Sights · 33 of the best in Istanbul
Galata Tower
The view over the whole city
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Chromehoney · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Ilya saffarian Tousi · CC0 via Wikimedia Commons1 / 2
About Galata Tower
The Galata Tower was built by the Genoese in 1348 as part of the walls of their colony across the Golden Horn. Today it is a museum with exhibits on its history and a narrow balcony that circles the top, with one of the great views of Istanbul. Lines are longest at sunset; go early, or simply admire it from the lanes and cafés around its base.
Why it's on our list
- Built 1348
- 360-degree balcony
- Queues at sunset
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Galata Tower before you go.
What’s nearby
Distances from Galata Tower are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 15 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Nearest metro & tram stops
- ŞişhaneF2M2300 m4 min walk
- TünelT2350 m4 min walk
- KaraköyT1400 m5 min walk
Nearest taxi ranks
- Taxi rank, Maliye Caddesi350 m4 min walk
- Galataport Taxi650 m8 min walk
Key sights
- Galata Bridge650 mWalk 8 minCycle 3 minCar or taxi 5 min
- İstiklal Avenue950 mWalk 12 minCycle 4 minCar or taxi 6 min
- Spice Bazaar1.1 kmWalk 13 minCycle 4 minCar or taxi 6 min
- Süleymaniye Mosque1.4 kmWalk 17 minCycle 5 minCar or taxi 7 min
- Taksim Square1.6 kmWalk 19 minCycle 6 minCar or taxi 8 min
- Grand Bazaar1.6 kmWalk 20 minCycle 6 minCar or taxi 8 min
- Topkapı Palace1.8 kmWalk 22 minCycle 7 minCar or taxi 8 min
- Basilica Cistern1.9 kmWalk 24 minCycle 8 minCar or taxi 9 min
- Hagia Sophia2.0 kmWalk 24 minCycle 8 minCar or taxi 9 min
- Blue Mosque2.3 kmWalk 28 minCycle 9 minCar or taxi 10 min
Getting around
- Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)31 kmCar or taxi 97 min
- Istanbul Airport (IST)33 kmCar or taxi 103 min