Istanbul’s Best Scenic Rooftop Cafés and Restaurants You Must Visit
Istanbul offers countless beauties to its visitors with its unique geography and historical texture that unites two continents. The pleasure of watching these beauties away from the hustle and bustle of the city, in the peaceful atmosphere of a rooftop, with a warm coffee in your hand, is priceless. Istanbul's rooftop cafes offer unforgettable moments as they offer mesmerising views of the Bosphorus, the Historical Peninsula, the Galata Tower or the Golden Horn. These places are ideal for those looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and a different experience; they are the perfect stops not only for a cup of coffee but also for those who want to experience the magic of the city from a different perspective. In this article, we will explore 10 Istanbul rooftop cafes with the best views of Istanbul that will appeal to both your eyes and your soul. So, where are the most scenic cafes in Istanbul? Where to experience the view of Istanbul? Let's explore together...👇
1. Barnathan Roof Galata

Located in a 130-year-old historical building, it is ideal for those who want to feel the historical texture and enjoy a modern pleasure with its restored, stylish atmosphere. It starts the day with an open buffet breakfast and serves as a cafe with a lively Galata Tower view throughout the day. It offers a magnificent view of the Galata Tower and the Historical Peninsula. The courtesy and attentive service of the staff also stand out. Such repurposing of the terraces of historic buildings preserves cultural heritage and creates a tourist attraction.
Location: Şahkulu Mahallesi, Tımarcı Sokak, No:1, Galata, Beyoğlu. Located on the terrace of the historic Barnathan Apartment.
Source: Meroddi Hotels
2. Snog Roof Bar (Galata)

With a direct view of the Galata Tower, this Beyoğlu rooftop venue appeals to those looking for both a bar and café atmosphere with its rich selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. It can be preferred in any weather thanks to its indoor and outdoor seating areas. With its pleasant music and stylish design, it is especially frequented by those who want to take photos against the Galata Tower and cocktail lovers. Although it is known as the “Roof Bar”, it also offers a pleasant café experience during daylight hours with its wide range of drinks and views.
Location: Şahkulu Mahallesi, Galipdede Caddesi No:56 Kat:4, Galata, Beyoğlu.
Source: Snogroofbar.com
3. Balkon Restaurant Bar (Galata/Asmalimescit)

Overlooking Pera and Old Istanbul, this terrace also offers views of the Bosphorus. It is known for its international cuisine, especially pizzas, and rich drink menu. During the day, it offers a cosy Asmalımescit cafe atmosphere accompanied by jazz and calm music, and it can be preferred at any time of the day with options such as breakfast (Balcony Breakfast Platter 550 TL), coffee (Turkish coffee 80 TL) and tea (Cup of tea 45 TL). Serving as both a restaurant and a café, it offers the flexibility to respond to different customer expectations.
Location: Şehbender Sokak No:5 Kat 6, Asmalımescit, Beyoğlu.
Source: TripAdvisor
4. Queb Rooftop Restaurant (Sultanahmet)

This restaurant offers a café experience with 360-degree panoramic views of Sultanahmet, including Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and the Bosphorus. In the heart of the Historic Peninsula, it is unique to enjoy breakfast or coffee (Turkish Coffee 395 TL) while watching the iconic buildings. Serving Turkish and European cuisine, it has a stylish indoor area and an outdoor terrace. Such venues in busy tourist areas, such as Sultanahmet, are often characterised by their premium view experience.
Location: Cankurtaran Mah. Akbıyık Cad. No:29, The Byzantium Hotel Terrace, Sultanahmet, Fatih.
Source: Queb Rooftop Restaurant
5. Grace Rooftop Restaurant (Sultanahmet)

It has 360-degree panoramic views of the Historic Peninsula, including the Istanbul Islands, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. It offers forgotten Ottoman flavours with a modern twist, as well as popular Turkish and international dishes (including pizza, pasta). Enjoy a café by the fireplace in a warm and inviting atmosphere with a view of Hagia Sophia. Offering both “fine dining” and more “casual” options may be a strategy to appeal to a wide audience, but this can sometimes require caution about the consistency of quality.
Location: Sultanahmet.
Source: Grace Rooftop Restaurant
6. Clementine Rooftop (Beyoğlu/Taksim)

It has a view of many historical buildings, such as the Bosphorus, Maiden's Tower and Topkapi Palace in one frame. Offering world cuisine, non-alcoholic cocktails and shisha, this Beyoğlu non-alcoholic café is ideal for those looking for a peaceful environment, especially in Taksim. It has received positive comments with its stylish atmosphere, music that does not interrupt the conversation and attentive staff. It targets an important niche market by offering an alcohol-free and tranquil rooftop experience in a bustling location like Istiklal.
Location: Istiklal Caddesi No:184 Kat:7 Beyoglu, Istanbul.
Source: Clementine Rooftop Restaurant
7. 360 Istanbul (Beyoglu/Istiklal)

A well-established, internationally award-winning venue offering 360-degree breathtaking views of Istanbul. During the day, it offers a more relaxed Istiklal Street view venue atmosphere, serving international and modern Turkish cuisine for lunch, while in the evening it transforms into a club. It can be preferred for a drink or a light lunch with a view. It should be noted that due to its popularity, there may be difficulties in service quality due to density from time to time.
Location: Top floor of the historic Mısır Apartment, Istiklal Street, Beyoğlu.
Source: 360 Istanbul
8. Monkey Istanbul (Şişhane/Beyoğlu)

Why is it good, and why is it preferred? It is famous for its mesmerising views of the Golden Horn, the Historic Peninsula and the sea, especially the delightful sunsets. It is an ideal Şişhane rooftop bar option for afternoon gatherings and enjoying the terrace with delicious cocktails. Its art-infused decoration (in keeping with its location in the IKSV building) offers a unique atmosphere. It is more of a beverage-oriented venue, suitable for sipping a drink with a view in the early evening.
Location: Nejat Eczacıbaşı Building (İKSV) terrace, Şişhane, Beyoğlu.
Source: Grablocals
9. Divan Brasserie Beyoglu (Beyoglu/Istiklal)

With the quality of the Divan brand, it offers a view of the Historical Peninsula in a stylish and elegant atmosphere. Serving Turkish and Mediterranean cuisines, the venue can be preferred for a restaurant and café with a view of the Historical Peninsula after the activity of Istiklal Street. Venues belonging to well-established brands usually create a certain quality standard and customer profile expectation.
Location: Istiklal Caddesi No: 181 K: 5-6 Merkez Han, Beyoglu.
Source: Spotted by Locals
10. Swissotel 16 ROOF (Beşiktaş/Maçka)

This Beşiktaş rooftop bar with stunning views of the Bosphorus serves as a restaurant and bar. It offers live DJ performances, rare culinary arts and speciality cocktails. Being located within a luxury hotel promises a more sophisticated and often evening-oriented experience. It can be considered for an early evening drink overlooking the Bosphorus.
Location: Swissotel The Bosphorus 16th floor, Vişnezade, Acısu Sokağı No:19, Beşiktaş.
Source: Swissôtel The Bosphorus
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