Galata Tower, Istanbul

In the city of Istanbul there is a tower. It is not a huge tower, but it does have excellent city views. It is old and has been in existence since 500 AD. I think this is the oldest building in which I have ever been. I know at some point there has been renovations and it's been re-built from fires and damages from wars, but this tower is a landmark which helps define the landscape of Istanbul. 

First of all, unlike most of the towers I seem to find myself drawn to, this one had an elevator to take to the top. So, good news, no major stair climbing. The way down was all stairs, which is much easier than the way up. 

In a post Covid world, you must have vaccination card and negative antigen test to enter. There are testing sites all over the city and the one at the airport only costs a little over 100 Turkish Lira, or about $16 us dollars.

You can see the entire city and Asia from the top of the tower. The Bosphorus is below with boats and ferries gently making their way in between the two continents and opposite sides of the city. When at the top of the tower you can see all the bridges. There are so many bridges crossing the water everywhere. 

I was lucky, it was a beautiful day, and I was able to see a woman walking her cat on her roof beneath me. It was cool because she had it on a little leash and everything. It is nice to watch people in their everyday lives move about the city peacefully. It's like a window into the life of the city. 

This is a must see if in the city of Istanbul. It was within walking distance of my hotel, and it's surrounded by amazing little shops! The view is worth it! 

Where I went: Galata Tower