The city of Istanbul is chock-full of picture-perfect spots thanks to its many architectural marvels that testify to the city's Ottoman past and beyond. Here we've listed some of these photo spots for you and tried to make sure that we've included a scene to suit every dream and occasion. So, read on if you want to know more about where in Istanbul you can capture the most beautiful landscapes.
The locals of İstanbul call the Asian part of the country 'Anadolu', from which the fortress takes its name. It's the oldest surviving structure in Istanbul and was first built as a watchtower on behalf of the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I as part of his preparations for the siege of the Byzantine city of Constantinople (now Istanbul).
Facing Anadoluhisarı from the other side of the Bosphorus, Rumelihisarı was built on the orders of Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II and designed to work in tandem with its older sister. Also known as Boğazkesen Castle, it's as majestic as any architectural structure could be. Parts of İstanbul allow you to photograph it with the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge in the background.
These districts offer the most picturesque views of the two bridges: the Bosphorus Bridge (officially known as the 15th July Martyrs' Bridge) and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge.
There are many cafes and restaurants on its banks, and their verandas offer picturesque views of the Bosphorus. Many other villas and mansions adorn the shores of Istanbul, waiting to be discovered and captured. The city is also famous for its wooden houses, which reflect the Ottoman architectural style, and the Kuleli Military High School (now a museum), a building with a history dating back to 1845.
Beyoğlu should probably be a photographer's first stop, with its historic tramway, Galata Tower and streets that showcase a history unparalleled outside of İstanbul. The most famous of these streets is İstiklal. In addition to its importance as a means of transport, the tram has an aesthetic function with its history, shape and red colour. The Galata Tower, once the tallest building in the city, offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Istanbul.
Ihlamur Kasrı was built during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid I (1839-1860) The pavilion is one of the most elegant examples of 19th-century Ottoman architecture, with architectural features that show traces of the neo-Baroque movement.
Yıldız Park, Maçka Democracy Park, Gülhane Park, Atatürk Arboretum and Belgrade Forest should be on your list. They are only one or two stops away from the most central parts of the city if you want to get some fresh air and satisfy your need to take beautiful pictures of İstanbul.
The sight of seagulls flying over you to get a piece of simit (Turkish bagels) is the most photogenic animal you will ever see.
All of which have lacy interiors and ornate exteriors that can steal the limelight from any other architectural wonder. Their religious significance gives these masterpieces such an aura that you'll never feel you've taken enough photographs to capture their beauty. There are many rooftops near and around these mosques where it's easy to get an aerial view of the mosques combined with the best seascapes.
It captures a great history and begs to be captured by you. The Tiled Kiosk is also nearby, set within the outer walls of Topkapi Palace. It contains many examples of İznik tiles and Seljuk poetry, always a great treasure trove for photographers.
Take the tram to Baharatçılar Çarşısı (Spice Bazaar), Kapalı Çarşı (Grand Bazaar) and the side bazaars leading to them to capture local delicacies, handicrafts and Ottoman architecture, three ultimate things that define İstanbul. In its Ottoman past, Mısır Çarşısı sold spices imported from Egypt, which is why it's sometimes called the Egyptian Bazaar.
The Prince's Islands, officially known as Adalar, are part of İstanbul and are located just off the coast of İstanbul. They consist of Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada and Kınalıada. You can reach them all with the same boat. We recommend that you disembark at Büyükada, the largest of them all, and enjoy its historical buildings and unspoilt nature.