Istanbul’s Asian Side: A Journey Through the Hills of the Bosphorus

Istanbul’s Asian side is a city in a city—quieter, yet no less enchanting. But in its crowded streets and quiet residential districts, its hills whisper a history, a culture, and a view that takes your breath away. From Çamlıca’s grandeur to Joshua’s Hill’s mystical beauty, these hills have long been Istanbul’s best-kept secrets. Chasing panoramic skylines, searching for hidden temples, or simply searching for a peaceful retreat? These hills have in store for you a view, but an experience, not a view, but an experience. Let’s climb and explore!

Çamlıca Hill: The Crown of Istanbul Skyline 

Standing tall in the city’s most famous viewpoints, Çamlıca Hill offers an architecture a blend of modernity and heritage. Home to the magnificent Çamlıca Mosque, the largest in Turkey with a capacity of 63,000 worshippers, and the iconic Çamlıca Tower, Istanbul’s tallest structure at 369 meters (1,211 feet), it offers breathtaking panoramic views stretching from the Princes' Islands to the Golden Horn. Whether marveling at the mosque’s graceful domes or taking in the cityscape from the tower’s highest observation deck, every moment here captures Istanbul’s enchanting beauty. Enjoying a cup of tea at one of its intimate hillside cafes, a trip to Çamlıca Hill is nothing short of magical.

Bulgurllu Hill: The Highest Point of the Bosphorus 

If you're looking for Asia's high point, go to Mt. Bulgurlu (262m). Not perhaps as renowned as Çamlıca, but no less pleasing, this hill affords visitors unobstructed views of both bridges and the Bosphorus and is a must for photographers and urbanists alike. Nearby, the Selimiye and Validebağ forests offer a peaceful haven, in which soft murmurings of history and nature combine in harmony.

Nakkaştepe & Kuzguncuk: A Mixture of Culture and Nature

For a view that will make you believe you're in a postcard, go to Nakkaştepe (Embroiderers' Hill). With its breathtaking view over the First Bosphorus Bridge, and its peaceful atmosphere, this hill is a must for any visitor to Istanbul. Below, Istanbul’s multi-faith heritage comes to life in the lovely district of Kuzguncuk, faiths have lived in harmony for centuries. Drop in at Beth Ya'akov and Beth Nissim Synagogues, admire the Surp Krikor Lusavoriç Armenian and Aya Panteleymon Greek Orthodox Churches, or stroll through peaceful Üryanizade and Kuzguncuk Mosques—all within walking distance. Completing the district’s personality, Kuzguncuk possesses a traditional bostan (city garden), in whose midst one can buy locally produced, freshly harvested produce and get a glimpse of Istanbul’s agricultural heritage. Not a stop for a view, but a living testimony to the city’s rich past and present, this hill is a must for any visitor to Istanbul.

Otağtepe: A Front-Row Seat to the Bosphorus

For those with an urge for a cinematic panorama of the Bosphorus, Otağtepe is nothing short of breathtaking. Perched high above the Second Bridge, this hill is famous for its panoramic view, and with it, Istanbul’s European and Asian coastlines in one frame can be seen. Ride its cable car, and climb its scenic trails, and Otağtepe is the perfect place in which to stop, draw a deep breath, and indulge in Istanbul’s timeless beauty.

Kandilli: An Observation Center

In a quiet corner of Istanbul, Kandilli is where Istanbul comes to relax. Perched high on a hill with a view over the Bosphorus, this district is home to some of Istanbul’s most breathtaking sunset panoramas. Kandilli is not simply about view, but about its historic mansions, Kandilli Mosque, and Kandilli Observatory, a haven for astronomers. Walking down its quiet streets, one can almost glimpse a glimpse of refinement in old Istanbul, apart from modern-day madness. Need a serene spot for a scenic coffee break? Kandilli’s seaside cafes are a perfect choice.

Kanlıca: The Yoghurt Capital 

Along the Bosphorus, Kanlıca is a lovely district renowned for its famous Kanlıca Yogurt—a rich, subtly tangy dessert best enjoyed with a dash of powdered sugar. Kanlıca, though, is not a culinary stop alone. Mihrabat Woods, with its lush green trails and panoramic vistas of the Bosphorus, and its Ottoman yalıs (mansions) lining its shoreline, form a serene retreat in a section of Istanbul trapped in a nostalgic past. Enjoy a boat ride to this retreat, or a leisurely breakfast with a view, and Kanlıca is a bite of Istanbul’s heritage, trapped in each bite.

Çengelköy: A Neighborhood with Crispy Cucumbers  

If you're looking for a real Istanbul with no touristic hustle and bustle, Çengelköy is your district of choice. Known for its crunchy cucumbers (Çengelköy salatalığı) and seafront teahouses, Çengelköy blends heritage with a living community life. Historic Vahdettin Kiosk, a former residence of Ottoman Sultan Vahdettin, is a reminder of its imperial past, and its multicultural heritage can be seen in its reflection in the Church of St. George and Armenian Köçeoğlu Family Mansion. Strolling through vibrant Çengelköy Market or having a tea in centuries-old plane trees' shadow, you will feel the pulse of the Bosphorus in this lovely district.

Beykoz: A Green Escape with Ottoman Elegance 

At the edge of the Bosphorus in the north, Beykoz is a mixture of history and nature. With its wooded hills, Ottoman mansions, and serene shoreline, Beykoz is a country retreat in a city. Overlooking the Bosphorus, the imposing view of the grand Khedive Palace, built for Egypt’s final Ottoman sultan, is breathtaking, and a glimpse of Ottoman sultans' lavish life can be experienced at Hünkar Mansion. Beykoz is a haven for nature lovers, with lush hiking trails, seafront promenades, and quiet tea gardens for a leisureful retreat. Whatever your intention – visiting its heritage sites or simply enjoying a whiff of refreshing Bosphorus air – Beykoz is where you go to inhale.

Yuşa Tepesi (Joshua’s Hill): A Holy Hill for Abrahamic Religions 

Joshua’s Hill (Yuşa Tepesi) is a location in which religion, history, and beauty combine breathtakingly. Islam, Christianity, and Judaism believe that it is the resting place of Prophet Joshua (Yuşa), and for them, it holds significant religious value. Visitors admire the 17-meter-long grand grave and say prayer at the Yuşa Mosque, and according to legend, an ancient Temple of Zeus stood at this location, adding an aura of mythology to it. Besides its religious value, Joshua’s Hill possesses one of Istanbul’s most panoramic and scenic views, stretching from the Bosphorus to the Black Sea, and is a haven for both spiritual and scenic inspirations in a peaceful manner.