Çamlıca Tower

Küçük Çamlıca TV-Radyo Kulesi, built from 2016 to 2020 and opened on 29 May 2021, was put up to consolidate the transmission masts that had accumulated on the Asian hills - once it was in service the older antennas and masts were removed and their broadcasts moved into this one structure, which was the practical argument for building it. It stands 369 metres tall, 168 of them steel antenna, on a hill high enough that the tip is 587 metres above sea level, and the enclosed observation decks and the revolving restaurant give the widest view available of the city: both bridges, the Golden Horn, the old city skyline, the Princes' Islands and, on clear days, a long way up the strait. The tapering design is by Melike Altınışık Architects. Lifts run to the decks; the queue at weekends is the main obstacle.

Highlights

• The observation decks - enclosed viewing floors near the top.
• The full city panorama - bridges, Golden Horn and old city.
• The revolving restaurant - the dining floor above the decks.
• The hill setting - Çamlıca's woods and the mosque nearby.

When to go

April to June and September to October, on a clear day - haze hides the view. Late afternoon for sunset; weekends queue badly.

Things to know

The view is entirely through glass. Tickets are not cheap and the restaurant is expensive. On hazy or overcast days the view is short. Getting up the hill needs a taxi or bus.

Nearby

Grand Çamlıca Mosque is on the neighbouring hill; Üsküdar and Kuzguncuk are down on the shore.

Key facts