Afraid of heights? No chance! The best rooftop bars in Istanbul
The real magic of Istanbul? You experience it from above. This city is blessed with a huge range of rooftop bars where you can admire the Bosphorus (you know, that stretch of water that separates Europe and Asia), the illuminated mosques, churches and so much more, with a cocktail in hand. From chic lounges to hidden bars with a raw edge, they are all there, so there is something for everyone. Our favorites:
Balcony is quite raw and casual: don't expect anything here haute cuisine. But what you do get are affordable beers, sweet and fun service, good playlists, and a view that scores a top ten every time. Plan your visit wisely and you'll get the sunset for free. No time to watch the sun set? No problem, because you can go here from breakfast until the late hours.
Dine with not only a view that makes you smile, but where you are also served a good glass of wine and a culinary plate? Then this rooftop is for you go-to scoff. Located on top of the stylish Beatrice Hotel with a panoramic view over the iconic Golden Horn and the Galata Tower.
Put on your dancing shoes, dear people! The Upperist: is the place to dance under the stars. Check them out Instagram for the latest line-up, because (semi) famous DJs are regularly behind the turntable here. Granted, you pay some entrance fee (€16-ish) and the drinks aren't cheap, but dancing here is worth every penny!
The Smokehouse in the boutique hotel Georges there is one for the luxury cats among us. This chic rooftop is a combination of French cuisine with a Turkish touch. And with a view that makes your heart skip a beat: the Bosphorus and the Princes' Islands in the background. Perfect for an evening at a high level, both literally and figuratively.
Good cocktails, but even better views. Bosphorus in sight, check! Sunset in front of you, double check! Dare we claim that Monkey bar perhaps has the best view of this list of rooftop bars in Istanbul? Yes, actually.
A handsome and old building. The rooftop is the place for a drink, snack or more, with a view of the Galata Tower. And they also have live music here. Oh, and that garden? That is not a punishment either.
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