5 Rooftops In Istanbul With Views Of The Blue Mosque And Hagia Sophia
Man drinking Turkish tea with view of Blue Mosque in the background, Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting the architectural hot spots and tourist attractions when traveling is always fun—but sometimes enjoying the view while removed from the bustle of said hot spots can provide the opportunity to take in the details without having to rush or jockey for position with hoards of other tourists.
That's exactly where a great restaurant with a view comes in—and there are plenty of options in Istanbul's historical peninsula. The following rooftop restaurants offer a comfortable reprise from the bustling streets of the old city below but the selling point is really the incredible views of the famous Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
Here are some of the best rooftop restaurants in the city where the city's top architectural wonders serve as the main course:
Deraliye Terrace is going to be your best bet if a more intimate experience. There's less of a crowd than some of the other restaurants on the list which means you'll have a better chance of getting a table on the edge of the patio with the best views. This spot alo has a more elevated menu with decadent takes on Turkish classics, like hot and cold meze dishes, lamb chops, grilled fish, and a large selection of local and imported wine.
Seven Hills Restaurant is the spot you've probably seen on social media before; the restaurant has incredible views of both the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque but it's also quite a bit more busy than some of the other options in the area. It's worth noting that this restaurant is open for breakfast as well as dinner, so if you're looking for a Turkish breakfast with a great view, this is it.
Looking for a combination of Turkish and international cuisine? Queb Rooftop Restaurant boasts all the best of Turkish mezes as well as menu items like pasta, steak tartare, and fresh oysters. The property overlooks both the Bosphorus and the Hagia Sophia which makes it a stunning spot for a sunset meal.
Ararat Terrace Restaurant & Rooftop offers great views of both the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque and while it has become quite popular on social media due to its open air dining space, it's still not quite as busy as some of the other tourist-focused rooftops in the old city. It's located on the top floor of the Ararat Hotel and boasts all the best Turkish flavors as well as a handful of international dishes.
The Grace Rooftop is going to be your best bet if you're looking for an unforgettable photo opp experience. The property boasts free Ottoman-inspired costumes for customers to get dressed up and take advantage of the Sultanahmet Square below. The menu focuses on international cuisine with items like pizza, pasta, and a sprinkling of Turkish classics as well.
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