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The Best views of Istanbul include the iconic cityscape– historic mosques, palaces, minarets, and the boats skipping across the waves of the Bosphorus. Istanbul is a major city in Turkey that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. Its Old City reflects the cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here. Istanbul is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world for shopping, tourists, and history lovers.
1. Galata Tower & Bridge
I love looking for a place to view a city from high ground. And you can get a bird’s-eye view of everything from the balcony at the top of the Galata Tower in Beyoğlu. The modern part of old Istanbul was home to the city’s foreign residents. Built-in 1348, the tower once formed part of a sub-city. It stretched right down to the Bosphorus.
Beyoğlu, +90 212 293 8180, galatatower.net, entrance £3.50. Open 9am-8pm.
2. Litera Bar
The Ottoman buildings that line the streets of Beyoğlu are tall. They have a tendency to block out the city’s fantastic natural beauty. However, climbing to the Litera Bar on the fifth floor of the Goethe Institute, lays the Asian side of the Bosphorus at your feet. Glass walls and high top tables with stools allow for a million-dollar view.
Litera Bar, Goethe-Institut Istanbul, Yeniçarşi Caddesi 32, Beyoğlu, +90 212 249 2009, goethe.de/istanbul, literarestaurant.com.
3. 360
With views stretching over Istanbul in all directions, as the name suggests, glamorous 360 is worth coming to for that alone. The food isn’t too good. Instead of booking dinner, come here early and get a coveted window seat. Then sip your drink very slowly and enjoy the view. When you’ve taken that in, go just about anywhere else for something to eat.
Istiklal Caddesi 311, Misir Apartman floor 8, Beyoğlu, +90 212 251 1042,360istanbul.com.
4. Sultan Pub
There are numerous hotel bars. It’s very hard to find a decent drink in the old city. But there are a few options. The Sultan Pub is fun, if not over the top. It’s an American-style bar spread over three floors with great views of Istanbul. The pub serves hamburgers and alcoholic drinks within sight of the Aya Sofya. The pavement seating is always lively. However, the roof terrace affords the best views over the Hippodrome.
Divanyolu Caddesi 2, Sultanahmet, +90 212 528 1719, sultanpub.com.tr.
5. Ortaköy Mosque at Sunset
This is one of the most photographed views in Istanbul for a reason. Ortaköy Mosque sits right on the Bosphorus, with the bridge stretching behind it. At sunset, the sky turns pink and gold, and birds cut across the frame. The water reflects everything. I like standing near the shore and watching ferries pass as the call to prayer drifts across the water. It feels calm, even with people around.
Ortaköy Square, Beşiktaş. Go just before sunset for the best light.
6. Bosphorus Bridge View from Otağtepe Park
Otağtepe Park delivers one of the most dramatic views of the Bosphorus Bridge. A wooden path leads downhill through manicured greenery, guiding your eye straight to the water below. From this height, the Bosphorus curves wide and calm, with neighborhoods stacked along the shore. This spot feels intentional and peaceful. People pause here without rushing. Cameras come out. Conversations soften. I like visiting during the day, when the colors stay crisp and the scale of the city feels clear.
Otağtepe Park (Fatih Grove), Beykoz. Free entry. Best in late afternoon or early evening.
7. Rooftop Views near Süleymaniye
Rooftops around Süleymaniye offer sweeping views over domes, minarets, and red tile roofs. From here, the city feels layered and deep. You can see how Istanbul grew outward from the mosques. I like walking these streets without a plan, stopping when the view opens up. The wind carries sounds from below, but the rooftops stay quiet.
Süleymaniye neighborhood. Wander side streets for open rooftop views.
8. Rainbow Stairs in Balat
Balat’s colorful stairs are playful, textured, and full of life. Each step is painted differently, with houses rising close on either side. From the top, you catch glimpses of rooftops and the Golden Horn beyond. This view feels human and creative, not polished. I enjoy walking slowly here, noticing doors, windows, and people chatting nearby.
Balat, Fatih. Visit earlier in the day before crowds arrive.
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Istanbul is the place to be and be seen at now. I would love to go.
I have never been to Istanbul but I would love to explore this place as I’ve heard that there is so much beauty to see here.
Omg so many breathtaking sites!!! I would love to visit Istanbul one day!!!! How long is the flight from Kansas?
I hope you do, stop by again very soon for some new adventures. It was a 9 hour flight going, but unfortunately it was 11 hours coming back.
You really captured some amazing shots. What a gorgeous place to be!
Thank you Vanessa. Its hardcto take a bad picture here.
I feel like everywhere you look is an amazing view. Istanbul is such a culturally rich city!
I could not have said it better Sara. I toally agree especially since I’ve had a chance to see such abtiny bit of it.
This is such a beautiful city. I would love to visit this location!
Hi Daphne I hope you do, its beautiful.
I’ve always wanted to see Istanbul. It’s beautiful in photos. I bet it’s a lot more pretty in person.
Fatima its amazing. And you’re right, photos don’t do it justice.
I have never visited Istanbul but it looks beautiful! The sunset is gorgeous.
I love sunrises and sunsets. They are so beautiful.
The most famous landmarks are of Istanbul, Hagia Sophia, the house of the Ottoman Sultans: Topkapı Palace, with its blue ceramics: Sultanahmet Mosque, the biggest covered bazaar Grand Bazaar.
Hi Monidipa you are s right. They are under renovation right now, so not the most instagrammable, but they are still beautiful.
Istanbul is so exciting when we talk of scenic views. I have been to Istanbul years back, want to come back one day
Hi Lyosha— I feel grateful to have seen just avtiny bit. I hope to go back for a thorough exploration one day soon.
I’d love to visit Istanbul someday! Recently there was a great deal on flights from my home airport and I regret not snapping that up.
I feel ya. Thankfully you’ll get another chance one day, you gotta take advantage of good deals on airfare. A cheap plane ticket makes any trip a lot better.
Really hope that one day I will be able to see all of these in person – thank you so much for sharing. Stunning photos!
Thanks Alexandra. Come back again soon. I’m already planning my next adventure— hoping to go to South Africa.
WOW this sounds magical. would love to see them all in person!
It was a real treat. I hope to go back for a longer visit one day soon.
These shots are so beautiful. I love that city against the sky! I had no idea Istanbul was so pretty.
It is an ancient city where new and old coexist side by side. That makes it nicely beautiful.
I would love to explore Istanbul at some point. I always try to find the highest points of a city to admire the panoramas, especially around sunset.
Its the best way to get the lay of the land, orienting landmarks helps navigate the city alone.
This is one of my favorite cities in the world. Such a fun article. Thanks for writing. It makes me want to go back.
Now its one of my favorites too. I look forward to returning for a much longer visit.
WOW! What a beautiful pictures. I feel like I’m already transported to Istanbul 🙂
This is a hard city to take a bad picture in. The only way the pictures would have been better is if it had been a clear day. But it rained for straight days which really hampered our sightseeing.