Hotels in Istanbul
Istanbul, a city where East meets West, has a lively rooftop scene with sweeping views over the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn and its landmark minarets. Its high terraces are the ideal setting to take in the city's unusual mix of history and modern life.
Istanbul's rooftop hotels look out over a city split by water, and that is what sets their terraces apart: the Bosphorus runs between Europe and Asia, the Golden Horn cuts into the European side, and the Sea of Marmara opens to the south. In Sultanahmet, low hotels on the old city's hill face the domes and minarets of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, with ships waiting at anchor offshore. Across the Golden Horn, Karaköy, Galata and Cihangir climb steeply, so terraces there look back at the Süleymaniye Mosque or along the Bosphorus towards its bridges. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons up top, summer evenings stay warm past sunset, and the call to prayer rising from the mosques at dusk is part of every view.
Istanbul in numbers
Golden Horn Bosphorus Hotel
Bosphorus panoramas from a luxurious rooftop in the heart of Istanbul
White House Hotel Istanbul
Historic Istanbul views from a refined rooftop bar
Four-G Hotel
Istanbul's historic heart, with sea views from a peaceful rooftop
Tilas - Rooms in 19th Century Wooden Townhouse,Kadikoy
A historic townhouse with a rooftop terrace overlooking Istanbul
Blu Macel Hotel & Suites -Old City Sultanahmet
Istanbul's skyline from a rooftop terrace, where history meets the horizon
Henna Hotel Istanbul
Historic Istanbul views from an adults-only rooftop sun terrace
Union Hotel Port
A central Istanbul stay, close to the city's vibrant pulse
Katelya Hotel
City-center comfort with essential amenities for a smooth stay
BayMari Suites City Life
Experience Istanbul's skyline from the comfort of your suite
DORUK PALAS HOTEL
Istanbul's skyline from a panoramic rooftop terrace
Feycem Suites Hotel
Istanbul's historic heart, attentive service, and potential city views
Thank You Hotel Sultanahmet
Historic Istanbul views from a captivating rooftop terrace
Hotel Ravi
A central Istanbul stay with a relaxed rooftop terrace
Mula Hotel
A tranquil sun terrace for city views and serene moments
Meretto Hotel LALELİ
Istanbul's skyline unfolds from this welcoming rooftop terrace
Livro Hotel
Istanbul's skyline from a serene rooftop, steps from historic wonders
Radisson Residences Avrupa TEM Istanbul
Skyline views and serene spa moments in spacious Istanbul residences
DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul - Sirkeci
Bosphorus views from a panoramic rooftop terrace in old Istanbul
Angel's Home Hotel - Angel Group Hotels
Historic charm meets iconic Istanbul views from a rooftop terrace
The Magnaura Palace Hotel
Historic Istanbul views from a serene rooftop terrace
What to expect
- The Bosphorus between Europe and Asia, with ferries and its suspension bridges in view
- Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque seen from terraces on the Sultanahmet hill
- The Golden Horn framed by the Süleymaniye Mosque and the Galata Tower
- Ships at anchor on the Sea of Marmara below the old city's southern slope
- Sunset behind the historic peninsula's skyline of domes and minarets
- Steep Karaköy, Galata and Cihangir streets giving terraces a natural lift
Local tips
- ✓Choose Sultanahmet for close views of the great mosques, or Karaköy and Cihangir for the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn seen from the hills of Beyoğlu.
- ✓Head up at dusk to watch the city light up gradually, when the call to prayer echoes between the minarets of the old city.
- ✓Check which way a terrace faces before booking, since a rooftop on the same street can look at the sea, at the mosques, or at nothing but neighbouring roofs.
- ✓Try hotel terraces rather than the busiest standalone rooftop bars, as they tend to be calmer and less crowded on summer evenings.
- ✓Reserve ahead for dinners and weekend evenings, because the tables along the terrace edge with the clearest views are always the first to go.
- ✓Catch a ferry from Eminönü or Karaköy to Kadıköy at sunset to see the historic peninsula's skyline from the water before heading up to your terrace.
Where to stay
FAQ
When is the best time of year for rooftops in Istanbul?
April to early June and September to October offer the most comfortable weather for open-air terraces. Summer evenings are pleasant too, though busier, so book ahead in July and August. Winter brings rain and cold winds, and many terraces close or move indoors.
Are there rooftops with Bosphorus views in Istanbul?
Yes. Many hotels and bars in Beyoğlu, Karaköy and Cihangir look along the Bosphorus, with views of the bridges, the Asian shore and constant ferry traffic. Terraces in Sultanahmet more often face the Sea of Marmara or the Golden Horn.
Can non-guests visit hotel rooftops in Istanbul?
Most rooftop bars and restaurants welcome outside visitors, even if they are not staying at the hotel. Policies vary, and some terraces keep space for residents at busy times, so check with the venue and book a table for sunset.
Are there family-friendly rooftops in Istanbul?
Some are. Rooftop restaurants, especially in Sultanahmet, often welcome families earlier in the evening, while bars in Beyoğlu lean towards an adult crowd later on. Ask about the atmosphere and age policy before going up with children.
What time is sunset in Istanbul in summer?
Around 8:40pm in late June, which leaves long evenings on the terrace. By late September it falls closer to 7pm. Turkey stays on the same time all year, so winter sunsets come early, around 4:40pm in December.
Which side of Istanbul has the best rooftop views?
It depends on what you want to see. European-side terraces in Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu sit closest to the monuments, while the Asian side, around Üsküdar and Kadıköy, looks back at the historic peninsula, where the sun sets behind the domes and minarets.