Views of Istanbul, Türkiye
Istanbul has one of the most beautiful skylines in the world—there’s no denying it. The sky itself seems to be in a permanent state of golden hour periwinkle blue while the mosques and monuments that dot the landscape offer endless picture-perfect sights to soak in.
While you can easily admire the skyline from street level—Istanbul happens to be home to a lot of really great rooftop bars and restaurants that allow you to gain a new perspective on the city. If you’re into great drinks and even better views, you’ll want to pencil some of these into your itinerary.
Sky Karaköy
Sky Karaköy in the JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus is one of the best spots in the city for taking in views of the Bosphorus and the historic Peninsula; the rooftop restaurant is set right across from the water and as such means every single seat in the house has a great vantage point. This is also an excellent spot to watch cruise ships come in and out; it’s right next door to the Gatalaport where most cruise ships dock.
A’YA Rooftop Lounge
Head to the rooftop of the Four Seasons Istanbul and you’ll be met with the stunning views and expertly crafted cocktails that make up A’YA Rooftop Lounge. The Four Seasons Istanbul is situated just around the corner from the crown jewel of the Istanbul skyline—the Hagia Sophia—which provides some of the absolute best views of the Byzantine architectural style, without the crowds.
Firuzende Galata
The Firuzende Galata is located on the rooftop of the Anemon Galata Hotel—which is directly next door to the infamous Galata Tower. This spot is more of a casual eatery than a bar—which is great because it means you’ll have even more time to sit back and digest the incredible views of the former watch tower.
Monkey Bar
You’ll find Monkey Bar on top of the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts in Şişhane; just up the hill from Karaköy. This cocktail bar is a bit more casual than the luxury-leaning options above with a rotating DJ set and slightly less expensive cocktails (still, expect to pay more here than you would at a ground-level cocktail bar).
16 Roof
Swissotel The Bosphorus has great views pretty much everywhere you look—from the lobby to the guest rooms—but its 16 Roof that offers the best of the bunch. This striking rooftop bar offers pinch-me panoramic views of the city skyline and the Bosphorus while the modern Turkish menu and creative cocktails come as a bonus.
