Book Galata Tower tickets with best of the prices available. Get instant ticket confirmation, discount offers and avoid long lines with fast track access inside Galata Tower in Istanbul.
Discover the Galata Tower, in Galata, Istanbul, learn its history, what to expect and see, hours and ticket price, guided tours, and visiting tips with our comprehensive guide. Galata Tower, topped with a distinctive witch’s-hat roof, is one of the most impressive and popular landmarks in Istanbul.
Dating back to 14th century, the tower is an old Genoese tower overlooking the beautiful Istanbul and has a massive cone shaped structure that was built at approximately 38 meters above the sea level and rises to a height of 62 meters above its base. There is an amazing view of the Historical Peninsula, Golden Horn and Bosphorus through Princes’ Islands from the tower that encompasses Istanbul.
Galata Tower Tickets & Tours
If you are looking for the best Galata Tower entrance with guided tours, trust our recommendations, save time and money, we have you covered. Below are some of best experiences you can find! Feel free to book online in advance (as you’ll get discounts), by choosing the eco-friendly option of online tickets.
- Galata Tower Skip-the-Line Ticket & Audio Guide (superb, cheapest price on net)
Fast Facts: Galata Tower
One of World’s most impressive tower. So what exactly lies behind the Galata Tower?
- First built in 528 during Byzantium era.
- Current tower was built in 1348, by the Genoese and named Tower of Christ.
- During Ottoman era; used as a prison (16th century), for the Ottoman military band (18th century), a fire tower (19th century).
- Witnessed the unique event that; Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi managed to fly from tower’s top (European side) to the Uskudar coast (Asian side) with a home-made artificial wings.
- 38 meters above the sea level, rises to a height of 62 meters above its base.
- Has extraordinary 360 degrees panoramic views of the city.
History of the Galata Tower
The Galata Tower is believed to have been constructed in the year 1348. It is also known that the first tower was constructed closer to the sea with the order of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in 528. But it was demolished by the Latin Crusaders.
On the 14th century, in 1348, it was the Genoese, who had a semi-independence from the Byzantines constructed a gorgeous tower on the site and called the Tower of Christ, and it also had been part of their fortification.
During the Ottoman period and reign of the Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent (1494-1566), the tower used as a prison (16th century), and afterwards as the accommodation place for the Ottoman military band (18th century), as a fire tower (19th century).
Galata Tower also has an important story and event from the year 1638 that; according to Evliya Celebi, a renowned Ottoman historian and traveler, a man named Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi managed to fly from the Galata Tower’s top (European side) to the Uskudar coast (Asian side) with a home-made artificial wings.
And this flight is considered to be the first intercontinental flight in the world. After the flight, in order to reward Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi, Sultan Murad IV sent him to exile in Algeria. :)
No Regrets Booking Advice
Galata Tower Attractions
Today, Galata Tower serves as a popular tourist sight, that its observatory deck has a 360 degrees view of Istanbul. There are two elevators in the entrance that takes you to the top.
There is also a cafe and restaurant (Galata Tower Restaurant) on top that visitors may have Turkish breakfast and meals in the company of excellent views, and a souvenir shop in the entrance of the tower.
Visitors may also spend great day out at the recently restored small square around the Galata Tower, along the couple of lovely outdoor cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops.
As well as strolling along the narrow streets, especially the famous Galip Dede ramp leading the Tunnel square and Istiklal Street. There are variety of lovely craft, souvenir and music shops as well as a couple of art galleries along the Galip Dede ramp that you may enjoy.
Visiting Tips
Why is Galata Tower famous?
Galata Tower is famous for being an iconic landmark on Istanbul’s skyline and for having a lot of historical importance. The tower was built in the Middle Ages and has been used for many things over the years, such as a jail, an observatory, and a watchtower. Its strategic position gives it stunning views of all of Istanbul, making it a landmark that both locals and tourists must see.
Is Galata Tower worth it?
Yes, you should definitely go to Galata Tower. Aside from its historical value, the tower is one of the best places to see how beautiful Istanbul is. Ascending the tower and seeing the city from the top of it is an unforgettable and satisfying experience.
Is there a dress code for Galata Tower?
A tight dress code isn’t needed to go to Galata Tower. But you should wear clothes that are easy to move in because you might have to climb stairs to get to the top. Due to its historical background, modest clothing is usually seen as polite.
How long do you spend at the Galata Tower?
It depends on their own tastes. It can take up to two hours to look around the tower, enjoy the views, and maybe eat or drink at the cafe inside.
How to get tickets for Galata Tower?
You can buy tickets for Galata Tower at the door. Lots of people also choose to buy tickets online to save time, especially when it’s busy. Online travel companies and platforms often make it easy to buy tickets. You can see them below.
Can you enter the Galata Tower for free?
Entrance to Galata Tower is not typically free, and there is an admission fee.
What time should I visit the Galata Tower?
Consider going to Galata Tower early in the morning or during the week to get the best views and maybe avoid a lot of people. People also like to go at sunset, when the city lights up and makes for a beautiful scene.
Do you need a tour guide for Galata Tower?
Even though you don’t need a tour guide to enjoy Galata Tower, having one can help you understand its history and hear interesting stories. Guides can help you learn more about the tower’s history and make the trip more enjoyable. You can see them below.
Visiting Hours & Admissions
Opening Hours
Open every day between 08:30-23:59.
Galata Tower restaurant is open between 20:00-22:00
Ticket Price
Please check hours and admissions from muze.gen.tr
Where to Buy Galata Tower Tickets
You can buy Galata Tower tickets at ticket window on location. Keep in mind that you’ll face with a crowd and waiting in the line for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.
We recommend you buy your tickets online. This is by far the easiest and cheapest way to get tickets to Galata Tower.
We put the links to the official buying channels below. Just pick your date and time and skip the lines.
Galata Tower Ticket Options and Prices
There are several options:
- Buy directly at the ticket window on location.
- Buy Galata Tower only guided tours.
We recommend you to book the Galata Tower tickets for the week days. The weekends will be more crowded with the Istanbul locals.
General Admission Tickets
The skip the line access tickets, plus walking tour around the area with a guide (see below) seems to be some expensive.
You should consider on your own would it worth to pay that amount to save yourself from 30 minutes to 1 hour waiting in the line, plus having a Galata neighborhood walking tour with a guide. We guess it would!
Online Tickets + Guided Tours
Online tickets for the Galata Tower in Istanbul, one of world’s most mystical buildings. Order your fast track tickets or guided tours for Galata Tower Museum here.
This is the best option we recommend especially for first time visitors. And we always recommend opting for an extended English guided tour offered exclusively by several historian guides of Istanbul.
When you book you’ll get an email confirmation with meeting details (in front of the Galata Tower) and there your name being checked from the official guide’s list with your confirmation number.
See below the recommended Galata Tower guided tour with fast track entry. Here we only suggest the proven ways and top rated ones with travelers’ comments. You can feel free to book one of the below top selling tours for Galata Tower.
Galata Tower Skip-the-Line Ticket & Audio Guide
We highly recommend this because it is the cheapest price you can find with instant confirmation and audio guide.
Included:
- Skip-the-line ticket, elevator, optional audio guide, unlimited time to explore inside
Buy Entry Tickets to Galata Tower
How to Get to Galata Tower?
Location
Galata Tower is situated in between Galata and Karakoy neighborhoods, not far from the Karakoy shore and Galata Bridge. See the location map.
Transportation
The most practical way to get to Galata Tower is via Bagcilar-Kabatas tram (T1 line).
- The closest tram stop is Karakoy.
- For the ones who stay in the Taksim and Galata hotels, than you easily walk to the Galata Tower.
- From the end of the Istiklal Street, on the Tunel Square, you can walk downwards from the Galip Dede Street or take the Tunel-Karakoy funicular (F2 line) to get to Karakoy and take a short walk.
- From Sultanahmet, you should take the Bagcilar-Kabatas Tram from the Sultanahmet stop and get off at the Karakoy stop and take a short walk.
- From Kadikoy, on the Asian side, you may take the ferries operating to Karakoy and from there you may take a short walk.
Note: Driving to Galata Tower is not recommending that you hardly can find an empty parking area located close to the Galata Tower.
Contact Details
Address: Buyuk Hendek road, No: 2, Galata, Istanbul
Tel: +90 212 293 57 07
The view at the tower was amazing. Our guide showed us the neighborhood around Galata and informed us about the Italien, Greek and Jewish heritage in Istanbul. The whole district around the tower like buildings and the architecture were amazing. This is a must tour of the regular tourist trails.