Waking up to ships gliding past on the Bosphorus is one of the great Istanbul experiences. But “Bosphorus view” can mean anything from a balcony a few metres from the water to a narrow glimpse between buildings from the tenth floor. This guide explains where the views are, how to read room descriptions, and lists hotels along and above the strait.
Three types of Bosphorus view hotel
- Waterfront hotels right on the shore, mainly between Beşiktaş and Ortaköy, in Kuruçeşme, Bebek and Tarabya on the European side, and in Beylerbeyi and Üsküdar on the Asian side. Views are close-up and spectacular; prices are the highest in the city.
- Hillside hotels in Gümüşsuyu, Cihangir and Taksim, looking down on the Bosphorus from above. Views are wide, often taking in the Asian shore and the Sea of Marmara, at lower prices than the waterfront.
- Old city hotels with a sea view in Sultanahmet and Sirkeci, which look over the southern entrance of the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara rather than the strait itself.
Reading the room description
- “Bosphorus view” should mean an unobstructed view of the water from the room. Ask whether it is a full or partial view.
- “Partial” or “side” Bosphorus view usually means you see water from part of the window or balcony.
- “City view” rooms in a waterfront hotel may face the road behind.
- Higher floors in hillside hotels often make the difference between a rooftop panorama and a view of the building opposite.
Hotels near the Bosphorus in our directory
Along the European shore and in the districts above it:
- Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul – Yıldız, Beşiktaş
- Crowne Plaza Istanbul – Ortakoy Bosphorus, an IHG Hotel – Ortaköy, Beşiktaş
- Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus – Harbiye, Şişli
- Mövenpick Hotel İstanbul Bosphorus – Balmumcu, Beşiktaş
- Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul – Sinanpaşa, Beşiktaş
- Six Senses Kocatas Mansions – Merkez, Sarıyer
- Swissotel The Bosphorus, Istanbul – Vişnezade, Beşiktaş
- The Grand Tarabya – Tarabya, Sarıyer
Hillside hotels in Gümüşsuyu and around Taksim, many with views from upper floors:
- CVK Hotels Taksim – Gümüşsuyu, Beyoğlu
- CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul – Gümüşsuyu, Beyoğlu
- Gezi Hotel Bosphorus – Gümüşsuyu, Beyoğlu
- InterContinental Istanbul, an IHG Hotel – Gümüşsuyu, Beyoğlu
- Opera Hotel Bosphorus – Ömer Avni, Beyoğlu
- Taksim Metropark Hotel – Gümüşsuyu, Beyoğlu
Whether a particular room has a view varies by room type. Confirm with the hotel before booking.
Enjoying the Bosphorus without a view room
- Take the public Bosphorus ferry from Eminönü; it is far cheaper than private cruises.
- Have breakfast or tea by the water in Bebek, Arnavutköy, Kuzguncuk or Çengelköy.
- Rooftop bars in Beyoğlu and Karaköy have wide views at sunset.
Frequently asked questions
Which side has the best views?
From the European shore you look at the green hills and wooden mansions of the Asian side; from the Asian side you see the European skyline at sunset. Both are beautiful.
Are waterfront hotels far from the sights?
From Ortaköy or Beşiktaş, the old city is 20–40 minutes by car or tram, depending on traffic. From Tarabya it is considerably longer.
Is road noise a problem?
The coastal road on the European side can be busy. Waterfront hotels usually face the water, away from the road, but ask if you are a light sleeper.
See also luxury hotels in Istanbul and romantic hotels in Istanbul.
