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For anyone planning a trip to Istanbul and the itinerary is not yet full or doesn’t look interesting, here is a suggestion for you. Explore and discover the city through its renowned 7 hills.  The good thing abut this “7 hill trail” is that it can be tackled year-round, though spring and fall offer optimal weather.  Istanbul’s rolling terrain provides unmatched panoramic views, historical perspective, and immense cultural charm.

Over 2,000 years ago, early settlers dubbed Istanbul’s landscape as the “City on Seven Hills.” This moniker stemmed from the striking resemblance to the legendary Seven Hills of Rome. Now in modern times, we would like to urge ambitious sightseers to embark on a mission to triumph over the hills (with a personal twist).

The Imperial Hill 

First up is the Palatine Hill, or Sultanahmet. This is the ancient heart where the Roman Byzantium empire arose. The jewels atop this crown hill include architectural gems like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Basilica Cistern. Nearby, the bustling Grand Bazaar stretches for miles, inviting shoppers to barter amid a kaleidoscope of carpets, jewellery, and antiques.

The Golden Gateway

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Continuing northwards from old Constantinople lies the Xerolophos Hill, now called Fener. Home to the ancient Golden Gate, this historic entryway was the first glimpse for medieval visitors. Today, lively cafes and the striking Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople make this slope a favourite for trendy locals.

The Leafy Escape

Next is the evergreen Camlica Hill, beckoning nature lovers. Marked by the city’s highest point, this forested area offers shady trails, hilltop tea gardens and a reprieve from Istanbul’s urban whirl. Providing ample space to picnic alongside enchanting streams is the sprawling Camlica Grove .  

, , via Wikimedia Commons

The Bountiful Hill 

Then there is Kasimpasa, known as Food Hill. This slope was the former vineyard domain of the Byzantines. Now a culinary hot spot, local chefs put innovative spins on classic Turkish fare like kebabs, mezes and baklava from street carts to elegant restaurants.

The Urban Panorama

Conquering the hills leads upwards to Beyoglu, the cultural and entertainment hub. Snaking streets lined with art galleries, bookstores, nightclubs and rooftop bars create a trendsetting, cosmopolitan vibe. The iconic Galata Tower lookout provides stunning panoramic views over the Golden Horn waterway.

The Holy Ridge  

Pious pilgrims reserve their footsteps for the Edirnekapı Hill, crowned by the Chora Church (now a working mosque) and its sacred Byzantine mosaics. Surrounding this ridge are labyrinthine neighborhoods like Edirnekapi and Vefa, residential pockets with small mosques, cafes and cemeteries to explore.

The College Town

Lastly, Halkali Hill sits on the outskirts, once an ancient village. Now it is the college quarter, bustling with young energy from Fatih University and affordable student hangouts. Rooftop cafes provide prime sunset views over the Marmara Sea.  

Share about your thrilling hills challenge by sharing your experience on social media. Tag Discover Walks Istanbul on and Instagram. Let Istanbul’s rollin​g landscapes take centre stage. Tackling each  hill delivers an unmatched look into this  metropolis through a local lens. Lace-up those hiking shoe and chart your own Seven Hills odyssey.