Galata Tower Tours and Activities

Galata Tower
Galata Tower
Galata Tower
Galata Tower
Galata Tower


Standing for over 650 years, this imposing cylindrical lookout point continues to offer special views over the city of Istanbul.

At just under 67 metres in height, Galata Tower was the tallest building in the city when built in 1348. It was constructed as the heart of the fortifications of the Genovese colony in Constantinople at that time, and was named the 'Tower of Christ'. Later, it became a lookout tower for fires in the 18th century, and was indeed seriously damaged by fire in both the 18th and 19th centuries. The most recent significant refurbishment took place during the 1960s, and the tower has been open to visitors since then.Standing overlooking the Old City of Istanbul, Galata Tower commands excellent views from the outdoor panorama balcony. Many of the landmarks of Istanbul are laid out before you – the Bosphorus Strait divides the city, as it divides Europe from Asia. The strait is crossed by the Galata Bridge, which connects the two continents.Soak up the view as you listen to the atmospheric call of the imams, summoning the faithful to prayer. Many of the other sights are on view here, from Topkapi Palace to the Hagia Sophia to the Blue Mosque.The Golden Horn is a famous natural harbour in the strait – if you are in Galata Tower as the sun goes down at the end of the day, you'll get to see where this name comes from. There is both a restaurant and a café in the tower if you're feeling hungry, and also a nightclub on the top floor where Harem-style entertainment is mixed with traditional local dancing in a colourful and fascinating show of movement during the regular Turkish night shows.Galata Tower is found in Beyoglu or 'New Town', north of the Golden Horn. There is a lift to the seventh floor, but you'll have to take the stairs for the last two flights to the viewing platform. It is recommended to book the restaurant before your visit, as it's very popular. The tower can be reached by public transport, and is open daily, with longer opening hours in the summertime. There is an entry fee, but it's half price on Monday.

Plan a trip to see Galata Tower

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant
Armada Istanbul Old City Hotel
Demiray Hotel & Spa

Tours & day trips

See all 400 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 82 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 75 activities

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 42 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 32 activities

Popular places to visit


Top Galata Tower Hotel & Accommodation Deals

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

5 out of 5
Suzer Plaza, Askerocagi Caddesi, No:6, Elmadag/Sisli, Istanbul
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
Pera Palace Hotel

Pera Palace Hotel

Mesrutiyet Cad. No. 52, Tepebasi Beyoglu, Istanbul, Istanbul
Pera Palace Hotel
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class

Piyer Loti Cad No:7, Istanbul, Istanbul
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
The Marmara Taksim

The Marmara Taksim

5 out of 5
Taksim Square, Istanbul, Istanbul
The Marmara Taksim
Richmond Istanbul

Richmond Istanbul

4 out of 5
Istiklal Caddesi No:227 Tunel, Istanbul, Istanbul
Richmond Istanbul
DeCamondo Galata, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

DeCamondo Galata, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Bereketzade Mahallesi, Bankalar Caddesi No:8, Beyoglu, Istanbul, Istanbul
DeCamondo Galata, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
The Peninsula Istanbul

The Peninsula Istanbul

5 out of 5
Karakoy, Kemankes Karamustafapasa Mah., Kemankes Caddesi N 34, Beyoglu, Istanbul
The Peninsula Istanbul
The Marmara Pera

The Marmara Pera

4 out of 5
Mesrutiyet Cad. Tepebasi, Istanbul, Istanbul
The Marmara Pera
InterContinental Istanbul by IHG

InterContinental Istanbul by IHG

5 out of 5
Asker Ocagi Cad No: 1 Taksim, Istanbul, Istanbul
InterContinental Istanbul by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Galata Tower

A trip to Galata Tower is not complete without exploring the vibrant activities nearby, including catching a show at a local theatre or indulging in some retail therapy. Be sure to visit the iconic Galata Tower for stunning views of Istanbul, and treat yourself to a traditional Turkish hammam experience to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

Shopping

The Grand Bazaar, 1.6km from Galata Tower, offers a vibrant shopping atmosphere with a range of gifts and souvenirs. The Egyptian Bazaar, only 1.1km away, is perfect for unique local delights. If you're up for a drive, visit Istanbul Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Centre, 4.8km away, for more family-friendly options.

Recreation

Kilic Ali Pasha Hamam, located 483m from Galata Tower, offers a serene body treatment experience perfect for relaxation. Enjoy live music at Nardis Jazz Club, right at 50m, for a vibrant night out. Alternatively, dance at Kumbaraci50, 322m away, embracing romance and culture.

Adventure

At Fethi Paşa Korusu, 4.8km from Galata Tower, enjoy the serene outdoors surrounded by lush greenery. Experience the thrill of bungee jumping at Istanbul Jumping, located 3.2km away, for an adrenaline rush. For hiking enthusiasts, Sultans Trail, 1.6km away, offers stunning scenery and adventure vibes.

Nightlife

In Galata Tower, Tiyatro Kara Kutu offers an intimate theatre experience just 322m away, while Mahseri Cumbus Hayalhane, 1.1km away, presents captivating performances. Ahsap Cerceve Kukla, 1.3km away, enchants with its unique puppet shows, perfect for a memorable night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Galata Tower

While visiting the iconic Galata Tower in Istanbul, immerse yourself in the rich culture by exploring nearby mosques, historic churches, and palaces. This area offers a delightful blend of family-friendly experiences and cultural attractions. Don't miss out on other key Istanbul sights, and consider local hotels for your stay to ensure easy access to the tower and its surrounding wonders.

  • Taksim Square: A bustling hub of city life, Taksim Square is a vibrant piazza that showcases the cultural heartbeat of Istanbul. With its lively atmosphere, street performers, and cafes, it's the perfect spot to take a break and immerse yourself in local culture.
  • Topkapi Palace: This historic palace, a former residence of Ottoman sultans, offers a glimpse into Turkey's rich history. Explore its stunning architecture, opulent rooms, and beautiful gardens while enjoying captivating views of the Bosphorus.
  • Istiklal Avenue: A lively pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, and galleries, Istiklal Avenue is ideal for leisurely strolls. Experience the vibrant city vibes and discover unique boutiques while indulging in delicious Turkish treats.

Best time to go to Galata Tower

The best time to visit Galata Tower can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Galata Tower falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain (dry). The coolest average temperature around Galata Tower falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
February45.9°F (7.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
March48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May63.7°F (17.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
June72.5°F (22.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
July77.4°F (25.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
August77.9°F (25.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
September72.3°F (22.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
October63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Galata Tower

To save money on your visit to Galata Tower, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January to March when accommodation prices are lower. Saturdays tend to be the cheapest days for bookings, while Thursdays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tool to compare room rates and find great deals by sorting options from lowest to highest price. You can also save by bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional discounts. Don’t forget to check for any instant discounts or special offers to make the most of your trip without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Galata Tower are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Galata Tower is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Galata Tower is Thursday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. To find the most affordable options and special deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your Galata Tower hotel booking with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.