Çamlıca Hill Istanbul
Experience Istanbul's grandeur from Camlica Hill, home to Turkey's largest mosque and a soaring tower offering panoramic city views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light for photos
Çamlıca Hill Istanbul
Best Time
Magical light for photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience Istanbul's grandeur from Camlica Hill, home to Turkey's largest mosque and a soaring tower offering panoramic city views.
"Golden hour hits different at Türkiye’s largest mosque!"
🚗 Getting There Without a Car
Public transport can be tricky; consider taxis or ride-shares for easier access to Camlica Hill.
📸 Capture Golden Hour Magic
The light during golden hour is perfect for stunning photos of the mosque and city.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Camlica Mosque
Asia Side
Turkey's largest mosque, an architectural marvel offering breathtaking views and a significant cultural experience.

Camlica Tower
Asia Side
Soar to new heights for panoramic 360-degree views of Istanbul, especially captivating at sunset.

Panoramic City Views
Throughout Camlica Hill
Witness the sprawling beauty of Istanbul, with the Bosphorus and both continents laid out before you.

Islamic Relics Museum
Camlica Mosque
Explore a collection of significant Islamic artifacts, offering a deeper cultural and historical understanding.
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Camlica Hill
Best Times for Views & Photos
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Getting There Without a Car
Public transport can be tricky; consider taxis or ride-shares for easier access to Camlica Hill.
📸 Capture Golden Hour Magic
The light during golden hour is perfect for stunning photos of the mosque and city.
⬆️ Ascend Camlica Tower
For unparalleled 360-degree views, the Camlica Tower is a must-visit.
🕌 Respect Mosque Etiquette
Dress modestly when visiting Camlica Mosque; headscarves are required for women.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Getting There Without a Car
Public transport can be tricky; consider taxis or ride-shares for easier access to Camlica Hill.
📸 Capture Golden Hour Magic
The light during golden hour is perfect for stunning photos of the mosque and city.
⬆️ Ascend Camlica Tower
For unparalleled 360-degree views, the Camlica Tower is a must-visit.
🕌 Respect Mosque Etiquette
Dress modestly when visiting Camlica Mosque; headscarves are required for women.
🚶♀️ Explore the Hill
Beyond the mosque and tower, Camlica Hill offers pleasant walking paths and more viewpoints.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking panoramic views from Camlica Hill, particularly from the mosque and the towering Camlica Tower. The sheer scale and beauty of Camlica Mosque are frequently highlighted as a major draw. Some find the journey to the hill a bit challenging without a car.
"One of the nicest thing to do when in the Asian side of Istanbul. Camlica Hill includes a public park where you can do picnic, walk and enjoy some great views of Istanbul. There is a restaurant where you can enjoy traditional Turkish food of great quality and cheap price. Be warned that the Camlica Tower, which is 3-5 minutes walk from the restaurant, is very expensive to visit (900 turkish liras) with the tower's restaurant only works with reservation and is extremely expensive."
Frazen Tolentino-Zondervan
"Beautiful Mosque, and wonderful sunset ... free to enter the mosque outside of prayer times so long as you dress appropriately. Less crowded than other mosques and totally gorgeous. Unbelievable it was built in 6 years and finished in 2016"
Lisa Goodwin
"A short trip from the European side of Istanbul…take the ferry across to the Asian side around 30-40 lira per person and then a taxi ride to the hill. There are cheaper options to get there but we were pressed for time.
Beautiful parks with amazing views of both Asian side and European sides of Istanbul
Wonderful local self service restaurant a the top of the hill settled amongst the trees.
It’s very quiet and away from the hustle and bustle of general Istanbul life. Worth a visit for the views"
Zaheer Laher
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Getting to Camlica Hill without a car can be challenging. While public buses serve the area, they often require transfers. Many visitors opt for taxis or ride-sharing services for a more direct route, though this can be more expensive. Researching specific bus routes from your location in Istanbul is recommended if you prefer public transport.
It's generally considered difficult to reach Camlica Hill solely by public transport, often involving multiple bus changes. Taxis or ride-sharing apps are frequently recommended for a smoother journey.
From Taksim, you can take a bus towards Uskudar and then transfer to another bus heading to Camlica Hill. Alternatively, a taxi or ride-share service will be more direct.
Yes, driving is an option, and there is parking available. However, traffic in Istanbul can be heavy, so factor that into your travel time.
Some Istanbul city tours, particularly those focusing on the Asian side, may include Camlica Hill. It's worth checking with local tour operators.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Camlica Hill itself is generally free. However, there are admission fees for specific attractions like the Camlica Tower and the museum within the mosque.
Camlica Mosque is typically open for visitors outside of prayer times. It's advisable to check the most current hours before your visit, as they can vary.
Ticket prices for Camlica Tower can vary, especially for foreign nationals. It's best to check the official Camlica Tower website or inquire locally for the most up-to-date pricing.
Yes, there is usually a small admission fee for the museum located within the Camlica Mosque complex, which houses Islamic relics.
While the hill itself is accessible, the main attractions like the mosque and tower have specific operating hours. The views at night can be spectacular, but check the closing times for the tower and mosque.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Camlica Hill, you can visit the magnificent Camlica Mosque, ascend the Camlica Tower for panoramic views, explore the Islamic relics museum, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the hill itself.
The most iconic views are from the Camlica Tower, offering a 360-degree panorama of Istanbul, including the Bosphorus and both European and Asian sides. The mosque also provides excellent vantage points.
Yes, Camlica Mosque welcomes tourists outside of prayer times. Visitors are expected to dress modestly and adhere to mosque etiquette.
Modest clothing is required. Women should cover their heads, arms, and legs. Men should wear long trousers and cover their shoulders.
To fully experience the mosque, tower, and views, allocate at least 2-3 hours. If you plan to visit the museum and enjoy a leisurely pace, consider half a day.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo spots include the exterior of Camlica Mosque, the panoramic views from Camlica Tower, and the city skyline during golden hour or sunset.
Photography is generally allowed in the public areas of Camlica Mosque, but it's respectful to avoid taking pictures during prayer times or of worshippers.
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. Sunset itself provides a stunning backdrop.
Drone usage is typically restricted in sensitive areas like mosques and near major landmarks. It's best to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views and the mosque's architecture. A telephoto lens can be useful for cityscapes. A tripod is helpful for low-light conditions, especially at sunset.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing snacks and drinks, as options might be limited or pricey. While the museum might be less engaging for very young children, the overall experience of seeing such grand structures and expansive views can be memorable. Plan for comfortable walking shoes as there's a lot to see.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a variety of lenses, from wide-angle for the mosque and city vistas to telephoto for capturing details across the Bosphorus. A tripod will be invaluable for low-light conditions, especially if you plan to stay for sunset. Be mindful of crowds during peak times, which might require patience for the perfect shot.
🕌 Culture & History Buffs
The mosque itself is a testament to modern Islamic architectural design, while the relics provide a tangible connection to historical Islamic periods. Understanding the context of these artifacts can deepen your appreciation of the site.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Grandeur of Camlica Mosque
Inside, the mosque is adorned with intricate calligraphy, stained glass, and elaborate chandeliers. It also houses a museum dedicated to Islamic relics, providing a rich historical and religious context for visitors. The sheer scale and beauty of the mosque make it a must-see for anyone interested in architecture or Islamic culture.
Visitors are encouraged to dress modestly when visiting, with women needing to cover their heads. The mosque is open to visitors outside of prayer times, allowing ample opportunity to appreciate its grandeur and serene atmosphere.
Ascending Camlica Tower for Unrivaled Views
The tower is equipped with elevators that swiftly transport visitors to the viewing platforms. It also features restaurants and cafes, allowing you to enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the spectacular scenery. The experience is particularly magical during sunset, when the city lights begin to twinkle, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
Visiting Camlica Tower is an excellent way to orient yourself within the vastness of Istanbul and appreciate its unique geographical position straddling two continents. It's a popular spot for photography enthusiasts and anyone looking for an unforgettable view of the city.
Navigating Istanbul's Asian Side: Camlica Hill
While the European side of Istanbul is often the primary focus for tourists, the Asian side, with Camlica Hill at its forefront, provides a different perspective and a more relaxed atmosphere. The journey to Camlica Hill itself can be an adventure, often involving public transport that showcases more of the local life.
Beyond the main attractions, the hill offers green spaces and walking paths, making it a pleasant spot for a leisurely stroll. It's a place where you can truly appreciate the scale and beauty of Istanbul from a unique vantage point.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit