Istanbul Sapphire Tours

Rising nearly 54 stories about the ground, Istanbul Sapphire is one of the city’s tallest skyscrapers. The high-tech luxury commercial and residential mixed-use project was Turkey’s first ecological skyscraper. The top of the building features an observation deck with a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Istanbul skyline.

The Basics
As part of its eco-engineering, Istanbul Sapphire incorporates special systems that absorb sunlight and ultraviolet beams, and buffer the building’s residents from negative weather conditions and external noise. The luxurious amenities in Istanbul Sapphire include a large shopping mall, many restaurants, an indoor mini-golf course, vertical gardens, and a swimming pool with views of the Bosphorus.

If you are in the neighborhood on a small-group or private tour, it is easy to also take the time to visit Istanbul Sapphire.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Istanbul Sapphire is a must-visit for modern architecture enthusiasts.
• There is a fee to access the observation deck.
• Wear comfortable shoes to explore Istanbul Sapphire.
• The building is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get There
Istanbul Sapphire, located in Istanbul’s Levent neighborhood, is easily accessed by metro at the Levent stop. The metro connects to almost all other forms of major transportation in the city. Buses run to Levent as well. You can take a taxi to Istanbul Sapphire; if self-driving, there is abundant parking.

When to Get There
Istanbul Sapphire and the viewing deck are open to the public from 10am and 10pm daily. The mall can get quite busy in the afternoon and evening, so arrive early in the day for a relatively quieter experience. On Turkish holidays, make sure to confirm opening hours, as they are subject to change.

Activities in Istanbul Sapphire
Like many malls in Istanbul, Sapphire offers plenty of options to keep the whole family entertained. The viewing platform has a 4D helicopter simulator that lets you take in bird’s-eye views of the city. A venue within the building hosts performances. There is also a cinema that shows recent releases of Turkish and international movies.