The infamous Bosphorus is the 32 km (20-mile) long strait that connects the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea. Essentially, it runs straight through the heart of Istanbul and separates the continents of Europe and Asia. Aside from that, it is world-renowned for its beauty. Additionally, apart from the normal travel activities, there are many unusual things to do here, too. And for vegetarian travelers, there are a couple of vegetarian restaurants you can eat in. There are plenty of hotels to choose from but we’ve done some scouting and found the best hotels in Istanbul with views of the Bosphorus – you can thank us later after you’ve booked your holiday!
1. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus (from USD 549)
Ever wanted to pretend that you’re a king or queen and live in a palace? Well, now is your chance! This converted Ottoman palace features incredible architecture which matches perfectly the breathtaking views of the Bosphorus. Before heading to your room, enjoy a fantastic meal at their in-house restaurant on the banks and then snuggle down for an early night in the luxurious bedrooms.
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus
Address: Ciragan Cad. No:28, Besiktas
Accommodates: 5
Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Fitness centre Garden
2. Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul (from USD 652)
The Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul is also situated in a 19th-century Ottoman palace, so you’re guaranteed an elegant, regal stay. Each room in this historic hotel in Istanbul has floor-to-ceiling windows, which increases the beauty of the Bosphorus, and considering that these rooms are right on its banks, your breath will be taken away every morning. The rooms hark back to their history and feature elaborate decorations with gold and deep red trimming.
Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul
Address: Çırağan Caddesi 32
Accommodates: 9
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Sauna
3. Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul (from USD 497)
One of the best hotels in Istanbul with a sea view is Shangri-La Bosphorus. This modern hotel features flavours of Asian culture, for example the neutral white-grey colour scheme bedrooms are dotted with ornate furnishings. Out of the 186 rooms in the building, there are three room types that have Bosphorus views: the Deluxe Bosphorus, Premier Bosphorus, and the Gran Premier Bosphorus.
Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul
Address: Sinan Pasa Mah. Hayrettin Iskelesi Sok. No:1 Besiktas
Accommodates: 3
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Sauna
4. Sumahan Hotel – on the water (from USD 326)
This time we have something a bit different for our list: one of the best hotels in Istanbul with a sea view, but it is created in a renovated distillery on the banks of the Bosphorus. It offers luxurious rooms with Turkish-infused detailing. The wellness centre offers a traditional Turkish hammam and a fitness center, the perfect stop after enjoying the views from your room first thing in the morning. We particularly think that the views from the 13 suites are amazing!
Sumahan - on the Water
Address: Kuleli Cad. No:43 Cengelkoy
Daily housekeeping Physical distancing rules followed Access to health care professionals Use of cleaning chemicals that are effective against Coronavirus CCTV outside property Valet parking Currency exchange Internet services
5. Anjer Hotel Bosphorus - Former Nixon Bosphorus Hotel (from USD 80)
Located just back from the Boshphorus, steps away from the sea, this hotel also offers panoramic views across the Bosphorus area. We love the fact that the restaurant on the terrace offers panoramic views; it makes for an incredible dining time! The bedrooms are all decorated in soft pastel colours that are calming and comforting. Be sure to book either the Bosphorus Deluxe or Bosphorus Suite for the best viewpoints.
Zimmer Bosphorus Hotel – Former Anjer Bosphorus
Address: Meclisi Mebusan Cad. No 61 Findikli Beyoglu
Non-smoking rooms Newspapers Parking Fax/photocopying Family rooms Soundproof rooms Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines Meeting/banquet facilities
6. Corner Hot (from USD 26)
Corner Hot is one of the best hotels in Istanbul with a view. This popular Bosphorus hotel in Istanbul is based in a historic building that is over 103 years old. It is close to the sea and the Bosphorus throat. We love that this hotel has a kitsch-side with decorations featuring Istanbul from posters to printed pillows. The friendly and welcoming rooms offer a lovely place to rest your head for a few days and there are a number of room choices.
Corner Hot
Address: Buyuksekerci Sokak Numara 1 Ortakoy Besiktas
Shared stationery such as printed menus, magazines, pens, and paper removed Air conditioning Non-smoking rooms Currency exchange Food can be delivered to guest accommodation Guest accommodation sealed after cleaning Laundry First aid kit available
7. Legacy Ottoman Hotel (from USD 59)
One of the best Istanbul hotels with a Bosphorous view is the Legacy Ottoman Hotel. Set in a historical Byzantine-style building on the banks on the Bosphorus rests this grand hotel which pays homage in its rooms to its heritage. Each one of the rooms features clean and crisp furnishings with ornate detailing. Looking for things to do in Istanbul at night? We think that some of the best views, that are panoramic, can be seen with a cocktail in hand at the roof-top bar!
Legacy Ottoman Hotel
Address: Hobyar Mahallesi Hamidiye Caddesi No:16 Sirkeci
Mobile app for room service Parking Indoor pool (all year) Food can be delivered to guest accommodation Room service Security alarm Trouser press Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas
8. The Grand Tarabya Hotel (from USD 176)
Located on the seafront of Tarabya Bay, this luxurious hotel offers extensive views of the Bosphorus. The modern rooms each feature a private balcony and you can select from rooms with a garden view, marina view, or throat view, where the sea joins the Bosphorus. There are a lot of things to do here as the hotel has a full wellness and fitness centre on-site with spa, Turkish bath, pools, and cafe. If you want to try out other options, many vegetarian restaurants and awesome cafes are found near here.
The Grand Tarabya Hotel
Address: Haydar Aliyev Cad. No:154 Tarabya
Concierge service Family rooms Air conditioning WiFi available in all areas Sauna Valet parking Bar Shoeshine
9. Hotel Alright Suites (from USD 31)
This family-run hotel located on the banks of the Bosphorus, right near the mouth of the river, offers incredible double views of ocean and river. Some of the best views are from the communal sun terrace, where you can enjoy a nice glass of wine and watch the sunset. We think that one of the best rooms with a view is the Deluxe Double, but as a heads up because of its location, generally the hotel can be loud so be sure that you’re happy with that.
Alright Suites
Address: Kemankes Karamustafa Mah. Kemankes Cad. No: 12-14
10. Hotel Les Ottomans Istanbul (from USD 403)
Another palace on the banks of the Bosphorus, we’re starting to wonder why there are so many palaces, is the glorious Hotel Les Ottomans in a converted pasha palace. The bedrooms are decorated in local materials and aim to combine Western design and contemporary amenities. There are also two pool areas and a spa on-site.
Hotel Les Ottomans Bosphorus - Special Category
Address: Muallim Naci Caddesi No:68 Kurucesme
Spoilt for choice...
We’ve given you a list of the best hotels with a Bosphorus view in Istanbul, so right now we know that you’re spoilt for choice, but by picking any one of them we know that you’ll be happy. Many of these hotels are just a short drive away from Istanbul’s famous places to visit as well as eateries with delicious food to try. Just be sure to check that you are booking the room with the best view!
If you enjoyed this article, share it with your friends on Facebook and save it to Pinterest for future reference!
Frequently asked questions about the best hotels in Istanbul with a sea view
1. Which hotels with balconies in Istanbul have rooms with great views?
All of these hotels have rooms with wonderful views. One of the best includes the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus. Sumahan Hotel also offers rooms with breathtaking views of the Bosphorus.
2. Do any hotels with balconies in Istanbul have a pool?
Both The Grand Tarabya and Shangri-La Bosphorus have pool facilities where guests can take a dip and relax.
Editor's note: In light of the February 2023 earthquake that devastated Turkey and Syria, Trip101 urges you to be apprised of the latest news if you have any urgent plans to travel to the country. Please note that some bookings and services may not be available at this moment.
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to bookmark our articles, like local expert tips, receive great stories in your inbox, and follow writers and topics that you love.
Log in with Facebook Log in with Twitter Log in with Google ×