One of the main features of Istanbul is its wealth of archaeological and historical finds, but this metropolis itself resembles an artifact consisting of dozens of different layers and facets. It is impossible to explore and study them all at once. And even if someone thinks they have already seen everything in it and explored all the streets, it is always possible to look at familiar locations from a different angle. Literally. And tours of the roofs of Istanbul or its underground passages are the best proof of this.
Panoramic roofs of Istanbul
Perhaps no other city looks as magical from above as Istanbul. In the Sultanahmet and Beyoglu districts, there are old hotels and cafes where, according to an unspoken rule, you can climb onto the roof, often via an old staircase and kitchen. There, amid the sound of kettles and the singing of the muezzin, you can enjoy views of mosques, the Bosphorus, and endless rooftops.
Popular spots include the Seven Hills café terrace overlooking Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, as well as the Süleymaniye Terrace Café near the mosque of the same name. But the real gems are the rooftop tours led by local guides, who will tell you about street culture, secret exits, photogenic views, and architectural details that cannot be seen from below.
Basilica Cistern and Underground Istanbul
Beneath the tourist center of Istanbul, between Hagia Sophia and the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, lie ancient reservoirs. The most famous of these is the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı), built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian. The huge hall with columns, shimmering water, and dim lighting is like a scene from a historical novel.
But besides it, there are other, lesser-known underground locations, such as the Theodosius Cistern and the Serapion Cistern, where specialized tours are conducted. These excursions allow you to literally walk through ancient underground Istanbul and feel its centuries-old depth.
Tour of the roofs of Balat and old attics
Of course, modern real estate in Turkey is more suited to comfort, but it is places like Balat that create a unique atmosphere. Balat is a district of Istanbul where old buildings with creaky staircases coexist with bright facades and trendy coffee shops. Some tours of the area include not only walks through the streets, but also climbing into the attics and roofs of old houses. From there, you can enjoy unique views of the Golden Horn, tangled neighborhoods, antennas, laundry, and satellites. This is the Istanbul that is rarely shown on postcards. Such tours are usually conducted in small groups. The guide talks about the Greek, Armenian, and Jewish heritage of the area, shows little-known historical buildings, former synagogues, and schools, and then leads visitors to “houses with history.” Art exhibitions, jazz evenings, and photo shoots are often held on such roofs.
