Galata Tower Tickets
For over 6 centuries, the Galata Tower has stood watch over the city of Istanbul. Head to the top of the Galata Tower and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city's classic and modern landscape. Book Galata Tower tickets and enjoy a detailed guided tour of its history and significance, or get combo experiences.
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Must-see highlights & key info
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Breeze past long queues with instant QR code access to Galata Tower and enjoy the freedom to visit anytime during its operating hours.
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With full-day validity, your ticket allows you to explore the tower at your convenience, whether it’s a morning visit or a sunset experience at this protected national monument.
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Ascend to the upper levels via a swift elevator ride and step onto the observation deck for 360° views of Istanbul’s skyline, including the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus Strait.
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Explore the Galata Tower’s past through exhibits detailing its transformation from a medieval watchtower to a prison and later, an astronomical observatory.
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Upgrade your experience to get a downloadable multilingual audio guide, enjoy a hosted entry experience with a local expert, or go on a guided Old Town tour.
More details
-
Breeze past long queues with instant QR code access to Galata Tower and enjoy the freedom to visit anytime during its operating hours.
-
With full-day validity, your ticket allows you to explore the tower at your convenience, whether it’s a morning visit or a sunset experience at this protected national monument.
-
Ascend to the upper levels via a swift elevator ride and step onto the observation deck for 360° views of Istanbul’s skyline, including the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus Strait.
-
Explore the Galata Tower’s past through exhibits detailing its transformation from a medieval watchtower to a prison and later, an astronomical observatory.
-
Upgrade your experience to get a downloadable multilingual audio guide, enjoy a hosted entry experience with a local expert, or go on a guided Old Town tour.
-
Experience two perspectives of Istanbul with this value-packed combo ticket. Enjoy views from Galata Tower and on a Bosphorus dinner cruise.
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Enjoy picture-perfect views of Istanbul’s landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Maiden’s Tower from both sky and sea.
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Step into the Galata Tower, soaring above Istanbul and ride the express elevator to the observation deck for 360° views of the city, enriched by audio commentary.
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Unwind on a 3-hour Bosphorus dinner cruise featuring a 4-course Turkish meal served at your private table with live cultural performances, including traditional folk dances.
More details
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Experience two perspectives of Istanbul with this value-packed combo ticket. Enjoy views from Galata Tower and on a Bosphorus dinner cruise.
-
Enjoy picture-perfect views of Istanbul’s landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Maiden’s Tower from both sky and sea.
-
Step into the Galata Tower, soaring above Istanbul and ride the express elevator to the observation deck for 360° views of the city, enriched by audio commentary.
-
Unwind on a 3-hour Bosphorus dinner cruise featuring a 4-course Turkish meal served at your private table with live cultural performances, including traditional folk dances.
22% off
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Save time and money with this convenient combo ticket that includes skip-the-line entry to both the Galata Tower and the Basilica Cistern.
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Ride the express elevator up the Galata Tower, once a medieval watchtower, and soak in 360° views of Istanbul’s skyline, including the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.
-
Your visit to the Tower is flexible, allowing you to explore at your own pace with a multilingual audio guide to uncover stories behind the landmark.
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Skip the lines at the Basilica Cistern and step into an underground wonder, often dubbed Istanbul’s “Sunken Palace,” with a capacity of 80,000 cubic meters of water!
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Wander past hauntingly beautiful columns like the Hen’s Eye and the Medusa Heads, famously featured in Hollywood films, as your audio guide reveals the cistern’s secrets.
More details
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Save time and money with this convenient combo ticket that includes skip-the-line entry to both the Galata Tower and the Basilica Cistern.
-
Ride the express elevator up the Galata Tower, once a medieval watchtower, and soak in 360° views of Istanbul’s skyline, including the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.
-
Your visit to the Tower is flexible, allowing you to explore at your own pace with a multilingual audio guide to uncover stories behind the landmark.
-
Skip the lines at the Basilica Cistern and step into an underground wonder, often dubbed Istanbul’s “Sunken Palace,” with a capacity of 80,000 cubic meters of water!
-
Wander past hauntingly beautiful columns like the Hen’s Eye and the Medusa Heads, famously featured in Hollywood films, as your audio guide reveals the cistern’s secrets.
12% off
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Take a 90-minute cruise along the Bosphorus Strait with an audio guide to learn about the city's centuries-old history.
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Sail past landmarks like Dolmabahce Palace and Rumeli Fortress seamlessly blending with modern marvels like the Istanbul Sapphire.
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Standing guard over Istanbul, the Galata Tower offers a bird's eye view of the Topkapi Palace, the Hagia Sophia, and the Marmara Sea.
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Take advantage of the downloadable audio guide to learn of the tower's importance through the Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern Turkish eras.
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Fun fact: A Roman legend suggests that couples who climb the Galata Tower together, both first-timers, are guaranteed to get married.
More details
-
Take a 90-minute cruise along the Bosphorus Strait with an audio guide to learn about the city's centuries-old history.
-
Sail past landmarks like Dolmabahce Palace and Rumeli Fortress seamlessly blending with modern marvels like the Istanbul Sapphire.
-
Standing guard over Istanbul, the Galata Tower offers a bird's eye view of the Topkapi Palace, the Hagia Sophia, and the Marmara Sea.
-
Take advantage of the downloadable audio guide to learn of the tower's importance through the Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern Turkish eras.
-
Fun fact: A Roman legend suggests that couples who climb the Galata Tower together, both first-timers, are guaranteed to get married.
14% off
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Discover Istanbul’s cultural crossroads on a guided walking tour through Galata, Taksim, Istiklal Street, and the vibrant Karaköy neighbourhood.
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Explore with a local expert as you journey through some of Istanbul's districts, learning about the city's rich blend of European and Ottoman influences along the way.
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Admire Galata Tower, one of Istanbul’s oldest landmarks, and stroll through the ancient Genoese district, once home to 14th-century merchant communities.
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Walk down İstiklal Avenue, the lively, pedestrian-only boulevard at the heart of Istanbul’s modern culture, before crossing the Galata Bridge.
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Visit the Genoese New Mosque, a hidden gem known for its Ottoman design, detailed tilework, and Arabic calligraphy, then wander through Karaköy’s maze of side streets.
More details
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Discover Istanbul’s cultural crossroads on a guided walking tour through Galata, Taksim, Istiklal Street, and the vibrant Karaköy neighbourhood.
-
Explore with a local expert as you journey through some of Istanbul's districts, learning about the city's rich blend of European and Ottoman influences along the way.
-
Admire Galata Tower, one of Istanbul’s oldest landmarks, and stroll through the ancient Genoese district, once home to 14th-century merchant communities.
-
Walk down İstiklal Avenue, the lively, pedestrian-only boulevard at the heart of Istanbul’s modern culture, before crossing the Galata Bridge.
-
Visit the Genoese New Mosque, a hidden gem known for its Ottoman design, detailed tilework, and Arabic calligraphy, then wander through Karaköy’s maze of side streets.
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Experience Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks in one experience on a guided tour of the Old Town, plus skip-the-line access to the Galata Tower.
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Step inside the Blue Mosque on a 60-min guided tour, where thousands of hand-painted İznik tiles shimmer, and view its minarets and domes as you explore its interior.
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Stroll through the Sultanahmet Square, once the centre of Constantinople, as your expert guide weaves tales of Byzantine emperors and Ottoman sultans.
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See the Obelisk of Theodosius up close in Sultanahmet Square, transported from Egypt by Roman Emperor Theodosius I, a symbol of Istanbul’s multicultural past.
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Ride the elevator up the Galata Tower and take in 360° views of Istanbul's skyline. Gaze out over the Bosphorus Strait and the Golden Horn, with insights from your audioguide.
More details
-
Experience Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks in one experience on a guided tour of the Old Town, plus skip-the-line access to the Galata Tower.
-
Step inside the Blue Mosque on a 60-min guided tour, where thousands of hand-painted İznik tiles shimmer, and view its minarets and domes as you explore its interior.
-
Stroll through the Sultanahmet Square, once the centre of Constantinople, as your expert guide weaves tales of Byzantine emperors and Ottoman sultans.
-
See the Obelisk of Theodosius up close in Sultanahmet Square, transported from Egypt by Roman Emperor Theodosius I, a symbol of Istanbul’s multicultural past.
-
Ride the elevator up the Galata Tower and take in 360° views of Istanbul's skyline. Gaze out over the Bosphorus Strait and the Golden Horn, with insights from your audioguide.
-
Save money by booking the ultimate Istanbul combo that pairs the imperial Topkapi Palace with the panoramic views from Galata Tower at a discounted price.
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Save hours of valuable time by using skip-the-line tickets at both Topkapi Palace and at Galata Tower, maximising your sightseeing efficiency.
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Deepen your visit with multilingual audio guides included for both the vast Topkapi Palace and the historical exhibits at Galata Tower.
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Step inside the UNESCO-listed Topkapi Palace, the imperial home of Ottoman Sultans for 400 years, to see opulent courtyards and priceless porcelain collections.
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Enjoy flexible entry to Galata Tower. Ascend by elevator, and take in 360° panoramic views of the Bosphorus Strait.
More details
-
Save money by booking the ultimate Istanbul combo that pairs the imperial Topkapi Palace with the panoramic views from Galata Tower at a discounted price.
-
Save hours of valuable time by using skip-the-line tickets at both Topkapi Palace and at Galata Tower, maximising your sightseeing efficiency.
-
Deepen your visit with multilingual audio guides included for both the vast Topkapi Palace and the historical exhibits at Galata Tower.
-
Step inside the UNESCO-listed Topkapi Palace, the imperial home of Ottoman Sultans for 400 years, to see opulent courtyards and priceless porcelain collections.
-
Enjoy flexible entry to Galata Tower. Ascend by elevator, and take in 360° panoramic views of the Bosphorus Strait.
10% off
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Choose 2 to 10 attractions across Istanbul and create your own sightseeing route with one flexible pass that fits your travel style.
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This pass guarantees a public transport card, guided Blue Mosque tour, 90-min Bosphorus cruise, audio guides, and two optional other landmarks or experiences.
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Get around the city with ease using a 5-ride transport card for trams, metros, and buses, all included with your pass.
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Enjoy added experiences like a visit to Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, dinner cruises and cultural activities such as a hammam or dervish show, all included in your package.
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Once you book, all attraction tickets land directly in your inbox. No paper, no pickup; just fast and easy access at every site.
More details
-
Choose 2 to 10 attractions across Istanbul and create your own sightseeing route with one flexible pass that fits your travel style.
-
This pass guarantees a public transport card, guided Blue Mosque tour, 90-min Bosphorus cruise, audio guides, and two optional other landmarks or experiences.
-
Get around the city with ease using a 5-ride transport card for trams, metros, and buses, all included with your pass.
-
Enjoy added experiences like a visit to Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, dinner cruises and cultural activities such as a hammam or dervish show, all included in your package.
-
Once you book, all attraction tickets land directly in your inbox. No paper, no pickup; just fast and easy access at every site.
8% off
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Glide along Istanbul’s gems, including Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern, on a 1-day hop-on hop-off bus tour with 11 stops and buses every 30 minutes.
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Enjoy the best skyline views from the top deck while an 8-language audio guide fills your ears with tales of Istanbul’s rich history at every unique stop.
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Visit the ancient Galata Tower, after hopping off a convenient bus, and see the tower's evolution from a lookout post to a brilliant museum.
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Enjoy rotating exhibitions after taking the elevator to the tower's top and marvel at the skyline against the backdrop of the Bosphorus Strait.
-
Fun fact: During the reign of Ottoman Sultan Süleyiman the Magnificent, the Galata Tower served as a high-security prison for important figures.
More details
-
Glide along Istanbul’s gems, including Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern, on a 1-day hop-on hop-off bus tour with 11 stops and buses every 30 minutes.
-
Enjoy the best skyline views from the top deck while an 8-language audio guide fills your ears with tales of Istanbul’s rich history at every unique stop.
-
Visit the ancient Galata Tower, after hopping off a convenient bus, and see the tower's evolution from a lookout post to a brilliant museum.
-
Enjoy rotating exhibitions after taking the elevator to the tower's top and marvel at the skyline against the backdrop of the Bosphorus Strait.
-
Fun fact: During the reign of Ottoman Sultan Süleyiman the Magnificent, the Galata Tower served as a high-security prison for important figures.
5% off
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Similar things to do in Istanbul
About Galata Tower
Once the tallest building in Istanbul, the Galata Tower embodies centuries of history. The museum within and the 360-degree observation deck atop this medieval stone tower with a conical roof invite you to discover Istanbul's captivating narrative from above.
The Galata Tower's origin story remains rather ambiguous. A wooden tower called Megalos Pyrgos was built by the Byzantines around 527 AD, which was eventually destroyed. The current tower was built in 1348 by the Genoese as part of larger fortifications. The walls of Galata, as the fortifications have come to be known are mostly lost now, while the tower stands.
Over the centuries, Galata Tower served as a defense watchtower, fire detection tower, prison, meteorological observatory, and now an observatory deck and museum. The tower has survived turbulent times and the changing empires have renovated and renamed it multiple times.
Galata Tower was the venue for a remarkable feat of aviation. In 1632, Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi attached wooden wings to his arms and flew from the tower to the Doğancılar Square in Üsküdar. An impressed Sultan Murad Khan rewarded him with a bag of gold before exiling him to Algeria, as such a man ‘could do anything’.
A tunnel, 70 cm wide and 140 cm high, was discovered underneath the tower during the 1965 excavations. Some think the Genoese had built this as an escape route to the sea. The recovered human skeletal remains and coins cause some to believe that it was dug out by the prisoners attempting to escape the tower during its prison era.
Gamers would recognize the Galata Tower from the video game Assasin’s Creed Revelations, which takes place in 16th-century Istanbul. The game features the character Ezio climbing the Galata Tower and parachuting from there.
Why visit Galata Tower?
Highlights
Observation deck
The open-air observation deck on top of the Galata Tower offers stunning 360-degree views of the historic peninsula of Istanbul. Get hold of the mounted binoculars and see if you can spot iconic monuments like the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Hagia Sophia. Sitting at the juncture of the Bosphorus Strait and the Golden Horn, Galata Tower is the place to be for divine sunsets, although it might be crowded.
Galata Tower Museum
Spanning over four levels within the tower is the Galata Tower Museum. Having stood tall for centuries and put to different use by different empires, the tales residing within the walls are pretty fascinating and neatly captured by the exhibits in the museum. The exhibits range from relics of Istanbul in prehistoric times to items from the tower’s prison era which include a dungeon, a torture chamber, and gallows.
Galata Tower interiors
As you make your way down the Galata Tower, take a moment to appreciate the diverse and impressive architecture of the tower. Owing to the changing empires and multiple renovations, the architecture is a fine mix of Roman, Genoese, and Ottoman styles. Narrow tunnel stairways and little arched window nooks pave your way down. The cylindrical tower’s 3.75 meters thick walls are made of interlocked stone and brick.
Galata Tower neighborhood
The Galata Tower with its conical roof, part of the Bosphorous skyline, is a pretty sight to behold from the narrow alleyways decked with cozy little cafes and shops that offer everything, from souvenirs to musical instruments. Stroll around the historic Galata Quarter, engage the shopaholic in you, and sip some Turkish coffee while at it.
Galata Tower gift shop
As you clamber down the tower, you will pass through the gift shop. It is a good pit stop to take back home a variety of souvenirs like photographs, postcards, jewelry, t-shirts, and more.
Plan your visit
Main entrance
Galata Tower has one main entrance. You will often find two separate lines in front of the tower - one for entering the tower, the other for purchasing the tickets from the box office inside the red tram nearby.
- The last admission to the Tower of Galata is at 10pm.
- During the summer months, the tower may be open for longer, especially if there are night festivals or events in the city.
Audio guides can be purchased along with the ticket.
There is a gift shop selling t-shirts, photographs, postcards and more inside the Galata Tower.
There is an elevator inside Galata Tower which takes you till the 7th floor. The climb up to the 9th floor, which has the observatory, has to be made via the stairs. So this portion is not accessible to wheelchair users.
There is an express elevator that takes you till the 7th floor. The observatory located on the 9th floor is accessible via stairs only.
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