13 Places in Istanbul With the Best View
You can look at Istanbul closely, you can observe the details in its streets, a window in one of its streets, and the fine details in its architectural works. You can also look at Istanbul from far away. You can gaze upon the grandeur of minarets of historical mosques up in the sky, the elegance of bridges like embroidery across the Bosporus, the mansions located side-by-side along the Bosporus, or the magnificent palaces… We present a list of observation hills that you can go to see the unique beauties of Istanbul. Don’t forget to bring your camera. Enjoy the view.
- Camlica Hill: Camlica Hill, a place in Istanbul with one of the best views, is located in the Anatolian side of the city at Uskudar district. Separated into two areas which are Buyuk (“Big”) Camlica and Kucuk (“Small”) Camlica, the hill is among the popular areas in Istanbul. It is possible to view the Bosporus, Prince Islands, the Golden Horn, and Beyoglu from Camlica Hill.
- Pierre Loti Hill: Known as the best place to view the Golden Horn landscape in Istanbul, Pierre Loti Hill is located in Eyup district. Besides its perfect view, Pierre Loti Hill also became one of the most visited places on the city with facilities that operate under the same name. The combination of the pleasure of breakfast and coffee and the unique landscape offers a nice time for the visitors at the facility.
- Galata Tower: One of the most historically significant towers of the world, Galata Tower comes first among the most interesting places of Istanbul. The reason of this attention towards the tower is that it is possible to panoramically view the entire Istanbul at the top of the tower, besides its history. Landscapes of Galata, the Golden Horn, the Bosporus, Eminonu, Topkapi and Sultanahmet can be easily seen at the top of Galata Tower.
- Maiden’s Tower: The Maiden’s Tower, one of the most important symbols of Istanbul, is located 150-200 meters away from Salacak, at Uskudar. It is possible to use the café and restaurant services while enjoying the 360-degrees Bosporus view. The access to tower is made by boats departing from Salacak or Kabatas.
- Suleymaniye: Founded on the side of the third hill of Istanbul facing the Golden Horn, Suleymaniye has a very unique and special view. In Suleymaniye, one of the most historically significant districts of Istanbul, Suleymaniye Mosque stands out among the places that visitors are the most interested in.
- Aydos Hill:Aydos Hill is the highest location in Istanbul with 537 meters of height. Aydos Castle, Kinaliada, Burgazada, Heybeliada, and Buyukada can be clearly seen at the top of the hill. Aydos Hill is ideal for those who are in the city looking for some time with peace, away from the noise of the city.
- Anadolu Hisari: Anadolu Hisari is one of the most beautiful districts of Istanbul, and is located near the coast of Bosporus as the Anatolian side. With cafés, tea gardens, and restaurants found in the Bosporus view and its surrounding area, Anadolu Hisari comes first among the places that must be visited by everyone coming to Istanbul.
- Ulus Park: Ulus Park, one of the most special places of Istanbul in terms of its view, is located in the European side of the city. It is possible to see both the Historical Peninsula and the gorgeous landscape of the Bosporus when visiting the park.
- Beykoz Grove: Located in Beykoz district at the Anatolian side, Beykoz Grove is one of the most peaceful places of Istanbul with its fresh air and its location far away from the noise. With an unique view of the Bosporus, and with verdant areas, Beykoz Grove offers a visual feast for its visitors.
- Gulhane Park:Found in Eminonu district within Fatih, Istanbul, Gulhane Park stands out as one of the places to breathe in some fresh air in Istanbul with its nature. Besides beautiful gardens with the view of Bosporus, there are also various trees and cafés in the park.
- Otagtepe: Otagtepe, located in Kavacik, is found in an unmatched location offering the visitors the beauty of Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge both during the day and the night. The name of Otagtepe comes from the war tent erected by Bayezid I who once besieged the city. You can see a wide range of flowers and other plants at Fatih Grove found in Otagtepe.
- Yusa Hill: Yusa Hill, located in Beykoz, is also famous for its tomb in addition to its landscape. The Tomb of Yusa Baba on the top of the hill attracts visitors from both the city and the other regions of Turkey. Despite being a little far away, a large portion of the city can be seen from this hill.
- Nakkastepe: Nakkastepe is also a great choice to observe Istanbul from the Anatolian side. You can view the most attractive districts of the city such as Ortakoy, Kurucesme, Besiktas and Dolmabahce from the district located at the Anatolian foot of the Bosporus Bridge.