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Best Photo spots in Istanbul

In today's world when people travel, they like to take lots of photographs for a great memory of their trip or even for social media. Therefore modern travelers desire to find best instagram and photography spots while visiting a popular tourist destination. For sure there are many beautiful places around the globe for photography, but Istanbul has a special place amongst them. In this vibrant city you can find many contrasts, history, culture, traditional and street food, stunning views, breathtaking sunrise and sunsets, old and modern streets and buildings, hospitable people, and many more...

Here is a list of the most beautiful and iconic places in Istanbul for photography and the best photo spots to immortalize with your camera. You can start your adventure now by strolling in the streets or visiting the sights, getting on a public ferry on the Bosphorus, wondering at the old bazaars, relax at the parks, and don't forget to bring your camera or phone with you.

• Sultanahmet square: Many old sites or museums such as Egyptian obelisk, Hagia Sophia, Cistern, Topkapi palace, Blue mosque, etc.
• Bazaars: visit Grand bazaar or Spice market for traditional items in countless shops, colors, smells, and people. Also great views if you get on the roof, by special permission only.
• Galata tower: 360 degrees views of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. Good to photograph during the day or night, but best is at sunset.
• Galata bridge: walk over it to see hundreds of fishermen. Also great sunsets while having your drink or meal in one of the restaurants below the bridge.
• Streets at Galata and Karakoy neighborhoods: check side streets and wall graffitis on the buildings, and see people.
• Beyoglu - Istiklal street: while walking on the pedestrian street there are many 19th century buildings, old passages, Christian churches, and lots of people.
• Ortakoy square: iconic views of the first suspension bridge with an old mosque, especially at night with all lit up.
• Fener & Balat neighborhoods: wondering at the streets, seeing colorful old houses, stairs, cafeterias, orthodox churches.
• Pierre Loti hill: views of the Golden Horn while sipping your Turkish coffee.
• Camlica hill: endless views of the city, Bosphorus, and first suspension bridge.
• Seven Hills hotel terrace in Sultanahmet: views of the Blue mosque and Hagia Sophia, as well as Sea of Marmara.
• Suleyman's mosque: views of the Golden Horn and old domes from the mosque's terrace, or from several cafeterias' terraces around the mosque.
• Sapphire building: panoramic views of the modern city from to top of 260-meters (850 feet) tall skyscraper.
• Ulus park: breathtaking views of the Bosphorus from the hilltop, day or night, especially during full moon.
• Otagtepe Fatih park: fantastic views of the Bosphorus and second suspension bridge from the hilltop during the day.
• Ferry on the Bosphorus: take a ferry ride on the Bosphorus to see amazing Ottoman homes, palaces, fortresses, and modern suspension bridges, day or night. And feed the seagulls with a "simit" while taking great action shots.
• Sarayburnu park: views of the Bosphorus and Asian side from the old city peninsula, day or night, especially during full moon.
• Salacak - Uskudar shore: view of the Kizkulesi (Maiden's Tower) in the Bosphorus, with the old city in the background. Good for day or night, especially at sunset.
• Fenerbahce - Dalyan park: Nice view of the Sea of Marmara at sunset.
• Kuzguncuk & Cengelkoy & Beykoz neighborhoods: streets full of old wooden homes from the Ottoman period. Also views of the Bosphorus.
• Princess islands: Romantic sunsets at the top of the hill of Aya Yorgi monastery in Buyukada, or at Kalpazankaya in Burgazada.
• Yoros castle: views of the Bosphorus, Black sea, and third suspension bridge from to hill top, day or night.
• Poyrazkoy beach: views of the third suspension bridge from the seaside, especially at night.
• Martyrs of the 15th of July park: views of the third suspension bridge from the hillside, day or night.
• Polonezkoy nature park: nice forest for nature photography, especially in Autumn for its colors.
• Parks & Meadows: Gulhane, Emirgan, Yildiz parks for nature photography, especially during the Tulip season in April.
• Restaurants at night: some of the restaurants where you should dine and take beautiful photos of the city are; Vogue, Topaz, Rubys, Ulus 29, Sunset Grill, Mikla, Park Fora, Lacivert, Uskumru.

You still have to be a bit more selective with the places you visit and find out how to get there. One of the easiest ways to find these locations without hassle, would be to hire a professional tour guide who knows each and every location in Istanbul for your best photo shot.

Hope to see you soon in Istanbul.