Büyük Çamlıca Hill

From Ottoman picnic ground to city balcony

Rising to a little over 260 metres, Big Çamlıca was a favourite excursion spot long before it became a park. Nineteenth-century travellers and engravers describe families riding up in carriages to picnic among the pines and admire the view.

Late in the 20th century the hilltop was landscaped with Ottoman-style wooden kiosks and formal gardens, and more recent works have renewed the paths, benches and viewing terraces. The forest of broadcast antennas that once cluttered the summit was largely replaced by the single Çamlıca Tower, which opened in 2021.

Spot the landmarks

• To the west, the mouth of the Bosphorus with the Maiden's Tower and, behind it, Topkapı Palace and the domes of Sultanahmet
• To the northwest, the bends of the strait, its bridges and palaces on the European shore such as Dolmabahçe Palace
• To the south on clear days, the Princes' Islands floating in the Sea of Marmara
• Right beside you, the six minarets of the Çamlıca Mosque
• The slender Çamlıca Tower, now the tallest structure in Istanbul

Gardens, tea and the tower

The park is made for unhurried time: lawns, shady pines, small pools and paths where children can run while parents sit with a glass of tea. The tea gardens here typically serve tea brewed in samovars along with simple snacks; our guide to Turkish tea and coffee culture explains the rituals.

Çamlıca Tower has an observation level near the top that runs on its own ticketing and schedule, separate from the free park. If you'd like to add it, check current visiting arrangements before you go.

When the view is at its best

Everything depends on the weather. On crisp days after a north wind, visibility stretches to the islands and beyond; on humid summer afternoons the distance can dissolve into haze. Spring flowers and the soft light of autumn show the hill at its prettiest.

Sunset over the historic peninsula is the photographers' favourite, but evenings and weekends get busy. For a quieter visit, go on a weekday morning. Our photo spots guide has more ideas for framing the skyline.

Getting there from Sareban Hotel

From our hotel, walk or take the T1 tram to Sirkeci and cross under the Bosphorus to Üsküdar on Marmaray. Change inside Üsküdar station to the metro heading toward Çekmeköy and get off at Kısıklı; from there it's a steep walk up or a short taxi hop. Taxis from Üsküdar Square are another simple option.

Families who enjoy walking can visit the mosque first and stroll over to the park. On the way back, drop down to Üsküdar and take the ferry to Eminönü to end the day on the water.