Buy Now

Best Observation Decks to go for the best views of Istanbul

Istanbul is beautiful. With the glamorous Bosphorus and the Golden Hornobservation decks in Istanbul to see this amazing city from above.

Ekim Erkan
Ekim Erkan
October 26, 2022 • 4 min
Best Observation Decks to go for the best views of Istanbul


In this article, we take a closer look at the three observation decks in Istanbul for you to go for the best views in Istanbul. In addition to the observation decks, we want to give you some tips to see the beautiful Istanbul from above. Let’s start. 


An Exceptional View of Istanbul 


An Exceptional View of Istanbul


İstanbul Sapphire Observation Deck


The Sapphire Observation Deck is one of the best spots to visit in Istanbul, with a breathtaking 360-degree view from the top floor of the Sapphire building. The Sapphire Shopping Mall is located in the lively neighbourhood of 4. Levent on the European side of the city, and it’s very easy to get there by subway.


At the Sapphire Observation Deck, you'll be amazed to see how big Istanbul really is! You can take amazing pictures of the city and the Bosphorus, plus there are some delicious food options there. Why not enjoy a delicious dessert with a view or have a romantic dinner at the Vista Cafe & Restaurant?


There is also a SkyRide 4D helicopter simulation on the deck for you to "fly" over the city to see Istanbul's famous landmarks as if you've never seen them before!


 


The Sapphire Observation deck is a great tourist attraction with its incredible view and modern structure. The Sapphire Residence, one of the tallest structures in Istanbul, provides a breathtaking sight. With Istanbul Tourist Pass, the whole of Istanbul is just beneath your feet for FREE.


Share the amazing photos you take from Sapphire Observation Deck with us, here is our Instagram account: @istanbultouristpass. And don’t forget to check out Istanbul Tourist Pass and 120+ FREE attractions you can get in with it here. 


 


Dare to walk in the sky?


 Dare to walk in the sky?


Emaar Skyview 


On the Anatolian side of beautiful Istanbul, Emaar Skyview is located on the 47th and 48th floors of Emaar Square Mall. When you get there, you will encounter a breathtaking view of this beautiful city from a glass-viewing terrace. From the Galata Bridge, the Golden Horn, and the Prince’s Islands to the Bosphorus you can see many landmarks of the city. 


In this observation deck, you will see the city with an uninterrupted 360-degree view. There is also a SkyWalk section which is consisted of a whole glass floor. Stepping onto the glass, you will be 300 metres above sea level. If you are brave enough to step on the glass, share your photos with us we’d like to hear from you! Here is our Instagram.


There is also a cafe on the terrace in which you can enjoy your coffee with an amazing view.  If you are on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, you may consider giving it a go. You can reach Emaar Skyview from Emaar Square Mall with an elevator only in 58 seconds!


 


587 metres above sea level


 587 metres above sea level


Kule Observation Deck


Kule or the Tower is the tallest building in Istanbul with a height of 587 meters above sea level. The Tower has 49 floors including four of which are underground. 


Kule Observation Deck is on the Camlica Radio & TV Tower which rises on the Camlica Hill on the Anatolian side of Istanbul. The Tower is a new symbol of Istanbul, which is combining new technology with history and is surrounded by the natural beauty of Camlica. 


The tower also has a cafe and souvenir shop for visitors. We would love to hear about your experiences if you get there. Here is our Instagram account; @istanbultouristpass follow us! 


 


Other Great Places with wonderful views in Istanbul


Other Great Places with wonderful views in Istanbul


With the Istanbul Tourist Pass you can also visit the Galata Tower and the Topkapi Palace Museum for FREE, and both of these places have great views of Istanbul. You can enjoy history and the view at the same time. 


Check out other great attractions included in your Pass for FREE. There are more than 100 of them! 

 


 

Find more Istanbul inspiration

Food Tours in Istanbul: Gastro Experiences Included with the Istanbul Tourist Pass®
calendar_today May 23, 2026 • 14 min

Food Tours in Istanbul: Gastro Experiences Included with the Istanbul Tourist Pass®

Turkey’s Republic Day: What to Do in Istanbul on October 29th
calendar_today Oct 8, 2024 • 6 min

Turkey’s Republic Day: What to Do in Istanbul on October 29th

If you visit Istanbul on October 29th, a unique experience awaits you! Republic Day celebrates the founding of the Republic of Turkey, and it is a special day for both the Turkish people and tourists exploring this historic city. Every year, lively events, concerts, and celebrations fill the streets of Istanbul, creating a festive atmosphere. […]

Basilica Cistern: History and Today
calendar_today Jan 25, 2023 • 8 min

Basilica Cistern: History and Today

The Basilica Cistern, located southwest of Hagia Sophia, is one of Istanbul’s best tourist attractions.

History of Spice Bazaar
calendar_today Aug 6, 2021 • 4 min

History of Spice Bazaar

The historical Egyptian Bazaar is one of Istanbul’s main bazaars that dates back to the Ottomans.

Summer & Sea Holiday in Istanbul: Kilyos
calendar_today Mar 29, 2023 • 9 min

Summer & Sea Holiday in Istanbul: Kilyos

Istanbul is a cosmopolitan city full of things to do, see, and experience. Generally, Istanbul is famous for its historical buildings, beautiful mosques, ancient churches, and amazing Bosphorus. But Istanbul has also vibrant city life and colorful nightlife. In this article, we are going to look at one of the unique places in Istanbul, Kilyos. […]

Football, nightlife, culture: Here is Besiktas Istanbul
calendar_today Apr 7, 2023 • 11 min

Football, nightlife, culture: Here is Besiktas Istanbul

Istanbul is a beautiful city with wonderful things to do, see, and experience. One of the best things about this massive city is that it has many districts each having its own identity, culture, and lifestyle. In this article, we are going to look at one of the unique districts with a deep history and […]

Easy Transportation in Istanbul
calendar_today Feb 6, 2023 • 6 min

Easy Transportation in Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the world's most crowded cities, with a surface area of over 5,000 km². Getting around is not always straightforward. Furthermore, the topography of the area makes the construction of public transit difficult. Istanbul was built on several hills. 
 
 In order to improve public transportation in Istanbul, the city is […]

Most Popular Historic Mosques You Must Visit in Istanbul
calendar_today Feb 21, 2023 • 9 min

Most Popular Historic Mosques You Must Visit in Istanbul

Thanks to its deep history which is comprised of many empires, cultures and religions, Istanbul is one of the most culturally rich and diverse cities in the world

Healthcare Services in Istanbul: A Comprehensive Guide for Travelers
calendar_today Jun 5, 2023 • 12 min

Healthcare Services in Istanbul: A Comprehensive Guide for Travelers

As one of the most vibrant and popular tourist destinations in the world, Istanbul welcomes millions of visitors each year. To ensure a safe and worry-free trip, it's important to familiarize yourself with the healthcare system in Istanbul. This comprehensive guide will provide you with valuable information about hospitals, medical services, and general healthcare in […]

Must Know Tips for First Time Istanbul Visitors
calendar_today Feb 17, 2023 • 7 min

Must Know Tips for First Time Istanbul Visitors

Istanbul is a significant destination since it is located on Europe’s equator, where east and west converge.