GALATA TOWER

Information

One of the oldest watchtowers in the world, the Galata Tower stands tall in the heart of Istanbul, crowned with its iconic conical roof and offering breathtaking panoramic views. This historic stone sentinel has witnessed it all from the Genoese shaping Constantinople to daring flights across the Bosphorus, Ottoman astronomers studying the stars, and the ever-evolving rhythm of the city below.
This page provides all the key information you need to plan your visit to this historic cistern.

Admission & Ticket Options

1) Entrance Ticket & Guided Tours

• Galata Tower Entry Tickets with Optional Audio Guide
• Galata Tower Skip the Ticket Lines & Audio Guide

2) Combo Tickets

• Combo (Save 20%): Galata Tower Tickets & Bosphorus Dinner Cruise
• Combo (Save 15%): Galata Tower Tickets & Basilica Cistern Tickets with Audio Guide
• Combo (Save 9%): Galata Tower Tickets & Hagia Sophia Tickets with Audio Guide

3) City Passes

For details on passes that grant access to this attraction, please refer to the passes page.

>> View all available passes here.

Notable Features & Architectural Highlights

• Originally constructed in 1348 by the Genoese colony of Constantinople, the medieval stone tower has served various purposes throughout history, including as a watchtower, fire observation point, and even a prison.
• Standing at 67 meters tall, the tower features a conical roof and cylindrical stone structure, characteristic of medieval European military architecture.
• The top-floor observation deck provides a 360-degree panoramic view of Istanbul, including landmarks such as the Bosphorus Strait, Golden Horn, and the historic peninsula.
  
• Inside, visitors can explore interactive displays detailing the tower’s history, along with exhibits showcasing Ottoman-era maps, artifacts, and historical documents related to Istanbul.

How to Get There

• Metro: Take the M2 Metro Line and get off at Şişhane Station. The tower is a 5-minute walk from the station.
• Tram: The T1 Tram Line stops at Karaköy Station, from where it’s a 10-minute uphill walk to the tower.
• Bus: Several city buses stop near Karaköy and Tünel, within walking distance of the tower.

Visitor Guidelines & Practical Information

• Accessibility: An elevator is available, but visitors must climb a short flight of stairs to reach the observation deck.
  
• Best Visiting Times: Early mornings and weekdays are less crowded. Sunset hours offer spectacular views but tend to be busier.

History of Galata Tower

The Galata Tower was originally built in 1348 by the Genoese, who controlled the Galata district during the Byzantine period. Known as the "Tower of Christ", it served as a fortified watchtower overlooking Constantinople.

During the Ottoman period, the tower was repurposed for multiple functions. It was used as an observation post for spotting fires, a significant threat to the wooden structures of old Istanbul. In 1632, the famous Ottoman aviator Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi is said to have launched himself from the tower, gliding across the Bosphorus to Üsküdar using artificial wings—a remarkable feat recorded by Ottoman historian Evliya Çelebi.

Over the centuries, the tower underwent multiple restorations, especially after fires and earthquakes. The most significant renovations took place in the 1960s and 2020, restoring its stone façade, interior, and viewing platforms. Today, Galata Tower stands as a UNESCO World Heritage-listed structure, offering a glimpse into Istanbul’s layered history and breathtaking skyline.

Galata Tower Photo Gallery