16 Roof
Chic rooftop bar and restaurant at Swissôtel The Bosphorus, offering breathtaking Bosphorus views and a vibrant nightlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light, city awakens
16 Roof
Best Time
Magical light, city awakens
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Chic rooftop bar and restaurant at Swissôtel The Bosphorus, offering breathtaking Bosphorus views and a vibrant nightlife.
"The views alone were enough to make the evening special, but the food truly stole the show."
🎯 Book Ahead for Views
Reservations are key, especially for window seats or tables with unobstructed Bosphorus views.
✨ Dress to Impress
A smart casual or elegant dress code is recommended to match the sophisticated ambiance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bosphorus Panorama
Rooftop Terrace
Unrivaled panoramic views of the Bosphorus Strait and Istanbul's iconic skyline. A truly breathtaking backdrop.
Gourmet Dining Experience
Restaurant Area
Savor exquisite dishes crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. A culinary journey with stunning visuals.
Vibrant Nightlife & Music
Bar Area
Enjoy a sophisticated atmosphere with cool music, perfect for evening drinks and socializing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dress Code & Reservations
Timing for the Best Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead for Views
Reservations are key, especially for window seats or tables with unobstructed Bosphorus views.
✨ Dress to Impress
A smart casual or elegant dress code is recommended to match the sophisticated ambiance.
🌅 Arrive for Sunset
Aim to arrive about an hour before sunset to witness the city transform as day turns to night.
🎶 Enjoy the Music
The venue often features DJs and curated music, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead for Views
Reservations are key, especially for window seats or tables with unobstructed Bosphorus views.
✨ Dress to Impress
A smart casual or elegant dress code is recommended to match the sophisticated ambiance.
🌅 Arrive for Sunset
Aim to arrive about an hour before sunset to witness the city transform as day turns to night.
🎶 Enjoy the Music
The venue often features DJs and curated music, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
📸 Capture the Skyline
The Bosphorus view is a photographer's dream, especially during golden hour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
16 Roof offers a truly spectacular Bosphorus view and a vibrant atmosphere, making it a popular spot for drinks and dining. While many praise the food and service, some reviews mention inconsistencies in culinary quality and occasional service hiccups. The stunning vistas and sophisticated ambiance are consistently highlighted as major draws.
"It’s quite sad and frustrating to have dinner expensive yet not delicious. To pay twice or three time more and get quite average taste.
The service is pretentious but not efficient.
The lady at the reception didn’t want to let the man in because of the dress code although the restaurant was empty. The waiters pour water into glasses making thousands of splashes. The gyoza had dry duck and very thick dough, the octopus was chewy and tasteless with avocado tasteless pure, the tenderloin was overcooked, the ring ravioli was old, dry and torn.
The food is made for pictures, not to please the guests with taste. It’s really sad."
NIO NOWKA
"The food at 16 Roof is outstanding. The salmon appetizer was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented—an excellent start to the meal. The steak entrée was perfectly cooked, tender, and rich in flavor, easily one of the best I’ve had in Istanbul. Combined with the stunning Bosphorus view, it’s a top spot for a memorable dinner."
Petite Gourmets
"Nice rooftop with an amazing view, very fresh and windy. Music is cool, food is tasty, but hostes team is quite unprofessional. We ask 3 times to give us empty table in the shadow instead of table on the sun. That was so ridiculous to see irritated face of the hostes lady when she finally accept our kind request. Very disappointing service for that class of the place."
o gorkaya
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
16 Roof is located at the Swissôtel The Bosphorus. You can reach it by taxi, ride-sharing services, or public transport to the Beşiktaş area, followed by a short walk. +1
Yes, the Swissôtel The Bosphorus offers parking facilities, though it may incur a fee.
From Sultanahmet, you can take a taxi or a combination of tram and bus to reach the Beşiktaş area, which is close to the hotel.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
16 Roof operates as a restaurant and bar, so no specific entry tickets are usually required. However, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner.
Opening hours can vary, but it's typically open in the evenings for drinks and dinner. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most current hours.
Generally, there is no cover charge, but minimum spend requirements might apply during special events or for certain table bookings.
The dress code is smart casual to elegant. Avoid sportswear, flip-flops, and overly casual attire.
When booking, you can request a table with a Bosphorus view, but it's subject to availability. Arriving early can also help secure a good spot.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
16 Roof offers a gourmet dining experience with a menu featuring international and Turkish-inspired dishes, focusing on fresh ingredients.
Reviews suggest that prices can be on the higher side, reflecting the premium location and dining experience.
Absolutely! The stunning views, sophisticated ambiance, and quality food make it an ideal spot for a romantic evening.
While specific recommendations vary, dishes like the salmon appetizer and steak entrée have been praised for their flavor and quality.
The menu typically includes a variety of options, and it's advisable to inquire about vegetarian and vegan choices when making a reservation or upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset and the hour after, known as the 'blue hour,' offer the most dramatic lighting for capturing the city skyline and Bosphorus.
Tripod usage might be restricted, especially during peak hours, to avoid obstructing other guests. It's best to check with the venue management.
The edge of the terrace overlooking the Bosphorus, the bar area with its stylish decor, and any spot with a clear view of the city lights are excellent for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🥂 Couples Seeking Romance
✈️ Day-Trippers & Tourists
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Breathtaking Bosphorus View
Many visitors highlight the view as the primary reason for their visit, describing it as 'stunning' and 'breathtaking.' It's particularly magical during sunset when the city lights begin to twinkle, creating a romantic and vibrant atmosphere. This visual feast is a key element that elevates the experience beyond just a meal or drinks.
To make the most of this visual spectacle, consider booking a table near the edge of the terrace. Arriving an hour before sunset allows you to witness the transition from daylight to twilight, capturing the best of both worlds in your photos and memories.
Culinary Delights and Criticisms
Critics have pointed out that some dishes can be 'expensive yet not delicious,' with issues like dry fillings, chewy textures, and tasteless components. The food is sometimes described as being 'made for pictures, not to please the guests with taste.' This suggests a potential disconnect between presentation and culinary execution for some diners.
Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus leans towards a positive culinary experience for many, especially when combined with the ambiance and views. It's recommended to explore the menu and perhaps seek recommendations from the staff to ensure a satisfying meal.
Ambiance, Music, and Service
DJ sets, often featuring house and Afro house music, contribute to the energetic nightlife experience, with creators highlighting 'rooftop sessions' and 'night rituals.'
Service at 16 Roof receives varied feedback. While some guests describe the staff as 'friendly, attentive, and making the whole experience feel effortless,' others have encountered issues with 'pretentious but not efficient' service and 'unprofessional' hosting.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit