The Galata Tower ranks among Istanbul’s most popular attractions. In this guide, we will delve into its history and provide practical information for tourists. This medieval stone tower has stood in the heart of Istanbul for over 700 yearsand offers some of the best panoramic views of the city, the Bosphorus strait and beyond. But the Galata Tower is more than just a place to snap envy-inducing photos for your Instagram feed. It’s steeped in history, legends of forbidden love, and houses an intriguing museum. This guide will give you the scoop on everything you need to know about visiting the Galata Tower and making the most of your time in this fascinating area of Istanbul. The historic tower is waiting – let’s go!
Facts about the Galata Tower
The Galata Tower has stood watch over Istanbul for over 700 years. Built in 1348, it was the tallest structure in the city for centuries and served as a watchtower for the Genoese colony. At 67 meters high, it provides panoramic views of Istanbul’s historic peninsula, the Bosphorus strait and beyond.
Today, the stone tower is open as a museum and popular tourist attraction. An elevator takes visitors up to the top viewing deck with 360-degree vistas of the city. On the way up, you’ll pass artifacts from the tower’s long history, like ancient graffiti carved into the walls. Legend says that in the 17th century, a young Crimean girl named Galata threw herself from the top of the tower when her lover went off to war. Her ghost is said to haunt the tower to this day.
- The Galata Tower is located in Karaköy, just a short walk from the Istanbul Modern art museum and the Tünel funicular.
- Built in 1348, the Galata Tower is one of Istanbul’s oldest structures.
- Originally called the Tower of Christ, it was built by the Genoese colony as part of the Galata fortress walls.
- The tower is 67 meters (220 feet) high with a diameter of 16.45 meters (54 feet).
- An elevator was installed in 1965, before which visitors climbed stairs to reach the top.
- The observation deck is on the 7th floor, 61 meters (200 feet) high. The 8th floor houses a restaurant and cafe.
- Today, it’s one of the city’s most popular attractions, welcoming over 200,000 visitors each year.
The History and Significance of the Galata Tower
The Galata Tower, a prominent landmark in Istanbul, Turkey, was constructed in the 14th century. It was built in 1348 during the reign of the Genoese colony, which was established in the Galata district of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul). The tower was commissioned by the Genoese merchant colony to serve as a critical part of the city’s fortifications.
The primary purpose of the Galata Tower was to defend the Genoese community and its commercial interests in the city. It provided a strategic vantage point for spotting potential threats and invasions, as well as controlling the movement of ships through the Golden Horn. The tower’s thick stone walls and imposing height made it a formidable defensive structure.
Over the centuries, the Galata Tower underwent several renovations and changes in ownership. In 1453, the Ottomans, led by Mehmed the Conqueror, captured Constantinople, and the tower came under Ottoman control. The Ottomans utilized it for various purposes, including as an observatory for celestial observations and as a fire tower to detect and combat fires in the city.
In the 19th century, during the reign of Sultan Mahmud II, the Galata Tower was further restored and repurposed as an astronomical observatory and watchtower. Later on, it was used as a telegraph station for signaling messages to other parts of the city. The tower’s distinct conical roof, which is a notable feature, was added during one of these renovations.
During the late 20th century, the Galata Tower was opened to the public as a tourist attraction. Today, it stands as an iconic symbol of Istanbul and provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the surrounding areas from its observation deck. It has also been featured in various cultural and artistic works, further enhancing its status as a historical and cultural symbol of Istanbul.
Inside the Galata Tower
Once inside the Galata Tower, you’ll find a small museum on the ground floor with historic artifacts, maps and information about the tower. But the main attraction is climbing up to the top – all 9 stories! Take the stone spiral staircase or modern elevator up to the observation deck at the top.
The museum
The Galata Tower houses a small museum on its upper levels dedicated to the tower’s history. As you climb the spiral stone staircase up the nine stories, you’ll encounter artifacts, documents, and exhibits highlighting key events from each century.
On the first level, you’ll learn about the tower’s initial construction in 1348 under the Genoese. The second floor focuses on the tower’s use as a jail and place of exile in the 17th century. The museum continues up through the centuries, with artifacts from the 18th and 19th centuries as well.
The top floor museum exhibits focus on the 20th century restoration of the Galata Tower. Photographs show its dilapidated state before the restoration and its grand reopening in the 1960s. You’ll see blueprints and documents detailing how engineers reinforced the tower, which had begun to tilt and shift over the centuries. Thanks to their efforts, tourists can continue to climb the tower today and enjoy panoramic views of Istanbul.
The small museum provides an overview of how the tower has stood the test of time. Its exhibits give context to help visitors understand and appreciate the tower’s architectural and historical significance. For a nominal fee on top of your entrance ticket, it’s worth taking a quick tour through the museum floors before heading up to the observation deck. You’ll come away with a deeper understanding of this iconic Istanbul landmark.
The Views
The 360-degree views from the open-air observation deck are stunning. You’ll see the Golden Horn, Bosphorus Strait, Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Watch ships sail by, spot different neighborhoods and just soak in the beauty of Istanbul. Come at sunset for especially dramatic views. It’s easy to understand why this spot has been popular for centuries!
On the upper floors, you’ll also find an open-air cafe and restaurant. Enjoy a drink or meal with the city sprawled out before you. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating, so you can take in the panorama no matter the weather.
Restaurant inside the Galata Tower
The 9th floor of the Galata Tower serves as a cafeteria during the day and transforms into a restaurant in the evening, offering a unique dining experience. The Galata Tower restaurant operates daily from 20:00 to 00:30, providing a splendid opportunity for an evening meal with both a romantic and entertaining atmosphere, all set against the panoramic backdrop of Istanbul.
Before heading to the restaurant, it is strongly recommended to make a reservation, especially considering the high volume of visitors, including tourists, who frequent this establishment. Furthermore, during your dining hours, you can enjoy an authentic Turkish show that carries traces of the Ottoman era, which adds an extra layer of cultural richness to your experience.
In terms of pricing, it falls within the 3-4 star price range for dining in Istanbul. Given the incredible view and the fantastic show that accompanies your meal, the prices are quite reasonable and offer excellent value for a memorable evening in the city.
Visiting the Galata Tower
Entrance fee and tickets for Galata Tower
As of 2023, the entrance fee for the Galata Tower is 650 Turkish Lira for a single ticket. An excellent option to consider is the Museum Pass Istanbul, which costs 2.250 TL and is valid for five days, granting access not only to the tower but also to many other worthwhile museums in the city. Read more about the Museum Pass Istanbul. It’s advisable to purchase your ticket online or use a Museum Pass to save time. At the entrance, there are two lines: one for ticket holders and one for those who need to buy tickets. The line for ticket holders tends to move more swiftly, so it’s recommended to arrive prepared. You can buy your ticket for the Galata Tower here.
Opening hours of the Galata Tower
The Galata Tower welcomes visitors every day, year-round. During the summer period, from April 1st to November 1st, the tower opens at 08:30 and closes at 23:00. In the winter period, from November 1st to April 1st, the opening time remains at 08:30, but the tower closes at 22:00.
Best time to visit
The optimal time to experience the Galata Tower’s splendor with minimal crowds is early in the morning when it first opens. This timing allows you to explore the monument without the hustle and bustle of tourists. Additionally, visiting during the evening, especially during sunset, offers a tranquil and romantic atmosphere. The tower remains open until 10:00 pm, allowing you to witness a breathtaking sunset and the enchanting city lights as night falls. To avoid the weekend crowds, plan your visit on weekdays when you can savor the view without facing long lines on the observation deck. Read also more about the best time to visit Istanbul!
How to go to the Galata Tower
If you’re coming from Sultanahmet, take tram line T1 to Karaköy, and from there, switch to the nostalgic tram ‘Tünel.’ The Galata Tower will be within walking distance. If you’re starting from Taksim Square, you have multiple options. You can take the nostalgic red tram or the metro to Sishane station, both within a five-minute walk of the tower. Alternatively, a pleasant 30-minute walk along Istiklal Avenue from Taksim Square will also lead you to the Galata Tower. Keep in mind that you need an Istanbulkart for public transportation.
Top Restaurants Near the Galata Tower
The area around the Galata Tower is home to some fantastic restaurants where you can fuel up before or after climbing the tower. Here are three of the best nearby options:
Güney Restaurant
This casual restaurant is only a 1-minute walk from the Galata Tower and features delicious traditional Turkish cuisine with amazing views of the Galata Tower. They offer kebabs, köfte, lahmacun, pide and other classics. The prices are average and the staff is friendly. It’s a popular spot, so go early to get a table on their scenic terrace.
Saltbae Burger
For a true taste of Istanbul, head to Saltbae, the original restaurant of the social media sensation Nusret Gökçe, aka Salt Bae. This upscale burger restaurant is a 1-minute walk at the opposit of the tower. While pricey, the quality of the meat and overall dining experience is world-class. The signature Ottoman steak and golden baklava are must-tries. You might even spot Salt Bae himself salting the meat! Make a reservation in advance.
Vienna Kahvesi
If you have a sweet tooth, Vienna Kahvesi is the place for you. This authentic Austrian-style coffeehouse is known for having the best San Sebastian cheesecake in the city. Other popular treats include Herzafen, Brownie, and Turkish coffee. It’s only a 3-minute walk from the Galata Tower, so stop in for a slice of cake and coffee after visiting the tower. The old-world ambiance will transport you to 19th-century Vienna.
Legends and Love Stories of the Galata Tower
The Galata Tower has been a witness to many legends and love stories over the centuries. As the tallest building in Istanbul for a long time, the tower has inspired many romantic tales.
According to one legend, a young man named Hazerfen Ahmet Çelebi flew from the top of the Galata Tower across the Bosphorus to Üsküdar using artificial wings he had built. He did this to prove his love for a woman whose father would not allow them to marry. His daring feat and romantic heart won over the father, and he gained permission to marry the woman he loved.
Another tale tells of two ill-fated lovers, Leyla and Mecnun, who would meet secretly at the top of the Galata Tower. Leyla’s father eventually found out about their forbidden affair and imprisoned his daughter in their home. Leyla and Mecnun were able to continue communicating through messages they wrote on leaves and threw off the tower for the other to catch. Their sad story has become a symbol of passionate love in Turkish literature.
A more recent urban legend claims that couples who kiss at the top of the Galata Tower at midnight will be granted eternal love and happiness. While not proven, many couples still flock to the tower on special occasions to test this romantic myth.
The Galata Tower has witnessed war and peace, mingled with legends and housed many souls over the centuries. Yet, throughout all this time, the tower has remained a silent sentinel over the Bosphorus, keeping safe the memories of forbidden lovers and timeless passions in its ancient stones.
