The 12 Best Photography Spots in Istanbul

The 12 spots

**1. Galata Bridge, sunset** — silhouetted fishermen, Süleymaniye in the background. **2. Süleymaniye terrace** — the Golden Horn shot everyone posts. **3. Pierre Loti Hill** — cable car up, tea at the top, Golden Horn panorama. **4. Galata Tower deck** — 360° city view; go at first evening slot. **5. Blue Mosque interior** — go 8:15, before the tour groups. **6. Hagia Sophia upper gallery** — the Deesis mosaic, morning light. **7. Basilica Cistern** — long exposures of the Medusa columns. **8. Bosphorus cruise deck** — waterfront yalıs, right side going up-strait. **9. Ortaköy Mosque with the bridge** — the classic angle. **10. Balat's painted houses** — morning light, Kiremit Caddesi. **11. Topkapı Fourth Courtyard** — sunset, panorama. **12. Maiden's Tower from Üsküdar** — blue hour, long lens.

Gear notes

A 24-70 covers most shots. A 70-200 for the yalıs from the cruise. Tripod welcome in the cistern (best low-light) but not usually in mosques.

The best hour

45 minutes before sunset. The old city domes catch pink light. Be on Galata Bridge or the Bosphorus cruise.