The Ultimate Guide to Enjoying Istanbul's Skyline: Best Viewing Terraces

İrem Uğur
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Observation terraces in high-rise buildings or towers offer the opportunity to look at the surroundings and the view from the highest points. In some cities, glass observation decks can also be built in nature. People with a fear of heights may even find it difficult to walk on these observation decks. There are many observation terraces in Istanbul, both in buildings and on hills. These terraces allow you to look at Istanbul, the City of Seven Hills, from above. You can find the list of observation terraces from which you can enjoy the Bosphorus and all points of Istanbul.

Istanbul Sapphire Observation Terrace

Sapphire is the tallest shopping center in Istanbul. This height was also utilized and an observation terrace was built on the gigantic tower. The terrace is located on the 54th floor. Here visitors can feel the whole of Istanbul under their feet. 

You can reach the shopping center by metro, metrobus, bus and Marmaray. The mall is located in Levent and is open from 10.00 to 22.00. For those coming from the Anatolian side, it may be more convenient to use Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge.

Adress: Emniyetevleri, Eski Büyükdere Cd. No:1, 34415 Kâğıthane/İstanbul

Büyük Valide Han

Named after Kösem Mahpeyker Valide Sultan, Büyük Valide Han is one of the most beautiful viewing areas in Istanbul. Inside the inn, there are hookah shops, lamp shops and shops serving many different concepts.

The feature of this place as a viewing terrace is the domes on its roof. You can see huge photo queues forming here, especially on weekends. The building is located in Eminönü neighborhood.

Adress: Mercan, Büyük Valide Han Mercan, Çakmakçılar Ykş. no: 31, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul

Pierre Loti Hill

Pierre Loti Hill, where you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Golden Horn, is one of the most famous places in Istanbul. Moreover, this place even found its place in Evliya Çelebi's Seyahatname.

With its garden that can host 1400 people, Pierre Loti Hill fascinates its visitors in every sense. You can get here by using transportation such as bus, metro, Marmaray and ferry.

Adress: Eyüp Merkez, Karyağdı Sk. No:20, 34050 Eyüpsultan/İstanbul

Galata Tower

Galata Tower, which represents Istanbul, which is in almost all Istanbul photographs, the meeting place of lovers... This is one of the unique spots where you can watch Istanbul from the top. Located in Beyoğlu, Galata Tower can also be visited with a Museum Card.

You can get here from many points in Istanbul by bus and metro. If you are coming from the Anatolian side, you can use the ferry.

Adress: Bereketzade Mahallesi Büyük Hendek Caddesi, Numara: 2, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul

Aydos Hill

Located on the Anatolian side, Aydos Hill is one of the few places in Istanbul with its lush green nature. At 537 meters high, this is the highest place in Istanbul. Aydos Hill, where you can watch the city, is also a place where you can take a tour in its forests.

It is possible to reach Aydos Hill via Kartal-Yakacık and Sultanbeyli directions using the E-5 and TEM connections. If you wish, you can cool off around the pond; you can bring your food and have a picnic at the promenade.

Adress: Ertuğrul Gazi, 34909 Pendik/İstanbul

Dragos Hill

Another special spot where you can watch Istanbul is Dragos Hill. This hill is also located on the Anatolian side and offers a unique view to its visitors. Dragos Hill, which has a view of the Marmara Sea, is very suitable for taking photos and having a coffee with your loved ones against the view.

You can reach Dragos Hill in Kartal by transportation vehicles such as minibuses and buses.

Adress: Orhantepe, Turgut Özal Bulvarı. No:10, 34865 Kartal/İstanbul

Maiden's Tower

Like the Galata Tower, another one of the symbols of Istanbul is the Maiden's Tower. You can look at Istanbul from a very different perspective from the Maiden's Tower, which has witnessed countless romantic moments. 

It is possible to reach the Maiden's Tower with ferries from Üsküdar, Salacak and Kabataş. As of August 2022, the tower is under restoration and we recommend that you check whether the work is finished before going to the tower.

Adress: Salacak, 34668 Üsküdar/İstanbul

Çamlıca Hill

Çamlıca Hill is one of the nostalgic hills where you can watch the Bosphorus. This is one of the iconic places in Istanbul. Çamlıca Hill, where you can enjoy the wonderful view, is located in Üsküdar on the Anatolian side.

Çamlıca Hill, which you can reach by Metrobus and buses or by your own private car, is one of the few places that allows you to watch Istanbul under your feet.

Adress: Kısıklı, Çamlıca Tepesi yl No:25/10, 34692 Üsküdar/İstanbul

Otağtepe Fatih Grove

Located in Kavacık, this grove has unique views both day and night. Located right next to the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, the grove offers a unique view of the bridge at every moment of the day.

Otağtepe Fatih Grove, full of colorful flowers and plants, is one of the places where you can enjoy the Bosphorus.

Adress: Kavacık, 34810 Beykoz/İstanbul

Yuşa Hill

Yuşa Hazretleri Hill is one of the few spots in Istanbul with its sea view, calmness and peaceful environment. Located in Beykoz, Yuşa Hazretleri Hill attracts visitors from many parts of Turkey.

From the hill, you can get the chance to watch many points of the city, albeit from a distance.

Adress: Anadolu Kavağı, 34825 Beykoz/İstanbul