At Ataturk in Istanbul: for takeoff, sit on the Left side; for landing, sit on the Left side. Notable views include: Golden Horn (Haliç) waterway, Galata Tower area, Bosphorus strait (northern view), European Istanbul urban grid.

When taking off from Ataturk (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. Istanbul Atatürk typically departs runways 09L/09R heading east or northeast. From the left side, you'll see the Golden Horn (Haliç) and the European side of Istanbul's urban sprawl during initial climb. The right side offers less distinctive geography—mostly the Asian suburbs and industrial areas extending inland. Notable sights include: Golden Horn (Haliç) waterway, Galata Tower area, Bosphorus strait (northern view), European Istanbul urban grid.

When landing at Ataturk (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. Ataturk typically uses runways 09L/27R and 09R/27L, with westbound approaches common. On a left-side seat during approach from the east, you'll see the Sea of Marmara, the European shoreline, and the city sprawl of Istanbul proper. Right-side seats face inland toward Anatolia with fewer distinctive landmarks. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Golden Horn inlet, European Istanbul urban grid, Bosphorus strait (distant northern horizon).

The best window seat at Ataturk (IST) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around Istanbul (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.