Rooftop Sunset over Istanbul | Most Instagrammable Spot in Istanbul
Whenever I search for pictures of Istanbul the first photos that usually appears is of an amazingly beautiful rooftop view, at sunset, overlooking Istanbul. Sometimes there were seagulls or doves flying above and it looked so surreal. There was no way I would miss this opportunity on my trip to Istanbul. I wanted this Rooftop Sunset View of Istanbul.
I searched online and actually had a hard time finding exactly what I was looking for. Istanbul is full of lovely rooftop restaurants (every corner seems to have another amazing rooftop), but I was looking for something very particular – the beautiful, picturesque setting with traditional Turkish rugs and blankets, Turkish tea, overlooking the water.
After lots of searching, I found the perfect spot. Nova Santiye Cafe. So after a long busy day of sightseeing, (Check out this post for more amazing things to do in Istanbul: 2 DAYS IN ISTANBUL? HERE ARE THE TOP 7 THINGS TO SEE AND DO! ) we rushed to this cafe.
How to Get to the Best Sunset Rooftop in Istanbul
Nova Santiye Cafe is located very centrally. It was about a 15-20 minute walk from our hotel in the Sultanhamet neighborhood of Istanbul. If you are staying in this area to visit the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, or other such places, it’s right nearby.
But don’t worry, even if you are staying in another area of Istanbul, it’s very easily accessible by taxi. Here is the exact google map location of the restaurant.
Nova Santiye Cafe – Sunset Terrace
One of Istanbul’s many (somewhat aggressive) store owners was outside waiting for us when we arrived. We did not make a reservation and as we passed, he tried to convince us to enter his restaurant. Little did he know that his restaurant was just the place we were looking for.
Climbing up what seemed to be a million stairs to get to the rooftop of the restaurant, we finally made it to a spectacular view of Istanbul as the sun was just beginning to set.
We were so excited to see that there was a beautiful little set up in a separate area from the restaurant where you can sit and have tea and take pictures.
However, what we were NOT so happy about was that we were asked to pay a fee to enter the little area that they have set aside. In the past this activity used to be free, but the Turkish people realized how popular it was becoming with tourists and decided to make a bit of a profit. The fee was 50 Tl (about $6-$7USD) per person, but it does include the tea and as much time as you want at the sunset spot! We decided to look at it just as very expensive tea, but it was so worth it for the experience.
They brought us fresh Turkish tea, took a million pictures for us, and brought us each a dove to let loose into the pink and purple sunset sky. We enjoyed our tea slowly and quietly as we watched the sun set over the Bosphorus Strait and the city. Sipping our tea we watched the sun completely disappear and the city become covered in sparkly lights. The perfect end to an amazing day.
After our tea in the sunset spot, we went to the restaurant for a proper dinner, and enjoyed Istanbul’s beautiful night views.
Tips
- Weather – Even in the summer, it can get chilly in Istanbul at night. The restaurants provide blankets to their diners, but I would bring a shawl or sweater as the wind can be quite cold.
- Go Early – We visited Istanbul when there were very very few tourists in the city, so we were lucky enough to have no lines (anywhere in the city), but this place can get very busy under normal circumstances. If you don’t want to miss the sunset, arrive a bit early!
- Be Warned! – There is a good chance that the birds will poop on you! The more birds, the bigger the risk. With just two doves between the two of us, my boyfriend unfortunately had one of them pop on his shirt!
- Cost – Although it is unfortunate that there is a cost for this activity, there may still be some rooftops where it is free, however they won’t have the beautiful set up like this restaurant did!
- Where to Stay – In order to see all the best tourist places in Istanbul, it is recommended to stay in the Sultanhamet neighborhood. All the most famous tourist sites are within walking distance! Here is where we stayed, a very affordable boutique hotel right in the heart of the Sultanhamet. The staff were very helpful and friendly and the place was beautiful. It even has a view of the ocean!
Istanbul’s most Istangrammable Spot! Some of my favorite photos from my Turkey trip were taken here! Don’t miss this amazing spot on your trip to Turkey!
Don’t forget your travel essentials!
Last but not least, don’t forget to bring a water bottle, hat and sunscreen! Here are some of our favorite essentials that we bring on every trip:
Every Day Bucket Hat 
Amazing Everyday Water Bottle – We literally don’t go anywhere without this water bottle. Perfect for hikes and also everyday! We can’t even describe how delightful it is to take a sip of water from this perfectly made bottle. Also available in multiple different sizes.
Timeless Vintage Backpack – What could be better than lots of different pockets to store all the little goodies that you bring along with you on your journeys? This backpack is comfortable, convenient, and a classic. A stylish backpack perfect for every environment.
Mini Tripod – Who doesn’t want to get the perfect photo while traveling? Not everyone is lucky enough to have a personal photographer with them at all times to capture the special moments, so that is where this portable tripod comes in handy. Adjustable, with a selfie stick handle, and a wireless control make it the perfect combo.
Rogue Fishing Co. The Protector Phone Tether – Adventurous journeys call for a little more caution when it comes to our electronics. This phone tether has saved us more than once on kayaking trips, rappelling, and hiking. The compact leash is small enough to stay out of your way, but stretches enough to help you get the perfect picture.
Lots of Love and Safe Travels,
Danielle and Brooke, Colorful Sisters
95 Comments
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Chocoviv
September 14, 2020 at 9:15 pmIt’s beautiful!
Colorful Sisters
September 14, 2020 at 9:35 pmA truly amazing place! Such a memorable experience!!
Chocoviv
September 14, 2020 at 9:40 pmAgree!
2 Days in Istanbul? Top 7 Things to See Before you Leave | Turkey Travel
September 14, 2020 at 11:54 pm[…] View the full blog post: ROOFTOP SUNSET OVER ISTANBUL | MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOT IN ISTANBUL […]
leightontravels
September 15, 2020 at 8:26 amWe made a note of this place. Great info, we know what to expect.
Colorful Sisters
September 15, 2020 at 12:51 pmYayyy so happy! Hope you get to visit 😍
Rishika Kakar
September 15, 2020 at 7:24 pmIstanbul has been on my bucket list for so long! This is a great post. ✨❤️
Colorful Sisters
September 15, 2020 at 7:35 pmThanks so much!!! I hope you make it there one day! It’s amazing 😍
carmen
September 16, 2020 at 11:36 pmWOW!! What a fabulous view! Beautiful white outfit! 😘
❤️carmen
Colorful Sisters
September 17, 2020 at 6:02 amThank you sk much love 😍 it was an amazing experience to say the least
Colorful Sisters
September 17, 2020 at 9:49 amThe view really is incredible! And thanks so much! The pants I actually handmade a while ago 😍
EMILIA KOLEY
September 21, 2020 at 9:22 amTruly a beautiful view from the top! Do drop by travelwithliaa.com for some tips and other amazing places to visit in Istanbul ❤
Colorful Sisters
September 22, 2020 at 11:54 amIt really is a very beautiful view! I’ll check it out. Thanks for the tip 🙂
Magaidh Bryan
October 4, 2020 at 9:54 pmHow beautiful!
Colorful Sisters
October 5, 2020 at 6:46 amIt’s really amazing 🙂
writinstuff
October 10, 2020 at 8:58 amThose photos are incredible! Can’t wait to see it for myself.
Colorful Sisters
October 10, 2020 at 7:30 pmThank you so much!!! I’m happy you enjoyed and I hope you can visit someday soon!
Jack S Cohen
October 13, 2020 at 5:05 pmBeautiful! But currently dangerous. Be careful.
Colorful Sisters
October 14, 2020 at 6:19 amThank you! I was there in July so it was very safe then!!
Chinma Eke
October 16, 2020 at 11:33 amBeautiful! Added to my travel list.
Colorful Sisters
October 16, 2020 at 12:21 pmSo happy, really worth it! 🙂
maristravels
November 2, 2020 at 7:38 pmI;d happily pay for the privilege of sitting there and looking over Istanbul. After all, why shouldn’t the owner make money from this amazing asset? He has to live and if he finds something to sell to tourists who want to be photographed there, then I’m on his side (but I won’t buy a carpet from his cousin/uncle/or brother!)
Colorful Sisters
November 3, 2020 at 2:45 amHahahaha yes I totally agree! Was worth the price… And for sure why not make some money off of it! A little bit expensive though considering the normal prices of things in turkey (superrrrr low prices) but definitely worth the experience 😊
brm7
November 9, 2020 at 4:01 pmThank you for the like and follow , blessings
jwatrel
November 13, 2020 at 2:59 pmDear Brooke and Danielle,
I love the blog and you make me jealous of the travelling. I miss the International traveling pre-COVID and that view is just breathtaking. I hope to experience it one day.
You both should check out my blog, MywalkinManhattan.com where I explore the complexity of Manhattan and the surrounding areas.
Happy and Safe Travelling !!
Sincerely,
Justin
Colorful Sisters
November 13, 2020 at 11:53 pmHi Justin! We’ll definelty check it out your blog 🙂 It sounds interesting as we never really explored much of New York despite growing up a few hours outside of the city. I also miss the traveling freedom before covid. Hopefully it will return soon. If you’re looking to travel to Turkey though they are accepting tourists (they desperately need tourists to keep their economy alive) I visited this year and the locals were so grateful as just having a few tourists enabled them to put food on their tables!
jwatrel
November 14, 2020 at 5:42 amI have not been to Turkey since my trip to visit Emphasis when touring the Turkish Coastline in 2008 on a trip to Greece. It is a beautiful country with very friendly people. You brought back a lot of good memories.
Stay safe!
flahertylandscape
November 26, 2020 at 11:34 amI liked the map and photos–but I wonder if you visited the Pierre Loti Cafe?
Colorful Sisters
November 26, 2020 at 8:12 pmNo I haven’t! Never hear of it
Chitra Sundaram
November 27, 2020 at 5:44 amBeautiful.
CarolCooks2
November 29, 2020 at 1:11 pmStunning images and backdrop …Thank you for following CarolCooks2
tinthia
December 5, 2020 at 1:12 pmThank you for liking my recent blog post, Dear Cancer. Knowing there are other women out there who support my musings is helpful to continue my journey. Blessed be, Tinthia Clemant
Peace and unity in our lives
December 7, 2020 at 8:46 pmTHIS IS A VERY INTERESTING AND COLOURFUL BLOG… KEEP IT UP
Colorful Sisters
December 8, 2020 at 4:02 pmThank you so much!!
Peace and unity in our lives
December 16, 2020 at 9:24 pmmy pleasure and be blessed
Peace and unity in our lives
December 27, 2020 at 3:16 pmTake care, be blessed and always follow HIM
Peace and unity in our lives
January 8, 2021 at 9:03 pmmy pleasure, beblessed
Peace and unity in our lives
January 16, 2021 at 8:32 pmit is my pleasure… be blessed
Peace and unity in our lives
January 22, 2021 at 9:58 pmbe blessed and enjoy your life
Colorful Sisters
January 24, 2021 at 12:55 pmYou as well!
cielotech
December 8, 2020 at 3:29 pmAbsolutely beautiful web site AND beautiful rooftop digitals. I loved it. Thank you so much for taking a look at my latest post. I certainly will become a follower. Take care. B
Colorful Sisters
December 8, 2020 at 4:02 pmThank you so very much! I’m happy you enjoyed 🙂
judyhaiven
December 9, 2020 at 2:55 pmLovely photos, from Judy haiven and thanks for looking at Another Ruined Dinner Party
see judyhaiven.ca
Colorful Sisters
December 9, 2020 at 7:16 pmThank you so much as well 🙂
robertwmonk
December 15, 2020 at 8:50 amThanks for the likes and follows. Great photos on here!
Colorful Sisters
December 15, 2020 at 9:40 amThank you as well!
Faiz
December 18, 2020 at 4:20 pmAmazing
Colorful Sisters
December 19, 2020 at 6:38 pmThank you!!
Cristina
December 21, 2020 at 10:23 amWonderful!
Colorful Sisters
December 22, 2020 at 8:54 am😍😍😍😍
Karima Hoisan
December 21, 2020 at 2:55 pmBeautiful photos of such an incredible spot!
Colorful Sisters
December 22, 2020 at 8:54 amThank you so much! It really is a lovely place 😍
Equipping For Eternity Website
December 28, 2020 at 1:02 amThanks for following my site;you are very kind.
viewfromoverthehill
January 3, 2021 at 11:06 pmGorgeous photos! So glad you shared them. I don’t think I’ll ever get to Istanbul, so I particularly enjoyed this post.
Thank you for the honour of choosing to follow my blog. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it. I’ll also look forward to seeing what you are up to. Cheers.
Colorful Sisters
January 4, 2021 at 12:31 pmHi my dear 🙂 So happy we found your blog and I did enjoy reading several of your posts. Loved the down to earth content. Can’t wait to see what else you write 🙂
kanchansingh7k
January 6, 2021 at 5:19 amGood photography! Great post!
Colorful Sisters
January 6, 2021 at 10:09 amThank you so much!!
hamnabilal20
January 8, 2021 at 10:28 pmAwesome!
Colorful Sisters
January 9, 2021 at 11:42 amthank you!!!
salooper57
January 16, 2021 at 9:54 pmSeeing Istanbul brings back good memories – thanks! Thanks too for stopping at shaynelooper.com and taking the trouble to like. Best to you both.
Colorful Sisters
January 17, 2021 at 3:50 pmThank you as well! Istanbul certainly is a place where wonderful memories are made 🙂
Bryan Thompson
January 23, 2021 at 8:30 pmHello Colorful Sisters! Love these posts on Istanbul and Turkey. My wife and I were just over there last month. You followed our (old) blog on WordPress (storycaster.wordpress.com) and liked a couple of posts. If you would like to see what we’re up to and where we’ve been these past couple of years we are now at https://notquitehomeless.us
Colorful Sisters
January 24, 2021 at 12:59 pmHope you guys enjoyed Turkey!! It’s a lovely place 🙂 We’ll definitely check out your new blog! 🙂
sharonahue
January 27, 2021 at 4:20 pmThe colorful rugs set the scene…the view is just a bonus.
Colorful Sisters
January 27, 2021 at 8:28 pmHahahhaa very true!!
estherhecht
January 30, 2021 at 1:57 pmGreat pix! Best of luck.
Colorful Sisters
January 30, 2021 at 5:07 pmThanks so much! 😍
Steve
February 8, 2021 at 9:41 pmI don’t know, I think that’s a pretty reasonable cost for tea and use of the space. Looks wonderful, thanks for sharing!
Colorful Sisters
February 9, 2021 at 11:38 amIt certainly wasn’t very much but compared to the prices of Turkey (extremely low) it was very expensive. It’s all perspective haha
kaitiscotland
February 9, 2021 at 3:28 pmThe only day I was in Istanbul it poured. Great to see it in better weather.
Colorful Sisters
February 9, 2021 at 4:10 pmOh hopefully! It’s such a bummer when it rains during trips, especially if it prevents you from fully exploring!
agwilderman
February 12, 2021 at 8:31 pmBeautiful photos. I was in Istanbul a very long time ago. Great travel memories.
Colorful Sisters
February 13, 2021 at 5:08 pmIt really is a very memorable city!!
hfatboy55
February 14, 2021 at 6:12 amThat is a great view !
We missed that one when we were there !
We like to snap our Harley with backdrops like that – could we get it up the stairs ? (Joke !)
D+L x
Colorful Sisters
February 14, 2021 at 1:45 pmHahahahah I guess you could give it a try next time 😂😂😂
Nancy Gardner
February 16, 2021 at 10:43 amWhat a gorgeous reminder of the beauty of Istanbul. My husband and I visited years ago and loved it.
Colorful Sisters
February 16, 2021 at 2:36 pmOoo yesss it really is such a special city!! Loved it so much 🙂
garyhorvitz
February 16, 2021 at 7:24 pmGreat blog. Youse got style!!
Colorful Sisters
February 17, 2021 at 9:43 amThank youuu so sweet 🙂
james bruce mcnaughton
February 24, 2021 at 1:52 amFun post! Thank you for following my blog.
Colorful Sisters
February 24, 2021 at 6:24 pmThank you as well!! 🙂
craig lock
March 8, 2021 at 3:42 pmHi “colourful” Brooke and Danielle
Thanks for all; the follows
Happy blogging
“waking up early-bird sleepy-head” c
Terence Kuch - Memorable Fancies
March 23, 2021 at 4:28 pmIstanbul is one of the most beautiful, and interesting, cities I’ve ever visited. Thank you for the photos !
Colorful Sisters
April 5, 2021 at 7:10 amI have to agree!!! Truly an incredible and unique experience there 🙂
Cheryl Jensen
March 27, 2021 at 6:41 pmI loved Istanbul! Although I didn’t do this spectacular dinner option, I did have dinner on a hired boat on the Bosphorus, which was pretty sweet, too.
Colorful Sisters
April 5, 2021 at 7:13 amAhh amazing!! We also wanted to take a boat on the Bosphorus but we, unfortunately, didn’t have enough time! Something to do for next time at least!
imran257
January 9, 2022 at 3:49 amThat’s really good info. Thanks for sharing. and beautiful photos too! 🙂
Colorful Sisters
January 14, 2022 at 11:15 amThanks so much! I’m happy that you found it useful 🙂
neredenasilgidilir
June 11, 2022 at 8:45 amThank you so much for the detailed itinerary!! I visit Istanbul in a week and your blog just made everything so much easier. God bless you and happy travels :)) Gezilecekyerler.com
Colorful Sisters
June 11, 2022 at 5:56 pmYou’re so welcome! I’m so happy that you found it useful and I hope that you enjoy Istanbul as much as I did! 🙂
Ha T
July 7, 2022 at 8:58 pmThank you so much!! I was looking for a particular view too just like you stated. Not just an ordinary rooftop and I was surprised it was difficult to find outside of photography studios. I cannot wait to try this place out when I go soon!
Andrea
January 22, 2023 at 9:29 pmHello, the link is not working to your affordable boutique hotel right in the heart of the Sultanhamet. Whats the name of the hotel.
Thanks !! Andrea
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Charmane
May 28, 2023 at 11:15 amHi, wow thanks for lovely post and beautifull pics on this place. Going to Turkey in Sept/Oct and will surely add to my list when in Istanbul. I could not track the name of place where you stayed when I click on HERE, can you maybe share that info with me of the name of the place please
Regards
Charmane
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