Updated Date : 20.03.2024
Galata Tower
Galata Tower is one of the most important symbols of Istanbul. Throughout history, the Galata tower was the silent witness to all of the victories, battles, meetings, and religious togetherness in Istanbul. That was this Tower where they believe the first aviation trial took place. Galata tower in Istanbul goes back to the 14th century, and it was initially constructed as a security point for the port and the Galata region. Although several records say there was a wooden tower dating older than that, the Tower standing today goes back to the Genoese colony period. Galata Tower in Istanbul had lots of other purposes throughout history, such as a fire watchtower, security tower even a prison for a while. Today, the Tower is on the protection list of UNESCO and functions as a museum.
Visit İnformation
Galata Tower is open every day between 09:00 to 22:00.
How to get there
From the old city hotels:
1. Take the T1 tram to Karakoy station.
2. From the Karakoy station, the Galata tower is within walking distance.
From the Taksim hotels:
1. Take the M1 Metro from Taksim Square to Sishane station.
2. From the Sishane metro station, the Galata Tower is within walking distance.
Galata Tower is temporarily closed.
Maiden's Tower
"You left me behind like the maiden's Tower in the Bosphorus,
If you return one day,
Don't forget,
Once you were the only one who loved me,
Now the whole of Istanbul."
Sunay Akin
Maybe the most nostalgic, poetic, and even mythical place in Istanbul is the Maiden's Tower. It was originally planned to collect the tax from the ships that pass the Bosphorus, but the locals had a different idea. According to the myth, one king learns that his daughter will be assassinated. To protect the girl, the king orders this Tower in the middle of the sea. But according to the story, the unlucky girl was still assassinated by a snake hidden in a grape basket. This kind of story may be why many poems directed this Tower in so many poems of themselves. Today the Tower functions as a restaurant with a small museum inside as well. Istanbul E-pass includes Maiden's Tower boat and entrance ticket.
How to get there
From the old city hotels:
1. Take the T1 tram to Eminonu. From Eminonu, take the ferry to Uskudar.
2.From Uskudar walk 5 minutes to Salacak.
3. Maiden's Tower has its port for visitors in Salacak port.
Pierre Loti Hill
Probably the most nostalgic corner of the City is Pierre Loti Hill. Starting from the 16th century, there were countless numbers of famous tea and coffee houses spreading throughout Istanbul. But by time, like everything else, many of these houses were abandoned, and some were destroyed. One of these famous houses, named after the famous French writer, Pierre Loti still serves its customers good coffee and views. The nostalgic coffee house is still standing with a beautiful gift shop for the ones in 19th century Istanbul with the help of the books of Pierre Loti. Istanbul E-pass includes Pierre Lotti guided tour.
Visit Information
The Pierre Loti Hill in Istanbul is open throughout the day. The nostalgic coffee operates between 08: 00-24:00
How to get there
From the Old City Hotels:
1. Take the T1 tram to Eminonu station.
2. From the station, walk to the big public bus station on the other side of the Galata Bridge.
3. From the station, get bus number 99 or 99Y to Teleferik Pierre Loti station.
4. From the station, take the Teleferik / Cable Car to Pierre Loti Hill.
From the Taksim Hotels:
1. Take bus number 55T from the big underpass in Taksim Square to Eyupsultan station.
2. From the station, walk to the Teleferik / Cable Car station behind the Eyup Sultan mosque.
3. From the station, take the Teleferik / Cable Car to Pierre Loti Hill.
Camlica Hill
Would you like to enjoy the views of Istanbul from the highest hill of Istanbul? If the answer is yes, the place to go is Camlıca Hill on the Asian side of Istanbul. The name refers to the pine forests that are the final examples in the City after a big construction in Istanbul in the last 40 years. Cam in Turkish means pine. With a height of 268 meters from sea level, Camlica Hill offers visitors a fantastic view of the Bosphorus and Istanbul city. There are lots of restaurants and gift shops to make the visit unforgettable with breathtaking views.
Visit Information
Camlıca Hill is open throughout the day. The restaurants and gift shops in the area usually work between 08.00-24.00.
How to get there
From the Old City hotels:
1. Take the T1 tram to Eminonu station.
2. From the station, take the ferry to Uskudar.
3. From the station in Uskudar, take the Marmaray M5 to Kisikli.
4. From the station in Kisikli, Camlica Hill is 5 minute walk.
From the Taksim Hotels:
1. Take the funicular from Taksim Square to Kabatas.
2. From the station in Kabatas, take the ferry to Uskudar.
3. From the station in Uskudar, take the Marmaray M5 to Kisikli.
4. From the station in Kisikli, Camlıca Hill is 5 minute walk.
Camlica Tower
Constructed at the highest hill in Istanbul, the Camlica Tower of Istanbul was opened in 2020 and became the tallest human-made Tower. The project's primary purpose was to clean all the other broadcasting towers on the hill and create a symbol building in Istanbul. The shape of the Tower resembles a tulip that originates from Turkey and is the country's national symbol. The Tower's height is 365 meters, and 145 meters of it was planned as an antenna for broadcasting. Including two restaurants and a panoramic viewpoint, the total cost of the Tower has been calculated at around 170 million dollars. If you want to enjoy the highest Tower in Istanbul with excellent meals and fascinating views, one of the best places to come would be Camlıca Tower.
Rumeli Fortress
Rumeli Fortress is the place to go if you want to enjoy good views of the Bosphorus with a bit of a touch of history. Constructed in the 15th century with Sultan Mehmet the 2nd, the fortress is the biggest fortress standing on the Bosphorus. It has initially been functioning as a base to rule the conquest of Istanbul with the secondary purpose of controlling the trade between the Sea of Marmara and The Black Sea. Being the only natural connection between these two seas, it is an important trade route even today. Today the fortress is functioning as a museum with a beautiful collection of Ottoman cannons.
Visit Information
The Rumeli Fortress is open every day except Mondays between 09.00-17.30.
How to get there
From the Old City Hotels:
1.Take the T1 tram to Kabatas.
2. From the Kabatas station, take bus number 22 or 25E to Asiyan station.
3. From the station, Rumeli Fortress is 5 minute walk.
From the Taksim Hotels:
1. Take the funicular from Taksim Square to Kabatas.
2. From the Kabatas station, take bus number 22 or 25E to Asiyan station.
3. From the station, Rumeli Fortress is five a minute's walk.
The Final Word
We suggest you allocate a reasonable amount of time to visit these beautiful and historic sites. Do not miss the chance to see these sites. Istanbul E-pass provided you with the complete detail of the sites.