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17% off
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Bosphorus cruise
Galata Tower
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Bosphorus cruise
Bosphorus cruise
Galata Tower
Bosphorus cruise
10% off
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Galata Tower
Basilica Cistern
Galata Tower
Basilica Cistern
16% off
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Hagia Sophia
Galata Tower
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Hagia Sophia and Galata Tower
Hagia Sophia
Galata Tower
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers who prefer a flexible itinerary
Duration: Flexible
Guide: Audio guide app
Recommended tickets:
Best for: History enthusiasts, first-time visitors, and group travelers
Duration: 3 hours
Guide: Expert English-speaking guide
Recommended tickets:
Best for: Visitors on a budget
Duration: Flexible
Guide: Audio app and English-speaking tour guide
Recommended tickets:
The biggest highlight of the Galata Tower is its breathtaking, 360-degree views of Istanbul. From the top, you can admire the surrounding buildings all the way to the city’s coastline along the Bosphorus, including landmarks like the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and Blue Mosque. The tower’s strategic location offers a unique perspective on Istanbul’s old and new, capturing vivid scenes from the bustling city on one side and the historic peninsula on the other.
Galata Tower viewsThe Tower of Galata is steeped in history, having played a crucial role in Istanbul’s defense system since the 13th century. Originally built by the Genoese as a part of their fortified colony in 1348, the tower went on to serve as a watchtower and a fire tower in the subsequent eras. The tower is also linked to the legend of Hezarfen Ahmed Celebi, who is said to have flown from the tower using artificial wings in the 17th century.
Galata Tower historyOnce a Byzantine church, then an Ottoman mosque, and now a museum, the Hagia Sophia is a standing testament to the city’s storied history. Its massive dome and minarets are visible from the top of the Galata Tower.
The Topkapi Palace, once the seat of Ottoman sultans, is a sprawling complex with lavish rooms and a collection of Islamic relics and imperial treasures. From the tower, you can spot the palace's grand silhouette overlooking the Bosphorus Strait.
Known for its stunning blue Iznik tiles and six minarets, the Blue Mosque is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. You can spot the mosque’s domes and minarets from the top of the tower, standing proudly on Istanbul’s historic peninsula.
The Golden Horn is a prominent natural harbor and waterway dividing the European side of Istanbul, visible from the top levels of the Galata Tower. Historically, it served as a major trading port and defensive barrier for Byzantine and Ottoman navies.
The Galata Tower exhibits offer an insider's perspective on the tower’s rich and storied history. Look through the photographs, maps, and artifacts to understand the tower’s origins, from its Genoese roots to its role as a watchtower during the Ottoman reign and as a fire tower in later centuries.
One of the most intriguing stories associated with the Galata Tower is the legend of Hezarfen Ahmed Celebi, an Ottoman scientist who allegedly flew from the tower using handmade wings in the 17th century. The museum showcases the design of his wings and his flight across the Bosphorus.
The Galata Tower Museum features touchscreens and augmented reality to showcase the tower’s past, making it engaging for both history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. These immersive displays allow you to delve deeper into the tower’s history, architecture, and its role in Istanbul’s skyline through the ages.
The museum also showcases detailed miniatures of the tower, highlighting the architectural brilliance behind its construction. Admire the Genoese foundations, the conical roof, and the various renovations the tower has undergone over the centuries, all of which help you visualize its evolving role in Istanbul's skyline.
Best for: Street views of the tower
Distance from the tower: 750m away
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Best for: Camera shots with an open-sky background
Distance from the tower: 1.2km away
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Best for: An artistic, Bohemian, Instagrammable shot
Distance from the tower: 2.4km away
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Best for: Distance shots with the entire cityscape in frame
Distance from the tower: 2.5km away
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Daily: 8:30am to 11pm
Last entry: 10pm
Open: Throughout the year
Address: Bereketzade, 34421 Beyoglu/Istanbul, Turkey
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Pro tip:
The entrance to the Galata Tower is located at the base of the tower. It is situated in the Karakoy district of Istanbul. After getting off at the Sishane metro station, walk down Kemeralti Caddesi towards Galip Dede Street, a popular pedestrian street. As you keep walking downhill, you will spot the tower, rising above the surrounding buildings.
If you are coming from Istiklal Avenue, head towards Tunnel Square, towards the end of Istiklal. From there, it is a short walk to Galip Dede Street, a few minutes away from the tower. When walking towards the building, you will spot the Galata Mevlevi Museum, home to the Mevlevi Order of the Whirling Dervishes. The Galata Tower Bridge is also a short, 5-minute downhill walk from the tower. The bridge spans the Golden Horn and is visible from the tower entrance.
Choose between 3 types of Galata Tower tickets- entry tickets with an audio guide, afternoon walking tours, and combo tickets. If you are short on time, we recommend booking the Galata Tower entry tickets. For a detailed tour of the Galata and Genoese districts, go for the walking tours. The combo tickets are a perfect, budget-friendly option for anyone looking to explore other attractions in the city.
No, all Galata Tower tickets include access to all levels of the tower and the Galata Tower Museum. You do not need separate tickets to browse through the medieval artifacts and restored miniatures. Make sure to stop by the interactive exhibits for a more comprehensive understanding of the watchtower and its role in Istanbul’s past.
Book Galata Tower afternoon walking tours and go on a tour around the Galata and Genoese districts. The tour includes an expert, English-speaking guide to acquaint you with the history of the area. Look out for the monumental silhouette of the watchtower and admire its conical top from the Galata Bridge.
The Galata and Genoese Districts guided walking tour takes around 3 hours and includes a detailed walk-through of the watchtower and its surrounding areas. The tour also includes a professional guide, a shopping stop at Istiklal Caddesi, and a visit to the Camondo Steps.
The Galata Tower combo tickets are perfect for anyone looking to explore the city in-depth. With a one-time purchase, you can enjoy skip-the-line access to the Basilica Cistern, or the Hagia Sophia, or go on a Bosphorus sightseeing cruise, and save almost 10% to 20% money as compared to individual ticket prices.
While you can book Galata Tower tickets anytime before your visit, we recommend purchasing them at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance. The Galata Tower is known for its panoramic views and medieval architecture and attracts almost 1.24 million visitors throughout the year. Book tickets online to avoid standing in long lines on the day of your visit and ensure guaranteed access.
The observation deck of the Galata Tower is on the 9th floor of the building, meaning no matter the temperatures below, the top of the tower is always extremely windy. Dress in layers, if you are planning a visit between November and December. And, apply sun protection and wear a light jacket, if you visit during the spring and summer months.
Yes, the Galata Tower offers an express elevator that takes you straight up the observation deck in just a few minutes. However, the elevator only goes until the 7th floor. You have to walk up a narrow staircase to the 9th floor to enjoy panoramic views of the city.
The Galata Tower is partly accessible to visitors in wheelchairs. The tower’s express elevator only goes to the 7th floor, whereas the observation deck is on the 9th floor. While you can enjoy stunning views of the city from behind a glass pane, if you have limited mobility, you cannot walk up to the observation deck on the 9th floor.