Galata Tower
Galata Tower
4.5
About
This historic watchtower, also known as the Galata Kulesi Museum, can be found at the end of Istanbul’s Istiklal shopping street. Today, this museum has exhibition spaces where you can learn about the area's history and admire the iconic architecture of this stone tower. Head up to the observation deck, where you'll be treated to sweeping views of the city and the Bosphorus Strait. It gets busy during sunset though—you can skip the lines with an Istanbul Museum Pass. There are loads of shops and restaurants in the area too—you can explore the tower and the surrounding area on a guided tour of Istanbul. – Tripadvisor
Duration: < 1 hour
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Top ways to experience Galata Tower
The area
Neighbourhood: Beyoglu
Istanbul’s most famous street, pedestrianized Istiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue), throbs day and night and offers a fantastic array of architectural sights, shops, treats, and throngs upon teeming throngs of people. At the avenue’s northeastern end is expansive Taksim Square, thought by many to be the very heart of the city, with many of Turkey’s most renowned restaurants and some of Europe’s most happening nightlife in close proximity. In striking contrast, Beyoglu’s less trafficked areas – such as the affluent Cihangir and the antiques district of Cukurcuma – exude Old World charm and provide contemplative calm and splendid diversion via an assortment of cozy cafes, attractive boutiques, and quiet lanes.
How to get there
  • Şişhane • 4 min walk
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See what travellers are saying
  • Acceptitasitcomes
    Dublin, Ireland61 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Panoramic Experience
    After being whisked to near the top in a lift you climb the remaining flight of stairs to a fantastic room with panoramic views. Even if it is raining you can see all about. For the full experience you need to venture outside and see it all in full glory. As you decend each floor there is a very good historical exhibition on each level. Picking you visit time to avoid the long queues can be a challange!
    Visited March 2023
    Written 4 April 2023
  • County-Hunter
    Tacoma, Washington3,197 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Definitely worth the hike.
    Our day tour of Istanbul didn't include the Galata tower, but I wanted to visit it more than the spice market or to stand in line for an hour or more waiting to go into Hagia Sophia and so our guide agreed to take us. It was a hike from Sultanahmet for sure. We walked the whole way except for taking the funicular up the hill to the Beyoğlu District where Tyne tower lies. Arriving around 4pm, the wait for the tower was only 20 minutes. You take the elevator up and walk back down the stairs. The view was awesome! I definitely recommend a visit if you have some extra time in Istanbul.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 6 April 2023
  • Laison P
    8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The tower of Galata
    This tower is a brilliant lookout point that is especially enchanting at night. The views from the Galata Tower are simply stunning, and offer a unique perspective on the city that is not to be missed. The tower is lit up beautifully, creating a magical atmosphere that is simply unforgettable. The city's lights twinkle as you take in the panoramic view of Istanbul at night.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 9 April 2023
  • Dev_SG_2018
    Singapore, Singapore98 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of the must-do’s in Istanbul
    The Galata Tower is one of the iconic buildings of Istanbul. While the queue to the tower can be a bit discouraging especially around sunset, the view of the city from the top will be worth the wait. A good place to spend a couple of hours in the afternoon. There are quite a few eating options nearby once you come down.
    Visited July 2022
    Travelled with family
    Written 18 April 2023
  • bidwisely
    Jakarta, Indonesia191 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Watch tower in old Istanbul neighborhood
    Galata tower is perched atop a hilly old Istanbul neighborhood. We have to admit that we didn't go up since the line was long, the tower was not that tall, so the view we guessed must have just been okay. Plus we didn't budget the time to wait in line. So we walked the neighborhood and looked for unique views of the tower itself, visible from downhill of several roads leading to the tower. Around the tower there were a lot of restaurant to rest and drink after a long walk up and down the area.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 24 April 2023
  • Dr_Iris_B
    Ramat Gan, Israel1,324 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great view from the observation deck
    This old and famous watchtower is well worth a visit! Get up to the observation deck to get amazing view of Istanbul ( if weather permits) . Once down the area is full of small coffee shops, restaurants and small shops.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 27 April 2023
  • Juliana Frasi
    Birmingham, United Kingdom4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Unforgettable Views of Istanbul
    A visit to Istanbul wouldn't be complete without a trip to Galata Tower. The tower offers an amazing panoramic view of the city and the Bosphorus, and it's a great way to get your bearings and appreciate the scale of Istanbul. The elevator takes you up to the observation deck, where you can walk around and take in the incredible views. It's worth noting that the tower can get quite busy, especially during peak hours, so be prepared to wait in line. Overall, Galata Tower is a must-visit attraction in Istanbul, and the views alone are worth the price of admission.
    Visited March 2023
    Written 6 May 2023
  • NoPlansAdventures
    Ogden, Utah8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great view of Istanbul
    The Galata Tower is a fun stop while exploring the Taksim area of Istanbul. It offers splendid views from the top and lots of historical information following the timeline of the various empires that occupied this area. Entry is approximately $15usd and tickets can be purchased at the trolley located at the bottom of the tower. Take the elevator to the top, take photos, enjoy the view, and then take the stairs down. At each level there will be various information boards and artifacts.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 15 June 2023
  • Varun Kumar
    New Delhi, India120 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Galata tower
    It’s near taksim square. You must go during the sun set for wonderful pictures. It’s crowded, so I suggest a person should reach well in time. No need for audio ticket according to me.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 20 June 2023
  • Dost K
    Chicago, Illinois2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Trek to the top with a Sebastian Cheesecake reward.
    Walked to the Galata tower after enjoying baklava at Karakoy Gulluoglu (good place to eat). Rather hilly trek ascending cobblestone streets- so be careful with your footwear choice. Once we reached the summit, the tower was breathtaking and the area was a bee-hive of activity with all the young people enjoying the view. We opted not to enter the tower b/c our tour guide advised us it was not worth the $, and I don't regret that. Got great photos of family in front of the tower from the side streets, but be aware everyone is also trying to capture that same IG shot. After we captured our photos we stopped in to eat the famous Sebastian cheesecake at Viyana Kahvesi- and it did not disappoint. Descend carefully because streets are narrow and taxi cabs squeeze their way in.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 2 July 2023
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LucyTravellingWife
Johannesburg, South Africa252 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Couples
Unfortunately the tower was closed for refurbishment so we didn’t get the full experience. Lots of lovely shops and restaurants in the area so still a magnificent sight!
Written 11 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

starlightShanghai
Victoria, Canada3,689 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Solo
Have visited Galata Tower several times on previous trips to Istanbul. This time round, I took a different route and happened upon the Rainbow Stairs quite by accident. Istanbul has several sets of Rainbow Stairs; this is only one set of them.

It’s actually pretty easy to find the beginning of this route, despite the bottom stairwell being hidden in plain sight.

A good starting point is the T1 Karaköy tram stop.
Head up the hill on Kemeralti - it’s the main drag - for a few metres.

Then, cross over to the left onto Bankalar. Look for the Khai Karaköy Hotel. Can’t really miss it.

Immediately to the left of the hotel is a dark, somewhat dingy, narrow stairwell. Easy to miss, but that’s the starting point you want!

Head up the stairs and you’ll soon spot the Rainbow Stairs ahead of you, framed by what look like Christmas tree lights.

Halfway up the Rainbow Stairs, there’s usually a couple of guys - local merchants, I think - who are fussing over a few feline beauties.

Keep heading straight up … and up … and up until you have to turn left. Proceed ahead, then take the second right, then the next left. By then you should be able to see part of the tower.

This visit I didn’t bother going in, as there were hordes of school kids being herded about. Also, the tower is undergoing renovation.

Nevertheless, it’s still worth the effort as the tower is a pretty impressive sight.
Written 2 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

RPanicher
Dublin, Ireland239 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Family
I would recommend visiting this place as early as possible. We reached here are 11:30 AM on a rainy day and had to queue up for 30 minutes or so and we were told that we were lucky as the usual wait is more than an hour.

The views from the top was great but due to renovation work on the top floor we could not access it and had to view the cityscape through a glass pane and could not get great photographs.

We used an Istanbul EPass which generates the QR code for entry.
Written 24 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Johnny C
Marseille, France3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Friends
Amazing view, the City is under your feets, you can certainly enjoy the beautiful sights of historical monuments over the the top of galata tower
Written 11 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Passport722141
5 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Couples
Be aware that Galata Tower is currently under renovation. You won't be able to access the 7th floor(outdoor balcony), so your experience will be only indoors in the lower floors(6th and lower). You will still have to pay the full price ticket. 650 Liras
Written 4 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Adler A
Manchester, UK12 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023 • Friends
The views are absolutely amazing. There is a steep set of stairs to go up, however it's worth it. the line once in a while is extremely lengthy.
There are many cafes around the tower as well.you can see the Istanbul from the top
Written 31 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jubin Edachery
Fremont, CA1,296 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023 • Solo
This ancient watchtower is a good spot to give you a birds-eye view of the estuary and the old Istanbul city. The views are absolutely amazing. There is a steep set of stairs to go up, but it's worth it.
There are many cafes around the tower as well
Written 19 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Alessio M
Verona, Italy457 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Friends
amazing view on bosforo channel, the line sometimes is very long. sometimes the tower is closed due maintenance work. A augmented reality flight simulator is available
Written 14 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Aunty126
wanganui84 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
What a rip off - cost 650TL per person and to add insult to injury the person who we bought our tickets off didn't even want to talk to us, didn't acknowledge us, we had to interrupt him from his phone even though he knew we were there - should have taken this as a sign not to go in. Don't waste your time, you only get to go to the 7th floor and then have to walk down stairs to exit through a poorly informed museum display.
Written 12 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Manolya Y
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
I would definetly recommend to visit Galata Tower. The view from the top is just amazing. A special thanks to our lovely tour guide Gamze, who showed us all the important sites in Galata and made our tour very entertaining, informative and enjoyable.
Written 6 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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GALATA TOWER: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Galata Tower