Sunset is the hour when Istanbul shows off. The Bosphorus changes colour, minarets turn into silhouettes and ferries cross through orange light. Which is exactly why every well-known viewpoint fills up in the late afternoon.
This guide covers the classic spots in the city, then heads north to the Black Sea coast for a quieter evening, where you can even watch the sun go down from a horse on the beach.
Classic sunset spots in the city
Üsküdar and Salacak waterfront
On the Asian side, the promenade facing the Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi) is one of the most famous sunset spots in Istanbul. The sun drops behind the historic peninsula, and the outlines of the Blue Mosque area and Süleymaniye appear across the water. People sit along the seafront, so come early for a good place.
Pierre Loti Hill
In Eyüp, at the far end of the Golden Horn. The hill looks down along the curve of the water towards the old city, which is lovely in the evening light. A cable car runs up the hill.
Çamlıca Hill
On the Asian side and one of the highest points in the city. From here you see the Bosphorus, both continents and the bridges in one view. It can be windy at the top, so bring an extra layer.
Moda seafront
In Kadıköy, a relaxed spot where locals sit on the grass by the sea to watch the sunset.
Along the Bosphorus and on a ferry
The waterfront around Bebek, Arnavutköy and Rumeli Hisarı is a favourite for an evening walk. An even simpler option is a public ferry. The short crossings between Eminönü, Karaköy, Kadıköy and Üsküdar are inexpensive and give you the skyline from the water.
Around Galata Tower
A well-known viewpoint over the Golden Horn and the historic peninsula. There is usually a queue to go up the tower itself, and the streets and terraces around it offer similar views from different angles.
Tips for a city sunset
- Arrive early. At least half an hour before sunset if you want a good spot.
- Stay a little longer. The sky often gets more colourful in the 15-20 minutes after the sun has gone.
- Clouds help. A few thin clouds usually give a more colourful sky than a perfectly clear one.
- Check the forecast. The Turkish State Meteorological Service has an Istanbul forecast.
- Plan your way back. Evening traffic in the centre is heavy. Ferries and trains are often easier than a taxi.
A quieter alternative, the Black Sea coast
City sunsets are beautiful, but you often share them with hundreds of people. For something calmer, head to the far north of the European side, where Sarıyer meets the Black Sea.
The view here is completely different. No buildings, no bridges, just the sea on the horizon. Behind you is Belgrade Forest, in front of you the sand and the waves. The beaches around Kilyos and the Rumeli Feneri lighthouse, where the Bosphorus opens into the Black Sea, are the best-known names on this stretch.
Where the sun sets on the north coast
On this coast the sea lies to the north, so the point where the sun sets moves noticeably through the year. In summer it sets further to the northwest, closer to the line of the coast, and the light spreads across the water. Towards winter it shifts to the southwest and drops behind the land and the forest, earlier in the day.
Sunset time changes a lot between seasons too. Rather than guess, send us the date you are coming and we will tell you when to set off.
Sunset horse ride on the beach
The most memorable way to see a Black Sea sunset is to ride down to the beach. Kerem Bey Horse Farm is in Uskumruköy, Sarıyer, between Belgrade Forest and the coast. The beach ride starts at the farm, follows a forest trail and comes out onto the sand.
Sunset is the most requested time for beach rides, for good reasons.
- Soft light. Harsh midday shadows disappear and everything turns warm.
- A calmer beach. The day’s activity fades and the sound of the waves takes over.
- Cooler air. In summer this is the most comfortable hour of the day.
- Great photos. With the sun behind you, horse and rider become a silhouette. With the sun to the side, faces glow.
The beginner beach ride takes 45-60 minutes at a calm pace, with a guide beside you all the way. Helmets and gear are provided. Experienced riders can choose the 90-120 minute long beach ride, which covers a wider route.
| Ride | For | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach ride | Beginners | 45-60 min | 3,500 TL |
| Long beach ride | Experienced riders | 90-120 min | 4,000 TL |
Prices are per person in Turkish lira. Route details are on the beach ride page, and our beach horse riding guide explains how the ride works from start to finish. The full list is on our prices page.
Getting there from central Istanbul
The farm is at Uskumruköy Mah., Ayvacık Sk., Sarıyer, on the northern edge of the city. From Taksim or Sultanahmet the easiest way is a taxi, a ride-hailing app or a rental car heading north. A handy landmark for drivers is the Uskumruköy toll gates on the Northern Marmara Motorway, 5-10 minutes from the farm. Ask us on WhatsApp for the map pin to show your driver. For the trip back after dark, arrange your return ride in advance.
Before your sunset ride
- Book ahead. Sunset slots fill quickly at weekends, so message us a few days before.
- Arrive a little early. Leave time to meet your horse and put on your gear.
- Bring a layer. It cools down fast on the beach once the sun goes. Long trousers and closed, flat shoes are a must.
- Keep your phone secure. In a zipped pocket or on a neck strap. On horseback, let the guide or a friend take the photos.
- Bad weather. For safety, the ride is moved to another day.
For a full clothing checklist, see what to wear horse riding.
A special moment
A beach at sunset is a popular setting for proposals and anniversaries. If you are planning something like that, we can arrange a professional photoshoot and a personal setup. See our events page for details.
Make a day of it
You can easily spend the whole day in the north. Start with a Turkish village breakfast at the farm’s restaurant, take a walk in Belgrade Forest in the afternoon and ride down to the beach for sunset. If someone in your group would rather not ride, the ATV tours cover the same forest and coast.
Booking
Bookings are made on WhatsApp and you can write in English. Message +90 546 414 00 89 or use the booking form, which turns your choices into a ready WhatsApp message. Tell us the date, the number of riders, everyone’s riding experience and that you would like a sunset ride, and we will agree the time with you. The farm is open every day except Thursday, 09:00-19:00.