The largest and most diverse city in Turkey - Istanbul, without a doubt, is beautiful. There are many objects and places in the city that are worth visiting and seeing.
One of these places are observation decks and observation points, giving panoramic views of Istanbul from a bird's-eye view.
Within Istanbul there are both paid viewing platforms and free viewing platforms and observation points, as well as view cafes with terraces and hotels that offer panoramas of the city.
You can visit the sights of Istanbul both independently and with city tours
The best viewing platforms in Istanbul
Galata Tower
Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) is one of the symbols and one of the main attractions of Istanbul.
The tower is accessible to visitors. It houses a museum exhibition, and on the upper levels of the tower there are circular (indoor and outdoor) observation decks, giving beautiful panoramic 360-degree views of Istanbul, including the historical center, the Golden Horn Bay and the Bosphorus Strait.
The viewing room is paid.
Galata Tower is located in the historical center of Istanbul, in the European part of the city, in the Galata quarter of Beyoğlu district, near the main pedestrian street of the city - Istiklal (Istiklal caddesi), at: Bereketzade, Galata Kulesi, 34421 Beyoğlu/Istanbul.
Galata Tower website: muze.gov.tr/muze-detay. Learn more about the Galata Tower and the observation deck with photos and description...
Pantokrator Monastery (Zeyrek Mosque)
The Pantokrator Monastery or Molla Zeyrek Mosque (Molla Zeyrek Camii) is the second largest, after the mosque Hagia Sophia, a monument of Byzantine architecture, preserved from Constantinople.
One of the features of the monastery is its location on a hill, where near the monastery there is a panoramic cafe with a beautiful observation deck, which offers magnificent panoramic views of Istanbul, including the old historical part of the city and the Golden Horn.
In order to enjoy the views from the observation deck, it is not necessary to order something in a cafe.
The viewing room is free.
The monastery is located on the European side of Istanbul, in the Fatih district, in the Zeyrek quarter, at the address: Zeyrek, Ibadethane Sk. No:2, 34083 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey. Learn more about the Zeirek Mosque and the panoramic observation deck...
Pierre Loti Hill
Pierre Loti Hill (Pierre Loti) is a hill with a height of 53 meters, which is one of the best and most famous viewing platforms in Istanbul.
Panoramic views of the Golden Horn and the European part of Istanbul open from the observation deck of the hill.
In addition to the observation deck on the hill there are also: a panoramic cafe of the same name, a couple of souvenir shops, a toilet, a restaurant and the hotel Turkhouse, which overlooks the 7 hills of Istanbul and the Golden Horn Bay. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Guests can make use of a sauna and a hammam. Link to the hotel 
Pierre Loti Hill is located on the European side of Istanbul, in the Eyup area near the waters of the Golden Horn.
The observation deck on the hill itself is free.
You can climb (descend) to the hill on foot through the old cemetery (free of charge) or by using the Eyüp-Piyer Loti Teleferik Hatt (TF2) gondola cable car, which is the public transport of the city (Istanbul transport cards are valid). More about the hill and the Pierre Loti lookout...
Ulus Park
Ulus Parkı is a small quiet park on the hill of the European side of Istanbul, from which you can enjoy views of the Bosphorus and the Asian part of the city.
The park has panoramic cafes, places for walking and relaxing.
Entrance to the park is free (free of charge).
Ulus Park address: Kuruçeşme, Ulus Parkı, 34345 Beşiktaş/Istanbul, Turkey.
Doatepe Park
The Doatepe Park itself is not particularly remarkable, but since the park is located on a hill, there is a platform in the park that offers beautiful views of part of Istanbul, including the Bosphorus Strait, Sultan Fatih Mehmed Bridge.(Fatih Sultan Mehmet Köprüsü) and the Asian side of the city.
Entrance to the park is free (free of charge).
Doatepe Park is located on the European side of Istanbul, at the address: Rumeli Hisarı, Hisar Üstü Nispetiye Cd No:97, 34470 Sarıyer/Istanbul, Turkey.
Sapphire
Sapphire is the highest and most impressive observation deck in Istanbul, which is located in the Sapphire skyscraper (Istanbul Sapphire AVM), which is also a shopping center.
On the top - 54th floor of the skyscraper, at an altitude of 236 meters, there is the most attractive tourist object - a 360-degree observation deck (Sapphire Observation Terrace 360 °), giving stunning panoramic views of Istanbul.
There is also a cafe and restaurant, a souvenir shop and a simulator of Skyride 4D Istanbul virtual helicopter flight tour over Istanbul.
Entrance to the shopping center is free (free of charge). The ascent to the observation deck is paid, through the shopping center.
The shopping center is located on the European side of Istanbul, in the business center of the city - Levant (Levent), at the address: Emniyetevleri Mh. Eski Büyükdere Cd. No:1 Kağıthane-Istanbul. Learn more about the Sapphire and the viewing room with photos...
Otagtepe Fatih Park
Otagtepe Park is located on the Asian side of the city, near the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Köprüsü Bridge.
Although this park is located far from the main tourist routes and attractions of the city, it is a very popular place in Istanbul, mainly due to the fact that it is located on the Otagtepe hill and offers beautiful panoramic views of the Bosphorus Strait and the European side of the city.
In the park: walking paths, lawns, recreation areas, picnic areas and gazebos, observation terraces, a small pond with turtles.
Entrance to the park is free (free of charge). More about Otagtepe Fatih Park...
Chamlydzha Hill
The big hill of Chamlıca (Çamlıca Tepesi) is a high hill (288 meters) on the Asian side of Istanbul in the Usküdar district.
This is the highest point of the Asian part of Istanbul, at the top of which is the Chalmidja Mosque of the same name (Çamlıca Mosque).
From the open terrace of the mosque and from the hill there are wonderful panoramic views of Istanbul, including the Asian and European parts of the city and the Bosphorus.
In the public park on the hill with trees, flower beds and fountains there are historical teahouses, cafes and a restaurant.
You can climb the hill and visit the observation terrace for free.
Chamlydzha TV Tower
The Chamlyja TV Tower (Çamlıca TV Radyo kulyesi, Çamlıca Kulesi / Camlica Tower) has a modern architecture and a height of 369 meters (and 587 meters above sea level), consists of a total of 49 floors, of which 4 are underground and 45 are above ground.
In addition to media and radio and television broadcasting services, the tower also provides infrastructure services to wireless operators and general tourist services.
There is an observation deck in the tower, giving a 360-degree panoramic view of the whole of Istanbul and the surrounding area. There is also a panoramic cafeteria-restaurant in the tower.
The ascent to the observation deck is paid.
The TV tower is located in the Asian part of Istanbul, in the Usküdar district, at the address: Küçük Çamlıca Çilehane Yolu Caddesi Oyma Sokak, D:No:1, 34696 Üsküdar, Turkey.
TV tower website: camlicakule.istanbul.
Maiden's Tower
The Maiden's Tower (Kız Kulesi) is a former lighthouse, which is one of the main pearls and a symbol of Istanbul.
Over the course of history, the tower has been a lighthouse, a prison, and a quarantine facility.
Today the Maiden's Tower can be visited. Views of the Bosphorus and its shores open from here.
A visit to the Maiden Tower is paid.
The tower is located on a small natural island in the waters of the Bosphorus, a few meters from the shore of the Asian side of Istanbul - Uskudar district.
Website of the Maiden's Tower: kizkulesi.gov.tr. Read more about the Maiden Tower...
Other viewing platforms and observation points of Istanbul
Golden Horn, Bosphorus and Marmara Sea: bridges, embankments and views from the water
It is impossible to visit Istanbul and not admire the city from the water and by the water.
So, you can:
- walk along the embankments along the Golden Horn Bay, the Bosphorus Strait and the Sea of Marmara;
- explore the Golden Horn from the bridges across the bay:
- from the Golden Horn Bridge or Halic (Haliç Metro Köprüsü) is a railway and pedestrian bridge, known for its view of the city. Learn more about the Halich Bridge...
- from the Galata Bridge (Galata Köprüsü), which is a two-tier roadway and pedestrian bridge, on the lower tier of which there are cafes and restaurants, as well as observation platforms. More about Galata Bridge...
- and, most importantly and best of all, enjoy the views of the city by taking a boat trip along the Golden Horn and (or) the Bosphorus. You can walk through the waters of Istanbul with excursions or independently on public ferries that run from / to the ferry berths of the city, located both on the sides of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. Istanbul ferries are public transport (Istanbul transport cards are valid).
Blachernae Palace
The Blachernae Palace or Tekfur Palace (Tekfur Sarayı, Tekfur sarayı) today is the remains of a former palace built for the son of the Byzantine emperor.
Now part of the ruins of the palace have been restored, and is used as a museum with part of the walls, an interior room with an exposition, a courtyard, an elevator and an observation deck in the upper part.
Entrance to the territory of the palace and the observation deck is paid.
The Blachernae Palace is located in the European part of Istanbul, in the Fatih district, at the address: Ayvansaray Mahallesi, Şişhane Caddesi, 34087 Fatih/Istanbul.
Website of the Blachernae Palace: tekfursarayi.istanbul.
Selim the First Mosque
The mosque of Selim Yavuz or Selim the Terrible (Yavuz Sultan Selim Camii) is an Ottoman imperial mosque of the 16th century with narrow minarets and a large dome.
The mosque's garden offers panoramic views of Istanbul and the Golden Horn Bay.
Admission is free (free).
The mosque is located in the European part of Istanbul, at the address: Balat, Sultan Selim Cd. No:18, 34087 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey. Learn more about Istanbul mosques...
Suleymaniye
The Suleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii) is a masterpiece of architecture of the Ottoman Empire and the second most important, after Blue Mosque, a mosque in the city.
The mosque was built in 1551-1557 by order of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.
Suleymaniye is a complex in which, in addition to the mosque itself with a monumental courtyard, turbe (tombs-mausoleums) are notable Suleiman the Magnificent, his beloved wife Hurrem (Roksolana) and their daughter Mihrimah.
Since the mosque is located on a hill, then from its territory (terraces) panoramic views of a part of Istanbul open up.
The mosque is located in the European part of Istanbul, at the address: Süleymaniye Mah, Prof. Sıddık Sami Onar Cd. No:1, 34116 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey.
Entrance to the mosque complex is free (free of charge). More about the Suleymaniye Mosque...
Roof "Takht Istanbul"
Taht Istanbul is a photo studio with beautiful panoramic views from the roof, decorated in Turkish style.
Photos from this site can often be seen in Istanbul travel guides.
The photo studio is paid.
The roof of "Takht Istanbul" is located near the Suleymaniye Mosque, at the address: Süleymaniye Mah. Siyavuşpaşa Sok. Kurtel Iş Hanı, D:No:14 D:301, 34116 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey.
Photo studio website: tahtistanbul.com/tr .
Topkapi: Sultan Abdul-Majid's mansion and Marble Terrace
The Empire-style mansion of Sultan Abdul-Majid (Mecidiye Köşkü) is located on the territory of the Topkapi Palace (Topkapı Sarayı) and its terrace is also a popular observation deck of the city; there is also a restaurant with a panoramic terrace. There are views of the Bosphorus, the Asian side of Istanbul and partly the Marmara Sea.
Also on the territory of the Topkapi Palace (on the opposite side from the terrace of the mansion) there is a Marble terrace with views of the Golden Horn.
Entrance to the Topcaps is paid.
Topkapi Palace is located on the European side of the city, in the old historical part of Istanbul, at the address: Cankurtaran Mh., 34122 Fatih / Istanbul.
Topkapi Palace website: topkapi-sarayi. More about Topkapi Palace...
Observation deck behind Topkapi Palace
If you do not want to go to the Topkapi Palace, then you can bypass the complex from the Bosphorus and go to the embankment and a small park area near the waters (the place where the Ataturk monument is located), and also admire, only from the ground, the views of the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, and partly the Marmara Sea.
This place is popular during sunsets.
Dolmabahce Palace Park
Dolmabahce (Dolmabahçe Sarayı) is a magnificent palace complex of the 19th century, which previously served as the residence of the Ottoman sultans.
The palace is surrounded by a garden, where paths and alleys are laid, there are places for recreation, pavilions, sculptures, fountains, lawns, flower beds and cafes. The garden offers views of the Bosphorus and the Asian side of Istanbul.
Entrance to the palace garden is paid (with entrance tickets to the Dolmabahce Palace).
Dolmabahce Palace is located on the European side of the Bosphorus in Istanbul, in the Besiktas district (Beşiktaş), at the address: Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe Cd., 34357 Beşiktaş/Istanbul, Turkey.
Dolmabahce Palace website: dolmabahce-sarayi. More about Dolmabahce Palace and Garden with photos and descriptions...
Rumeliskhar Fortress
Rumeli Hisarı (Rumeli Hisarı) is a medieval fortress, which is now a museum, occupies an area of 30 hectares, surrounded by defensive walls with towers and gates.
There are hiking trails on the territory of the fortress, there is a functioning mosque and a small cistern. The fortress offers panoramic views of the Bosphorus, Sultan Mehmed Fatih Bridge and the Asian part of the city.
The fortress is located on the European side of Istanbul, on the shore of the Bosphorus, at the address: Rumeli Hisarı Yahya Kemal Caddesi No.:42 34470 Sariyer/ISTANBUL.
Website of the Rumelikhisar Fortress Museum: muze-detay/rumeli. Read more about the Rumelikhisar Fortress with photos and description...
Emirgan Park
Emirgan Park (Emirgân Korusu) is a large green public park with a variety of plants, ponds, a fountain, recreation areas, running tracks, a children's playground, sculptures, cafes, picnic areas, historical pavilions (Yellow, Pink and White), mosques and a tulip museum (Lale Müzesi).
Some points of the park offer views of the Bosphorus and the Asian part of Istanbul.
Emirgan Park becomes especially popular from the end of March to May (the month of April), when the Tulip Festival takes place in the city, the heart of which is this park, where numerous flowers decorate flower beds and form various compositions.
The park is located on the European side of Istanbul, near the waters of the Bosphorus.
Entrance to the park is free (free of charge).
The terrace of the Beylerbeyi Palace by the waters of the Bosphorus
Beylerbeyi (Beylerbeyi Sarayı) is a 19th-century palace in the Baroque style, surrounded by gardens and served as a summer residence and accommodation for high-ranking guests of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire.
Today it is a palace museum, where you can visit the palace halls, and in the adjacent territory walk through the gardens with pavilions and an outdoor terrace by the waters of the Bosphorus, which is used as an observation deck. The terrace offers views of the Bosphorus, partly the Asian and European sides of Istanbul.
Entrance to the palace with gardens and a terrace is paid (with entrance tickets to the Beylerbeyi Palace).
Beylerbeyi Palace is located on the Asian side of Istanbul, at the address: Beylerbeyi, Abdullahağa Cd., Istanbul.
Beylerbeyi Palace website: beylerbeyi-sarayi. More about the Beylerbeyi Palace with gardens and a terrace by the Bosphorus Strait...
Nakkashtepe National Park
Nakkashtepe National Park (Nakkaştepe Millet Bahçesi) is a landscape park on the Asian side of Istanbul, which is a green oasis.
The park has lush vegetation, places for walking and recreation, gazebos, wooden pedestrian zones, a cascading waterfall, a pond, a bridge, picnic areas, a zipline, an adventure trail, playgrounds (open and closed) and sports grounds, a tennis court, cafes, toilets.
The park and its panoramic terraces offer beautiful views of the Bosphorus and the European side of Istanbul.
Entrance to the park is free (free of charge).
Nakkas Hill Kuzgunjuk
Nakkas Hill Kuzgunjuk (Nakkaş Tepe Kuzguncuk) is one of the panoramic places of the Asian part of Istanbul.
From this point there are views of the Bosphorus, the Bosphorus Bridge and partly the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.
This place is very calm and sincere.
You can park your car here (Rent a car in Istanbul →) and enjoy the views.
The location is located near Nakkashtepe Park, in the Kuzgunjuk quarter. Landmark address: Kuzguncuk, Abdullahağa Mezarlık Yolu No:30, 34674 Üsküdar/Istanbul, Turkey. Learn more about the location...
Fethi Pasha Park
Fethi Pasha Park (Fethipaşa Korusu) is a large urban park located on the hillside of the Asian side of Istanbul, near the two previous locations.
The park was named after the Turkish governor, Ambassador and Minister Ahmed Fethi Pasha.
In the park: places for walking and recreation, a waterfall, suspension bridges, terraces, playgrounds, cafes, toilets.
The slopes of the park offer views of the Bosphorus and the European side of Istanbul.
Entrance to the park is free (free of charge).
Amusement park "Vialand"
Vialand Theme Park (formerly known as Isfanbul Park) is the largest and main entertainment venue in Istanbul for people of all ages.
This park is called Istanbul Disneyland.
The park consists of three themed areas; also in the park there is a cafe, a shopping center and terraces with views of the old part of Istanbul and the Golden Horn.
Entrance to the park is paid.
On the territory of the park there is 4-star Vialand Palace Hotel with garden, terrace, free Wi-Fi, free private parking and a 24-hour front desk. Breakfast may be included in the room rate. Link to the hotel
The park is located in the European part of Istanbul, at the address: Yeşilpınar, Şht. Metin Kaya Sk. No: 11/1, 34065 Eyüpsultan/İstanbul, Turkey.
The park's website: vialand.com.
Ferris wheels
Ferris wheels are considered to be one of the viewing locations of Istanbul, of which there are several in the city.
For example, the Ferris wheel in the Viaport Marina recreation and entertainment center and the Ferris wheel in the Ada Park (ParkAda).
Ferris wheels are paid. More about amusement parks in Istanbul (to Istanbul with children)…
Cafes and restaurants with panoramic terraces
There are a sufficient number of cafes and restaurants with panoramic terraces in Istanbul.
There are such establishments in the historical center of Istanbul, near the Suleymaniye Mosque and the Galata Tower, as well as in parks, on the shores of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.
For example, Mikla restaurant and Buyuk Valide Khan cafe, which many call the "secret place of Istanbul".
Hotels with views
From hotels with panoramic views
The 5-star JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus Hotel features a restaurant, a bar, a seasonal outdoor pool, a fitness center, a wellness and spa center, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk.
The hotel has panoramic terraces, as well as rooms with views of the Bosphorus or the historical part of the city.
The room rate includes: breakfast or breakfast + dinner. Link to the hotel
The 5-star Novotel Istanbul Bosphorus Hotel features an indoor pool, a spa with massage room, sauna, steam room, Turkish bath and fitness center, free Wi-Fi and parking.
Some rooms offer views of the Bosphorus and the historical part of the city.
The room rate can include: breakfast or breakfast + dinner. Link to the hotel
The 5-star hotel The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul at the Bosphorus, is located in the heart of Istanbul and offers a picturesque view of the city and the Bosphorus Strait.
The hotel has 2 swimming pools, including an outdoor panoramic one with a sun terrace, restaurants, a bar, free Wi-Fi, a fitness center and a spa center with a traditional Turkish hammam, massage and beauty treatments for face and body.
Breakfast may be included in the room rate. Link to the hotel
The 5-star Radisson Blu Hotel, Istanbul Sisli features an outdoor swimming pool and a panoramic sun terrace.
The hotel has indoor and outdoor pools, a restaurant, a cafe-bar, a fitness center, a spa center, a sauna, a Turkish bath, a 24-hour front desk and free Wi-Fi.
Breakfast may be included in the room rate. Link to the hotel
5-star Wyndham Grand Istanbul Levent Hotel with city views from the rooms and a panoramic restaurant.
The hotel has indoor and outdoor pools, gym, spa, sauna, Turkish bath, restaurants, bar, free parking and Wi-Fi.
Breakfast may be included in the room rate. Link to the hotel
Near the waters of the Bosphorus on the European side of Istanbul, you can stay in hotel complexes
The 5-star Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus is located in a restored 19th-century Ottoman mansion by the waters of the Bosphorus Strait.
The hotel has its own garden, views of the Bosphorus, panoramic outdoor and indoor pools, bar, spa, free Wi-Fi and private parking. Link to the hotel
5-star Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, located in the restored Ottoman Chiragan Palace.
The hotel is a complex by the waters of the Bosphorus with a territory with a garden and a panoramic pool overlooking the waters of the Bosphorus.
At the hotel: swimming pools, spa and wellness center, fitness center, restaurant, bar, lounge, gazebo, Turkish bath, free private parking and Wi-Fi.
The room rate includes: breakfast or breakfast + dinner. Link to the hotel
You can get to hotels in Istanbul by public transport, taxi or rented car.
Rent a car in Istanbul (all places) →
All accommodation facilities in Istanbul, including those with panoramic views of the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, the center of Istanbul or the Sea of Marmara, as well as in the historical heart, on the European and Asian sides of the city, can be viewed and booked here
