Consider all the best viewpoints of Istanbul and how to get to them on our own, find out where the best view of the Bosphorus comes from, which skyscrapers to visit for a panoramic view of the city, where to visit in the evening to see the sunset. We will draw up a map of all sightseeing spots and find out the prices. We will also touch on restaurants with panoramic views, where you can dine in a cozy atmosphere overlooking the city.
Istanbul, like any other eastern city, amazes not only with its magnificent historical architectural sights, but also very picturesque views of the city from numerous observation platforms. Places with a panoramic view of the city are located on the heights, of which there are several dozen in the former capital of Turkey. We'll look at the best of them, but just in case we'll mark the rest on the map. This will make it easier to plan an independent route around Istanbul for those who like to see absolutely the whole city. It is there that you can see and appreciate the ancient and modern beauty of this metropolis.
The best viewpoints in Istanbul
Immediately, we hasten to note that in our review, in most cases, seats are free or are quite inexpensive, for example, to sit in a cafe with a cup of coffee. Let's start with the most visited site by tourists - the Sapphire business center.
Lookout in the Sapphire skyscraper
This skyscraper is the tallest building not only in Istanbul, but throughout Turkey, located in the business center, Levent district. It attracts tourists, first of all, with its observation deck, which provides a 360-degree view of the city.O... It is best to watch the sunset of the unique beauty from it. Night viewpoints in Istanbul, like the Sapphire skyscraper, are very popular with tourists. Tickets worth 27 Turkish liras (tl) are purchased at the ticket office on the B1 floor, and the platform itself is located on the 52nd floor and can be reached by a high-speed elevator. You can get here by taking the M2 metro line to station 4. Levent.
Maiden's Tower
The most famous architectural object, named after the daughter of the Sultan. The tower is located on a small island in the Uksudar district. Here you can visit art exhibitions, listen to live music performances. It is possible to get to the tower from Salajak pier or Kabatash pier by private boats. The ticket price is 25 tl. Transport runs until 18:00. After 19-00, you can pre-order a separate transport.
Amlıca hill
The highest of all the hills of Istanbul, located on the Asian side. From its site, the Bosphorus, Galata Tower, Rumeihisar Fortress, Princes' Islands, Topkapi Palace are well observed. The entrance is free. This place is popular with honeymooners and is considered the best place to see the city, which is why it is very crowded on weekends. You can get to the site by bus 129T from Taksim Square.
Galata tower
Another ancient symbol of Istanbul, located in the European part, is the Beyoglu district. The Old Town, the bay and the Sea of Marmara are perfectly visible here. You can get to the site by steps, of which there are about one and a half dozen, or by an elevator. Such viewing platforms in Istanbul are very popular with tourists. It is easy to get to it: by tram to the Karakoy stop. Then take the funicular. It should be noted that there are very long queues here from 11 am to 3 pm. The site is open until 20:00. But seeing the sunset is worth it. A little advice, the cafe here is not very good, both in terms of prices and preparations, there are much better establishments. For places, we have a separate overview of delicious establishments.
Otagtepe hill
Another free site, Beykoz area. Here is a famous greenhouse with plants from all over the world. But also wonderful views of Istanbul open from here. To get to the site, you first need to be at the Uskudar pier, and from there, by regular transport, get to the cherished place.
Pierre Lottie Hill
There is a cafe here, from the terrace of which a gorgeous panorama of the city opens. At any time of the day, tourists see amazing, romantic views. The most common way to get to the cafe is by cable car, from which you can see beautiful places, and you can get to the hill by bus 36CE, 44B and 99, or we recommend taking a ferry from Eminonu pier. The cable car runs from 8 am to 10 pm. Payment for travel with a metro card.
Halich bridge
This is a metro bridge across the Golden Horn Bay, from where the panoramic view of the Bosphorus is the most stunning. It is very good to visit here in the evening. You will see how Istanbul shimmers with warm golden lights and ferries ply along the bay. Take the metro to the station of the same name.
Topkapi Palace
One of the historical sights of Istanbul, is the second most visited museum in Turkey. Sightseeing tours in Istanbul must include this place in their programs. From the palace terrace, tourists observe the Golden Horn Bay, the Bosphorus Strait, the Sea of Marmara. The entrance costs 60 tl. The museum is open from 9 am to 6 pm. Indoors there is a ban on photography. The museum is located in the city center in the Sultanahmet district, you can get there by tram to the Gulkhan stop.
Ulus Park
It is located in the eponymous rich and fashionable Istanbul district on a high hill. It is a favorite vacation spot for Turkish families and numerous tourists. From here you can see the city and the bay, Galatasaray island, Selimiye barracks. There is everything for the recreation of children and adults. The entrance to the park is free. You should get from Taksim Square by bus 40, 40T, 42T to the Kabatas Lisesi stop. Then by bus 57UL or U1.
Selim the First Mosque
The true work of art is located in the area of Charshamba, which is not very visited by tourists. Therefore, there are few visitors to the mosque, but there is a beautiful view of the ancient streets, ancient roofs, ancient minarets and mosques. From this place, Istanbul appears in its original form. You can get to the mosque from Taksim Square 87 by bus. The entrance is free.
Sultan Abdul-Majid's palace
Also one of the most famous and popular sites for exploring Istanbul, located in Topkapi Palace. And although the hill on which the mansion is located is not very high, it offers a wide panorama of the Bosphorus with many ships and various fishing boats, you can see the Maiden Tower, the Besiktas district, and numerous islands. You can get to the palace from Taksim Square by bus to the Eminonu stop, and then by tram T1 to Gulhan station.
Nafi Baba Hill
Free viewing platforms of Istanbul, to which Nafi Baba belongs, are popular with tourists and locals, which is why it is crowded here on weekends. Free observation deck. It also offers a delightful view of the Bosphorus, the Anodoluhisar fortress, the Khidiv palace. The restaurants with national cuisine located here will be a pleasant addition to the beautiful views. Get from Taksim Square by bus 559C.
Viewpoint in Eyup area
It is located on the territory of an ancient Muslim cemetery and the city appears here at a glance. There are a lot of people here on weekends, so it is better for a tourist to visit it on weekdays. You should get there by river tram from Eminenu pier, then by funicular, which also offers stunning views of Istanbul.
Suleymaniye Mosque
It is located in the Fatih region and is a monument of ancient Turkish architecture. Going deeper into the courtyard, you find yourself on the observation deck with magnificent panoramic views of the Bosphorus and the bay. There are also numerous cafes of Turkish and European cuisine. Take a high-speed tram to the Eminonu stop. Since the mosque operating from 12-30 to 13-45 closes for the time of prayer.Working hours from 9 to 15-45.
Buyuk Walide Khan
From the roof of this building, there is simply a stunning view of Istanbul. This place is not officially recognized as a tourist destination, but its popularity is very high. Located near the Grand Bazaar. Any local resident will give you directions. However, you can get to the roof by appeasing a friendly-minded grandfather, who will take from 1 to 3 tl for the entrance and you will enjoy the indescribable beauties opening up to you and taking your breath away at least the whole day!
All viewpoints of Istanbul on the map
Useful information:
How to have an inexpensive vacation in Turkey?
We recommend using the tips proven in our experience many times:
- We advise you to economically insure your health and life while traveling through Tripinsurance, the service works only with trusted large insurance companies, which already inspires confidence. You just have to choose the most profitable option, but it's better not to save on health.
- Flights? We advise you to use Aviasales empirically.
- You may also find our selection of useful tourist apps useful.
