Galata Tower

Hajo
First Reviewer
4 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
3
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4
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Amazing Views

  • November 7, 2008
  • Rated 4 of 5 by oldscratch from New York, New York
Amazing Views

One of the most visible landmarks in Istanbul is the Galata Tower. Sitting on a hill and visible from pretty much any point in the city, it serves as a very useful orientation point, and not surprisingly, also has some incredible views. You can ride an elevator to the top and eat at a restaurant, or just walk around the outside perimeter as we did and enjoy taking in all of Istanbul and the Bosphorus.

(Apparently, there's also a nightclub inside. Probably not what they originally intended when it was built 600 years ago.)

From journal Three Days in Istanbul

Galata Tower

  • August 1, 2006
  • Rated 4 of 5 by mightywease from Carshalton, United Kingdom
Galata Tower

The Galata Tower in Beyoglu was built in 1348 as part of the Geonese Fortifications. It has been used as a watchtower and observatory and is now a tourist attraction with a nightclub and restaurant on the top two floors.

Having seen it stand out as one of the defining images of the Galata skyline it was great to go up it and see the wonderful vista of the city spread beneath and around us.

A lift then a short flight of stairs takes you to the Observation deck with its fantastic views. Look out towards the Bosphorus, The Goldern Horn or the minarets of Aya Sophia and Suleymaniye Mosque. Look down at the intricate network of narrow streets surrounding the tower.

While I adore the bustle of the streets and bazaars of Istanbul being at the top of Galata Tower provided a breathing space, an airborne retreat where you could open your arms and encompass the whole of this remarkable city.

Opening Times: 9.00am-7.00pm daily

From journal Istanbul - Minarets and Magic

Editor Pick

Galata Tower

  • December 6, 2001
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Hajo from Witten, Germany

Once you have crossed Galata Bridge from Sultanahmet District, you enter a different world. No more great squares and splendid Ottoman architecture; instead there are small steep alleys, surrounded by medieval houses and the remains of the old Genoese city walls. Indeed this quarter was built by Genoese salesmen in the 10th century and very much resembles a medieval European town.

Half way up the hill to Beyoglu stands Galata Tower which provides one of the most beautiful views in the whole world: a panoramic round view of the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara, and the European and Asian parts of Istanbul. On a clear sunny day, you can see as far as the Princes' Islands in the middle of the Sea of Marmara.

The view is most beautiful just before sunset, and you can finish your visit with a meal in the top floor restaurant, although this is a tourist trap and rather expensive.

From journal Insider Guide to Istanbul's hotspots

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