Having hosted many civilizations throughout history, Istanbul offers fascinating landscape views with its excellent location, combining the continents Asia and Europe. In addition, its cultural diversity and mystic atmosphere provide an unforgettable experience at every point.
As a perfect spot for a good time, Istanbul has many restaurants and bars with great food, signature drinks, and spectacular Marmara Sea and Bosphorus views.
This guiding article will lead you to the best way to get an overview of Istanbul: the best rooftop restaurants and bars in several districts. Those ideal spots include top-rated restaurants, entertainment venues, and charming lounges with panoramic Istanbul views on the top floors.
Top 10 Rooftop Restaurants and Bars in Istanbul
Here we have listed the top ten rooftop terraces to help you decide the best place to appreciate delicious food and breathtaking views of Istanbul.
Mikla Restaurant (Marmara Pera Hotel) in Asmalımescit
Mikla Restaurant’s rooftop terrace at the Marmara Pera Hotel is one of Istanbul’s most well-known and fashionable fine dining restaurants. This award-winning restaurant has a rooftop pool with a fascinating view, a rooftop restaurant with a tasting menu, and a rooftop bar with creative cocktails.
Famous for its contemporary styling, inspiring music, and exclusive atmosphere in Mikla make it one of the most attractive spots in Istanbul. Therefore, we recommend you make a reservation before dinner as this restaurant is a hit place. However, please pay attention to the fact that it is closed on Sundays.
Hours: The kitchen is open between 18:00-23:30, and the bar is open between 18:00-24:00
Address: The Marmara Pera, meşrutiyet caddesi, no:15 Beyoğlu, Istanbul
Website: www.miklarestaurant.com/en
Phone Number: +90 (212) 293 56 56
Alexandra Cocktail Bar in Arnavutköy
Are you looking for a bar with signature cocktails at the city’s heart? Located in a historic part of Arnavutköy, Beşiktaş, Alexandra Cocktail Bar can be an excellent option for you as it has a stunning Bosphorus view.
You can drink something cold in a unique ambiance while watching one of the most famous bridges on the Bosphorus. It is a trendy spot with creative cocktails and drinks, especially for the young crowd.
Alexandra Cocktail Bar is fantastic for cocktail lovers who want to experience an unforgettable Istanbul night out.
Hours: Every day from 02:00 p.m. to 02:00 a.m.
Address: Arnavutköy mahallesi, bebek arnavutköy caddesi, no:50 Beşiktaş, Istanbul
Website: www.alexandrabar.com/
Phone Number: +90 (212) 287 58 48
16ROOF in Beşiktaş
Located on the top floor of Swiss Hotel Bosphorus in Beşiktaş,16ROOF is a perfect spot to try distinctive cocktails and wines with an exceptional view, especially for summer nights.
It is one of the best rooftop restaurants, with a menu including international cuisine and signature drinks. In addition, you can enjoy live music while dining with a panoramic Bosphorus and Dolmabahçe Palace landscape. We also want to remind you that 16ROOF requires a smart casual dress code.
Hours: Every day from 05:00 p.m. to 02:00 a.m.
Address: Vişnezade mahallesi, acısu sokak, no:19 Maçka, Beşiktaş, Istanbul
Website: www.swissotelthebosphorus.com/dining/16-roof-restaurant/
Phone Number: +90 (549) 326 11 12
360 Istanbul in Taksim
Probably one of the liveliest venues in Istanbul, 360 Istanbul Restaurant, with its open-air terrace, presents a 360º visual of the city view. This restaurant is on the top floor of a historical and ancient building, and it also has a glass-enclosed part for colder seasons.
Located on Istiklal Street, Taksim, the most famous district of Istanbul. And only a 10-minute walk from Taksim Square. After dinner, the bar and nightclub sections offer unforgettable entertainment with an extensive menu for drinks. Top-of-the-line DJs and dancers performing in 360 Istanbul promise you a fascinating night.
Hours: between 12:00-04:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and between 12:00-02:00 a.m. on other days
Address: İstiklal caddesi, mısır apartmanı no:163/8 Beyoğlu, Istanbul
Website: www.360istanbul.com/
Phone Number: +90 (212) 251 10 42
Vogue Restaurant & Bar in Beşiktaş
If you are looking for a fine dining restaurant with a spectacular Bosphorus view, Vogue Restaurant & Bar must be one of your options. In addition, you can find local and international food and desserts from Italian to Japanese cuisine.
The restaurant features an elegant dining lounge and a stylish cocktail bar, with iconic cover photos on the walls. High over the Bosphorus, a modern and sophisticated ambiance meets with an impressive view of the city in Vogue.
Reservations are recommended for lunch and dinner.
Hours: Every day from 12:00 p.m. to 00:00 a.m.
Address: BJK plaza, süleyman seba caddesi, no:92 A blok, 13th floor Beşiktaş, Istanbul
Website: www.voguerestaurantandbar.com/
Phone Number: +90 (212) 227 44 04
Banyan in Ortaköy
Blending flavors with Asian and Thai spices, Banyan offers an exclusive dining experience with a view of the Bosphorus Bridge and Ortaköy Mosque, one of the most popular destinations in Istanbul.
Sit at a table in Banyan, try delicious Asian food, and enjoy the fascinating landscape during the sunset. Fun, relaxing, and great view is what Banyan is all about. So, this is a beautiful way to have a memorable experience in Istanbul with Asian flavors!
Hours: Every day from 12:00 p.m. to 02:00 a.m.
Address: Muallim naci caddesi, salhane sokak, no:3 Ortaköy, Istanbul
Website: www.banyanrestaurant.com/
Phone Number: +90 (212) 259 90 60
Spago-The St-Regis in Nişantaşı
Spago is on the top of The St. Regis Istanbul, Nişantaşı, in one of the city’s most prestigious districts. Recently, this restaurant has been listed in the Michelin Guide, making the place even more famous.
This popular Californian rooftop lounge combines its contemporary design with breathtaking views and a seasonal menu, including dishes and drinks from various cuisines. An internationally renowned chef designs its menu, combining appetizing dishes from multiple cuisines with crafted signature spirits.
Hours: Every day from 03:00 p.m. to 02:00 a.m.
Address: Mim kemal öke caddesi, no:35 Şişli, İstanbul
Website: www.spago.thestregisistanbul.com/
Phone Number: +90 (212) 368 08 08
Queb Lounge 360 in Sultanahmet
Queb Lounge 360 Sultanahmet is waiting for its visitors in the most popular location of the city, where you can enjoy the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Bosphorus views panoramically.
This rooftop lounge serves as a restaurant and café with an extensive menu offering a variety of dishes and drinks and group menus for group guests. Reserve your place at Queb Lounge to taste delicate flavors and drinks, with fantastic views of the Sultanahmet district and Bosphorus.
Hours: Every day from 10:00 a.m. to 03:00 a.m.
Address: The Byzantium Hotel, cankurtaran mahallesi, akbıyık caddesi, no:29 terrace floor, Sultanahmet, Istanbul
Website: www.queblounge.com/
Phone Number: +90 (212) 458 08 80
Firuzende Galata in Beyoğlu
Near the Galata Tower, Firuzende Galata awaits you with spectacular views of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. Its menu with Turkish mezes, local main dishes, and desserts mesmerizes its guests.
Firuzende is an excellent restaurant for special days and celebrations, with its fancy terrace designed for both summer and winter days. Under the Galata Tower, the ambiance here is magnificent, especially during and after the sunset. While having dinner, you can enjoy the Galata Tower view with classy illumination at night.
Hours: Every day from 12:oo p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Address: Anemon Galata Hotel, bereketzade mahallesi, büyükhendek caddesi, no:5 Kuledibi, Galata, Istanbul
Website: www.firuzende.com/
Phone Number: +90 (212) 243 90 16
Balkon Restaurant & Bar in Asmalımescit
Suppose you are looking for a relaxed, casual rooftop pub with a bohemian ambiance and design. In that case, Balkon offers you an immaculate lunch or dinner with well-favored cocktails overlooking the Golden Horn, the historical peninsula, and the Bosphorus.
This rooftop bar has pub-liked food, including pizza, burgers, salads, and Turkish kebabs. The casual setting and decoration combined with jazz, soul, house, and electro music create a cozy and bohemian atmosphere on this rooftop.
You can have lunch or afternoon snacks and drinks to chill during the day. Then, after dark, the vibe turns up, and you can enjoy great music with an illuminated city view.
Hours: between 11:00-02:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and between 11:00-01:30 a.m. on other days
Address: Sehbender sokak, no:5 6th floor, Asmalımescit, Beyoğlu, Istanbul
Website: www.balkonbeyoglu.com/
Phone Number: +90 (212) 293 20 52
Last piece of advice
Istanbul is a lively city where the entertainment never ends.
For first-time visitors and those who want to experience an enjoyable night in the town, the top-rated rooftop restaurants and bars listed above are the best options for unforgettable moments in Istanbul.
Numerous restaurants and bars host many locals and guests from other countries trying to explore the city. However, if you want a 360 º panoramic view of Istanbul, you should check our list of the best rooftop restaurants and bars with spectacular views above. Then, choose which is best for your pleasure and enjoy the view of Bosphorus from the top floor.
If you decide where to go for fine dining, please remember to call the restaurant for a reservation. Otherwise, you may be unable to enter since it can be full, especially on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.