mosques, full shoreline

You can choose between taking the regular ferry locals use to go from the European to the Asian side or book a fancy Bosphorus cruise.
Both ways you can get a front-row seat to some of the best views of Istanbul watched from the water. Going early in the morning or just before sunset is your best choice for the public ferries. For the private Bosphorus cruises you can choose a daily one or the dinner version, where you also get a show & dance program besides the night views of Istanbul.

Asian side:

10. Çamlıca Hill & Mosque

Çamlıca Hill is one of the highest natural hills in the city, and it gives you a wide view of Istanbul – especially on clear days. The hill itself is great for relaxing, and the mosque on top is massive, modern, and open to everyone. 

Built in 2019, Camlica mosque is the biggest mosque in the whole Turkey. There’s a big courtyard where you can just sit and look out over the Bosphorus. It’s especially nice around sunset or after a rain clears the air.

11. Çamlıca Tower

Not far from Çamlıca mosque is the new Çamlıca Tower, opened in 2020. It’s the tallest structure in Istanbul and you can go all the way up to its observation decks on the 34th floor. The elevator ride is quick, and at the top, you can walk around 360° for views that go forever. There’s also a restaurant and café inside, so you can sit and take your time. Although only through windows, these are some of the best views of Istanbul you’ll see, I promise. 

12. Emaar SkyView

Emaar SkyView is part of the shopping mall with the same name. The best attraction of the mall – the Sky Walk – a glass floor and a viewing area at the top of the building at 200 m height. It’s one of a kind in the area and brings the rooftops and views in Istanbul on a brand new level.
You can combine it with shopping or eating, but the highlight will definitely be the glass floor terrace.

13. Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi)

You’ve probably seen this tower in every Istanbul promo video.
Maiden’s Tower has been a watchtower, a lighthouse, a quarantine station – it’s a place full of history, like the whole Istanbul.
The best part – the tower sits on its own tiny island in the Bosphorus and you can reach it only by boat. Inside, there’s a restaurant, but even just sitting outside is enough.
From the top of the Maiden’s Tower you can enjoy some of the best 360-degree views in Istanbul and take some of the most Instagrammable photos.
Watch the Bosphorus, the Old city of Istanbul and the bridges while you’re literally in the water.

  • Address: Salacak, 34668 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Türkiye
  • Entrance Fee: Depends on the package (boat + food etc.), from $35-40
  • Views: Straight across to the Old city, the bridges, skyline
  • Elevator: Nope, all stairs
  • Fact: It’s been a watchtower, lighthouse, quarantine station—lots of history

Quick Tips for catching the best views in Istanbul:

  • Try to go to the places on a clear day – views can disappear fast if it’s hazy or rainy. I’ve experienced that more than once.
  • Most spots get busy after 11am, especially on weekends. Go in the early mornings – they’re usually peaceful, plus the light’s better for photos.
  • Mosques usually close for prayer time, so always check the hours ahead or have more patience with you.
  • If you’ve got mobility issues or just hate stairs, stick with places with elevators to the top floor – like Çamlıca Tower, Emaar and the most modern buildings.
  • Bring water if you’re heading to outdoor spots like Çamlıca Hill or Pierre Loti, especially in summer hot times.

Bonus tip? – Take your time. Istanbul isn’t a race. Some of the best moments come when you just sit, look out, and breathe while watching some of the best views Istanbul can offer you.

Love to stay connected in the socials for updates and recommendations?
Join my Facebook Community!

join US now >

Similar Posts