Landscapes

Best Viewpoints in Istanbul: Tips & Advice

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The poets weren’t wrong when they described Istanbul as a ‘bejeweled woman’. In fact, Istanbul is so much more; it might be more appropriate to call it ‘a woman bejeweled with a thousand treasures’. Because here, you can have whatever your heart desires. And whether that’s beautiful views of stunning landscapes or unrivaled cityscapes showing where east meets west, then this is the place for you. Here are the best Istanbul viewpoints in 2023 that you can enjoy.

1. Sapphire

Istanbul Sapphire is the 17th highest building in Europe after the Shard in London. It has 66 floors, 10 of which are underground. The building is 261 meters high. It has a shopping center, car park, and residential properties. It has one of the best views of Istanbul since there is a viewing terrace on the top floor. This allows you to have fantastic views of the city with the naked eye. You can pay an extra fee to use the observation tools.

For those who want to see all the details of spectacular views, these compact binoculars are a must. Also, a perfect tool for sightseeing, in case you want to see all the minor details of attractions.

Getting there

Located in Istanbul Kağıthane district, Çeliktepe neighborhood, Sapphire is close to Levent, one of Istanbul’s major financial centers. If you’re using public transport, the Metro is ideal. You can reach Sapphire on the M2 line. If you’re traveling by car, use the building’s car park.

More Information

Open Hours: 10:00 – 22:00
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0212) 268 80 80
Website: sapphireavym.com

2. Galata Tower

Galata Tower is a go-to place in Istanbul being one of the best Istanbul views. Galata Tower was built in the 6th century by the Byzantine Emperor Anastasius. What makes Galata Tower a unique Istanbul viewpoint still in 2022 is its historical aspect. The original wooden structure was destroyed by fire and then rebuilt using stone in 1348 by the Genoese. Later the tower came under Ottoman rule in 1453 and was used for a variety of purposes.

The top of the tower stands 62.9 meters from the ground and 140 meters above sea level. From here you can enjoy excellent views of the Historical Peninsula. The first 7 floors can be reached using the elevator. But for the final 2 floors, you must use the stairs. Opening hours are 8:30 am to 11:00 pm.

Getting there

The most convenient way to reach Galata Tower in Beyoğlu, Bereketzade District is by Metro. Take the Yenikapı-Hacıosman Metro and get off at Şişhane. Follow signs for the Refik Stadium Street exit and the tower is just a short walk away.

If you’re coming from Istiklal Street, follow the signs as you approach the tunnel. From Eminönü you’ll have to walk uphill from Bankalar Street. If you want to come by car, when you see the Galata Tower sign on the Tarlabaşı – Taksim road – turn right and park your car in the car park there. An entrance fee is charged for the Galata Tower.

More Information

Open Hours: 08:30 – 22:00
Location:  View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0212) 245 41 41
Website: istanbul.ktb.gov.tr

3. Pierre Loti Hill

Pierre Loti Hill is the most beautiful point to enjoy views of the Golden Horn. The region is called Pierre Loti Hill in memory of French writer Julien Viaud (his pseudonym was Pierre Loti). He considered Istanbul his second home. This hill was his favorite place. And it has one of the best views in Istanbul for sure! You can enjoy a great breakfast followed by a visit to Eyüp Sultan and other beautiful places in the surrounding area.

Getting there

The Pierre Loti Hill is located within the borders of Eyüp, overlooking the Golden Horn. Once you arrive at the center of Eyüp, you can get to Pierre Loti by telpher. Telpher has one standard ticket price with İstanbul Kart (a prepaid card that you can use on all public transport in Istanbul).

If you want to come by Metrobus, you need to get off at Ayvansaray Stop. If you are coming from Topkapi or Edirnekapi you can use minibuses. Please note Istanbul Kart is not valid on minibuses where you’ll have to pay in cash. You can get to Eyüp by the Üsküdar – Eyüp ferry service from the Anatolian side.

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More Information

Open Hours: 08:30 – 00:00
Location:  View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0212) 497 13 13
Website: pierrelotitepesi.com

4. Valide Han

Valide Han was built by Kösem Mahpeyker Valide Sultan in the 17th century. She was one of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire. Valide Han is one of the biggest inns in Istanbul. You can take a picture while jumping on the big dome.

Big dome is on the roof, which is known for its view. It is one of the best viewpoints in Istanbul for travelers and locals. Today there are nearly 300 shops in the Valide Han where caravans stayed in the past. The fee to go to the dome is quite low.

Getting there

Valide Han is located between Çakmakçılar Hill and Fincancılar Hill in Mahmutpaşa. If you come from Eminönü, you can reach the inn via Tahtakale Hill. From Beyazıt it’s easier to get without going up a hill. You’ll need to climb the stairs to the roof door, where you’ll pay the entrance fee.

More Information

Open Hours: 06:00 – 20:00 on weekdays, 08:00 – 20:00 on Saturdays, closed on Sundays
Location:  View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0532) 158 06 65

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5. Çamlica Hill

Çamlıca Hill is the ideal place for a panoramic view of the Bosphorus and the Marmara Sea. You can visit the Küçük Çamlıca Grove, Sofa, Cihannüma and Topkapı Pavilion on the Küçük Çamlıca Hill, 229 meters above sea level. Here you can try the delicious food of Ottoman – Turkish cuisine.

Büyük Çamlıca Hill, which is 262 meters above sea level, is the most popular of the two hills. There are many restaurants, cafes, and facilities there. It is not only a beautiful Istanbul viewpoint but also the right place to get some drinks with your loved ones. A visit to see the charming view of Çamlıca Hill at sunset is highly recommended; as darkness descends the city lights appear.

Getting there

You can reach Çamlıca Hill within the borders of Üsküdar by bus. You can come to Üsküdar and take the buses 11A, 11D, 11E, 11F, 11G, 11K, 11L, 11P, 11ST, 11V, 11Y, 11ÜS, 320, 9A, 9Ç, 9ÜD or 9Ş. If you’re coming from Taksim, you can use the 129T bus. If you want to come by car, you’ll have to go to Altunizade and follow the signs.

More Information

Location: View on Google Maps

6. Emirgan Korusu

EmirgahKorusu

The Emirgan Korusu is a beautiful place for tourists in Istanbul to see. It is a nature park with impressive flowers. With an area of 47 hectares, you can enjoy your time in nature by taking a walk. We advise you to visit this grove in April. Because Emirgan Korusu has hosted The Tulip Festival every year in April since 2006. What’s more, is that it has one of the best Istanbul views! It is a great attraction for visitors who want to get a great view of the Bosphorus.

In case you are impressed by the beauty of Tulip Festival and want to have a part of it in your own garden. This pastel mixture of tulip bulbs will decorate any backyard, plus they are already pre-chilled and ready to be planted.

Getting there

You can reach Emirgah Korusu using the following buses: 22, 25E, 29Ş, 40B, 40T, 42T, 59RH, and the M2 metro line.

7. Ortakoy Mosque Pier

Ortakoy Mosque Pier is one of the best views in Istanbul, enchanting with its Neo-Baroque architecture. Ortaköy Mosque’s original name is the Great Mecidiye Mosque. However, it is more commonly known as the Ortaköy Mosque.

The Mosque is located at the northern end of Ortaköy Pier Square (Ortaköy İskele Meydanı). It was completed in 1854. It offers a unique view at night of the Anatolian side, the Bosphorus, and the illumination. This Istanbul view reveals the architectural beauty of the Mosque still in 2022.

Getting there

You can take the Ortaköy bus to go to Ortaköy Square in Ortaköy district in Beşiktaş. Also you can get a cab from Beşiktaş Square and reach Ortaköy in 5-10 mins.

More Information

Open Hours: 04:00 – 22:00
Location:  View on Google Maps

8. Çamlıca Tower

When the transmitters in Istanbul Çamlıca disturbed the city’s skyline, it was decided to collect them in a single transmitter tower. The construction of the Çamlıca Tower started for this purpose. Built on Küçük Çamlıca Hill, the tower has an altitude of 365 meters. The Tower has a restaurant and terrace on the 39th and 40th floors. There are also terraces on the 33rd and 34th floors. It is one of the highest spots to enjoy Istanbul view.

Getting there

You’ll need to reach Üsküdar Küçük Çamlıca Hill to get to Çamlıca Tower.

More Information

Open Hours: 10:00 – 22:00
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0216) 912 34 00
Website: camlicakule.istanbul

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