Istanbul, the city of seven hills, is situated right at the meeting point of the borders of Europe and Asia and is famous for its rich history, culture, and cuisines.
The enchanting city is dotted with iconic sites, like Sapphire Shopping Mall, Bosphorus Strait, Tulip Garden, Camlica Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and many more.
If you’re on tour to Istanbul and want to see the popular attractions in one go, then there is no better way to see them all than from Sapphire Observation Deck.
The deck, located on the 54th floor of the Sapphire Building, is Istanbul’s tallest skyscraper and is 261 meters (856 ft) tall.
This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets for the Sapphire Observation Deck.
Top Sapphire Observation Deck Tickets
Table of contents
- What to expect at Sapphire Observation Deck
- Where to book tickets
- How do online tickets work
- Sapphire Observation Deck ticket price
- Sapphire Observation Deck tickets
- How to reach Sapphire Observation Deck
- Opening hours of Sapphire Observation Deck
- How long does the tour take
- Best time to visit Sapphire Observation Deck
- Reviews
- Sapphire Observation Deck restaurants
- FAQs about the Sapphire Observation Deck
What to expect at Sapphire Observation Deck
From the Sapphire Observation Deck, get a 360-degree view of Istanbul’s bustling neighborhoods, aesthetic monuments, vibrant streets, and stunning coastlines.
The observation deck is on the top floor of the Sapphire Shopping Mall, which has a variety of restaurants, brand outlets, entertainment facilities, etc.
The deck offers indoor and outdoor platforms for a complete view and great photo opportunities.
Whip out your binoculars to take a closer look at the sparkling water of the Sea of Marmara, a vast expanse of Bosphorus Strait, and the majestic Hagia Sophia.
Where to book tickets
You can buy tickets to the Sapphire Observation Deck online in advance or at the attraction.
Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.
When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.
Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, during peak days they may sell out. Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.
How do online tickets work
Go to the Sapphire Observation Deck ticket booking page, select your preferred date and number of tickets, and book them right away.
Once you purchase Istanbul Sapphire Deck tickets, they get delivered to your email address.
There is no need to get printouts of the ticket.
You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone when you visit the attraction.
Sapphire Observation Deck ticket price
Sapphire Observation Deck entrance ticket is priced at ₺350 for all guests aged seven years and above.
The entrance ticket & 4D SkyRide combo costs ₺525 for those over seven years.
Kids under six years get a 100% discount on tickets and, hence, get free admission to the deck.
Sapphire Observation Deck tickets
Grab this ticket and marvel at the unparalleled view of Istanbul’s popular landmarks from the top.
Feel the fresh air from the open outer platform and get mesmerized by the city spread beneath your feet.
Upgrade your tickets to the Sapphire Observation Deck Entrance Ticket & 4D SkyRide option and fly over Bosphorus Strait, Maiden’s Tower, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, etc.
Ticket Prices
Sapphire Observation Deck Entrance Ticket
Adult Ticket (7+ years): ₺350
Child Ticket (up to 6 years): Free
Sapphire Observation Deck Entrance Ticket & 4D SkyRide
Adult Ticket (7+ years): ₺525
Child Ticket (up to 6 years): Free
Save time and money! Explore Istanbul’s top attractions with ease and save money by booking a 2-, 3-, 5-, or 7-day E-Pass. Get access to over 40 popular attractions and guided tours, including the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and Bosphorus cruise.
How to reach Sapphire Observation Deck
The Sapphire Observation Deck is located on the top floor of the Sapphire Shopping Mall in the 4th Levent District, the European side of Istanbul.
Address: Emniyetevleri, Eski Büyükdere Cd. No:1, 34415 Kâğıthane/İstanbul, Türkiye. Get Directions
You can get to the observation deck by taking public transport or a personal vehicle.
By Metro
Board the M2 metro line and get down at the 4. Levent station.
From there, the observation deck is a few minutes walk away.
By Bus
The E-3 public bus connects Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Sabiha Gökçen Uluslararası Havalimanı) to the city and stops right next to the Sapphire Tower.
By Car
If you’re driving by car, turn on Google Maps and get started.
There are a few car parking garages nearby to park vehicles.
Opening hours of Sapphire Observation Deck
The Istanbul Sapphire Observation Deck is open from 10 am to 9pm.
The deck is open all days of the week.
The last entry to the deck is 30 minutes before the closing time.
How long does the tour take
Visitors usually spend an hour on the Sapphire Observation Deck Istanbul.
If you stop to take pictures, the duration may increase by 30 more minutes.
Best time to visit Sapphire Observation Deck
The best time to visit Istanbul Sapphire Observation Deck is an hour before sunset.
Reach the observation deck an hour before sunset, witness the city’s skyline in daylight, and then gaze at the awe-inspiring and colorful view of the sun setting down.
If you wish to avoid the crowd and seek a clear view, get to the deck when it opens at 10 am.
For a romantic experience, go to the deck after 7 pm and take in the unrivaled view of the city glowing with white, orange, blue, and other colorful lights.
On weekends and public holidays, the observation deck receives a high footfall of visitors.
Reviews
Sapphire Observation Deck Istanbul is a highly-rated tourist attraction.
Check out two Sapphire Observation Deck reviews we selected from Tripadvisor, which give you an idea of what to expect at this attraction.
Istanbul Sapphire – A must visit attraction
You can watch Istanbul from the highest building at Levent. Bosphorus is on the east side of the building, so the view is excellent in the afternoon. You can also watch the Istanbul 4D Sky Ride show and visit all the famous places by flying.
Do not miss the Skyride
The tower itself was a nice and average shopping mall, but the thing I liked very much was the Skyride, which was a great experience because it was like a 4D cinema simulation made with a helicopter across Istanbul.You will see most attractions in Istanbul and will feel like you are traveling among them by helicopter. You can reach it by tram, and it is exactly at 4. Levent tram station.
Sapphire Observation Deck restaurants
The Istanbul Sapphire Observation Deck has a Vista Cafe & Restaurant where visitors can sit, relax, and enjoy their meals while taking in the beautiful view of the city through glass panels.
Many food outlets inside the Sapphire Shopping Mall also offer Turkish, Continental, Asian, Chinese, and other cuisines.
If you wish to have local cuisines, after visiting the Sapphire Observation Deck, head to Seyir Street and try baklava, kebabs, simit, tavuk pilav, and many more dishes.
FAQs about the Sapphire Observation Deck
Here are some questions visitors usually ask before visiting the Sapphire Observation Deck in Istanbul.
Tourists can buy tickets for the Sapphire Observation Deck online or at the venue, on the day of their visit. For the best experience we suggest you book your tickets online, in advance.
Yes, the tower is completely wheelchair accessible.
Yes, tickets for children under six years old are free.
Yes, all the visitors are encouraged to take pictures to record all their memories.
The Sapphire Tower has 54 floors above the ground and ten floors underground.
The Observation Deck is on the 54th floor of the tower.
Wear comfortable clothes to the deck. Do carry some extra layers because it can get a little windy in the evening.
The Vista Cafe & Restaurant is located on the deck. Apart from offering a wide range of Turkish cuisines, it allows visitors to soak in the panoramic view of Istanbul while having food.
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