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Galata Tower - it is a historical and architectural landmark of Istanbul, an important symbol of the city, as well as a great entertainment if you are willing to pay a high enough price for admission. At the top there is an observation deck with excellent views of Istanbul from a height of 140 meters (this is about 50 floors), but the tower itself has a height of 61 meters, just located on a hill. There is also a restaurant upstairs, there is a 5D movie attraction with a flight over the city. It is best to visit the tower in the evening before sunset, then you can see the city both in daylight and at dusk. But it is better to come here in advance, as there are always a lot of people who want to go upstairs, especially in the evening, and you will have to stand in line for 30-60 minutes. For reference, here is the sunset time in Istanbul today (Tue. 07. 2026) - 20:35.
Official website: galatakulesi.com.tr
🕐 Working hours: 09:00-20: 30 seven days a week, it is better to visit in the evening before sunset. The restaurant is open from 09:00-22:00 For reservations by phone +90 (212) 293 81 80.
💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: as of 2024, 650 lire (13.88 USD, see Turkish currency and exchange rate), children under 6 years-free of charge.
🚶 How to get there: the tower is located in Beyoglu district in Karakoy (Galata Tower on the map). It is easy to get to it, it almost rests on the pedestrian Istiklal tourist street therefore, it is convenient to complete a walk along it in the evening with a visit to the tower and dinner in a restaurant. From other areas, you can get here by Metro M2 to the station Šişhane; by historic tram T2 to the final stop; by tram T1 to the Stop Karakoy and further on foot or by funicular F2; by ferry from the Asian part of the city and Kadıköy district to the Marina Karakoy and further on foot or by funicular F2. As for the use of the funicular F2, it does not lead to the tower itself, but just above it, and from the top station you will have to descend again. But if you do not mind walking up the slope at 45 meters in height, then you can not use it. Read learn more about Istanbul transport or see Istanbul transport lines on the map.
In the tower itself, an elevator is provided for climbing up, which is included in the ticket price. One flight of stairs to the top must be overcome on foot, but it is easy and accessible to everyone.
You can visit the Galata Tower and take other walks around the historical part of Istanbul on your own or with Group and individual excursions. It is almost impossible to buy on-site excursions in Russian, so you can read descriptions, reviews, and book your favorite excursion in Russian on one of these proven sites:
And from the Galata Tower
The Galata Tower in its present form was built in 1348 by the Genoese, but it is believed that before it there was a wooden tower during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian (VI century AD). it was used as a lighthouse, Observatory, fire observation tower, and for some time even as a prison. In 1967, it was restored, rebuilt, domed, equipped with an elevator, and opened to the public as a restaurant and observation deck.
Prices in the restaurant are quite high, as well as the entrance to the observation deck itself. But they say that such views as from here in Istanbul can not be seen anywhere else. In fact, there are many modern buildings in the city higher than the tower, and there are also excellent views from there, but the Galata Tower is the only historical structure of this kind.