5 Rooftops In Istanbul With Views Of The Blue Mosque And Hagia Sophia
Visiting the architectural hot spots and tourist attractions when traveling is always fun—but sometimes enjoying the view while removed from the bustle of said hot spots can provide the opportunity to take in the details without having to rush or jockey for position with hoards of other tourists.
That's exactly where a great restaurant with a view comes in—and there are plenty of options in Istanbul's historical peninsula. The following rooftop restaurants offer a comfortable reprise from the bustling streets of the old city below but the selling point is really the incredible views of the famous Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
Here are some of the best rooftop restaurants in the city where the city's top architectural wonders serve as the main course:
Deraliye Terrace is going to be your best bet if a more intimate experience. There's less of a crowd than some of the other restaurants on the list which means you'll have a better chance of getting a table on the edge of the patio with the best views. This spot alo has a more elevated menu with decadent takes on Turkish classics, like hot and cold meze dishes, lamb chops, grilled fish, and a large selection of local and imported wine.
Seven Hills Restaurant is the spot you've probably seen on social media before; the restaurant has incredible views of both the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque but it's also quite a bit more busy than some of the other options in the area. It's worth noting that this restaurant is open for breakfast as well as dinner, so if you're looking for a Turkish breakfast with a great view, this is it.
Looking for a combination of Turkish and international cuisine? Queb Rooftop Restaurant boasts all the best of Turkish mezes as well as menu items like pasta, steak tartare, and fresh oysters. The property overlooks both the Bosphorus and the Hagia Sophia which makes it a stunning spot for a sunset meal.
Ararat Terrace Restaurant & Rooftop offers great views of both the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque and while it has become quite popular on social media due to its open air dining space, it's still not quite as busy as some of the other tourist-focused rooftops in the old city. It's located on the top floor of the Ararat Hotel and boasts all the best Turkish flavors as well as a handful of international dishes.
The Grace Rooftop is going to be your best bet if you're looking for an unforgettable photo opp experience. The property boasts free Ottoman-inspired costumes for customers to get dressed up and take advantage of the Sultanahmet Square below. The menu focuses on international cuisine with items like pizza, pasta, and a sprinkling of Turkish classics as well.
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Highlights also include the debut of the sophisticated AC Kitchen & Lounge, a brand-new lobby and AC Library, 8,800 square feet of completely refreshed meetings and events space, a reimagined exterior façade, and a 4,000-square-foot state-of-the-art fitness center. "This opening marks an exciting new chapter not only for our team, but for the evolving identity of National Landing," said Ben Joseph, General Manager at AC National Landing. "Our prime location to major transportation systems matched with our bold, new identity and state-of-the-art facilities is a welcome addition to the community for special events, meetings, celebratory occasions, and a thoughtfully designed home away from home.' Formerly the Crystal City Marriott, the AC Hotel Arlington National Landing is located in the heart of Arlington's National Landing district, and offers unmatched connectivity for today's traveler. Just steps from the Crystal City Metro and minutes from Reagan National Airport, with complimentary shuttle service available to guests, the hotel provides seamless access to Arlington and Washington, D.C. Surrounded by walkable retail, entertainment and wellness options - including the Mount Vernon Trail for walking, jogging and biking, and Long Bridge Aquatics Center - the property is also nearby Amazon HQ2, Virginia Tech's Innovation Campus and I-395. Design That Moves With the NeighborhoodOne of the most prominent aspects of the hotel is its rounded facade that uniquely envelopes Crystal City's prime corner of South Bell Street and 20th Street South, where its ambient glow mirrors the community's revitalized spirit. An inviting arrival experience begins from the outside with a new dynamic lighting feature that gradually brightens as vehicles enter the porte-cochere, and continues with clear, modern signage and updated drive aisle displays for seamless wayfinding. Inside, the reimagined lobby and AC Library is thoughtfully composed of intimate nooks, using subtle architectural cues to create the illusion of rooms within rooms for a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere. Sleek, sculptural, and effortlessly refined, the indoor/outdoor AC Kitchen & Lounge at AC Hotel Arlington National Landing serves as a visual anchor for the cosmopolitan neighborhood. Centered around a geometric backlit bar framed in black glass shelving, the space marries sophisticated minimalism with warmth, exuding an aesthetic of soft neutrals, millwork, and burnished-metal details. Accordion-style windowed doors blur the line between inside and out, opening onto an expansive patio framed by lush greenery and sculptural planters. Thoughtfully arranged seating invites guests to linger, whether for quiet moments or unique corporate receptions in the open air. Guestrooms at AC Hotel Arlington National Landing offer a purposeful balance of contemporary elegance and effortless comfort for business and leisure travelers alike, signature to the brand's European-inspired design. A harmonious palette of textured grays and midnight blues complements clean architectural lines and uncluttered surfaces to create a serene atmosphere designed for function and flow. Handmade artistic pieces cultivate a connection to local creatives, while expansive windows with wide seating nooks frame sweeping views of Arlington and its evolving cosmopolitan skyline. The new 4,000-square-foot state-of-the-art fitness center is filled with natural light, courtesy of expansive skylights that create an airy, invigorating atmosphere. Outfitted with the latest high-performance equipment, the space also features two private studio rooms ideal for group fitness training. The AC Kitchen & Lounge: European Flavor, Neighborhood FlairThe AC Kitchen & Lounge offers a dining experience rooted in connection and unscripted moments. Guided by the culinary vision of Executive Chef Anoop Nathoo, the menu draws on the tapas tradition of Spain, with shareable plates that celebrate fresh, regional ingredients and seasonal inspirations. Breakfast and dinner are served daily, with offerings that range from artfully prepared classics to inventive small plates that reflect the chef's global background. Behind the bar, knowledgeable mixologists bring an approachable expertise to every pour – crafting cocktails with house-made infusions, hand-selected bitters, and local garnishes that invite discovery. AC Kitchen is open for a European-style buffet or full-service breakfast experience from 6 to 11 a.m.; AC Lounge happy hour is available Monday through Friday from 4 to 6:30 p.m.; and dinner is available seven days a week from 4 p.m. to midnight. 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Conveniently located near I-395 and the Crystal City Metro, the property unlocks access to the best of nearby Washington D.C., National Landing's retail and dining, and is mere minutes to Amazon's HQ2, Virginia Tech's Innovation Campus, and Old Town Alexandria. For more information, visit and follow along on Facebook and Instagram. The hotel is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the global travel program from Marriott International. About HHM HotelsHHM Hotels is an award-winning hotel management and investment company that operates over 235 full-service and select-service hotels across the United States and Canada. HHM Hotels is in virtually every major hospitality market from coast to coast, and is a leading manager of Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG hotels, while also operating over 50 independent luxury and lifestyle hotels. 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Looking for some Frankfort fun? Here's a list of things to do in Kentucky's capital
Looking for a Kentucky city to spend a day in besides Louisville or Lexington? The state capital has you covered. Frankfort is home to the Kentucky State Capitol and Governor's Mansion. But it also has plenty of other sites to visit, including local shops, outdoor adventures and quirky features you can only find in the Central Kentucky city. With the state capitol currently undergoing renovations, we've rounded up other ways to explore and fill up your day trip. Here's a list of things to do and places to visit in Frankfort: Old State Capitol tour While the capitol building may be closed, you can still take a tour of Kentucky's Old State House. The Old State Capitol, at 300 W. Broadway St., in downtown Frankfort, hosted legislative sessions for almost 80 years. The building was constructed between 1827 and 1880 and is now a national historic landmark. Visitors can sign up to take a tour guided by museum staff to learn about the building's unique architectural features and Kentucky's political history. The guided tour takes place at 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Tickets can be purchased onsite or at Visitors can also do a self-guided tour with audio, found on the Kentucky Historical Society website. Castle & Key Distillery Castle & Key Distillery doesn't just offer bourbon. It's also home to historic grounds and botanical trails and gardens. The distillery, at 4445 McCracken Pike, offers several tours visitors can sign up for, including taking a look at the distillery's history and production process. The European-inspired castle on the grounds was originally constructed in 1887 as the Old Taylor Distillery. Castle & Key began restoring the property in 2014 and opened up in September 2018. People who are interested in taking a tour can book one at You can also walk the grounds and botanical gardens while sipping bourbon or shop at the distillery's retail store without signing up for a tour. Buffalo Trace Buffalo Trace is another fan favorite for bourbon connoisseurs. Like Castle & Key, the distillery offers a variety of tours and has a unique history. Buffalo Trace is also known for offering bottles onsite that are difficult to find in stores, including Blanton's, E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch, Eagle Rare and Weller Special Reserve. The distillery, at 113 Great Buffalo Trace, typically draws a line of hundreds each morning to purchase a bottle at its gift shop. View tour availability at Downtown Frankfort bars Frankfort might be smaller than Louisville and Lexington, but it still offers a plethora of bar options. If you're looking for a place with an extensive range of bourbon, House of Commons offers just that. The bar at 245 W. Main St. brands itself as a "bourbon library," offering "once in a lifetime pours" and "old favorites" in addition to an extensive cocktail menu. Larger groups may enjoy Cooperage Bar at 325 W. Broadway, which has games including pool, darts, Jenga and more. For those looking for a casual setting, affordable drinks and late-night hours, Dicey Riley's is an Irish bar with an outdoor patio in the heart of downtown Frankfort, at 321 St. Clair St. Other bars located downtown or within walking distance include Howser Tavern, 311 St. Clair St., and Mortimer Bibb's Public House, 330 St. Clair St. Frankfort coffee shops Andy's Artisan Bread, at 127 E. Todd St., is a favorite in Frankfort if you're looking for pastries and coffee. Located near the state capital, the bakery offers a wide range of baked goods, including croissants, scones, morning buns and Danishes, in addition to breakfast sandwiches. Other coffee shops in downtown Frankfort include Kentucky Coffeetree Cafe, 235 W. Broadway St., and Engine House Coffee, 307 W. Main St. Both offer seasonal menus, and Kentucky Coffeetree Cafe is next door to Poor Richard's Books for those interested in book browsing. Outside of downtown is Sage Garden Cafe, 3690 East-West Connector, which offers a brunch and lunch menu in addition to coffee. Frankfort restaurants There's most likely a restaurant for everyone somewhere in Frankfort. Serafini, at 243 W. Broadway, offers a more upscale experience, with its menu focused on Italian and Southern fare. For a more casual setting, the Brown Barrel, 202 W. Broadway St., Bourbon on Main, 103 W. Main St., and Goodwood Brewing, 109 W. Main St., offer classic American fare and extensive cocktail and drink menus. If you're a fan of Thai cuisine, Thai Smile, located outside of downtown at 1193 Century Plaza US 127 South, is also a local favorite and is open for lunch and dinner on weekdays. Josephine Sculpture Park The nonprofit outdoor gallery is free and open every day for those looking to take advantage of the nice weather. According to the Visit Frankfort website, Josephine Sculpture Park has almost 70 works of temporary and permanent art, which means visitors get a new experience each visit. The park at 3355 Lawrenceburg Road offers self-guided tours, scavenger hunts and other events throughout the year. Cove Spring Park The nature preserve at 100 Cove Spring Road is another option for an outdoor adventure, with three areas to explore: lower cove, upper cove and the wetlands. Among the park's features are hiking trails, waterfalls, wildlife viewing and an archery range. Park hours are 8 a.m. to dusk daily. Find more information at Daniel Boone's grave For those interested in Kentucky history, you can visit Daniel Boone's grave at the Frankfort Cemetery, 215 E. Main St. The cemetery overlooks Frankfort and the Kentucky River, and Daniel Boone and his wife Rebecca Boone were the first to be laid to rest there. While Daniel Boone wasn't born in Kentucky, he is known as a "founding father of Kentucky" for exploring and opening the Wilderness Road through the Cumberland Gap. The cemetery is also the last resting place for thousands of other Frankfort citizens, as well as famous Kentuckians, including governors, statesmen and business owners. Reach reporter Hannah Pinski at hpinski@ or follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @hannahpinski. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Things to do in Frankfort, Kentucky: From distilleries to parks Solve the daily Crossword
