Istanbul is a beautiful city with its unique characteristics, and if you reading this blog now, you probably have seen many card postal-like photos of Istanbul - many of which include iconic landmarks of the city! Today, we will have a look at the best places to see Istanbul and fall in love with the breathtaking views of the city. We have gathered many options for you to choose from Bosphorus cruises to historical towers. But before we dig into that, let's have a look at the best way to explore Istanbul with great savings: Istanbul Tourist Pass®.
Istanbul Tourist Pass® is proudly presented by 30-year-old istanbul.com which combines the best of everything about Istanbul. The Pass includes over 100 attractions and services, and many of them are exclusive to the Pass. There are many local Istanbul experts working behind the Istanbul Tourist Pass® so you can have the best experience in the city we live in and are in love with. We want you to be Istanbul's ambassadors wherever you live and tell you the magical experiences you had with your loved ones. We want you to come again and again, so we don't see our customers as one-time-paid customers. That's why we guarantee your savings in Istanbul, more than 70% on top attractions. Now let's get back to the best places to get the perfect views of Istanbul!
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Towers of Istanbul for the Best Views of the City
Istanbul's towers are the ideal places to view the city's skyline, which is a stunning blend of mass urbanization and historical charm. Every tower, a modern skyscraper or a historic building, provides a unique perspective of this beautiful city. Each viewpoint has a different story to tell the visitors. Let us guide you to the ones that truly stand out for the most unforgettable views, especially as the sun sets over the Bosphorus. Don't forget to take as many beautiful photos as possible and share them with us!
Camlica Tower: The Highest Panoramic Spot in Istanbul
The first tower we would love to mention is the youngest one of all, but also the tallest: Camlica Radio Tower. Sitting beautifully on Istanbul’s tallest hill, Camlica Tower gives you a view that stretches farther than you can imagine.
The Tower is built to look like a tulip in the middle of the city. It’s the highest spot in the city, offering unique views that bring together Istanbul’s rich history and vibrant present. The Bosphorus snakes its way below, dividing Europe and Asia like a shimmering ribbon. Make sure to take your time here, perhaps with a warm glass of Turkish tea at the café while soaking in the breathtaking scenery. Enjoy your every minute there!
Maiden's Tower: The Most Iconic Landmark of Istanbul
Although Maiden's Tower is a symbol of romantic stories in Istanbul, as romantic as it gets, Maiden's Tower stands lonesomely on a little islet in the Bosphorus. Maiden's Tower is an iconic landmark, you have probably seen many photos of it on the internet. So prepare yourself to visit the Tower if you want to witness magical views of Istanbul.
Your visit to Maiden's Tower will feel more mystical because of the numerous legends and stories surrounding this location -you can listen to those stories and legends on your audio guide. You won't be seeing Istanbul from above, on the contrary, you will feel like the city is surrounding you, and you are on a small leaf swimming on the Bosphorus! No matter the hour of the day, just plan you visit, Maiden's Tower has tales for everyone.
Galata Tower
Galata Tower isn't just a tower but it is the one of the most famous Istanbul icons. Located just in the center of vibrant Beyoglu district, the Galata Tower is a medieval marvel with a story to tell. Climbing it is like stepping back in time, but the real reward is the view from the top.
Imagine this: the Golden Horn shimmering below, the Bosphorus winding its way through the city, and the historic old city spread out like a map. So take your time and visit Galata Tower. What you will see from the Tower's balcony is truly breathtaking, especially at sunset in a warm summer summer day; prepare for magic. Sunset in Istanbul is always beautiful yes, but watching the city from this historical tower is an unmatched experience.
Sapphire Observation Deck
Sapphire is one of the most popular tourist locations in Istanbul. The Sapphire Mall and the observation deck on top of it are pretty famous among the tourists visiting Istanbul. this does not mean it is boring and dull, on the contrary, it is a must-see even for locals to gain a new perspective on Istanbul.
Sapphire is located at the economic heart of Istanbul and the views from there are not what you expect because of that. You will see the modern Istanbul and old town together and the beautiful Bosphorus lying between them. The Sapphire Observation Deck has also interactive features that may make your stay more enjoyable if you are interested. You can enjoy a thrilling simulated helicopter flight with aerial view of Istanbul or you can watch the city with high-tech binoculars that allow you to examine distant sites with crisp focus. So, don't miss it while you are in Istanbul.
Emaar Skyview Observation Deck & Skywalk
The Emaar Skyview is the place to go if you want to mix up your sightseeing with a little adventure thanks to its unmatched glass floor! One of the most exciting ways to observe Istanbul from above is the Skywalk, which has a glass floor and is undoubtedly not for the faint of heart, but don't worry not all the floor is made up of glass, so you can also view the city without an extra excitement.
But if you prefer to get on the Skywalk then you'll feel like the city sprawling out below you as you stroll on air. Whether you choose to walk on the glass floor or not, you can see everything from the busy streets far below to the Bosphorus and the Princes' Islands from Emaar Skyview Observation Deck. Emaar is also a huge and rich mall and a perfect destination for shopping lovers, so you can spend hours there. Pro tip: for a genuinely amazing experience, try to visit around sunset.
Cruises on the Bosphorus: Unforgettable Views from the Water
Istanbul is truly beautiful, especially thanks to the Bosphorus lying between two continents. So it is not hard to guess that the Istanbul views from the Bosphorus are truly unmatched! Let's have a look at the top cruises you can get on the Bosphorus to see Istanbul in a magical atmosphere.
Le Vapeur Magique Cruise Ship
You might have seen the famous "Black Ship" on the Bosphorus while you are traveling across the Bosphorus. This black ship is actually a floating restaurant which serves delicious food with amazing Istanbul views! The Le Vapeur Magique offers dinners and breakfasts but for the sake of this blog, we would love to recommend you the morning Turkish breakfast cruise. Breakfast isn't just a meal in Turkey but instead it is a rich experience with delicious foods, traditional pastries, and hot tea.
Especially if you are on a beautifully restored historical ferry, it becomes even more magical. To get the best views of Bosphorus with unlimited and delicious food and drinks, and live music; consider booking your spot right away. You will have an unforgettable experience and definitely amazing insta-worthy photos! The Le Vapeur Magique a truly exceptional way to experience the beauty of the Bosphorus.
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Shows
Cruising the Bosphorus at night is one of the best experiences you can have in Istanbul. The shining lights of the city, Maiden's Tower, and Bosphorus Bridge provide a magical setting for an evening of authentic Turkish cuisine and entertainment.
A dinner Cruise on the Bosphorus is a great choice for everyone who'd like to have an authentic Turkish experience with its delicious foods and of course the belly dancer! After dinner, sip your Turkish coffee and enjoy traditional music and dance performances from different regions of Turkey. It will definitely be a highlight of your trip to Istanbul!
Golden Horn & Bosphorus Sunset Cruise
As the sun sets, Istanbul's ageless charm reaches its zenith, and prepare to embark on an incredible voyage on the Golden Horn & Bosphorus Sunset Cruise. You will be rewarded with expansive views of the city's most famous sites glowing in the warm, golden light of evening as you cruise the calm waters of the Golden Horn and Bosphorus.
As the day flawlessly gives way to night and the historic skyline is enchanted, take in the captivating ambiance from this beautiful cruise ship. It sounds poetic right? Maybe this is the reason there are many poets who have lived in Istanbul through time. The romance and enchantment of the setting sun permeate every moment of this twilight cruise, providing a singular viewpoint of Istanbul's splendor.
Museums with Breathtaking Views of Istanbul
Istanbul's museums always attract visitors from all over the world to witness the amazingly rich history of the city. But in this blog, we will talk about another characteristic of some of these museums: their breathtaking views of Istanbul! Here are the top three museums for you to visit not only for their rich history but also their offerings of amazing sights of Istanbul. So get ready and grab your Pass so you can visit the top Istanbul museums with ease by skipping the long lines!
Dolmabahce Palace Museum
Dolmabahce Palace is one of the most visited landmarks in Istanbul because of its beautiful architectural structure and rich history. But for the sake of this blog post, we want you remind you that it is also a great point to fall in love with Istanbul! In every season, there is a different yet magical view of Istanbul for visitors.
After enjoying the huge interior of the Palace, take time and discover the lush gardens of the Dolmabahce Palace just next to the Bosphorus. Then for a minute, just don't take any photos or videos, give yourself time to absorb the beauty of Istanbul. You may feel like a Sultan looking at the city from your palace.
Rumeli Fortress Museum
Here is a different type of museum you visit: Rumeli Fortress, which is situated on the European side of the Bosphorus. As a fortress, it has of course a distinctive level of expansive views of the Bosphorus. This sizable, historic stronghold was constructed before Constantinople's takeover by the Ottoman Empire.
Today, visitors can observe the Bosphorus and recognize its historical significance from the Rumeli Fortress' walls. A powerful impression is produced by the fortress's scale and the expansive views. To be fair, it is not the most popular attraction in Istanbul, so enjoy being unique and take great photos to show your loved ones!
Topkapi Palace Museum
For many years, Topkapi Palace was the center of the Ottoman Empire and now it is a huge and beautiful museum, offering you a look into the lives of the sultans and the empire's history. Other than its rich collections and unique exhibits, the Topkapi Palace also offers its visitors amazing views of the city and the Golden Horn.
Thanks to its elevated position, the Palace terraces give visitors a good view of Istanbul's skyline. You can enjoy the views and feel like you are a part of the deep history of Istanbul. Maybe only the combination of history and views makes Topkapi Palace enough for a visit.
Istanbul Tourist Pass®: Your Key to Breathtaking Views
Istanbul Tourist Pass® is one of the best gifts to give yourself if you are planning an Istanbul trip. The Pass gives you access to 100+ attractions and services. In those 100+ attractions, you can find the top museums, the best family activities, or entrance tickets to the most popular shows in the city. Also among those attractions, you can find the best spots with breathtaking Istanbul views. So, if you like to see this amazing city from the best locations and take amazing photos, grab your Pass today. At the end of your journey, you will see that you have saved 70% of the regular ticket prices. Whatever decision you have, we wish you a great time in Istanbul. It is the city we love the most, and we live in.
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