Are you looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in Istanbul? Do you want to see the city from a new perspective and enjoy its stunning views? If yes, then you should not miss the Camlica Tower, the tallest and most spectacular attraction in Istanbul.
The Camlica Tower is a new landmark and attraction in Istanbul, located on the Camlica Hill, the highest point of the city. It is a TV and radio tower that also serves as an observation deck, a restaurant, a cafe, a garden, and a cultural center. It was inaugurated in 2021 and has become one of the most popular and visited places in Istanbul.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Camlica Tower, such as what to do, how to get there, and some facts and tips. We will also show you some amazing images and videos of the tower and its views. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a group, you will find something to enjoy and appreciate at the Camlica Tower.
What to Do at Camlica Tower
The Camlica Tower offers a variety of activities and facilities for its visitors, such as:
Observation Decks:
The tower has two observation decks, one indoor and one outdoor, that offer 360-degree panoramic views of Istanbul and its surroundings. You can see the Bosphorus, the Marmara Sea, the Princes’ Islands, the historical peninsula, and the bridges. You can also spot some of the famous landmarks of Istanbul, such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, and the Galata Tower. The observation decks are equipped with telescopes, binoculars, and interactive screens that provide information and stories about the city and its culture. The observation decks are open from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm every day, and the entrance fee is 100 Turkish Liras (about 12 USD) per person.
Restaurant:
The tower has a restaurant on the 39th floor that offers a fine dining experience with a breathtaking view. You can enjoy a variety of dishes from Turkish and international cuisines, such as kebabs, mezes, salads, soups, desserts, and drinks. The restaurant also has a bar and a lounge area where you can relax and socialize. The restaurant is open from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm every day, and the reservation is required. You can book your table online or by phone, and the average price for a meal is 250 Turkish Liras (about 30 USD) per person.
Cafe:
The tower has a cafe on the 40th floor that offers a casual and cozy atmosphere with a stunning view. You can enjoy a variety of snacks, pastries, coffees, teas, and juices. The cafe also has a souvenir shop where you can buy some gifts and memorabilia of the tower and the city. The cafe is open from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm every day, and the entrance fee is 50 Turkish Liras (about 6 USD) per person.
Garden:
The tower has a garden on the ground floor that offers a green and peaceful oasis in the city. You can walk around the garden and admire the flowers, plants, and trees, such as the tulips, the roses, and the pine trees. You can also sit on the benches and enjoy the fresh air and the view of the tower. The garden is open from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm every day, and the entrance is free.
View:
The tower has a view that is unmatched and unforgettable. You can see the city from a height of 369 meters (1,211 feet), which is almost seven times higher than the Eiffel Tower. You can also see the city from different angles and perspectives, depending on the time of the day and the weather. You can see the city in the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening, and at night. You can see the city in the sun, in the rain, in the fog, and in the snow. You can see the city in all its beauty and glory, and capture some amazing photos and videos.
How to Get to Camlica Tower
Camlica Tower is located on the Asian side of Istanbul, on the highest hill of the city, called Camlica Hill. The tower’s address is Kısıklı Mahallesi, Çamlıca Tepesi Yolu No: 1, 34692 Üsküdar/İstanbul. You can also use the coordinates 41.0569° N, 29.0594° E to find the tower on a map.
There are several ways to reach the tower, depending on your preference, budget, and time. Here are some of the most common modes of transportation to the tower:
By car:
If you have your own car or rent one, you can drive to the tower using the O-1 or O-2 highways. There is a parking lot near the tower that can accommodate up to 500 vehicles. The parking fee is 10 TL for cars and 20 TL for buses. The driving distance and time from the European side of Istanbul to the tower are about 25 km and 40 minutes, respectively, depending on the traffic.
By bus:
If you prefer public transportation, you can take a bus to the tower from various parts of the city. The bus routes that stop near the tower are 11L, 11ÜS, 14R, 15F, 15KÇ, 15T, 15YK, 16, 16A, 16D, 16M, 16U, 16Y, 17, 17L, 19, 19F, 19S, 19Y, 20, 20D, 20K, etc. The bus fare is 3.5 TL for a single ride, and you can use an Istanbulkart to pay. The bus stop closest to the tower is called Camlica Tepesi. The bus ride from the European side of Istanbul to the tower takes about 60 minutes, depending on the traffic.
By metro:
If you want a faster and more comfortable way to travel, you can take a metro to the tower from the European side of Istanbul. The metro line that connects to the tower is the M5 Üsküdar-Çekmeköy line. You can transfer to this line from the M1 Yenikapı-Hacıosman line at Yenikapı station, or from the M2 Yenikapı-Hacıosman line at Üsküdar station. The metro station closest to the tower is called Altunizade. The metro fare is 5.2 TL for a single ride, and you can use an Istanbulkart to pay. The metro ride from the European side of Istanbul to the tower takes about 30 minutes. From the Altunizade station, you can either walk for about 25 minutes to the tower, or take a bus or a taxi.
By taxi:
If you want a more convenient and flexible way to travel, you can take a taxi to the tower from anywhere in the city. The taxi fare depends on the distance, time, and traffic, but it is usually around 100 TL from the European side of Istanbul to the tower. You can use a taximeter to pay, or negotiate a fixed price with the driver. The taxi ride from the European side of Istanbul to the tower takes about 40 minutes, depending on the traffic.
By tour:
If you want a more hassle-free and enjoyable way to travel, you can book a tour to the tower from various travel agencies or online platforms. The tour usually includes a guide, a transportation, a ticket, and sometimes a meal. The tour price varies depending on the provider, the duration, and the inclusions, but it is usually around 200 TL per person. The tour duration is usually around 4 hours, including the travel time and the visit time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Camlica Tower
Before you visit the tower, you may have some questions about it. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers:
What are the opening hours of the tower?
The tower is open every day from 9:30 am to 11:00 pm. The last admission is at 10:30 pm. The opening hours may change on special occasions or due to weather conditions. You can check the official website of the tower for the latest updates.
Can I bring my luggage to the tower?
No, you cannot bring your luggage to the tower. There is no luggage storage facility at the tower. You have to leave your luggage at your hotel or another safe place before you visit the tower.
How is the weather at the tower?
The weather at the tower is usually cooler and windier than the rest of the city, due to its high altitude and location. You may need to wear a jacket or a sweater, especially in the evening or in the winter. You can check the weather forecast for the tower on the official website or on other online platforms.
What is the cancellation policy of the tower?
If you buy a ticket online, you can cancel or change your reservation up to 24 hours before your visit date and time. You will receive a full refund or a voucher for another date and time. If you buy a ticket at the ticket office, you cannot cancel or change your reservation. You have to use your ticket on the same day and time that you bought it. If you book a tour to the tower, you have to check the cancellation policy of the tour provider, as it may vary.
Historical Facts and Info about Camlica Tower
Camlica Tower is not only a modern attraction, but also a historical landmark. Here are some of the interesting facts and info about the tower that you may not know:
- The tower was built to replace the old Camlica TV Radio Tower, which was constructed in 1972 and had a height of 166 meters. The old tower was unable to meet the increasing demand for broadcasting and communication services in Istanbul, and was also considered an eyesore by some residents and visitors.
- The construction of the new tower started in 2011 and was completed in 2020. The tower was officially inaugurated on May 29, 2020, the 567th anniversary of the conquest of Istanbul by the Ottoman Empire. The tower was opened to the public on October 29, 2020, the 97th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkey.
- The tower was designed by the renowned Turkish architect Melike Altınışık, who is known for her futuristic and organic style. The tower’s shape was inspired by a tulip, the national flower of Turkey and a symbol of Istanbul. The tower’s facade is made of steel and glass, and has a dynamic lighting system that changes colors according to the time of the day and the season.
- The tower has a total height of 369 meters, making it the tallest structure in Turkey and the sixth tallest in Europe. The tower has 49 floors, of which 39 are above ground and 10 are below ground. The tower has a total floor area of 30,000 square meters, and can accommodate up to 4,500 people at a time.
- The tower has a broadcasting capacity of 125 channels, and can transmit signals to a radius of 120 kilometers. The tower has an antenna system that consists of 107 antennas, of which 58 are for radio and 49 are for television. The tower also has an energy efficiency system that uses solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal energy to reduce its carbon footprint.
- The tower has a project cost of 170 million euros, of which 130 million was funded by the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT), and 40 million was funded by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. The tower is expected to generate an annual revenue of 15 million euros from ticket sales, rentals, and advertisements.
Camlica Tower is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Istanbul. It offers a unique and unforgettable experience of the city, its culture, and its history. Whether you want to enjoy the panoramic views, taste the delicious food, relax in the garden, or learn about the tower’s architecture and technology, you will find something to suit your interests and preferences. Don’t miss the chance to visit the tower, and book your ticket online or at the ticket office.
You can also download the best audioguide to visit the tower, which will provide you with more information and tips about the tower and its surroundings.
Thank you for reading this article, and we hope you have a wonderful time at Camlica Tower.