Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Edinburgh. The right side captures the Firth of Forth and Edinburgh on approach, which is the single most dramatic moment of the flight. Over the Balkans and central Europe the views are broadly similar on both sides, but the Edinburgh arrival on the right is the clear highlight.

During takeoff from Ataturk (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing IST typically on runway 06 heading northeast, the left (north) side gives you the Bosphorus Strait, the Golden Horn, and the historic peninsula of old Istanbul with its dense skyline. The right side faces inland toward suburban sprawl with little of interest. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Golden Horn inlet, historic Sultanahmet peninsula, Sea of Marmara to the south.

When landing at Edinburgh (EDI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Edinburgh Airport sits west of the city, and aircraft typically land on runway 06 approaching from the west, meaning the right side faces south toward the Firth of Forth, the city of Edinburgh, and Arthur's Seat. The left side looks north over flat agricultural land in Fife. Notable sights include: Firth of Forth, Arthur's Seat volcanic hill, Edinburgh city centre, Forth Road and Rail Bridges.

The flight from Ataturk (IST) to Edinburgh (EDI) takes Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes.

The route crosses the Balkans over Bulgaria and Serbia, then transits central Europe over Hungary, Austria, and southern Germany, crosses the Rhine valley, passes over Belgium and the southern North Sea, and enters Scotland from the southeast. Notable features include the Danube river visible as a wide ribbon through the Hungarian plain, the Rhine valley in Germany, and the English Channel coastline before the North Sea crossing.