If you’re looking for an exceptional night out, Generation Voyage has put together a list of the best rooftops for drinks in Istanbul.
Istanbul, Turkey’s capital and a gigantic metropolis, is split in two by the Bosphorus: in a way, it’s the border between two seas and two continents. This thousand-year-old city, steeped in an incredibly rich history, seems beautifully torn between Eastern and Western culture. And this mix suits it so well!
During the day, you won’t know where to turn as there are so many things to do. But in the evening, you’re spoilt for choice: a trip to the city’s rooftops is a must if you want to admire the city’s glittering skyline. Generation Voyage brings you its selection of the best rooftops for a drink in Istanbul. Cheers!
1. Le Georges
Photo credit: Booking
Address: Müeyyedzade, Serdar-ı Ekrem Cd. No:24, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Opening hours: 08h to 00h
Welcome to Istanbul! Once you’ve packed your bags at the Hotel Le Georges, head for the rooftop terrace to recover from your trip. Here, whether you’ve booked a room or not, you’ll find attentive service and pampered guests. Succulent local specialities are served as « mezzés » (a traditional meal equivalent to Iberian tapas) on request.
As for drinks, let yourself be tempted by the fresh, tasty house cocktails. Le Georges is definitely one of the best rooftops for a drink in Istanbul: why not make a reservation?
2. The 16Roof
Photo credit: Facebook – 16 ROOF
Address: Vişnezade, Acısu Sokaği NO 19, 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul
Opening hours: 5pm to 2am
Located on the rooftops of the Swissotel « The Bosphorus » in Beşiktaş, the16Roof is the perfect place to unwind during the summer season. From themed evenings prepared by renowned DJs to the sumptuous wine list offered by the house, here, everything is good.
And what a view of the Bosphorus! If you’re looking for a rooftop drinking spot in Istanbul that stands out from the crowd, you’ve come to the 16Roof.
3. The 360
Photo credit: Facebook – 360 Istanbul
Address: Tomtom, İstiklal Cd. No:163 K: 8, İstiklal Cd. 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Opening hours: 1 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Among the best rooftops for a drink in Istanbul, 360 was one of our favorites. Just think: located in Beyoğlu, its superb terrace offers one of the most beautiful views in Istanbul. We recommend that you go there in the afternoon and wait for the sun to set.
Our advice? Try one of our succulent fresh fruit cocktails, prepared to order and according to the season by an experienced bartender.
4. The Mikla
Photo credit: Facebook – Spice King
Address: Asmalı Mescit, The Marmara Pera, Meşrutiyet Cd. No:15, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Opening hours: 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Mikla (no, it’s not spelled the same as the brand of your favorite chocolate) is a great rooftop place for a drink in Istanbul. It’s actually a beautiful terrace on the top floor of the Maramara Pera hotel. Mikla is one of Istanbul’s rare gourmet restaurants, led by its emblematic star chef: the Turkish-Finnish Mehmet Gürs.
Its upscale Mediterranean dishes will delight you as much as the breathtaking view of the Golden Horn, named after the estuary where the ancient city of Byzantium was born. Ready to try the new Anatolian cuisine?
5. The 5. Kat
Photo credit: Facebook – 5. Kat Restaurant Bar
Address: Cihangir, Soğancı Sk. No:3, 34427, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Opening hours: 12pm to 10pm
In our list of the best rooftops for a drink in Istanbul, we couldn’t leave out « 5. Kat ». In fact, it’s a friendly little restaurant-bar in the pretty Cihangir district, a five-minute walk from the famous Taksim Square. Perched on the top floor of a building, its splendid terrace offers an incredible panoramic view of the mouth of the Bosphorus.
Our advice: simply sit in the sunshine and order a raki, a local wine brandy flavored with aniseed. In moderation, of course!
6. Le Banyan
Photo credit: Facebook – Banyan Restaurant
Address: Yıldız, Yıldız Muallim Naci Caddesi &, Salhane Sokak No:3, 34347 Beşiktaş/İstanbul
Opening hours: 12pm to 10pm
Welcome to Banyan, a particularly popular rooftop drinking spot in Istanbul. Located in the Ortaköy district, the Banyan restaurant offers its customers a wide range of cocktails and a tasty menu of fusion cuisine (yum, dim sum…). The restaurant offers sumptuous views of the Bosphorus, the fabulous Ortaköy Mosque and the Sultanahmet district.
Its pretty wooden terrace decorated with bonsai trees is sure to please… as is its excellent Asian fusion cuisine, both inventive and delicious.
7. The Spago
Photo credit: Facebook – Spago Istanbul
Address: Harbiye, Mim Kemal Öke Cd. No:35, 34365 Şişli/İstanbul
Opening hours: 3 pm to 10 pm
This rooftop drinking spot in Istanbul particularly appealed to us, thanks to its relaxed lounge atmosphere. Boasting a splendid terrace located in Nişantaşı, one of the city’s most upscale districts, the establishment boasts breathtaking views of Maçka Park and the Bosphorus.
In addition to local cocktails and spirits, you can also discover a seasonal menu specially created by renowned chef Wolfgang Puck. With a « farm to plate » orientation, the dishes are to die for. But not from the roof terrace!
8. Le Sunset
Photo credit: Facebook – Sunset Grill & Bar
Address: Kuruçeşme Mahallesi Ulus Park, Yol Sokağı No:2, 34345 Beşiktaş/İstanbul
Opening hours: 12:30 pm to 10 pm
With its magnificent view over the Bosphorus, this is one of the best rooftops for a drink in Istanbul. Sunset Istanbul is located on the Ulus hills overlooking the Turkish metropolis. Here, you can sip a fresh fruit juice as you pick your way through plates of local specialities… or sushi platters.
The latter are exceptional and designed by Japanese craftsmen trained in their own country.
9. L’Alexandra Cocktail Bar
Photo credit: Facebook – Alexandra Cocktail Bar
Address: Arnavutköy, Bebek Arnavutköy Cd No:50, 34345 Beşiktaş/İstanbu
Opening hours: 7pm to 2am
When you spend the evening at the Alexandra, you don’t see the lights of Alexandria’s harbor… but those of Turkey’s largest city. Situated in the historic Arnavutköy district (on the city’s European side), this tourist destination alone does more than just overlook Istanbul.
Some of the best cocktails are served in a cosy, trendy atmosphere. DJs liven up the evening with electro sounds that will delight party-goers.
10. Le Vogue
Photo credit: Facebook – Vogue Restaurant&Bar
Address: Vişnezade, Akaretler Spor Cad. No:92 D:A BLOK, 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul
Opening hours: 4pm to 10pm
Located at the top of the Beşiktaş Plaza, the vogue terrace offers exceptional views of the Bosphorus Bridge and the Old Town. Enjoy the sushi bar and smoking barbecue run by a passionate chef.
Wines, cocktails and cigars are on offer to Stamboulian night owls, who organize their crazy Thursday night parties here. If you’re looking for the very best rooftops for a drink in Istanbul, book now!
The city is yours: pro-fi-tez!