Galata Tower, Istanbul — Beyoğlu
A complete visitor’s guide to Istanbul’s signature landmark
Galata Tower, one of Istanbul’s main symbols and sights, was built by the Genoese about seven hundred years ago, in 1348, in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul.
History and Structure of Galata Tower
The tower was originally built to watch over ships and control their movements in and out of the Golden Horn, in order to guard against possible enemy attacks.
Over the centuries Galata Tower has served many purposes; in the Ottoman period it was used for a time as a military prison and later as a fire lookout tower. After several major restorations, it is now open to visitors as a museum and a viewing platform over the city.
Architecture and Views
- Height: 67 metres
- Floors: 9
- Material: granite stone
- 360-degree views of Istanbul
- Views of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn
- Views of Sultanahmet and Hagia Sophia
Restaurant and Café
On the upper floors of Galata Tower there is a restaurant and café whose authentic Turkish menu and breathtaking views make for one of the most romantic experiences of any trip to Istanbul.
Sunset at Galata Tower
At sunset, as the orange light casts its last rays over Istanbul’s rooftops, watching the minarets, old houses and ships sailing the Bosphorus from the top of Galata Tower becomes one of the most memorable moments of any visitor’s trip.
Location
Address: Karaköy neighbourhood, Beyoğlu district, Istanbul
Getting there: M2 metro – Şişhane station, or T1 tram – Karaköy stop
Visiting hours: 9:00–20:00 (daily)