Why visit / Interesting facts:
- The best 360° views of the city
- One of the city's most striking landmarks
Time required: 60 minutes
Phone: +90 212 293 8180
Opening hours:
| Time period | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| Summer, daily: | 9am - 7pm |
| Otherwise, daily: | 9am - 5pm |
Admission:
| Ticket type | Charge |
|---|---|
| General: | 10 TL |
Public transport:
- Tram Line T1: Karaköy stop
Address: Bereketzade Mh., 34420 Istanbul
Photos: (see more photos)
Photo: tesKing (Italy)
Things you need to know:
- Galata Tower is a 62 m (205 ft) high, medieval stone tower with a conical top. It provides the best 360° views of Istanbul
- The Genoese built the tower in 1348 and called it 'Christea Turris' (Latin for Tower of Christ). It was part of the fortifications surrounding the citadel of Galata
- The Genoese were the main trading partner of Constantinople. The city of Galata was their trade colony
- According to travel stories (called Seyahatname), Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi, a 17th century aviator, overflew the Bosphorus from Galata Tower using artificial wings for gliding
- From the 18th century Ottoman Turks used the tower for spotting fires in the city
- After a storm destroyed the tower's conic roof in 1875, Galata Tower remained without a top until the 1960's
- The tower was opened to the public in 1967
What to do there:
- Admire the tower from outside
- Take the elevator and a small set of narrow, winding stairs. They will take you to the restaurant and the viewing platform
- Walk around the gallery and enjoy the fabulous views of the Golden Horn and the city
Tips & Insights:
- Time your visit for sunset, if possible
- If you don't fancy walking to the tower, take the Tunnel (the old subway) uphill from Karaköy to Tünel
- In the evenings, the restaurant hosts a dinner and cabaret with Turkish folk dance and belly dancing
