Galata Tower

Galata Tower stands at the top of the steep lanes of the Galata quarter in Beyoğlu, a short uphill walk from Karaköy or Şişhane. The main reason to go in is the narrow balcony at the top, which gives a single circuit view over the Golden Horn, the old city, the mouth of the Bosphorus and across to the Asian side.

The tower is now run as a museum. A lift takes you most of the way, and the final two floors are climbed on foot; the narrow spiral stairs can feel crowded at busy times. The floors in between have exhibitions on the tower's history, the legendary flight of Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi (a 17th-century aviator said to have glided from here across the Bosphorus) and the story of Galata. The balcony runs one way and is narrow, so people move slowly; be mindful of those behind you when stopping for photos. With the exhibitions, forty-five minutes to an hour is enough, plus any queue.

Queues are usually shortest close to opening time and longest at sunset and on weekends. If you dislike heights or tight crowds, the lanes around the tower and nearby rooftop terraces offer good views of it too. The streets are steep and cobbled, so wear comfortable shoes. Check the hours on the museum page.