The best viewpoints in Istanbul and where to watch the sunset

Where to watch the sunset

The sun sets in the west, behind the historic peninsula when you look at it from the north shore of the Golden Horn or from the Asian side. The best spots are therefore those facing the old city: Galata, Karaköy, the Galata Bridge, Üsküdar and the Kadıköy waterfront. Arrive about an hour before sunset: places fill up quickly, and the sky is often at its best just afterwards.

Paid viewpoints

1. The Galata Tower

This is the most famous view: a balcony 51.65 m up, with the Golden Horn, the historic peninsula and the mouth of the Bosphorus. Ticket €30 for foreigners; open daily from 8:30am to 10pm. See the Galata Tower page for queues and the evening session.

2. The Çamlıca Tower

On the Asian side, the decks on the 33rd and 34th floors, about 370 m above sea level, give the highest view in the city, over the whole Bosphorus and as far as the islands. The adult ticket costs 390 TL on the official site. The journey is longer; see the Çamlıca Tower page for hours to confirm.

Free viewpoints

3. The Süleymaniye terrace

From the courtyard and terraces of the Süleymaniye Mosque, on the third hill, you look down over the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. It is free, quiet, and very beautiful late in the afternoon; respect prayer times and the dress code, set out in our guide to visiting a mosque in Istanbul.

4. Pierre Loti Hill, in Eyüp

Above the Eyüp cemetery, the hill overlooks the Golden Horn, with an old-fashioned café. You watch the sunset with a glass of tea in hand; see the Eyüp and Pierre Loti Hill page for access. Our guide to cafés and tea houses also covers this café.

5. The Galata Bridge

On the water, the bridge is lined with anglers and restaurants. At sunset, the silhouette of the old city's mosques stands out against the light. It is free and lively; watch your belongings and the restaurants that approach passers-by (see scams and safety).

6. Üsküdar and the Maiden's Tower

On the Asian side, the Üsküdar waterfront faces the historic peninsula and the Maiden's Tower, a small tower on an islet. It is one of the best places to see the sun set over the old city, with a ferry crossing to get there.

7. Kadıköy and the Moda coast

The Kadıköy and Moda waterfront, on the Asian side, is an evening promenade: locals come to watch the sun go down over the Sea of Marmara. See our guide to Kadıköy and the Asian side.

8. A Bosphorus ferry

The ferry crossing is the cheapest viewpoint: palaces, mosques and bridges slide past, tea in hand. See our page on the Bosphorus cruise and our guide to transport.

Hotel terraces and rooftops

In Sultanahmet, many hotels and restaurants have terraces overlooking Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Sea of Marmara; in Galata and Karaköy, rooftops overlook the Golden Horn. Access is generally open if you order something, and booking helps at sunset. As prices are not published reliably, compare menus before you sit down.

Summary table

Our tips

• Check the weather: in haze or rain the views are lost; check the forecast the day before or that morning.
• Come early: for sunset, arrive an hour ahead; at weekends, terraces are packed.
• Combine: Galata by day, Üsküdar at sunset, dinner on the Asian side.
• Dress warm: the wind is cool on the heights and on the water in the evening, even in summer.

Going further

To fit these viewpoints into a stay, see Istanbul in 3 days, and our guide to the Galata and Karaköy district.