Holidays in Istanbul: discover the best beach bars in the former capital of Byzantium

Holidays in Istanbul: discover the best beach bars in the former capital of Byzantium

June 11, 2025

Istanbul, a city spanning two continents, has fascinated travelers for centuries with its rich history, culture and unique location on the Bosphorus. However, modern Istanbul is not just about historical monuments and traditional bazaars - it is also a vibrant metropolis that offers modern entertainment, including unique beach bars. These unique venues combine the best of beach recreation with incredible views of the city skyline and the Bosphorus Strait. In our article, we'll take you on a tour of Istanbul's best beach bars, where you can enjoy the sun, sand and sea while admiring the majestic mosques and palaces of the former Byzantine capital. Discover with us the places that will make your Istanbul vacation an unforgettable experience combining relaxation, entertainment and history all in one.

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Beach bars overlooking the Bosphorus

Istanbul, despite its urban nature, offers a surprising number of opportunities for beach recreation, and one of the best places to do so is Tırmata Balık & Beach. Located in the Sarıyer district, this upscale beach bar combines the charm of a seaside resort with proximity to the city center. Tırmata Balık & Beach stands out above all for its sandy beach and the crystal clear waters of the Black Sea. It is an ideal place for families looking to relax by the water without leaving the city.

Here, guests can enjoy comfortable sun loungers and umbrellas while enjoying delicious seafood dishes served at the coastal restaurant. Prices at Tırmata Balık & Beach may be higher than average, but this is compensated by the high quality of service and unique atmosphere. It is worth noting that on weekends the entrance fee is TL 750 per person (as of July 2023), which includes use of the beach and facilities.

For those who prefer a more urban experience overlooking the Bosphorus, the Seafront Lounge is an excellent option. It's an elegant rooftop bar offering panoramic views of the Bosphorus Strait and Istanbul's historic center. Seafront Lounge impresses not only with its location, but also with its exquisite menu and carefully selected cocktails.

Unlike Tırmata Balık & Beach, Seafront Lounge does not offer beach access, but makes up for it with luxurious decor and unforgettable views of the city. It's the perfect place for a romantic evening or an elegant business meeting. Prices here are higher than in average Istanbul establishments, but the quality of service and unique atmosphere fully justify it.

Both places, although different in character, offer unique experiences. Tırmata Balık & Beach is ideal for families and those looking for a typical beach getaway, while Seafront Lounge tends to attract couples and those who appreciate elegance and an urban lifestyle. Regardless of your choice, both establishments guarantee unforgettable views and an atmosphere that will long be remembered.

Romantic terraced restaurants on the Bosphorus

Continuing our tour of the best beach bars and restaurants overlooking the Bosphorus, we can't leave out Marbella Terrace Restaurant. It's a place that combines elegance with a unique view of the sea and Istanbul's historic center. Marbella Terrace Restaurant, located in the Fatih district, offers guests not only delicious Mediterranean cuisine, but above all a breathtaking panorama of the city.

The restaurant is famous for its excellent food, especially its fresh seafood and grilled dishes. Guests especially praise the grilled dorado and sea bass, which are prepared with the utmost care. Prices at Marbella Terrace Restaurant are moderate, which, combined with the quality of the food served and the exceptional view, makes this place attractive to a wide range of customers.

The atmosphere at Marbella Terrace Restaurant is worth noting. The elegant yet cozy decor makes it an ideal place for both a romantic dinner and a business meeting. The restaurant's terrace offers an unobstructed view of the sea, which especially in the evening, at sunset, creates a magical atmosphere.

Another place that deserves attention is the Loti Roof Lounge. This exclusive rooftop bar offers some of the best views of the Istanbul skyline. Located in the heart of the historic center, Loti Roof Lounge allows you to admire sights such as Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque from a whole new perspective.

Loti Roof Lounge is distinguished not only by its location, but also by the high standard of service and the quality of the drinks served. The bar's menu includes a wide selection of cocktails, wines and snacks, which go perfectly with an evening admiring the city skyline. Prices here are slightly higher than at Marbella Terrace Restaurant, but the unique atmosphere and unforgettable views fully compensate for this.

It's worth noting that Loti Roof Lounge often organizes evenings with live music, which adds to its appeal. This is an ideal option for couples looking for a romantic place to spend an evening, but also for groups of friends looking to celebrate special occasions in a unique setting.

When comparing Marbella Terrace Restaurant and Loti Roof Lounge, one can see that both places offer a quality experience, but with a slightly different touch. Marbella Terrace Restaurant focuses more on gastronomy, offering fine dining in a beautiful setting. Loti Roof Lounge, on the other hand, focuses on ambience and views, being the perfect place for evening gatherings over drinks. The choice between the two venues depends on individual preferences and the occasion.

Exclusive beach bars for the discerning

To conclude our tour of Istanbul's best beach bars, we can't leave out Queb Rooftop Restaurant, a place that combines everything you'd expect from an upscale establishment overlooking the Bosphorus. Located on the rooftop of The Byzantium Hotel, Queb Rooftop Restaurant offers guests unparalleled views of Istanbul's historic center, including the majestic Hagia Sophia.

Queb Rooftop Restaurant is distinguished not only by its location, but above all by the high quality of the dishes it serves. The restaurant's menu is a fusion of traditional Turkish cuisine with modern culinary trends. Guests especially praise the fresh seafood and grilled dishes, which are prepared with the highest quality ingredients. It is worth noting that the restaurant also offers an extensive selection of wines, both local and international.

The atmosphere at Queb Rooftop Restaurant is elegant yet relaxed. A spacious terrace with comfortable seating allows guests to enjoy the city skyline in comfort. It is an ideal place for both a romantic dinner and a business meeting.

Prices at Queb Rooftop Restaurant are higher than at average restaurants in Istanbul, but the quality of food, service and unique views fully justify it. It's worth noting that the restaurant often hosts special events, such as evenings with live music and wine tastings, which adds to its appeal.

Comparing Queb Rooftop Restaurant with the previously discussed venues, one can see that it offers the most comprehensive experience. Unlike Tırmata Balık & Beach, it lacks beach access, but compensates for this with luxurious decor and panoramic views of the city. Compared to Seafront Lounge, Queb Rooftop Restaurant offers a more extensive menu and a greater emphasis on gastronomy.

In terms of atmosphere, Queb Rooftop Restaurant is more elegant and formal than Marbella Terrace Restaurant, making it ideal for special occasions. At the same time, like the Loti Roof Lounge, it offers spectacular views of the Istanbul skyline, but with a greater emphasis on the dining experience.

All in all, each of the described places has its own unique character and strengths. Tırmata Balık & Beach is ideal for those looking for a typical beach getaway, Seafront Lounge attracts lovers of cocktails and urban lifestyles, Marbella Terrace Restaurant offers fine dining in a cozy atmosphere, Loti Roof Lounge is ideal for evening gatherings over drinks, and Queb Rooftop Restaurant combines all of these to offer a luxurious dining experience with a unique view of Istanbul. Regardless of your choice, each of these venues guarantees an unforgettable experience and the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Istanbul from a whole new perspective.

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