Galata Tower in Istanbul

Galata Tower is a historic landmark in the district of the same name where you'll find a fascinating piece of history and a stunning viewpoint for sights of the city. It reaches 67 metres into the air and was once the tallest building in the entire city. When you visit, you'll find a variety of historical items on display in addition to scenic views from the observation balcony near the top.

Everyone can find something worthwhile at Galata Tower when they visit, especially if it's one of the first places you visit in the city. Taking in the views from here is a good way to get an idea of the city's layout before you start adventuring out further. Kids and adults alike are welcome here, and most visitors spend about an hour or so here exploring the tower's interior and taking in the views.

Galata Tower in Istanbul - one of the highlights of 12 Best Things to Do in Istanbul and 10 Best Historic Things to See in Istanbul (Read all about Istanbul here)

What are the highlights of Galata Tower in Istanbul?

One of the most striking highlights of Galata Tower is the view you can enjoy from the top. The observation balcony stretches around the entire diameter of the tower, so you can take in views from all directions to get the entire range of Istanbul's splendour. For example, you'll be able to see the immense Golden Horn flowing just offshore, but if you look to the other side of Galata Bridge, you'll be able to see massive palaces and mosques like the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.

Within Galata Tower itself, you can explore a variety of features, including workmanship that dates back to the 14th century when the tower was built. Additionally, you'll find the tower illuminated after the sun sets, so you can see all of its glory no matter what time of day you visit.

A brief history of Galata Tower in Istanbul?

Galata Tower was constructed in 1348 atop the ruins of a 6th-century tower that was destroyed in the Crusades. The modern tower was originally built as the Tower of Christ and was renamed during the Ottoman period.

In the early 18th century, the Ottomans used the tower to spot fires throughout Istanbul. Ironically, fire destroyed parts of Galata Tower several times during the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1875, a storm destroyed the conical roof of the tower, and it wasn't rebuilt until decades after the Ottoman period and nearly 100 years after its initial destruction. For centuries, the tower was supported by a wooden interior, but the wood was replaced by concrete in the 1960s, which coincided with the tower being opened to the public.

What else is good to know about Galata Tower in Istanbul?

You'll need to keep a few things in mind before making your way to Galata Tower. You may have heard that there's a cafe and nightclub in the tower, but both of those were closed after the latest restorations of the tower. Even so, you'll still find exhibitions inside on the tower's lower levels. Additionally, you don't have to climb steps to reach the top of this tower, as they have installed elevators inside to make traversal easy.

Visiting Galata Tower will put you close to several other points of interest as well. To the north-east, you'll find the Dolmabahce Palace as well as the clock tower that showcases some of the best of late-Ottoman architecture. Across the Golden Horn to the south, you can see several mosques, including the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

Location: Bereketzade, Galata Kulesi, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

Open: Daily from 8.30 am to midnight

Phone: +90 212 245 4141

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.