Guide to Enjoy the Best Views of Istanbul

By Justin Mays:

It is well known to all that Istanbul is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It has it all: countless historical monuments, good gastronomy, Mediterranean climate, hospitable people... To this list, we would also like to add dreamy views. And it is not surprising because, having sea, hills, bridges, and mosques, the skyline of the metropolis leaves no one indifferent. Sometimes it seems that you are looking at a postcard.

Do you already have a favorite place from which to observe Istanbul? If you still do not have a clear answer, here are five places that offer a spectacular view of the city. We hope you like them!

Pierre Loti

Pierre Loti may be one of the most popular places in Istanbul. It is one of the restaurants with the most history in the metropolis, as its name pays homage to the famous French writer Pierre Loti, who lived in the city between 1850 and 1923.

It is a picturesque place for many reasons, but mainly because it shares space with the Eyüp cemetery. This is an important fact because there are only two ways to access Pierre Loti: by funicular or by walking across the cemetery. If you decide to leave the restaurant after 10:00 p.m., the funicular will already be closed and you will only have one option.

From Pierre Loti, located on the top of a hill, you can enjoy spectacular views of Istanbul. In addition, being located near the Golden Horn, you can also recharge your batteries with the color of the sea. If you decide to go during the day, you will be able to appreciate the details of the city, although it is also a beautiful place to go at night, since you will be able to see the metropolis completely illuminated.

Galata Tower

The second place with the most beautiful views of Istanbul is, without a doubt, the Galata Tower. Located in the Beyoglu district, this building may be one of the most romantic things in the metropolis. From the top of this historical monument, you will be able to enjoy a 360-degree view of the city. This is why this tower is a perfect place to enjoy the sunset, since it allows you to observe the exterior of the building from any of its angles, so you will be able to enjoy a complete sunset.

Although it is always a good idea to make plans alone, we recommend that you enjoy, at least once in your life, these views accompanied by a loved one, since it is a postcard that you will always remember. It has an incomparable beauty that leaves no one indifferent, day or night.

Otagtepe

On the other hand, in the Beykoz district, we find Otagtepe Park, also known as Fatih Grove. To give you an idea, its views are so spectacular that some people refer to it as 'fake heaven'. It is located near the Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridge, far from the tourist areas of Istanbul, which makes it the perfect place to walk and disconnect from the noise of the city.

But even though it is not a popular place for tourists, it is for people who live in Istanbul. Perhaps the main reason for this popularity is the views that Otagtepe offers of the Bosphorus and the metropolis. It is a super quiet park, which does not have cafeterias or restaurants, but offers its visitors an endless number of facilities: walking paths, rest areas, picnic areas, small ponds, and benches, among others. It is the perfect place to walk during the weekend.

Buyuk Valide Han

Another of the places that enjoy spectacular views of Istanbul is Buyuk Valide Han, one of the most mysterious rooftops in the metropolis. This special place is located near the Grand Bazaar, in the Fatih district. The building was built during the 17th century and was declared a historical heritage of Istanbul just a few decades later, in 1983.

Currently, it is one of the most popular terraces in the city, where all kinds of travelers usually go, from tourists to photography lovers. What makes this place a special place is, mainly, its ancient aesthetics. But this is not all, Buyuk Valide Han also has one of the most beautiful views of Istanbul. From the terrace, you can enjoy a perfect skyline of Istanbul, with views of the Bosphorus and some of the most popular mosques.

Çamlica Hill

Finally, if you want to enjoy beautiful views of the metropolis, we recommend you go to Çamlica Hill, located in the Asian part of Istanbul, in the Üsküdar district. This hill, which is about 270 meters above sea level, has a perfect view of the city since from it you can see the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, and several of the most important mosques in Istanbul.

The Çamlica Hill has cafes, traditional restaurants, and places to drink tea. It is also full of flower gardens, trees, and fountains. It is the perfect place to go for a walk at any time of the year or to go for a picnic with your loved ones when the weather is nice.