Camlica Tower, the most controversial yet tallest addition to Istanbul's skyline, offers the chance to look down on the city from exactly 369 meters. This futuristic structure, which eliminated the visual pollution of old radio masts, is not just a broadcasting tower; it is a full-day activity center with a restaurant, observation decks, and interactive areas. However, there are critical details you need to know before you go, because the tower's entrance policy, transportation, and pricing can be a bit of a surprise for unprepared visitors.

  • Opening/Closing: 10:00 - 22:00
  • Entrance Fee: 225 TL (Residents), 600 TL (Foreigners)
  • Museum Pass: Not Valid
  • Parking: Available but limited
  • Recommended Visit Time: 1.5 - 2 Hours

2025 Camlica Tower Entrance Fee and Ticket Types

Unfortunately, entrance to Camlica Tower is not free, and the Museum Pass Istanbul is not valid here. The ticketing system operates on different tariffs for local residents and foreign visitors. Although the prices you encounter at the box office are updated periodically, the standards for 2025 have settled into a specific range.

While the full ticket for locals is around 225 TL, a discounted rate is applied for students and visitors over 65. If you are a foreign visitor, it is useful to know that the price goes up to the 600 TL band.

Camlica kulesi giris ucreti seyir terasi

Is Fast Track Necessary?

On weekends and public holidays, the elevator queue can sometimes be frustrating. If your time is limited or you do not want to deal with the crowd, you can consider the Fast Track ticket, which is sold for about double the price of the standard ticket. If you are visiting on a weekday, there is absolutely no need for this; the standard ticket works just fine.

Observation Deck and The View Experience

After buying your ticket and passing through security, you are directed to elevators that carry you up at a speed of 7 meters per second. It is very normal to feel pressure changes in your ears during the elevator ride; you can balance this by swallowing. When you reach the observation deck, a 360-degree panorama of Istanbul welcomes you.

From here, you can see the Historical Peninsula, the Bosphorus line, and the Princes' Islands in a single glance. However, there can sometimes be issues with the cleanliness of the glass windows, which might affect photo quality.

Nevertheless, if you catch the sunset hour, the moment the city lights start to turn on offers a visual feast that compensates for the fee you paid. If you are looking for a more historical atmosphere and a view that is lower but has high texture, a visit to Yildiz Palace on the Besiktas side might be a good alternative; however, the height advantage of Camlica is a completely different experience.

Camlica Tower Breakfast and Restaurant Prices

The restaurant located on the 39th and 40th floors of the tower serves with a dining with a view concept. The most curious subject here is the price/performance balance. To be honest, it makes more sense to come here for the atmosphere and the view rather than a gourmet culinary experience.

Serpme Breakfast and Menu Details

Mixed breakfast service is available every day of the week. Although the variety is satisfying, the prices are slightly above the Istanbul average. For main courses, there are options from world cuisine and Turkish cuisine. Do not think of the average meal cost for one person independently of the entrance fee; because if you have a restaurant reservation, you can go up without paying the entrance fee (or it is included in the price). You must confirm this detail by phone before you go, as campaigns and rules can change frequently.

Important Tip: The restaurant section has limited capacity. Unless you make a reservation at least 2-3 days in advance, especially for weekend breakfast or dinner, your chance of finding a table is almost zero.

Where is Camlica Tower and How to Get There?

The tower is located on Kucuk Camlica Hill in Uskudar, but transportation is not as straightforward as you might think. The most practical method for those using public transport is the metro.

  • By Metro: You can take the M5 Uskudar-Cekmekoy metro line and get off at Kisikli or Bulgurlu station. However, walking from here to the tower requires a serious uphill climb and takes about 20-25 minutes.
  • Taxi Support: After getting off at the metro station, taking a taxi is the most comfortable option instead of climbing that hill, especially in the summer heat. Since the distance is short, you might sometimes struggle to find a taxi, but it is worth trying to save your energy.
  • Private Car: There is a parking lot belonging to the tower, but its capacity can remain a bit low compared to the number of tower visitors. If you go during weekend noon hours, you might have difficulty finding a spot.

Camlica Tower Contact

You can use the phone number 0216 912 0 360 to ask about occupancy status or make a restaurant reservation before your visit.