Istanbul's Hidden Gem: A Free Observation Deck in the Heart of the City

Hello everyone!

I recently spent some time in Istanbul, and I have to say, it's a city that's full of surprises. From the stunning mosques to the colorful streets, every corner of this place is a treat. When I'm traveling, I'm always on the lookout for great viewpoints to take in the sights, and I have to admit, I was mentally preparing myself for some big expenses. I mean, take the Galata Tower, for instance - it costs 30 euros to get to the top, which is almost 3,000 rubles! But, as it turns out, there are some amazing spots in Istanbul where you can take great photos absolutely free - and I'm not talking about some obscure location, but right in the heart of the city: Sultanahmet Square.

Seven Hills rooftop reviewsAddress: Cankurtaran, Tevkifhane Sk. No:8 Kat:3, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, TurkeyHours of operation: daily from 8:30 to 23:00Getting there: we head to Sultanahmet Square, and the restaurant is right between the Blue Mosque and Hagia SophiaCost of visiting the rooftop: free.The restaurant is located in a building that also houses a hotel, and the staff is super friendly. They'll point you in the right direction at the entrance - just ask for the "terrace". Even souvenirs are sold inside, so you can pick up a little something to remember your visit by. To get to the terrace, you take the elevator up to the 5th floor, and the view is just stunning. You can see both mosques equally well, the Blue Mosque a bit further away, and Hagia Sophia a bit closer. And on the other side, you get a view of the Bosphorus and the Asian part of the city. They also have a little corner for photo shoots, dressed up like in the TV series "The Magnificent Century", but that's going to cost you.

<\/a> Seven Hills Restaurant Istanbul Reviews\<\/div> Plus, there are some very well-fed seagulls here - a local entertainment is feeding the seagulls with a fork. They give you the food and fork here too, and it's completely free if you want, but you can leave a tip if you feel like it. So, if you've seen photos of seagulls in the background of Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque somewhere online, it's quite possible that they were taken here. You can also just sit on the terrace and enjoy the view of the city. Just keep in mind that the prices are not exactly humane. For example, the desserts are pretty steep. Seven Hills restaurant in Istanbul reviews Here's another spot to head to in the evening, and it's definitely worth it. The views from this spot are the most impressive of both mosques, and I think it's a must-visit when planning your trip to Istanbul. Views from the Seven Hills restaurant terrace I highly recommend it! If you're looking for more great spots to visit in Istanbul, I've got a few recommendations for you. For one, you have to check out the Blue Mosque - it's one of Istanbul's symbols, and it's completely free to visit. The Basilica Cistern is another must-see, with its mysterious and mystical structures that'll transport you to another world. And if you're looking for something a little more off the beaten path, the Nakkaş Cistern is a real hidden gem. Plus, if you're interested in learning more about Istanbul's history, the Suleymaniye Mosque is a must-visit. And if you're looking for a more general guide to the city, I've got a three-day program that'll show you how to budget-friendly walk around Istanbul like a pro.