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Recommended Reviews - Galata Kulesi
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Lovely historic site with amazing views of the city and the Bosphorous. Be prepared for a bit of a hike up to the tower! The surrounding area has tons of little shops and is great for shopping and people-watching. Beautiful day or night!
Originally commissioned by Byzantine emperor Justinian the Great in the 6th century as a lighthouse, it would then serve as a strategic watchtower, later a dungeon, now it's a museum. It's the iconic symbol of Istanbul. I think this might be the only UNESCO World Heritage Site I couldn't give 5 stars to, and that's because they don't keep to posted hours. It's sometimes just closed and there's no way to find out without coming here. Some reviews say to visit if nearby, but there are plenty of reasons to be in the area anyway, crossing the bridge over the Bosphorus, climbing up to or back from Pera, and the shopping right around here. Plus, you can meet some nice cats. The view from the top is spectacular, the climb up a little less fun. It's one of the oldest structures surviving in Istanbul, so even if entry is closed, it is well worth it to get up close and look at it from all around. The aggressive guides are a nuisance and you certainly don't need them.
I got a chance to explore local hotels and cafes in the area and got pleasantly surprised! From Museum of Cats in the Galata area to Turkish vegan breakfast at Dukkan cafe! Our hotel also had a Hammam inside of it!
The tram will drop you in busy intersection street then you will need to climb a lot of stairs to get up to the Tower .However, you will pass few spots on your way up to take pictures .Expect an massive line for tickets but its totally worth it. The night view is breathtaking ! You can see 360 view of Istanbul overseeing blue mosque, Hagia sophia , beautiful streets, Ferries in Bosphorus strait and Europe like architectural buildings along with Golden Horn from up-top. The surrounding area filled with restaurants and dessert shops where you will be stuck taking pictures with the tower from different angles. A Must visit spot on your Istanbul trip!
We had such a great time visiting the Galata Tower during our trip. We purchased tickets in the outside booth and made the line. Although the line appeared long, it moved quickly. Once inside, we took an elevator to the top floor and then explored that floor before using the stairs to climb all the way to the top. The views are magical, but the space in the outside portion is tight, so beware. We saw some great views and saw the beauty of Istanbul from high above. When exiting the tower, you must use the stairs, which may be difficult for those with mobility issues. Also, it is enclosed and quite tight, and you have to be careful not to hit your head. It's a must-do while in the area, and I highly recommend it.
The Galata Tower is an observation tower located in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul. Its origins date back to 1348. The 200 foot+ tower has undergone a variety of restorations most notably in 2020 and has been opened a museum. As part of that restoration an elevator system was installed to take visitors most of the way up then a few stair cases to get to the observation deck at 170 feet. The practical benfit is it deconflicts the walking down segment as the passages are pretty narrow. The views from the tower are spectacular and offer a 360 of Istambul in particular the Golden Horn and the Harbor. The ticket office is at the base and the line while long moved at a decent rate. I actually did not mind the line as the climb up to the tower is a steady upslope so a breather was in order. Once you begin the descent down the narrow stairs, you encounter the museum portion with exhibits and a an interactive flying wing similar to Leanordos design that may have been flown off the tower back in the day. It is well worth the time. The surrounding area has tons of shops and the like. If the hike is too much you can also take the funicular to Taskim Square and walk down to it but that is also a bit of a hike
The 9 story tower is a 5 min walk from our hotel, it is not much higher than our rooftop but offers 360 degree views. It is a landmark & happily has an elevator going up. We were able to walk up 3 more staircases and walk outside. Once at the top of the tower, it quickly filled with hundred of loud ten year old children running through the floors of the tower. We walked down looking at displays on each floor, there was a gift shop on two. Emperor Justinian had this tower erected in what was to become Galata. This tower was destroyed during the Fourth Crusade. The famous Galata Tower of today was first built in 1348 as the Tower of Christ in Constantinople. At the time the Galata Tower was the tallest building in Constantinople. Afterwards it was used as a prison in the 16th century. In the 17th century the Ottomans used the tower to look out for fires. In 2020 it opened as a museum & observation landmark.
One of the most popular places to visit is this tower in Istanbul. When we had landed during night time we decided that our first stop would be this so we could knock it out and see the view of the city during the night time. You have to purchase tickets in this massive line but once you do that you can go up to the tower. The first part is to go up with the elevators and then walk down using the spiral staircase. When you are walking down the staircase each level has some history and different artifacts. So I would suggest walking down instead of taking the elevator. Overall the view is breathtaking and amazing! You must come here during the night to see all of the lights. It's pretty and this place to me felt very safe compared to Los Angeles! I also enjoyed the spiral walk down which if you are tall you should duck your head the whole time. But for me, it was perfect since I'm pretty short.
Great landmark, the Galata Tower was built in the 6th century to monitor shipping. After the conquest of Istanbul in 1453, it became a prison and a naval depot. Today it gives visitors a 360 view of the city. Fun fact: In the 18th century, Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi attached wings to his arms to "fly" to Üsküdar from the tower.
Now a museum with frequently long lines The Galata Tower was once an important military surveillance point and later used to detect fires during the Ottoman Empire. Eventually a prison during the rule of Suleiman The Magnificent it'll cost you about $8USD to see some mockups and a unique view of the city.
One of the major landmarks constructed by the Genoese around the 14th century. Great views can of the city can be scoped out from the top. Even the old part of the city across from the famous historical inlet of the Golden Horn. This tower was constructed at the end of Byzantine period and saw in 1453 Mehmed the Conquerer, the 7th Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, take the city. The Byzantine Empire was not really an empire anymore when it was taken. Nonetheless, this event supplanted Byzantium with the Ottoman Empire ruled by Sultans for over 400 years. Feel the history!
After a very long day on foot, we decided to check this place out, being that it sticks out like a sore thumb on the skyline. The line took about 40 minutes or so. You purchase your tickets inside and ride a tiny elevator up about 95% of the way, then walk up the rest. Once you get to the top, you're oddly greeted by a restaurant. They allow only a handful of people up at a time so it wasn't overly crowded. The narrow deck allows for a 360° view of the area. Time up there is unlimited though there were no stragglers. TIP: The area where the tower is located is in a very hilly part so just the walk to it can be strenuous for some. OVERALL: Do if you like taking pics of city scapes. There are quaint shops & cafés nearby.
We had to laugh at the description: "One of the oldest and most beautiful towers in Istanbul". So which were the older and more beautiful ones? ;) But it was a fantastic view over the city. Some nice food places nearby, too. Pretty when lit up at night. Not so big, and crowded at the top, so you had to jostle around people to take photos. But it was worth it for the view.
8 days ago
GALATA TOWER "Also known as the Galata Kulesi Museum, an iconic symbol situated in the Galata quarter of İstanbul, Türkiye. Considered among the oldest towers in the world and one of the symbols of İstanbul, Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List in 2013. Galata Tower, one of the most important structures that make up the silhouette of İstanbul, was used as a long-term fire watchtower and was named Galata Fire Tower." - https://muze.gen.tr/muze-detay/galatakulesi Visiting the Galata Tower should be on your top 5 things to do in Istanbul. It's worth the visit and the €30 (approximately $35 as of this review) entry fee. There are multiple lines, so be aware. One line to purchase tickets and another line to go in; which usually wraps around the tower. You even get a headset along with an audio guide; very impressive. As always, everywhere that is touristy, it's crowded, be patient. I believe this is the best view of the city. read more
The beautiful "Galata Kulesi" is a gem in Istanbul's skyline. In English it's called the Galata Tower. This tower is a must see and an iconic symbol of Istanbul, situated in the Galata quarter. Whether you go inside or not, it's still worth it just to visit the top of the hill in Beyoğlu to look at it. As of July 2026 the standard entry fee to go up the top of the Galata Tower for international visitors is €30 per person and you can buy tickets on site. It's one of the oldest towers in the world and one of the symbols of İstanbul; Galata Tower was originally used as a fire watchtower over 1000 years ago and was first rebuilt by the Genovese in 1348-49. The crowds can become really large here in the evenings, especially when it's all lit up, but you can almost always get a nice selfie shot on the top of the smaller street "Serdar-ı Ekrem Caddesi" as it's never as packed as the other surrounding streets. It's a quieter street where you can get a nice selfie or regular photo with the tower in the background. . read more
Lovely historic site with amazing views of the city and the Bosphorous. Be prepared for a bit of a hike up to the tower! The surrounding area has tons of little shops and is great for shopping and people-watching. Beautiful day or night! read more
Originally commissioned by Byzantine emperor Justinian the Great in the 6th century as a lighthouse, it would then serve as a strategic watchtower, later a dungeon, now it's a museum. It's the iconic symbol of Istanbul. I think this might be the only UNESCO World Heritage Site I couldn't give 5 stars to, and that's because they don't keep to posted hours. It's sometimes just closed and there's no way to find out without coming here. Some reviews say to visit if nearby, but there are plenty of reasons to be in the area anyway, crossing the bridge over the Bosphorus, climbing up to or back from Pera, and the shopping right around here. Plus, you can meet some nice cats. The view from the top is spectacular, the climb up a little less fun. It's one of the oldest structures surviving in Istanbul, so even if entry is closed, it is well worth it to get up close and look at it from all around. The aggressive guides are a nuisance and you certainly don't need them. read more
6 months ago
I got a chance to explore local hotels and cafes in the area and got pleasantly surprised! From Museum of Cats in the Galata area to Turkish vegan breakfast at Dukkan cafe! Our hotel also had a Hammam inside of it! read more
The tram will drop you in busy intersection street then you will need to climb a lot of stairs to get up to the Tower .However, you will pass few spots on your way up to take pictures .Expect an massive line for tickets but its totally worth it. The night view is breathtaking ! You can see 360 view of Istanbul overseeing blue mosque, Hagia sophia , beautiful streets, Ferries in Bosphorus strait and Europe like architectural buildings along with Golden Horn from up-top. The surrounding area filled with restaurants and dessert shops where you will be stuck taking pictures with the tower from different angles. A Must visit spot on your Istanbul trip! read more
1 month ago
We had such a great time visiting the Galata Tower during our trip. We purchased tickets in the outside booth and made the line. Although the line appeared long, it moved quickly. Once inside, we took an elevator to the top floor and then explored that floor before using the stairs to climb all the way to the top. The views are magical, but the space in the outside portion is tight, so beware. We saw some great views and saw the beauty of Istanbul from high above. When exiting the tower, you must use the stairs, which may be difficult for those with mobility issues. Also, it is enclosed and quite tight, and you have to be careful not to hit your head. It's a must-do while in the area, and I highly recommend it. read more
4 months ago
The Galata Tower is an observation tower located in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul. Its origins date back to 1348. The 200 foot+ tower has undergone a variety of restorations most notably in 2020 and has been opened a museum. As part of that restoration an elevator system was installed to take visitors most of the way up then a few stair cases to get to the observation deck at 170 feet. The practical benfit is it deconflicts the walking down segment as the passages are pretty narrow. The views from the tower are spectacular and offer a 360 of Istambul in particular the Golden Horn and the Harbor. The ticket office is at the base and the line while long moved at a decent rate. I actually did not mind the line as the climb up to the tower is a steady upslope so a breather was in order. Once you begin the descent down the narrow stairs, you encounter the museum portion with exhibits and a an interactive flying wing similar to Leanordos design that may have been flown off the tower back in the day. It is well worth the time. The surrounding area has tons of shops and the like. If the hike is too much you can also take the funicular to Taskim Square and walk down to it but that is also a bit of a hike read more
The 9 story tower is a 5 min walk from our hotel, it is not much higher than our rooftop but offers 360 degree views. It is a landmark & happily has an elevator going up. We were able to walk up 3 more staircases and walk outside. Once at the top of the tower, it quickly filled with hundred of loud ten year old children running through the floors of the tower. We walked down looking at displays on each floor, there was a gift shop on two. Emperor Justinian had this tower erected in what was to become Galata. This tower was destroyed during the Fourth Crusade. The famous Galata Tower of today was first built in 1348 as the Tower of Christ in Constantinople. At the time the Galata Tower was the tallest building in Constantinople. Afterwards it was used as a prison in the 16th century. In the 17th century the Ottomans used the tower to look out for fires. In 2020 it opened as a museum & observation landmark. read more
4 years ago
One of the most popular places to visit is this tower in Istanbul. When we had landed during night time we decided that our first stop would be this so we could knock it out and see the view of the city during the night time. You have to purchase tickets in this massive line but once you do that you can go up to the tower. The first part is to go up with the elevators and then walk down using the spiral staircase. When you are walking down the staircase each level has some history and different artifacts. So I would suggest walking down instead of taking the elevator. Overall the view is breathtaking and amazing! You must come here during the night to see all of the lights. It's pretty and this place to me felt very safe compared to Los Angeles! I also enjoyed the spiral walk down which if you are tall you should duck your head the whole time. But for me, it was perfect since I'm pretty short. read more
Great landmark, the Galata Tower was built in the 6th century to monitor shipping. After the conquest of Istanbul in 1453, it became a prison and a naval depot. Today it gives visitors a 360 view of the city. Fun fact: In the 18th century, Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi attached wings to his arms to "fly" to Üsküdar from the tower. read more
3 years ago
Now a museum with frequently long lines The Galata Tower was once an important military surveillance point and later used to detect fires during the Ottoman Empire. Eventually a prison during the rule of Suleiman The Magnificent it'll cost you about $8USD to see some mockups and a unique view of the city. read more
5 years ago
One of the major landmarks constructed by the Genoese around the 14th century. Great views can of the city can be scoped out from the top. Even the old part of the city across from the famous historical inlet of the Golden Horn. This tower was constructed at the end of Byzantine period and saw in 1453 Mehmed the Conquerer, the 7th Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, take the city. The Byzantine Empire was not really an empire anymore when it was taken. Nonetheless, this event supplanted Byzantium with the Ottoman Empire ruled by Sultans for over 400 years. Feel the history! read more
After a very long day on foot, we decided to check this place out, being that it sticks out like a sore thumb on the skyline. The line took about 40 minutes or so. You purchase your tickets inside and ride a tiny elevator up about 95% of the way, then walk up the rest. Once you get to the top, you're oddly greeted by a restaurant. They allow only a handful of people up at a time so it wasn't overly crowded. The narrow deck allows for a 360° view of the area. Time up there is unlimited though there were no stragglers. TIP: The area where the tower is located is in a very hilly part so just the walk to it can be strenuous for some. OVERALL: Do if you like taking pics of city scapes. There are quaint shops & cafés nearby. read more
We had to laugh at the description: "One of the oldest and most beautiful towers in Istanbul". So which were the older and more beautiful ones? ;) But it was a fantastic view over the city. Some nice food places nearby, too. Pretty when lit up at night. Not so big, and crowded at the top, so you had to jostle around people to take photos. But it was worth it for the view. read more
7 years ago
I visited Galata tower today and really liked it A long que infront of the door to visit thia historical tower read more
5 years ago
Didn't have my health registry QRCode the first time and got turned away. That was a bummer but a good thing. I'm glad they are enforcing it. They should have signs for that because I stood in line for a half hour before I got to the front and found out. Made it back the next day and although the line was long, it wasn't too bad. The views are worth it. Istanbul is amazing and the Galata tower is a great place to take it all in. read more
6 years ago
The road to the Galata Tower... Istanbul is challenging in itself for its ups and downs, but this road took the cake for me. I counted 23 floors in my Health app for the day I visited the Tower. Take your time walking there, don't feel pressured by the experienced Turkish people who'll maybe wonder what's taking you so long lol. I didn't go inside the Tower, because it didn't really seem worth it to me. The square is nice tho, and I guess the tower is nice to look at; but don't get it twisted: it's a tourist trap. You'll have to go down the other side of the tower towards the river, for more authenticity. Not to discourage you, tho. I recommend you see what it looks like, so you can check it off your list. You wouldn't want to have to come back solely for the Tower, wouldn't you? Interesting sight: I saw an Asian couple get there wedding pictures at the Galata Tower. A lively, lovely sight. read more
6 years ago
13 years ago
8 years ago
8 years ago
Price was 35TL ($5.50 US dollar) for tourists, 15TL for locals. Great view, wait wasn't that long - 35 minutes on a Tuesday at 4:30ish. read more
Galata Tower has some of the most amazing 360 degree views of beautiful Istanbul. The line to get up to the top of the tower can get quite long (luckily when we arrived we had just beat a surge of tourists) and once you're at the top there is a very narrow and somewhat rickety balcony in which to maneuver through everyone else trying to get their photos in of the views. read more
13 years ago
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