Tokyo Skytree is much taller than Camlica Tower — 634 metres against 369 metres — and its two observation levels, at 350 and 450 metres, are more than twice as high as Camlica Tower’s decks at 148.5 and 153 metres. Both are modern broadcasting towers that double as viewpoints: Skytree opened in Tokyo in 2012, Camlica Tower in Istanbul in 2021.
| Camlica Tower | Tokyo Skytree | |
|---|---|---|
| City | Istanbul (Asian side) | Tokyo (Sumida) |
| Height | 369 m | 634 m |
| Opened | 2021 | 2012 |
| Designer | Melike Altınışık Architects | Nikken Sekkei |
| Main purpose | Radio and TV broadcasting, observation | Digital TV and radio broadcasting, observation |
| Observation levels | 148.5 m and 153 m | Tembo Deck 350 m, Tembo Galleria 450 m |
| Dining | Restaurants on the 39th–40th floors (175.5–180 m) | Restaurant and café on the Tembo Deck |
Which tower is taller?
Tokyo Skytree, by a wide margin. At 634 metres it is the tallest tower in the world, while Camlica Tower’s 369 metres make it the tallest structure in Istanbul. Camlica Tower’s height is made up of a 203.5-metre concrete body and a 165.5-metre steel antenna; see how tall Camlica Tower is.
How high are the observation decks?
Skytree’s Tembo Deck is at 350 metres and its Tembo Galleria, a sloping glass walkway, reaches 450 metres. Camlica Tower’s glass-enclosed decks are on the 33rd and 34th floors, at 148.5 and 153 metres. Because Camlica Tower stands on a hill about 218 metres above sea level, its decks are roughly 370 metres above the sea.
How do the designs differ?
Skytree’s steel lattice changes from a triangle at the base to a circle higher up, and a central concrete column helps damp earthquake motion. Camlica Tower has a smooth concrete body with offset elliptical levels near the top, designed by Melike Altınışık Architects with structural engineering by Balkar and wind engineering by RWDI; read Camlica Tower’s architecture and engineering.
What do you see from each tower?
From Skytree you look over the vast flat sprawl of Tokyo and, on clear days, Mount Fuji. From Camlica Tower you see the Bosphorus dividing Europe and Asia, its bridges, the historic peninsula and the Sea of Marmara; see what you can see from Camlica Tower.
Which one should you visit?
If you are in Tokyo, Skytree offers one of the highest viewpoints anywhere. In Istanbul, Camlica Tower is the highest viewpoint and shows both continents from one place; entry starts at €25 and the tower is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–22:00 (closed on Mondays); see prices and opening hours.
| Tower | Height | Opened | Highest observation deck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camlica Tower (Istanbul) | 369 m | 2021 | 153 m |
| Eiffel Tower (Paris) | 330 m | 1889 | 276 m |
| Tokyo Skytree (Tokyo) | 634 m | 2012 | about 450 m |
| CN Tower (Toronto) | 553.3 m | 1976 | 447 m |
Sources: Çamlıca Kulesi (official operator), Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, Time Out Tokyo.
Common mistakes
- “Camlica Tower is the tallest tower in Europe.” It is the tallest structure in Istanbul; it is not the tallest in Europe.
- “The decks at Camlica Tower are at 369 metres.” They are at 148.5 and 153 metres above the ground.
Ready to go up? Book Camlica Tower tickets online.
Questions answered in this article
- Which is taller, Camlica Tower or Tokyo Skytree? — Tokyo Skytree, 634 m against 369 m.
- How high are the decks? — Skytree 350 m and 450 m; Camlica Tower 148.5 m and 153 m.
- When did they open? — Skytree in 2012, Camlica Tower in 2021.
- Are both broadcasting towers? — Yes, both carry radio and TV transmitters.
- Who designed them? — Nikken Sekkei (Skytree) and Melike Altınışık Architects (Camlica Tower).
Sources
- Çamlıca Kulesi (official operator) — technical data
- Tokyo Skytree (official site)
- Dezeen — Çamlıca TV and Radio Tower by Melike Altınışık Architects
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