Bosphorus Strait

Istanbul's Best Viewpoints

This collection highlights Istanbul’s diverse topography, spanning from the historic Sultanahmet district to the northern reaches of the Bosphorus. It features 17th-century Ottoman landmarks like the Blue Mosque and Topkapı Palace alongside modern engineering feats like the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge. Natural vantage points include Pierre Loti Hill overlooking the Golden Horn and several peaks within the Belgrad Forest. These locations offer views of the city's unique position across two continents, encompassing Byzantine ruins, Ottoman fortresses, and the maritime traffic of the strait.

Istanbul's Best Viewpoints — Map

travisreitter / CC BY-SA 2.0

A

The Blue Mosque

Historic Ottoman mosque known for its six minarets and intricate blue tile interior decoration. It is an active place of worship and a significant example of Ottoman architecture.

Gryffindor / Public domain

B

Topkapı Palace

Historic Ottoman palace and former royal residence featuring centuries-old architecture and extensive imperial collections, now functioning as a museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

CC BY-SA 2.1 es

C

Eyüp-Pierre Lotti Aerial Cable Car

This cable car offers great views of the Golden Horn and the Eyüp district. Although the ride lasts less than 3 minutes, it's worth taking!

D

Garipçe Kalesi

18th-century Ottoman fortress situated on a rocky promontory where the Bosphorus meets the Black Sea. It was built during the reign of Sultan Mustafa III for coastal defense.

Nedim Ardoğa / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Fatih Sultan Mehmet Köprüsü

Also known as the Second Bosphorus Bridge, this suspension bridge was completed in 1988. It spans 1,090 meters between Hisarüstü and Kavacık, connecting the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.

Bollweevil / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Column of Constantine

There used to be a statue of Constantine the Great atop of this Roman column.

G

Eyüp Tepesi

Named after French novelist Pierre Loti, this hill provides a panoramic view of the Golden Horn. The site includes a historic 19th-century coffeehouse and overlooks the Eyüp Sultan Mosque.

H

Büyükbentüstü Tepesi

Elevated peak located in the Belgrad Forest, offering views over the historic Büyük Bent dam and the surrounding northern woodlands.

I

Bozalan Tepesi

Natural high point located in the northern forest region of Istanbul, situated near the Black Sea coast.

J

Havuzlar Tepesi

Wooded peak situated within the Belgrad Forest area in northern Istanbul.

K

Küçükbağlar Tepesi

Elevated natural spot located in the northern part of the city, providing vistas of the surrounding forest landscape.

VikiPicture / CC BY-SA 4.0

L

Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge

The Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge is a bridge for rail and motor vehicle transit over the Bosphorus strait, to the north of two existing…

VikiPicture / CC BY-SA 4.0

M

Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge

The Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge is a bridge for rail and motor vehicle transit over the Bosphorus strait, to the north of two existing…