Updated Date : 08.03.2023
Best Viewpoints of Istanbul
A city where 20 million people live.
A city with more than 4.2 million vehicles registered
This is Istanbul where some people move in with enormous dreams; some are afraid to live, some are excited, sometimes go to work for a month without even seeing the sea, a complex city in a rush, and this is our home.
For that reason, the first and most important rule that not only those who move to Istanbul but also those who travel should know this: " You shouldn't live in Istanbul, you should live in Istanbul! "
The joy of watching dolphins passing in front of the slopes of the hills with mosques, churches, and synagogues on is the opportunity left to us after all centuries; the culture.
So if you are traveling to a very cosmopolitan city like Istanbul, be sure to take your time for a while and take a deep breath and watch over the city. Enjoy the moment because these scenes will offer you the never-ending stories of empires and countless cultures for thousands of years.
Let's scroll down and live this city together at our favorite viewpoints. We have lots of memories to tell you.
EYUP - PIERRE LOTI HILL
French naval officer and novelist Pierre Loti left a remarkable love story to Istanbul in the 19th century. The hill named after him - Pierre Loti Hill - is one of the mostly-known viewpoints located in Eyup district. This famous viewpoint draws excellent attention from the locals. Especially be sure you are finding a seat at the weekends. Little stalls in a row with ice cream, cotton candy, potato spirals, and little souvenirs give a little color and magic touch to the attraction. Do not forget to have a cup of coffee. And to make it meaningful, we recommend you to read Aziyade's book of dear Pierre Loti, a true story of him as a French man falling in love with an Ottoman Lady called Aziyade in the 19th century.
Istanbul E-pass includes Pierre Loti Hill with Sky Tram Tour. The tour is combined with the Miniaturk park and Eyup Sultan Mosque tours. Do not miss the chance to join this amazing tour with an Istanbul E-pass.
GRAND CAMLICA HILL
Grand Camlica (pronounced like Chamlija) Hill is located between Uskudar and Umraniye districts on the Asian side. With 262 m. from sea level, this place can be one of the highest viewpoints of your trip. This is the highest hill that sees the Bosphorus means that the hill can be seen from many places in Istanbul. When you are walking on the shores of the European side, and if you can see radio and television transmitter towers on the hill across the Bosphorus, this is where we are talking about.
TOPKAPI PALACE
We are talking about the most incredible views of Old City. As one of the highlights you will be visiting, Topkapi Palace will be telling you a history since the 15th century. But the visit will bring you an incredible gift at the last location in the palace. At the last "4th" courtyard with little pavilions of Ottoman Sultans, you will be facing the fascinating view of your trip. Do not leave the palace without trying the "Ottoman sherbet" at the restaurant. Good to remember, the museum itself has referenced the recipe.
Istanbul E-pass includes skipping the ticket line at Topkapi Palace. You can also get an audio guide and get into the Harem section with an Istanbul E-pass. Do not miss the chance to visit Topkapi Palace with us!
Opening Hours: Every day is open from 09:00 to 17:00. On Tuesdays closed. Needed to enter at least an hour before it closes.
GALATA TOWER
Have you ever heard a story of a man who flew across the Bosphorus? Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi climbed the stairs of Galata Tower. He wore the wings he made himself and let himself down. He opened his arms and felt the wind passing under his arms. The wind was filling under his wings and started to raise him. The most famous historian of the Turks, Evliya Celebi, describes the moment just like this. We do not recommend you to do the same. But catching a glimpse of the city is memorable. Poets have indeed been writing about this handsome Tower for centuries. Scroll down for a related subject and read "Uskudar Shores," too.
With an Istanbul E-pass, you can pass the ticket line, and save your valuable time! All you will need is to scan your QR code and get in.
Opening hours: Galata Tower is open every day from 08:30 to 22:00
USKUDAR SHORES
After a 20-minute boat ride to Uskudar on the Asian side, we set foot on another continent. After a 5–10-minute walk to the south, you will come across local tea house-style cafes by water on your right side. There it is! Maiden's Tower! Just in front of you… and nifty! If you plan to have a glass of tea while sitting on Uskudar shores and watching Maiden's Tower with Old city in the background, do not forget to bring your "simit" on the way. Let's stop for a second, listen to sounds. Smile with the words said by the famous Turkish poet and painter Bedri Rahmi Eyupoglu:
"When I say Istanbul, the towers come to my mind.
If I paint one, the other is jealous.
Maiden's Tower ought to know better:
She should marry the Galata Tower and breed little towerlets."
SAPPHIRE
Wait! Have you not heard how the shopping malls are a big thing in the locals' lives? Shopping centers in Turkey may not offer you modernized architecture or cultural interactions. You would not believe that they provide much more than that, such as experiences of good restaurants with international cuisine, from low-end to high-end brands, events, etc. But one of them, Sapphire Mall, is offering us a fantastic attraction in the Levent business quarter. Sapphire Observation deck will bring a different wave to your trip. An experience with Sapphire Observation included the "Istanbul E-pass," a new point of view from another viewpoint.
ORTAKOY
The arrogant, cool, snob, noble, gentle, and inspired district of the 19th century, Ortakoy. After a visit to Dolmabahce Palace Museum, Ortakoy is located within 20-minute walking distance. If you are not disturbed by the street, the 20-minute walk will make you feel like a local. This is one of the favorite walking routes of the people of Ortaköy and Besiktas quarters. This is a walk in the middle of the city. But under the European arches of the 19th-century palace and next to its massive gates. Ortakoy, under the Bosphorus bridge, will be your unforgettable visit. Besides, you can also see here for few minutes the last part of Catherine Zeta Jones's "The Rebound" movie.
SULEYMANIYE MOSQUE
Suleymaniye is a mosque that tells the power, majesty, and golden period of the 16th century. They even tell rumors about Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent. He orders Architect Sinan to blend the Shah's diamonds in the mortar of minarets. Believe it or not, but its authentic 16th century was the rise of the Ottoman Empire, and the Suleymaniye Mosque from the top of the "3rd" hill explains this with no doubt. And if the Sultan of continents orders a complex of a mosque, it must have everything people need. The stunning view in the backyard with a few chimneys of the "madrasa" of the mosque is unique. UNIQUE. Shh, it's not only a picturesque courtyard.It also houses the Sultan's tombs, the crown prince, and the most famous avid woman of the Ottoman Empire, Sultan's wife, Hurrem.
Opening Hours: Every day from 08:00 to 21:30
HALIC (GOLDEN HORN) METRO BRIDGE
Do you like bridges? We love! We love fishing, taking pictures of fishers on bridges, walking, and using them for no reason. The Golden Horn metro bridge may seem like it was built only for the metro. But it also offers a space to cross Golden Horn. Since the bridge connecting Karakoy and Eminonu was constructed recently, it may appear newer than the others, and there may not even a bench to sit on. Yet you can be sure that it will give you a very clear view of Galata and Suleymaniye while passing the inlet.
KUCUKSU - ANATOLIAN FORTRESS
Those living on the Anatolian side say, "the most beautiful view is on our side." Because our continent looks at Europe, and yes, if you move to Istanbul, you will first ask whether to live in Europe or Asia? I guess that's why these beautiful seasides and tiny cafes by the water help us stop questioning this. After passing to the Asian continent, follow the mansions on Bosphorus, aka "yali." And before the second bridge, meet with Anatolian Fortress and Kucuksu district. It doesn't matter if you say this area is for retirement or a local touristic visit. The important thing is that; there will be a vast Rumelia Fortress built in 4 months in the 15th century, right across the water, before your eyes. Be enchanted.Enjoy the Sultans' hunting and resting district in the 19th century and "petite"
The Final Word
The moment you climb that hill and forget to breathe deeply is when you feel like being in Istanbul is worth everything.
Are you finding the right location for yourself? What we say "right" is based on our experiences. We recommend you to visit the viewpoints and share your experiences with us.