The 15 best Hotels in Istanbul with a Rooftop Bar

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Istanbul's skyline is unlike any other, with great mosque domes and pencil-thin minarets rising across its seven hills. Its rooftops come in two very different styles. In Karaköy, Galata, Pera and Nişantaşı, sleek cocktail bars draw a fashionable local crowd. In the Old City, terraces spotlight the view, looking straight across to Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

We scoured the city's rooftops and picked only those with a genuinely memorable view and the atmosphere to match. The best take: the Galata Tower, the Bosphorus, or the floodlit domes of the Old City. Many serve food and cocktails so that you can stay for dinner.

Visit at sunset, when the whole skyline glows.

The 15 best Hotels in Istanbul with a Rooftop Bar

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15 properties match your filters.

The Peninsula Istanbul

Karaköy • 1 mile from the centre

Restored maritime buildings on the Galataport waterfront in Karaköy, with Bosphorus views and the Old City skyline across the water.

  • Ultra luxury
  • Trendy
  • Swimming pool
  • Spa
  • Fitness centre
  • Restaurant
  • Rooftop bar
  • Pet friendly
Room sizes from 40 m²
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Karaköy & Galataport

The Peninsula stands on Galataport's waterfront promenade in Karaköy, one of Istanbul's most creative neighbourhoods. The surrounding streets are lined with speciality coffee shops, galleries, street art, and small restaurants, and Karaköy's famous baklava shops are nearby. Istanbul Modern is a five-minute walk along the water, Galata Tower is a short climb uphill, and the tram crosses the Galata Bridge to the Old City.

Maritime Landmarks, Turkish Craft

The hotel spans four buildings, three of them restored maritime landmarks, including the historic passenger terminal. Turkish designer Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu created interiors rich in local craftsmanship, from wood and mother-of-pearl inlay to kilim-style carpets and Marmara marble.

Rooms with Bosphorus Views

Every room has at least 40 square metres, with deep soaking tubs in marble bathrooms. Entry categories overlook Karaköy, while Bosphorus categories overlook the water and the Old City skyline. The finest suites add garden terraces or, at the very top, a private rooftop pool. For larger groups, the hotel offers family and connecting rooms.

Gallada & The Lobby

Gallada is the signature restaurant, set on the rooftop of the historic passenger terminal. Michelin-starred chef Fatih Tutak cooks Turk-Asian dishes inspired by the Silk Road, and Topside Bar sits just above. The Lobby serves Mediterranean dishes and the Peninsula's classic afternoon tea, while Abelia Pool offers mezze and sushi in private cabanas.

Spa & 25-Metre Pool

The Peninsula Spa is one of Istanbul's most impressive, a calm world of Marmara marble and soft light. Hammams, saunas and a tea lounge set an unhurried pace, and the 25-metre indoor pool plays music underwater. Outside, a second pool runs along the Bosphorus, framed by landscaped gardens and private cabanas, with ships sliding past as you swim.

From$530per night, incl. taxes and fees
Check availability on Booking.com

Raffles Istanbul

Zorlu Center • 4.6 miles from the centre

Contemporary luxury in the Zorlu Centre, with some of Istanbul's largest rooms and private terraces overlooking the Bosphorus.

  • Ultra luxury
  • Trendy
  • Swimming pool
  • Spa
  • Fitness centre
  • Restaurant
  • Rooftop bar
  • Pet friendly
Room sizes from 62 m²
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Zorlu Center & Beşiktaş

Raffles occupies one of the towers of Zorlu Centre, a stylish hub of luxury boutiques, cinemas, restaurants and Zorlu PSM, Turkey's largest performing arts centre. The smart neighbourhoods of Levent, Ulus and Etiler are close by, while the Bosphorus villages of Ortaköy and Bebek, with their waterfront cafés, seafood restaurants and bars, are a short taxi ride away. The metro is close for journeys further afield.

Contemporary Design & Commissioned Art

Hirsch Bedner Associates designed light, calm interiors that combine contemporary style with Turkish touches. A large collection of specially commissioned art runs throughout, with hand-blown chandeliers and sculpture adding drama to the public spaces.

Exceptionally Spacious Rooms

With the smallest category at 62 square metres, rooms here are exceptionally generous, each with floor-to-ceiling windows and a furnished private terrace overlooking the city or the Bosphorus. Walk-in wardrobes and marble bathrooms with double vanities and separate baths are standard, and Raffles butlers look after every guest. Connecting rooms also suit families well.

İsokyo & the Long Bar

İsokyo is the signature restaurant, taking a journey across Asia with dishes from Japan, Thailand, Korea and China alongside Turkish ingredients. Rocca Grill & Terrace serves Mediterranean grills, Lavinia Lounge offers afternoon tea in the art-filled lobby, and the Long Bar continues Raffles' original tradition in Singapore.

Raffles Spa & Two Pools

Raffles Spa is one of the city's largest spas, a calm, generously proportioned space made for a long, slow afternoon. Signature therapies sit alongside traditional Turkish baths, vitality pools, saunas and sensory showers. Natural light bathes the indoor pool, while the outdoor pool looks out across the skyline, making it well worth setting time aside.

From$800per night, incl. taxes and fees
Check availability on Booking.com

The St. Regis Istanbul

Nişantaşı • 2.9 miles from the centre

Art Deco glamour in Nişantaşı, opposite Maçka Park, with Wolfgang Puck's Spago on the roof and designer boutiques on the doorstep.

  • Ultra luxury
  • Trendy
  • Swimming pool
  • Spa
  • Fitness centre
  • Restaurant
  • Rooftop bar
  • Pet friendly
Room sizes from 35 m²
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Nişantaşı & Maçka Park

The St. Regis sits in Nişantaşı, Istanbul's most elegant neighbourhood, directly opposite Maçka Park's green lawns. Designer boutiques line Abdi İpekçi Street moments away, while the surrounding streets are filled with stylish cafés, brasseries, and cocktail bars that stay busy late into the evening. The Maçka cable car crosses to Taksim, and the Old City is a short metro or taxi ride away.

Modern Art Deco by Emre Arolat

Designed by Turkish architect Emre Arolat, the hotel is a modern interpretation of Istanbul's Art Deco era, inspired by the brand's New York heritage. Works from the owners' Demsa art collection hang throughout, and a library of books on art, design and Ottoman history sets an elegant tone in the public spaces.

Rooms, Suites & Butler Service

Floor-to-ceiling windows frame Maçka Park or Abdi İpekçi Street, and even the smallest rooms offer a comfortable 35 square metres, with Marmara marble bathrooms and deep soaking tubs. The finest suites add terraces with views over the park to the Bosphorus, and St. Regis butlers are on hand around the clock. Connecting rooms in most categories suit families travelling together.

Spago & St. Regis Brasserie

Wolfgang Puck's Spago is the dining centrepiece, serving Californian cuisine on the rooftop with views over Maçka Park to the Bosphorus. St. Regis Brasserie offers Parisian-style dining with Turkish and international flavours on its leafy terrace. The bar serves the Misty Mary, the hotel's own take on the Bloody Mary that St. Regis created, and afternoon tea is a daily ritual.

Iridium Spa & Indoor Pool

Iridium Spa is one of the most complete spas in central Istanbul, a serene space designed for unhurried time. Bespoke treatments are tailored to each guest, three Turkish baths offer the traditional scrub-and-foam ritual, and three relaxation pools, including an indoor pool, invite a long, restorative afternoon. Afterwards, the Tea Bar serves herbal teas and fresh fruit, and the gym features Technogym equipment.

From$440per night, incl. taxes and fees
Check availability on Booking.com

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet • 0.3 miles from the centre

A 1918 neoclassical prison turned intimate luxury hotel, steps from Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı Palace.

  • Ultra luxury
  • Boutique
  • Spa
  • Fitness centre
  • Restaurant
  • Rooftop bar
  • Pet friendly
Room sizes from 40 m²
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Sultanahmet & Hagia Sophia

Four Seasons Sultanahmet sits in Cankurtaran, the quiet lanes just behind Hagia Sophia. The Blue Mosque and Topkapı Palace are a couple of minutes' walk away, and the Basilica Cistern is close by. The surrounding streets are lined with wooden Ottoman houses, carpet shops, and rooftop cafés, and the Grand Bazaar is a pleasant walk or short tram ride away. A complimentary shuttle connects to the Bosphorus.

A Prison with a Story

Built in 1918, the neoclassical prison once held writers and political prisoners. Watchtowers, vaulted ceilings, tiled details, and a small courtyard mosque recall its past, while the old exercise yard is now a leafy garden at the hotel's heart.

Rooms Around the Courtyard

Rooms of 40 square metres and more wrap around the courtyard, with high ceilings, tall wood-framed windows, original Turkish artwork and marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs. Views take in the garden, the old streets, Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque, and the top-floor suites add terraces over the Sea of Marmara or Hagia Sophia.

Avlu & A'YA Rooftop Lounge

Avlu Restaurant occupies a glass pavilion in the courtyard and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including wood-oven pide. The rooftop A'YA Lounge pairs Turkish wines and cocktails with views of Hagia Sophia, especially beautiful at night when the domes are lit, while the lobby bar features a fireplace and old cell keys on display.

Kurna Spa

Kurna Spa is small but beautifully designed, bringing Istanbul's hammam heritage into a contemporary setting. Its hammams offer a traditional scrub and foam wash, followed by massages, facials, or body treatments in quiet, calming rooms. A sauna and fitness room complete the facilities, and guests can also use the sister hotel's pools on the Bosphorus.

From$530per night, incl. taxes and fees
Check availability on Booking.com

The Bank Hotel Istanbul, a Member of Design Hotels

Karaköy • 1.1 miles from the centre

An 1867 neo-Renaissance bank on Karaköy's historic banking street, reimagined with bold design, a rooftop bar and a marble hammam.

  • Luxury
  • Boutique
  • Trendy
  • Spa
  • Fitness centre
  • Restaurant
  • Rooftop bar
  • Pet friendly
Room sizes from 20 m²
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Karaköy Waterfront

The Bank Hotel stands at the Karaköy end of Bankalar Caddesi, a few steps from the harbour, where ferries leave for Kadıköy and the Asian side. The surrounding streets mix Ottoman-era buildings with street art, fashion boutiques, galleries and busy seafood restaurants. Galata Tower is a short climb uphill, and the tram to the Old City stops nearby.

A Grand Bank, Reimagined

Built in 1867 by Italian architect Antoine Tedeschi, the neo-Renaissance building once housed some of the city's great banks. Today, designer Sinan Kafadar fills its marble halls and soaring ceilings with contemporary art and bold colour; an in-house curator arranges cultural events, and the original bank vault survives as a unique meeting space.

High-Ceilinged Rooms

Rooms feel grand yet contemporary, with patterned ceilings, parquet floors, goose-feather bedding and Carrara marble bathrooms stocked with L'Occitane products. Rooms in the historic main building have the highest ceilings, while the Penthouse Suite adds a freestanding bath with views of the Bosphorus Bridge, the Golden Horn and the Old City. Interconnected rooms are available in Deluxe room categories.

Serica & the Roof Bar

Serica, the hotel's restaurant, draws on Anatolia's rich culinary heritage for a refined, locally focused menu, served behind floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping city views. Up on the roof, The Bank Roof Bar pairs signature cocktails with panoramic views from the Bosphorus to the Old City, and the Lobby Bar mixes classic and creative drinks.

Spa & White Marble Hammam

Tucked away downstairs, the spa is a calm counterpoint to the lively streets outside. Its classic white marble hammam is the centrepiece, perfect for a traditional scrub and foam, alongside a sauna, steam rooms and a couples' room for massages and facials. A fitness centre completes the facilities.

From$225per night, incl. taxes and fees
Check availability on Booking.com

Cronton Design Hotel

Sirkeci • 0.5 miles from the centre

A historic Sirkeci han with opulent, theatrical interiors, a rooftop over the Historic Peninsula and the Spice Bazaar around the corner.

  • Boutique
  • Trendy
  • Spa
  • Restaurant
  • Rooftop bar
Room sizes from 20 m²
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Sirkeci, by the Spice Bazaar

Cronton sits in the heart of Sirkeci, about two minutes from the Spice Bazaar and the Eminönü waterfront. The surrounding streets are a feast, from Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir's Turkish delight to Hafız Mustafa 1864's baklava, both a minute away. The Galata Bridge and ferries are a short walk, and the Grand Bazaar and Hagia Sophia are within easy reach.

Bold, Opulent Design

This hotel does not hold back. Marble, rich fabrics, decorative ceilings, statement lighting and carefully chosen artwork give the interiors a glamorous, theatrical feel, set within the historic 1st Vakıf Han, an impressive architectural backdrop for all that drama.

Elegant Rooms & Suites

Each of the 39 rooms is individually decorated, with rich colours and decorative details balanced by wooden floors, coffee machines and comfortable seating areas. The collection features city and landmark views, and the suites offer plenty of extra space.

Sirkeci Lokantası 1912 & Cronton Roof

Sirkeci Lokantası 1912 serves Turkish and international dishes in an authentic, beautifully decorated setting, with tables outside in a Parisian café style. Up top, Cronton Roof is the place for cocktails, with postcard views across the Historic Peninsula.

Spa

The spa offers a welcome change of pace from Sirkeci's busy streets, with a sauna, a steam room, and a menu of massages, including a couples' treatment room.

From$175per night, incl. taxes and fees
Check availability on Booking.com

Georges Hotel Galata

Galata • 1.3 miles from the centre

A chic boutique hotel with a French touch on Galata's most stylish street, steps from the tower, with a rooftop restaurant facing the Old City.

  • Luxury
  • Boutique
  • Trendy
  • Restaurant
  • Rooftop bar
  • Pet friendly
Room sizes from 28 m²
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Serdar-ı Ekrem, Galata

Georges stands on Serdar-ı Ekrem, often called Istanbul's most stylish street, lined with designer boutiques, antique and vintage shops, and some of Galata's coolest cafés. Galata Tower is about a two-minute walk away; Galata and Karaköy's bars, wine bars, and restaurants surround you, and Istiklal Avenue is a short uphill stroll away, with Taksim beyond.

A Historic Galata Apartment

The hotel occupies a restored historic apartment building, once known as the Doktor Kastro Apartment, beside the landmark Kamondo Apartment on Serdar-ı Ekrem. Inside, the look is elegant and quietly French, with high ceilings, parquet floors, and solid-wood furniture and leather.

Elegant Rooms with Balconies

Rooms and suites are spacious and elegant, with high ceilings, parquet floors, goose-down bedding and Nespresso machines. Most have balconies, with the best overlooking the Bosphorus and the Old City; suites also add separate sitting areas. Most room categories have interconnecting options, ideal for bigger groups.

Le Fumoir Rooftop

Le Fumoir, the hotel's fifth-floor rooftop restaurant and bar, is a highlight, serving French cuisine from breakfast through dinner, with signature cocktails and a well-chosen list of Turkish wines. The views across the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn and the Old City are magical, especially at night.

In-Room Wellness

You can arrange massages in the privacy of your room, and a yoga instructor is available on request for a private session.

From$200per night, incl. taxes and fees
Check availability on Booking.com

RUZ Hotels

Asmalımescit • 1.4 miles from the centre

An 1895 building in Asmalımescit, reborn as a creative boutique hotel with a rooftop pool and a Michelin-recognised restaurant.

  • Boutique
  • Trendy
  • Swimming pool
  • Fitness centre
  • Restaurant
  • Rooftop bar
  • Pet friendly
Room sizes from 18 m²
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Asmalımescit, Beyoğlu

RUZ sits in Asmalımescit, one of Beyoğlu's liveliest corners, a web of meyhanes, wine bars and cafés just off Istiklal Avenue. The grand Pera Palace Hotel and the Pera Museum are a couple of minutes away, and Galata Tower is about a five-minute walk. Şişhane metro is nearby, and the Old City is about 25 minutes away by metro or tram.

19th-Century Character

Built in 1895, the handsome stone building was restored over two years, keeping its original architectural details while introducing a confident contemporary style. High ceilings, exposed brick, parquet floors, modern furniture and work by local artists give the 25 rooms and public spaces plenty of personality.

Stylish Rooms

High ceilings and parquet floors give the rooms immediate character, complemented by contemporary furnishings, walk-in rain showers and espresso machines. Some overlook the historic streets, while others face a colourful mural painted by local artists.

Red Balloon

On the ground floor, the Michelin Guide has recognised Red Balloon, with chef Ulaş Durmaz, winner of the Michelin Young Chef Award, leading the kitchen. It is one of the most exciting tables in Beyoğlu, open from breakfast to dinner.

Rooftop & Pool

The rooftop is the hotel's social heart, with an outdoor pool, a bar, and wide views across the Bosphorus and the historic peninsula. Breakfast up here is a highlight, and sunset cocktails are just as tempting.

From$125per night, incl. taxes and fees
Check availability on Booking.com

10 Karakoy

Karaköy • 1.1 miles from the centre

A 19th-century neoclassical han in the heart of Karaköy, with striking design, a rooftop meyhane and a Sky Terrace facing the Old City.

  • Boutique
  • Trendy
  • Fitness centre
  • Restaurant
  • Rooftop bar
  • Pet friendly
Room sizes from 18 m²
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Karaköy

10 Karaköy stands on Kemeraltı Street, in the thick of one of Istanbul's most exciting districts. The historic Kılıç Ali Paşa Hammam is close by, waterfront fish restaurants and ferry piers are a few minutes' walk away, and the lanes climbing to Galata Tower are packed with cafés, bars and independent shops. The tram to the Old City stops nearby, and Galataport is a short stroll.

Neoclassical Grandeur, Modern Design

The hotel occupies Büyük Balıklı Han, a 19th-century neoclassical building with tall arched windows and a double-corniced façade. Architect Sinan Kafadar paired its period features with Ottoman-influenced contemporary design, his own furniture, and a striking installation of illuminated bronze circles that lights the open atrium.

Stylish Rooms & Penthouse

Rooms have high ceilings and a clean, understated style, with marble bathrooms and Atelier Rebul toiletries. At the top of the building, the Penthouse offers a private terrace with panoramic city views, and connecting rooms are also available.

Bahane On10 & Sky Terrace

Up on the roof, Bahane On10 is an intimate meyhane serving traditional mezes with glasses of rakı. At the same time, the Sky Terrace is the place for sundowners, with Topkapı Palace and the historic peninsula as the backdrop.

Brasserie Ten & Kupaj Lounge

Downstairs, Brasserie Ten serves breakfast and international dishes in a richly decorated room hung with some of the hotel's finest artworks, and Kupaj Lounge is a lively spot for an evening drink. For private occasions, the Enroute dining room takes its inspiration from the Orient Express.

From$125per night, incl. taxes and fees
Check availability on Booking.com

Armada Istanbul Old City Hotel

Sultanahmet • 0.5 miles from the centre

A traditional hotel beside the old sea walls in Sultanahmet, with a rooftop terrace overlooking the Blue Mosque and the Sea of Marmara.

  • Affordable
  • Restaurant
  • Rooftop bar
Room sizes from 20 m²
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Ahırkapı & the Sea of Marmara

Armada sits on a quiet cobbled street in Ahırkapı, just back from the Sea of Marmara and beside the ruins of the old city walls. Some of Sultanahmet's best-loved fish restaurants and traditional meyhanes are a few minutes away, and the seafront promenade is ideal for an evening stroll. Sultanahmet Square is about a ten-minute walk away, with Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque beyond.

Nostalgic Istanbul Style

The hotel has a nostalgic, early 20th-century feel, with Orient Express memorabilia, a marble water feature in the lobby, and a guest lounge displaying vintage radios from the 1950s and '60s.

Traditional Rooms with Sea Views

Rooms are decorated in Ottoman style, with wooden panelling, parquet floors, Turkish carpets and traditional fabrics. Higher-floor rooms overlook the Sea of Marmara, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque.

Rooftop Terrace Restaurant

The rooftop terrace is the hotel's highlight, with views of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the Sea of Marmara. The restaurant serves a generous breakfast of homemade breads, jams, and organic fruit each morning, and the bar serves lunch and dinner.

From$110per night, incl. taxes and fees
Check availability on Booking.com

DeCamondo Galata, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Karaköy • 1.1 miles from the centre

Two 19th-century buildings in Galata, named after the Camondo banking family, with two rooftop restaurants and live music.

  • Trendy
  • Restaurant
  • Rooftop bar
  • Pet friendly
Room sizes from 20 m²
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Galata & Bankalar Caddesi

DeCamondo Galata spans two historic buildings a block apart, on Bankalar Caddesi and Felek Street. Galata Tower is a couple of minutes' walk away, at the centre of a district of cobbled lanes, vintage shops, record stores and cosy wine bars. The famous Camondo Steps are around the corner, and Karaköy's cafés and the Galata Bridge to the Old City are just downhill.

The Camondo Legacy

The hotel is named after the Camondo family, a prominent 19th-century banking dynasty of Galata. Old photographs of the family line the walls, and Italian artisans' reliefs survive in the historic interiors.

Stylish Rooms in Two Buildings

Rooms are individually designed, blending clean lines and warm simplicity with historic detail. The Banque Building sits at the heart of the action on Bankalar Caddesi, while the House Building is a little quieter and closer to Galata Tower. Connecting rooms make it a good fit for families too.

Moise & Nissim Rooftops

Each building has its own rooftop restaurant. Moise Karaköy serves Turkish cuisine with views of Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace. Meanwhile, Nissim focuses on Mediterranean fish dishes and tapas, with cocktails and live jazz and acoustic music on certain nights.

Vigneron Wine House

In the House Building cellar, Vigneron Wine House serves wine among red-brick walls, with saxophone performances on weekends.

From$115per night, incl. taxes and fees
Check availability on Booking.com

Golden Horn Bosphorus Hotel

Sirkeci • 0.5 miles from the centre

Enjoy breakfast as ferries glide across the Bosphorus below, in a classic Sirkeci hotel between Topkapı Palace and the Spice Bazaar.

  • Boutique
  • Restaurant
  • Rooftop bar
Room sizes from 20 m²
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Sirkeci, between Sultanahmet & the Bosphorus

Close to Gülhane Park and the waterfront, the hotel is superbly placed for exploring. Topkapı Palace, the Istanbul Archaeology Museums, and Hagia Sophia are a short walk away, while the Spice Bazaar and Eminönü's busy ferry piers are just around the corner. Sirkeci's traditional lokantas are on the doorstep, and the tram and Marmaray make Karaköy and Beyoğlu easy to reach.

Classic, Traditional Interiors

Classic furnishings, decorative architectural details and warm colours give the interiors a traditional look that suits the historic surroundings. At the same time, the waterfront setting keeps the constant movement of boats in view.

Rooms with Bosphorus & City Views

Rooms combine classic furnishings with contemporary comforts and modern bathrooms, and suites offer additional living space. Selected categories look over the Bosphorus or the city, and a water-facing room is well worth booking, with ferries and boats passing throughout the day.

Breakfast above the Water

The hotel's elevated dining spaces are a highlight, offering skyline views of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. Watching the ferries cross the water over morning coffee is a wonderful introduction to Istanbul, and one you will look forward to every day.

From$145per night, incl. taxes and fees
Check availability on Booking.com

Soho House Istanbul

Pera • 1.5 miles from the centre

The 19th-century Palazzo Corpi in Beyoğlu, with frescoed interiors, a Cowshed spa, Cecconi's and a rooftop restaurant facing the Bosphorus.

  • Luxury
  • Trendy
  • Spa
  • Fitness centre
  • Restaurant
  • Rooftop bar
Room sizes from 26 m²
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Beyoğlu, by Galata & Istiklal

Soho House sits on Meşrutiyet Street in Beyoğlu, surrounded by some of Istanbul's most interesting galleries, restaurants and nightlife. Istiklal Avenue is about 300 metres away, the Pera Museum is close by, and the meyhanes of Asmalımescit are just around the corner. Şişhane metro is a couple of minutes away, and the Old City is around 25 minutes by metro or tram.

The Historic Palazzo Corpi

Built in 1873, Palazzo Corpi is an extraordinary example of 19th-century Italian architecture in Istanbul. Elaborate frescoes, marble staircases, and ornate ceilings have been carefully preserved, while contemporary furniture and an extensive art collection firmly place the interiors in the present.

Relaxed, Residential Rooms

The bedrooms, in the Annex and the newer Glass Building, bring a relaxed, residential style to the historic setting. Vintage-inspired furniture, wooden floors, contemporary art and Anatolian kilims create comfortable, individual interiors, and every room in the Glass Building has a private balcony.

Cecconi's & Apheleia

Cecconi's serves Northern Italian cooking, from handmade pasta to wood-fired pizza, with tables among the olive trees of the courtyard garden. Up on the rooftop, Apheleia brings the flavours of the Greek islands, with mezze and charcoal-oven dishes, served with views across the Bosphorus.

Cowshed Spa & Gym

The Cowshed spa offers massages, facials, and traditional Turkish hammam rituals, and the substantial gym includes Technogym machines, free weights, a boxing ring, and a full programme of classes.

From$250per night, incl. taxes and fees
Check availability on Booking.com

Hotel Ibrahim Pasha

Sultanahmet • 0.1 miles from the centre

Two turn-of-the-century Ottoman townhouses beside the Hippodrome, with a library, open fireplaces and a rooftop terrace facing the Blue Mosque.

  • Boutique
  • Rooftop bar
Room sizes from 15 m²
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Beside the Hippodrome

Hotel Ibrahim Pasha sits on a quiet side street just off the Hippodrome, across from the Blue Mosque and beside the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, set in the 16th-century palace of the grand vizier who gives the hotel its name. Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern and the tram are a few minutes' walk away, and the Grand Bazaar is an easy stroll.

Ottoman Townhouses with Character

The hotel combines two turn-of-the-century Ottoman townhouses, where sepia photographs, traditional Turkish rugs, and deep leather sofas create a warm, lived-in charm. The lobby features two fireplaces, a library of books on Istanbul's history, and Ottoman wall hangings and antiques, inviting you to linger.

Individually Shaped Rooms

Each room follows the contours of the old houses, so no two are quite alike. Traditional features meet modern furnishings, bathrooms have underfloor heating, and the deluxe rooms offer extra space. Complimentary fruit and water add a thoughtful touch.

Rooftop Terrace & Breakfast

The rooftop terrace, with its mosaic floor, is the hotel's real treasure, offering views straight out at the Blue Mosque and across to the Sea of Marmara. The bar is reserved for guests, perfect for sundowners, and a generous Turkish and continental breakfast is served in the lobby each morning, and you are welcome to take it up to the roof.

From$115per night, incl. taxes and fees
Check availability on Booking.com

Seven Hills Hotel - Special Category

Sultanahmet • 0.3 miles from the centre

A classic Sultanahmet hotel steps from Hagia Sophia, with Ottoman-style rooms and one of the Old City's most celebrated rooftop terraces.

  • Affordable
  • Boutique
  • Restaurant
  • Rooftop bar
Room sizes from 22 m²
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Sultanahmet & Çankurtaran

Seven Hills sits on a quiet lane in Cankurtaran, just off Sultanahmet Square, with Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern all a few minutes' walk away. The surrounding streets are lined with carpet shops, small family-run restaurants and rooftop cafés, and the seafront promenade along the Sea of Marmara is about 300 metres downhill. The Sultanahmet tram stop is close by.

Classic Ottoman Charm

The hotel embraces classic Ottoman style, with traditional rugs, hardwood floors and rich fabrics throughout. Small touches add to the charm, from rose-scented linens to a hot tub for unwinding after a long day of sightseeing.

Rooms with Old City Views

Rooms pair traditional Turkish rugs and hardwood floors with modern oak furnishings, comfortable beds and good-sized bathrooms. Deluxe rooms overlook Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Sea of Marmara, and are well worth booking.

Seven Hills Rooftop Restaurant

The rooftop restaurant is one of Istanbul's most photographed terraces, with Hagia Sophia on one side, the Blue Mosque on the other, and the Bosphorus beyond. The restaurant serves fresh fish from the Sea of Marmara, mezes, and Turkish dishes from breakfast until late, and the bar is a wonderful spot for a sunset drink.

From$135per night, incl. taxes and fees
Check availability on Booking.com

These are our Istanbul with a Rooftop Bar picks. Istanbul has plenty more.

See all Istanbul hotels