Galata Tower

Galata Tower
Galata Tower
Galata Tower
Galata Tower
Galata Tower


Istanbul’s medieval lookout point offers panoramic views across city’s historic district and the water of the Golden Horn.

When it was built, the stone Galata Tower was the tallest structure in Istanbul, its nine stories rising high to nearly 220 feet (67 meters). The Galata Tower was known as “Tower of Christ” when it was erected in 1348. It was later used by the Ottomans as an observation tower from which to spot fires. The tower was damaged by two major blazes in the 18th and 19th centuries. Since its latest large-scale restoration in the 1960s, the tower has been opened to the public and now offers visitors a great vantage point from which to see the city and the Bosphorus.Climb the tower to access the outdoor panorama balcony. From here you will get a different perspective of the landmarks that define Istanbul. Take in the strait that divides Europe from Asia, and cuts straight through Istanbul. The Galata Bridge connects the two continents and can be seen as well.See if you recognize other famous sites, such as Topkapi Palace, the minarets and dome of the Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque. The ambiance at the top of the tower is enhanced by the regular calls of the imam from the loudspeakers of the nearby mosques, reminding all Muslims to come to prayer.It is clear where the Golden Horn, a natural harbor, get its name from when you view it from the Galata Tower at sunset. Relax at the restaurant and café on the upper floors and consider a visit to the nightclub at the top. Turkish night shows at the tower mix harem-style entertainment with folk dancing in a display of color and energy.Galata Tower is on the north side of the Golden Horn, in Beyoğlu, Istanbul’s “New Town,” and is accessible by public transport. The balcony of the tower is open daily, with longer hours in the summer months. There is a lift to the seventh floor, but you will have to climb the last two flights of stairs to the top. The restaurant is very popular, so book ahead if you can. Entry to the tower is half price on Mondays.

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Reviews of Galata Tower

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
186
" "5 - Excellent 43%
4 - Good
190
" "4 - Good 43%
3 - Okay
48
" "3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
8
" "2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
5
" "1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

i loved the view from on top of the tower, the simulation experience does take you around the istanbul landmarks

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Go at night when it is lit! We went to have an evening meal under it's breathtaking glow.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

This is a really nice part of Istanbul and worth a walk. We got there via Kumbaraci Yokusu which was lined with artisan workshops and shops. Artists, leathermakers, woodturners, etc. all at work. There was a long queue for the tower so we didn't go up. A local suggested we go to SALT, which is the old Ottoman Bank. There is a free museum in the library around the old bank vault. This visit reminds people of how Turkey has been linked to Europe for a long time. First bank notes are on display, and how they were tracked, along with example ID cards used by the bank to identify customers.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Compared to the entry price of other places we felt this was a bit expensive. You go up most of the way in a lift and walk up some stairs to the viewing platform. The platform goes all the way around and there is a sign in Turkish and English saying go to the right but people were going both ways and it was very crowded.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Get there early as queues can be very long.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Check it out at sunset.

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