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Galata Tower

Galata Kulesi, Bereketzade, İstanbul

Description

The Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) was built in the mid-14th century as a watchtower within the Walls of Galata in what is now the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul. This landmark in Istanbul skyline has since given its name to the surrounding neighbourhood and is now used as a museum and exhibition place. The tower was designed in Romanesque style and was mainly used for spotting fires on the opposite shore of Sultanhamet / Fatih, the historical center of Constantinople/Istanbul. It is 62m high with 9 floors and 16m in diameter at the base (9m inside).

Access & Transport

The tower is 5' uphill walk from Karaköy (T1 tram and ferry pier) and the Galata bridge, 5' downhill from Şişhane metro station (M2), the Beyoğlu funicular station (F2) and the southern end of İstiklal Cd. There are lifts bringing visitors to the upper floors where there is a cafe/restaurant and then stairs to the observation deck

Instructions & Recommendations

If you deem the entrance price to be too high, you should at least check it out from outside. We suggest combining this attraction with a visit of the Pera Museum and a walk along İstiklal Cd.

Meta review

As one of the city's best-known monuments, the tower is regularly featured in travel blogs and magazines, which means it does tend to get crowded. A lot of online reviews somehow do not read as being genuine but overall people tend to enjoy the views and advise that it wouldn't be worth the price on an overcast or rainy day.

Environmental & Social

Environmentally neutral except for some electricity. Helps preserve the city's architectural heritage

Conclusion

The Galata Tower is, in our opinion, a must see but not a must visit when in Istanbul (completely overpriced). It is a short walk from Karakoy or the shopping street of İstiklal, and the neighbourhood immediately around is also worth exploring.

Key positive

Excellent views over the Asian and Sultanahmet sides

Looks nice!

Key negative

Very expensive for what it is

Tends to be crowded

Suitability

Only partially accessible for visitors with reduced mobility: streets have significant slope and the lift doesn't go all the way to the observation deck.

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:0h 45m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Apr, 01

Season 1

MONDAY08:30 - 23:00

TUESDAY08:30 - 23:00

WEDNESDAY08:30 - 23:00

THURSDAY08:30 - 23:00

FRIDAY08:30 - 23:00

SATURDAY08:30 - 23:00

SUNDAY08:30 - 23:00

Start of Season 2:Nov, 01

Season 2

MONDAY08:30 - 22:00

TUESDAY08:30 - 00:00

WEDNESDAY08:30 - 00:00

THURSDAY08:30 - 00:00

FRIDAY08:30 - 00:00

SATURDAY08:30 - 00:00

SUNDAY08:30 - 00:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€30
Adult
18 - 64
€30
Teen & Young
8 - 17
€30
Child
3 - 7
€0
Infant
0 - 2
€0
No children price or age threshold stated on the website

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