Best Things to Do Near Galata Tower
Step back in time to the magnificent era of the Ottomans by visiting Topkapi Palace, which is one of the top attractions near Galata Tower. This grand palace, named after a massive cannon gate, has been historically significant and now serves as a museum. Inside Topkapi Palace vast complex, you can wander through the courts where sultans once held important meetings and admire the enchanting gardens. The imperial treasury displays precious possessions of the Ottoman Empire, and don't miss the infamous Harem, where Turkish women lived together. It's a journey through history and culture all in one place!
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Pay your respects in Istanbul’s most respected place known as the Blue Mosque. Lying in the close vicinity of the tower, exploring this mosque is one of the top things to do near Galata tower. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is a holy place to give your soul the feeling of solace as you witness the tomb of Sultan Ahmed, his consort, and three sultan sons. As you transcend into the mosque, you will get to see the beautiful architecture consisting of blue tiles. With a whopping number of 5 million visitors in a year, this mosque is a blissful place to visit if you want to explore the best things to do near Galata Tower.
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From the Galata Tower, you can enjoy the stunning view of the emerald Bosphorus waters, making it one of the best things to do nearby. Take a Bosphorus sightseeing cruise to experience the beauty of Turkey from its peaceful waters. You'll be captivated by the enchanting sights of many historical landmarks, such as Galata Tower, Dolmabahce Palace, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, and the Blue Mosque. Boarding the Bosphorus cruise is a fantastic activity and one of the top things to do near the Galata Tower.
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If you are looking for the best things to do near Galata Tower, visit the underground cathedral-like cistern, the Basilica Cistern. Basilica Cistern makes it to the list of Turkey’s top 10 most visited tourist spots. This place welcomes you through its beautiful 52-step stoned staircase built in the style of the ancient Byzantine. You can see the wonders of Byzantine architecture in this place which now operates as a museum. You will be able to see the two infamous Medusa heads lying in the cistern as a belief of the Byzantines.
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Explore the Dolmabahce Palace and witness the vintage western touch on Turkish culture. Rated top among the activities to do near Galata Tower, the museum of Dolmabahce possesses the elegance of the modern Ottoman Empire with beautiful crystal staircases. The palace has the world’s rarest crystals such as the collection of the Bohemian and Baccarat Crystals along with marvelous marble staircases. Dolmabahce Palace has guided tours which will explain to you the history of every section you visit very carefully along with the 4 large and beautiful gardens with the rarest flora of the country.
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The beautiful place portraying the beauty of the Byzantines and the power of the Ottomans, Hagia Sophia is a must-visit if you consider the top things to do near Galata Tower. The holy place surrounded by Marmara, Bosphorous, and the Golden Horn on its three sides, Hagia Sophia is now a mosque visited by a large number of people every day. You will be able to pay respect to the rectangular-shaped nave covered with a central dome along with the Hagia Sophia dome.
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Served as a place of leisure, fun, and sports activities for the Byzantines and the Ottoman Empire throughout its history, the Sultanahmet square has remained the hub of the city’s social life. During the rule of the Byzantines, this place was called the Hippodrome, a place where chariot races and horse races were organized for fun. Today, its exploration remains one of the best things to do near Galata Tower as you can see glimpses of beautiful monuments including the Serpent Column, Walled Obelisk, Obelisk of Thutmose, and Statues of Porphyrius.
If you are still searching for the top things to do near Galata Tower, you should consider visiting the world’s first so-called shopping mall, the Grand Bazaar. Holding its historical importance since Ottoman times, the grand bazaar has always operated as the best destination to a shopper’s heart. There are 4000 shops where you can choose from to buy apparel, edibles, decorative items, and all the necessary stuff for cheap in the country. The system of Bargaining will give you the traditional feeling of shopping in the Bazaar along with the value of items you get for lower prices.
If you are still wondering about the activities to do near Galata tower, you must witness the Archaeology museum collection. The Istanbul Archaeology Museum is a complex of 3 museums-the Archaeology Museum Collection, the Ancient Orient Museum and the Islamic Art Museum housing over 1 million objects representing different civilizations of world history. The museum possesses collections from Byzantine, Ottoman, Egyptian, Roman, Greek, and Assyrian ancient civilizations. Popular collections include the ornate Alexander Sarcophagus, Statue of an Ephebe, and the infamous tablets of the Egyptian–Hittite peace treaty.
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Explore Galata Tower Neighbourhood
The Galata Tower neighborhood is a captivating blend of history and modernity nestled in the heart of Istanbul, Turkey. Centered around the iconic Galata Tower, a medieval stone structure that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, the area exudes a unique charm. Its cobblestone streets wind through a labyrinth of charming alleys, lined with boutique shops, cozy cafes, and art galleries. The neighborhood's rich history is palpable in its architecture, with Ottoman-era buildings standing alongside contemporary designs. As the sun sets, the area comes alive with a vibrant nightlife, offering an array of restaurants, rooftop bars, and live music venues. With its blend of cultural heritage and cosmopolitan flair, Galata Tower neighborhood beckons to both locals and tourists, providing an enchanting experience that captures the essence of Istanbul's diverse spirit.
FAQs
Why is Galata Tower famous?
Galata Tower is famous because it has played one of the most important roles in the history by protecting the city from fire to be called as Galata Fire Tower. Originally built by the Byzantines as the “Tower of Christ”, it was later used as a watchtower in the time of the Ottoman Empire.
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Is it worth going up the Galata Tower?
Yes, visiting Galata Tower is totally worth your time because it is a combination of Turkey’s past and the modern times. It has floors dedicated to the belongings and architectures of the Byzantine and the Ottoman Empire. While the modern complex includes an observation deck and a modern restaurant to dine in.
What is the best time to visit Galata Tower?
The best time of the year to visit Galata Towers is the season of spring in the months of April and May. Starting of the spring season in Turkey translates to pleasant weather and favorable climatic conditions leading to proper relaxation and exploration. The best time of the day to visit Galata Towers is in the morning around 09:00 AM. This time is the most suitable for experiencing the best views of the city from the observation deck. This is the best time as this hour does not witness much crowds, leading to proper exploration and relaxation.
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Does Galata Tower have a lift?
Yes, Galata Tower has an elevator that will take you up and down through the 7 out of the 9 floors of the Galata Tower. However, after the 7th floor, you have to climb the up and down stairs to access the next two floors.
Who built Galata Tower?
The site of Galata Tower is said to be built during the rule of the Byzantine Empire around the sixth century. The original Galata Tower was built in the 14th century by the Genoese as the "Tower of Christ." After the fall of Constantinople and the rise of the magnificent Ottoman Empire, the Tower was renamed "Galata Fire Tower" and was used as a watchtower to spot fires from great heights.
What are the best places to visit near Galata tower?
The best Things to do near the Galata Tower is to explore the including Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar, Archaeology Museum, and Sultanahmet Square.Boarding Bosphorus sightseeing cruise is among the best Activities to do near Galata Tower.
What is Topkapi Palace famous for?
Topkapi Palace is famous for its significance throughout the History of Turkey serving as the residence of the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire for 400 years along with its beautiful architecture. All the important meetings and state affairs of the Ottoman Empire would be held in this palace. The large complex has vast courtrooms, apartments, chambers and gardens to explore as these areas of the palace are known to be holding the utmost historical importance.
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What is harem in Topkapi Palace?
Topkapi Palace Harem is consisting of about 400 rooms where most of the women associated with the Ottoman Empire would reside. These women included the Sultan-mother Valide Sultan, and Sultan’s consorts, wives, concubines, and favorites along with their children.
Why do they call it the Blue Mosque?
Official name of Blue Mosque is Sultan Ahmed mosque and the reason for it being called the Blue Mosque is because of its magnificent blue architecture inside. The interiors are covered with beautiful blue tiles making it look blissfully blue making it to be called the Blue Mosque.
How long is the Bosphorus tour?
The Bosphorus tour, rated the best among the Things to do near Galata Tower, lasts typically up to 4 hours 30 minutes for proper sightseeing and on-board experiences.
Where does the Bosphorus cruise start?
Almost every Bosphorus cruise starts from Kabatas pier which can be easily reached from any part of the city.
When was the Basilica cistern built?
Originally built as a water storage chamber, the Basilica Cistern was made by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian the Great in 523 AD.
Is it worth visiting Dolmabahçe Palace?
Yes, Dolmabahce Palace is worth your visit owing to the look of the crystal possessions of the palace along with its beautiful gardens. Dolmabahce Palace is great for knowing the history of Turkey as this palace only permits guided tours giving complete information about each section you visit.
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What is Dolmabahçe Palace known for?
Dolmabahce Palace is known for its beautiful double horseshoe-shaped crystal staircase made up of Baccarat crystal as this palace is a home for rare Bohemian and Baccarat crystal chandeliers.
Who lived in Dolmabahçe Palace?
Sultan Abdülmecit, Sultan Abdülaziz, Sultan Murad V, Sultan Abdülhamid II, Sultan Mehmed Reşad V, Sultan VI., and Mehmed Vahideddin VI, as well as the last Caliph Abdülmecid Efendi lived in the Dolmabahce Palace. Kemal Mustafa Ataturk, the Founder of the Republic of Turkey spent his last days in the Dolmabahce Palace with the clocks in his chamber stopping at the same time of his death till today.
Who built Hagia Sophia and why?
Hagia Sophia was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I the great to Centralize the religious power of the kingdom. Hagia Sophia remained the most respected place throughout Byzantium History operating as a church following its conversion to a mosque in Ottoman History.
What is the Grand Bazaar famous for?
The Grand Bazaar is a big Turkish marketplace with over 4000 shops, where hand-loomed carpets and kilims are some of the most famous handicrafts.
What are some things to do around Galata Tower?
There are plenty of activities near Galata Tower. You can explore the historic streets of Galata, visit the Istanbul Modern Art Museum, enjoy panoramic views from the tower, and indulge in local cuisine at nearby restaurants. Don't miss the opportunity to stroll along the Galata Bridge for a unique experience.
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