Top 7 Places For The Best View Of Istanbul

Istanbul has been built on seven hills and thus provides a scenic panoramic view to in captivate you.  There are perfect picturesque spot which will make you fall in love with the city all over again. We have shortlisted top 7 places for the best view of Istanbul. The following spots for you where you can not only take beautiful photography but can also enjoy scenic view.

1. Pierre Loti Hill

This hill was named after a French poet and writer who spent lot of his time enjoying the view over in Istanbul and completing his creative work. This hill is located in Eyup. There is a tea house which provides an opportunity of perfect view of Golden Horn. It gives you magnificent view of the landscape.

Additionally, it is also a special hill which has historic graveyard and have mausoleum of many famous sultans and pashas. You can also enjoy the view from Cable Car on this hill. The highest point of this hill is about half a kilometer from Telfer station.

Admission: It is Free!!

2. Galata Tower

Galata Tower is one of the most visited and popular site in Istanbul. It is one of our personal favourite as it gives a sneak peak of Istanbul skyline. Galata tower give a stunning 360 degree view of the city. The best time to vist this place is during the sunset. Beware of the rush hours and long waiting lines.

Galata Tower also known as Galata Kulesi is one of the highest and oldest towers in Istanbul standing proudly 63 meters in the old town of Istanbul. It was built in 14th century as a defence strategy. It is also known as “Christea Turris”, or “Tower of Christ”. This tower was used for the surveillance of the Harbour in the Golden Horn. The Genoese were involved in trade with the Byzantines and the tower was used for the surveillance of the Harbour in the Golden Horn and later in Mehmet II era it was used as watch tower to detect fires in the city.

Admission: 25 TL

3. Halic Bridge

This bridge and subway is located at the Golden Horn. If you visit this bridge before sunset you will be mesmerized by the picturesque view. You can walk on the bridge and enjoy the ferries sailing on Bosporus.

Admission: Free!

4. Maiden’s Tower

Maiden Tower also known as Kizkulesi dates back to the 5th century BC and was built by the Athenian general Alcibiades. It served as the entrance of the Bosporus and served as surveillance tool for the waterway. In 12th century it was restored and served as strong defence tower called as “Small Tower”. It served as lighthouse in Ottoman period after the conquest of Constantinople.

There are many legends attached to this Maiden Tower. One such folklore is that it was built to protect Sultan’s daughter from a prophecy that had predicted her death. You can visit this place by taking a boat from Üsküdar, which is located on the Asian side.

Admission: 15 TL

 

5. Büyük Valide Han

This one of the secret spot that you will love once you discover it. It is located near Grand Bazaar and you can easily ask direction for it. Once you find the place, you will meet a friendly old man who will greet you and will open the stair case which will take you to the top of the roof. The roof is without railing so just be careful with the steps. The view will certainly take your breath away. Don’t forget to show your kindness to the old man and handing him some tip as a gesture.

Admission: 1 TL

6. Camlica Hill

Camlica hill is one of the tallest hills of the seven hills of Istanbul. It is the hill which is on the Anatolian side of Istanbul and overlooking the Bosphorus and the Marmara Sea. It is divided into two sections “Büyük Çamlica” and “Kücük Çamlica” which translates to big and small respectively. The big hill is around 267 meters tall and the other one is 228 meters above the sea level. Camlica name is derived from the word “Cam” which literally means pine in Turkish. Here you can come in morning or at sunset to enjoy the birds eye view of Istanbul.

Admission: Free!

7. Topkapi Palace

Topkapi palace is built on the top of this hill in Ottoman era. It gives majestic view of both European and Asian side with royal flavour. You can enjoy your coffee or tea while admiring the scenic view.

Admission: 40 TL

Have you visited any of these places in Istanbul? Or do you know other spots?

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