10 Best Rooftop Bars In Istanbul, Turkey

1. Istanbul

The name says it all – this is the rooftop bar where you can get a 360-degree view of Istanbul from above. But, the panorama is not the only thing you can admire here – the friendly staff and service are also something to be appreciated.

Located in the penthouse of a 19th-century apartment, 360 Istanbul holds four core elements in delivering service to their customers – cuisine, entertainment, vibe, and ambience. These four elements can be seen in everything from the way they present their menu to the way they maintain a positive atmosphere that will bring excitement to everyone who visits. This is what makes them popular among locals and tourists and it has even brought them many awards to be proud of.

360 Istanbul

Address: Istiklal Street Misir Apt. No: 163 / 8 Beyoglu, Istanbul

Website: 360 Istanbul

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 12pm - 2am; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 4am

2. Terrace at Georges Hotel Galata

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

After a long day of exploring the city of Istanbul, come over to Terrace at Georges Hotel Galata and unwind while being surrounded by gorgeous contemporary design. Their French-inspired menu is ready to fill you with bliss before you close the night with a magnificent night view of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn and a glass of wine, champagne, or even one of their signature cocktails.

If you’re looking for a beautiful place to have a Turkish-style breakfast, you can also drop by the Terrace and indulge in the traditional flavours with recipes from generations gone by, made using local produce and ingredients.

Terrace at Georges Hotel Galata

Address: Serdar-ı Ekrem Caddesi No:24 Galata Beyoğlu, Istanbul

Website: Terrace at Georges Hotel Galata

Opening hours: 8am - 2am (daily)

3. Leb-i-derya

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A rooftop bar that serves traditional Turkish cuisine, surrounded by the sea, Leb-i-derya is the place that you need to have on your itinerary when you visit Istanbul. Leb-i-derya is located in the heart of the city, which allows you to see the many faces of Istanbul.

The place consists of three levels, each one with its own unique characteristics. At the top, the Captain’s Quarters might be not everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s the floor with the strongest personality and the service is brilliant. One level below is the dining hall, where you can absorb a full vista of Istanbul, one which might be even better if you visit near sunset. Have a nice evening drink with your travelling companion at the Pocket Meyhane on the lower level. You will be charmed by its ambience and menu.

Leb-i-derya

Address: Şahkulu Mah, Kumbaracı Ykş. No:57 Tünel/Beyoğlu, İstanbul

Website: Leb-i-derya

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 4pm - 2am; Sat - Sun: 2pm - 2am

4. Kat Restaurant

This restaurant is known as a hidden gem in Istanbul since it’s located quite far away from the busy area of the city. But don’t let its location fool you, since 5. Kat serves some of the best food in the Mediterranean and it’s famous among locals and tourists. With a name that’s inspired by the floor its located on, in Istanbul’s oldest civilian cultural centre, Bilsak, 5. Kat was founded by a local actress/director, Yasemin Alkaya, who’s highly passionate about art. This is reflected in the way she decorates the place and also in the presentation of the food.

5. Kat Restaurant

Address: 3 Soğancı Sokak, Cihangir, Istanbul

Website: 5. Kat Restaurant

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 5pm - 2am; Sat - Sun: 10am - 2am

5. Mikla Restaurant

Reflecting the roots of the owner who was born to a Turkish father and a Finnish-Swedish mother, Mikla Restaurant got its name from the Old Norse word for Istanbul, Miklagard, which means the Great Town. The restaurant has a strong Scandinavian influence in its design, while the food praises the heritage of Turkish cuisine that’s been passed down for generations.

Enjoy this unique restaurant that seems to perfectly reflect the blended Asian and European background of Turkey, while having a view of the city as your background to admire.

Mikla Restaurant

Address: The Marmara Pera, Meşrutiyet Caddesi 15 34430, Beyoğlu, İstanbul

Website: Mikla Restaurant

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 6pm - 11:30pm

6. Roof Terrace Bar (Swissotel The Bosphorus, Istanbul)

Enjoy a vibrant night at the 16 Roof Terrace Bar with your friends when travelling to Istanbul and create amazing stories to tell back home. Located in the Swissotel, this rooftop bar has four levels that you can choose from, depending on the experience you want to have. The higher the level, the more lively the atmosphere and the view is better and broader, too.

16 Roof Terrace Bar serves a variety of cuisine – the favourites are Asian and Mediterranean. If you’re looking for a fun and exciting time while having a night out in Istanbul, the fourth and top floor is ready to entertain you with their DJ sets and interesting drinks.

16 Roof Terrace Bar

Address: Visnezade Mah. Acisu Sok. No. 19 Macka, Besiktas Istanbul

Website: 16 Roof Terrace Bar

Opening hours: 5pm - 2am (daily, May - Oct)

7. Vogue Restaurant & Bar

Dine in style at the Vogue Restaurant & Bar and experience one of the high-end restaurants of Istanbul that will serve you a gorgeous menu with a fantastic view of the Bosphorus. This is also the place to enjoy Japanese or European food with a cosy and relaxing atmosphere.

Even if you’re only dropping by for a nightcap, you will still have a wonderful time at the Vogue Restaurant & Bar. Their chief bartender is always exploring new combinations of cocktails that are sure to delight you. If you’re dropping by on a Sunday for brunch, you’re in for a treat, as they serve a range of classic breakfast items accompanied by equally delectable desserts.

Vogue Restaurant & Bar

Address: Süleyman Seba Caddesi, No:92 BJK Plaza, A Blok Kat:13, BEŞİKTAŞ, İSTANBUL

Website: Vogue Restaurant & Bar

Opening hours: 12pm - 1am (daily)

8. Balkon Restaurant & Bar

If you’re travelling to Istanbul with your family, then Balkon Restaurant & Bar is the right place for you and your group to have a nice meal while enjoying a fantastic view of Istanbul. This lovely place offers you a range of food from many cultures and you will never order the wrong thing here.

All dishes are amazing and come at a reasonable price. For those who drink, Balkon Restaurant & Bar also has an extensive array of alcoholic beverages that you can enjoy to wash your dinner down. People say that it is best to visit this spot near sunset, to get the best view of the night sky.

Balkon Restaurant & Bar

Address: Şehbender sk. No:5 Kat 6 Asmalı Mescid, Istanbul

Website: Balkon Restaurant & Bar

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 2am; Fri - Sat: 11am - 3:30pm

9. Neolokal

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Enjoy local Turkish food in a modern, fine dining atmosphere at Neolokal. The team behind the menu holds their heritage and traditions highly and it shows in the way they design their dishes that have been known for generations in Turkey, but with a modern and stylish presentation. The staff also serve you with the renowned Turkish friendliness and they will make sure you’re having a great time while dining here.

If you book in advance, you can ask for a table near the window, so you can make your dining experience at Neolokal even more memorable with a magnificent view of Istanbul.

Neolokal

Address: SALT Galata, Bankalar Avenue, Karaköy 34420, İstanbul

Website: Neolokal

Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 6:30pm - 2am (closed on Sun & Mon)

10. A'YA Rooftop Lounge

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Located at the world-class Four Seasons Hotel, A'YA Rooftop Lounge will give you an authentic Istanbul experience, with the magnificent Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque in the background for you to admire. Your evening will be even better when accompanied by their extensive menu that ranges from traditional Turkish to European cuisine. All can be enjoyed along with your choice of local Turkish wine. Dining at the A'YA Rooftop Lounge might be the experience to close your holiday in Istanbul.

A'YA Rooftop Lounge

Address: Tevkifhane Sokak No: 1 | Sultanahmet, Four Seasons Hotel, Istanbul

Website: A'YA Rooftop Lounge

Opening hours: 1pm - 7pm (daily)

Admire the perfect blend of Asia and Europe from above

Both cultures that shape Istanbul play a massive part in the way the city welcomes its guests. Here, you can enjoy the city and its vibrant European lifestyle, while taking in the exotic Asian cuisine. Explore it all while admiring a fabulous view of Istanbul, especially after sundown, and you will experience a journey that will stay with you for a long time.