Galata Tower to Bosphorus Cruises: Istanbul's Best Views with One Pass

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!

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.