Galata Bridge

Bridge · Bosphorus

Galata Bridge

Bridge · Bosphorus

Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Galata Köprüsü, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

Highlights

Galata Bridge buzzes with life, offering stunning views of the Golden Horn and Bosphorus, lined with fresh seafood eateries and a vibrant atmosphere.

Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Galata Köprüsü, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye Get directions

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@camelya_fashion

@afar

"A Bridge with a View There's no cost attached to oneof Istanbul’s most distinctive photo ops, and the only lines are from fishing poles. Cross the historic Golden Horn via the Galata Bridge, where fishermen from every walk of life jostle for space, and touristrestaurants line the lower level (stop in for a drink if you’d like, but the food tends to be overpriced and mediocre). Galata Bridge isn’t beloved for its architecture (fun fact: It is supposedly the bridge for which the card game is named), but rather its views: Topkapı Palace and several domes and minarets in the Old City on one side, and the Galata Tower on the other."

The Perfect Day in Istanbul

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The Best Things to Do in Istanbul

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Local Cuisine You Must Try in Istanbul

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@cntraveler

"Traffic is notoriously bad in Istanbul, so find an afternoon to skip it altogether and walk over the Galata Bridge, which spans the Golden Horn. You’ll find rows of fishing rods stacked up along the railings, old men grilling their catch on makeshift barbecues, and commuters making their way home. If you time it right, you’ll hear the call to prayer drifting over the Bosphorus as you do it. A perfect slice of Istanbul life."

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عبدالله جهاد

Google

Galata Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Istanbul! It offers stunning views of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely walk while watching boats pass underneath. The bridge is lined with restaurants and cafes serving delicious meals, especially fresh seafood. The atmosphere is lively, with fishermen casting their lines and the magical sight of the sunset adding to its charm. Whether you’re looking to relax or experience a piece of Istanbul’s history, Galata Bridge is a must-visit destination. Highly recommended for anyone visiting the city!

Highway Video

Google

Walking across the Galata Bridge was fun. The views from the bridge are absolutely spectacular, offering a perfect blend of cityscape and waterfront scenery. The weather during our walks was ideal, making the experience even more enjoyable. We’ve had the opportunity to cross this bridge multiple times, both in the mornings and evenings, and each time has been memorable. Whether it’s the morning light reflecting off the water or the evening ambiance as the city starts to light up, there’s something truly special about this bridge. It’s a walk I’d recommend to anyone visiting Istanbul—it’s a perfect way to soak in the city’s beauty.

V H

Google

This is an attraction, in our opinion not to be missed, there are restaurants, that are located underneath the roadway, do not be deterred by the spruikers, they are harmless and good fun, it is also lovely to walk over, seeing the fisherman shoulder to shoulder along the bridge, easy to spend a couple of hours here.

Efim Melikhov

Google

Amazing bridge which in fact became part of the social life of Istanbul. There are almost all the time local fishermen, sometimes it's no free spot across the whole bridge - hundreds of locals stand with long ropes. At night you'll find food points and of course crowds of tourists. It's amazing view on the Bosphorus and Golden Horn. The bridge itself looks beautiful at night, have a look from different locations from both sides. Definitely, one of my favourite places in the city.

GRAHAM FARNHAM

Google

The bridge had some beautiful views of the surrounding area. We walked over on the way to the grand bazaar. Many people fishing but not catching much. Worth the walk.

Viktória Ész

Google

Fun bridge with a lower area, where there are many restaurants serving fresh fish. The views are great and on both ends there is a ferry station to different directions. Definitely worth the visit.

Tim P

Google

An ugly, busy, noisy bridge, but it has great views. There are much better views to be had in Istanbul, but none perhaps as accessible as these. There's lots of fishermen, but none of the hassle I was expecting, at least on the top level. Down below there might be the usual calling out from the restaurant owners.

Philippe Quentin

Google

To reach the Old Istanbul, the Galata bridge has two levels, lower levels are local restaurants with mostly seafood and fish menus, meanwhile the upper levels is the spot for fishermen to hang out. The bridge has spectacular views on multiple mosques.

Fred T.

Yelp

The Galata Bridge is located in the Golden Horn area and links the Istambul districts of Eminönü and Karaköy. The bridge which is two levels, the top being mixed pedestrian / car and the bottom level (you have to go up in the middle part of the bridge because of the boat crossing area) is mostly restaurants. The upper part of the bridge is a fun walk with tons of fishermen casting lines, and can be quite literally packed with people. The bottom level offers waterline views and be warned some of the most aggressive restaurateur attempting to steer you into their eatery we encountered. It is a fun walk and you should at least do it once. In addition the tram crosses the bridge as well.

Rachel D.

Yelp

This tower built in the fourteenth century was part of the balata walls when Galatea quarter was a Genoese colony in the Byzantine era. Also used as a lookout tower and dungeon. Amazing how you can see the whole city of Istanbul. The best times to go are sunrise, sunset and night when there is moonlight. It's just absolutely breathtaking which you have to see in person. They have a one way elevator inside to get to the top floor. In which the first two highest floors is all about panoramic views of the whole city. The third floor is a museum where you see many weapons from the Ottoman Empire. The tower was definitely so important to oversee invaders during wars. Definitely a must see in Istanbul!

Andrea U.

Yelp

We crossed the bridge by foot several times each day. Sometimes we walked across the top where men were fishing, cars & trams were moving here. When we walked under the bridge we passed seafood restaurants & men tried to lure us inside. It was funny to see all the fishing lines next to us. This is a busy foot bridge & to traffic as well.

Rami H.

Yelp

After exiting the Egyptian Bazar market, I went to the Galata Bridge. The bridge is cross the street from the bazar, and it's nice place to go and enjoy a nice view of the water and city. I crossed the bridge walking. Many people on the bridge fishing.

Indira B.

Yelp

The bridge is great, but the fishing 24hrs/7days ... Is really something to see, cause it is shocking how little the dishes that they are harvesting from the Bosphorus.

Jay Y.

Yelp

Ayasoyfa and Sultanahmet Cami are undeniably magnificent, but for me, the most "Istanbul-esque" sight is Galata Bridge. While this bridge is extremely new in respect to the many famous historic landmarks in the city, it is perhaps one of the most interesting places I have ever experienced in my travels. Take a moment and observe the people around you. Against the beautiful Golden Horn backdrop, the bridge is constantly filled with a crowd of both locals and tourists, rushing to everywhere like the ferry piers or the tram stop. Look more carefully and you will notice all kinds of people: young people, old people, people in conservative religious garments, people in the latest modern fashion, people who walked with indifference to the ambiance, people who are awed by the scenery. If you are not rushing to somewhere, you will find it difficult not to be mesmerized by the extraordinarily colorful congregation. Then, how can you not stop in place and behold the spontaneous yet flowing festivity as it transpires around you? Many guidebooks suggest going to Galata Bridge as the beginning or the end of your old city itinerary, but I say to take a step further and make this a key destination on your schedule. Regardless of the duration of your stay in Istanbul, make an effort to make a stop here especially right before sunset! Don't set a schedule when you go to this bridge, because once you arrive, you may lose track of time as you lose yourself in this hypnotizing scenery of diverse people and gorgeous cityscape. Grab a balik ekmek or a simit, take a seat on the foot of the bridge or stand on the bridge with the many fishermen, and embrace Istanbul as it flows around you.

Brian B.

Yelp

Lovely popular bridge at the mouth of the Golden Horn inlet off the Bosphorous. It connects the historical peninsula where old Constantinople was with Galata area (both on the European continent). In 1453 there used to be a giant chain that spanned the mouth of the Golden Horn that was used as a defensive measure. Enemy ships could no enter the Golden Horn with the chain up.

Robert H.

Yelp

This bridge has a shop and cafe filled lower deck. It is much cooler to walk below out of the Summer sun, and much more interesting than the upper deck. This bridge connects two of the most interesting older neighborhoods in the city, well worth a walk rather than a taxi or the tram. I live in a river town, and although Altın Boynuz, the body of water it spans, is not a river, I would love to have a bridge like this here.

Ümit P.

Yelp

its amazing tour. I love it so much. It's like this place is peaceful. Definitely come. You just have to watch the beauty. you have to smell history. Just come and see. I'm sure you'll like it. Because it's a great place.

Qype User (emma97…)

Yelp

If you are planning to go to Istanbul, this is the place where you should definitely go! There is lots of choices for you either for a drink or have a meal. They also have live music while you are having your meal or drink you can very very enjoy with it.

@afar

The Perfect Day in Istanbul

View Postcard for Galata Bridge

@afar

The Best Things to Do in Istanbul

View Postcard for Galata Bridge

@afar

Local Cuisine You Must Try in Istanbul

View Postcard for Galata Bridge

@cntraveler

Condé Nast Traveler's Alternative Bucket List

View Postcard for Galata Bridge

عبدالله جهاد

Google

Highway Video

Google

V H

Google

Efim Melikhov

Google

GRAHAM FARNHAM

Google

The bridge had some beautiful views of the surrounding area. We walked over on the way to the grand bazaar. Many people fishing but not catching much. Worth the walk.

Viktória Ész

Google

Fun bridge with a lower area, where there are many restaurants serving fresh fish. The views are great and on both ends there is a ferry station to different directions. Definitely worth the visit.

Tim P

Google

Philippe Quentin

Google

Fred T.

Yelp

Rachel D.

Yelp

Andrea U.

Yelp

Rami H.

Yelp

Indira B.

Yelp

The bridge is great, but the fishing 24hrs/7days ... Is really something to see, cause it is shocking how little the dishes that they are harvesting from the Bosphorus.

Jay Y.

Yelp

Brian B.

Yelp

Robert H.

Yelp

Ümit P.

Yelp

Qype User (emma97…)

Yelp

Galata Bridge

Galata Bridge

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Highlights

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