Istanbul from Above: 1 Sunny Day, 4 Rooftops

Last week, Istanbul has experienced a summer day in the middle of February, with a temperature around 20 Degrees Celsius and a clear blue sky. In those days, it is a good option to enjoy the view from the many rooftops of Istanbul, where you can experience the great views of the city in relative immunity from the hustle below. We spent the whole day in four rooftops, around the Beyoğlu-Karaköy area, for breakfast, drinks and dinner. I hope this post helps you to have a great day alike.

1. Breakfast: 5. Kat, Cihangir 

5. Kat (5th Floor) is located in the fifth floor of a Cihangir building, with great views of the Bosphorus and the Historical Peninsula. Its view is almost unrestricted which is a rare occasion for Istanbul rooftops. It would also be good for drinks, dinner or private parties as the rooftop is beautifully layered to accommodate such occasions. The breakfast is satisfying with a good selection of cheeses, jams and a pot of tea. Egg dishes like menemen and pastry dishes like gözleme are also available. I would recommend to share one breakfast among two people and support it with an egg or a pastry dish.

2. Mid-Day Drinks: Vault Karaköy

From Cihangir, we have walked downhill to Karaköy where we have enjoyed our mid-day Drinks in the Vault. The building, which is now a branch of the House Hotel, used to be the vault of the Turkish central bank and it maintains its authenticity. The rooftop has beautiful views of the Historical Peninsula, well-made cocktails and an extensive food menu.

3. Afternoon Drinks: 360 Istanbul 

We took the tunnel tram uphill from Karaköy and went to 360 Istanbul for a couple of afternoon drinks. We were the only Turkish nationals on that rooftop, so I assume 360 Istanbul located in the Mısırlı Apartment on Istiklal Street is on the "must goes" in almost every tourist guide published for Istanbul. They too have decent cocktails but as they sell the view and their fame, I had the perception that they do not care as much about the service as their competitor rooftops. It has indeed has great views of the Bosphorus and the Historical Peninsula, but with over-priced drinks and average service.

4. Dinner: Efruz Restaurant 

At night, we went to the relatively new Efruz Restaurant, opened in the rooftop of a hotel in Sıraselviler district of Taksim. We were lucky as it was a night with a beautiful full moon, reflecting upon the Bosphorus. The restaurant has beautiful views of the Bosphorus, facing the Bridges. It serves a large range of mezes and fish dishes, all tasty and very well executed. The prices are fair, and even cheap considering the views and the fabulous fish dishes. The owner is very involved with his guests and tries his best to meet your demands. If you think of having a night out, trying Turkish mezes and rakı, Efruz is a great alternative to the meze and fish restaurants in Beyoğlu district, in Nevizade or Asmalı Mescit where they sell you authenticity in a higher price. Efruz is both authentic and lets you enjoy the great views of the city, though it is not very big, so decide beforehand and make a reservation!