Located in Istanbul, Galata Tower is a a medieval stone tower which offers panoramic vista os Istanbul and its environment. Galata Tower is a high, cone-capped cylinder built in 500 A.D. and is one of the dominating landmarks of Istanbul. It was used as a watchtower to help defend the city. The tower standing there today is actually the second Galata Tower. The original one, built by the Byzantines, was destroyed by crusaders during the Sack of Constantinople, in the early 13th century. The tower you will see was built by the Genoese in the 14th century, in an attempt to expand their colonial power in Constantinople.
Galata Tower IstanbulHow to get to there?The easiest way to get the Galata Tower is to take M2 metro line and get off at Şişhane Metro Station. Galata Tower is visible from the Şişhane exit of the Şişhane Metro Station and is only five minutes by walking. If you travelling directly from airport then buses lines which can be used to get there are 61B Taksim-Beyazıt near Sultanahmet, 96T Taksim-Atatürk Airport and 110 Taksim-Kadıköy.Things to do in Galata TowerGalata Tower has dominated Beyoğlu’s skyline since 1348 and still offers the best panoramic views of the city. Tower is open to the public and provides a fantastic Istanbul view from the top. Galata Tower was the tallest building of Istanbul until the construction of Beyazıt Tower in 1749. During the Ottoman period, Galata Tower functioned as jail, observatory house, and watch tower. After the restorations took place in 1960, Galata Tower was commercialized and opened to the public. Today, the tower functions as 360-degree viewing platform of Istanbul.
Inspiring Galata Tower at NightThe tower houses a cafeteria on top, there was also a night club which is closed down after the last restoration in 2013. A couple of elevators will take you up but there are still three more floors to climb by stairs to get on the panoramic terrace which is 52 meters above the ground. A small souvenir shop is located inside the tower just across the ticket office at the entrance level.If you are travelling to Istanbul, Galata tower is a very nice historical place to visit and take photos. It seems to be very busy every day. At nights, it is fabulous . It is the best view of Istanbul . The entry is 25 Turkish Lire.
View of Istanbul City from Galata TowerHotels and Restaurants NearbyNear to this historical palace, there are many top quality restaurants and hotels. Once you are in Istanbul and want a royal and grandeur experience around, Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul At Sultanahmet is the top recommendations. Other quality hotels nearby include The House Hotel Karaköy, Park Hyatt Istanbul ” Macka Palas and Anemon Galata.Also there are many top quality restaurants around offering scrumptious and mouth watering foods. You can dine in one of the top rated restaurants nearby including Velvet Cafe, Galata, Guney Restaurant and The Galata House Restaurant.More Tourist Spots NearbyThere are many other inspiring and remarkable tourist spots around once you are in the city of Istanbul. After visiting this historic tower, you can visit the famous and astonishing Dolmabahce Palace, Hagia Sophia, Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Grand Bazaar, Cistern Basilica, and enjoy at Bosporus waterway.Address: Bereketzade Mahallesi, Galata Kulesi Sk., 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, TurkeyOpening Hours: Opened daily from 09:00am to 08:30pmWebsite: For more information about Tower and online tickets, visit the Official Website.
