Istanbul, Turkey – the Galata Tower is an important landmark dominating the Istanbul skyline. This medieval architectural gem has been captivating travellers visiting Turkey. Beyond the tower’s seemingly plain cylindrical stone wall form are significant stories about Turkish History and culture.

The Galata Tower is located in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul’s Europe side, in the middle of the Karaköy quarter. I got to visit the tower during my first of three istanbul trips. I decided to go and see the landmark early in the morning because I have read in travel guides that queus can be pretty long during mid day especially during peak season. I remember arriving at the site at around 7:30 in the morning and the tower opens at 8: 30.

So I decided to have breakfast at a cafe beside the corner of the tower. The tower looks majestic from afar and even much so upclose. It stands out against the modern buildings in the area. They say that at night, the tower is all lit up, giving it a distinct European fairytale exterior. Too bad I wasn’t able to see that.

When the tower’s door finally opened, I hurriedly went to buy a ticket and immediately proceeded to see what it offers inside. So the tower houses a museum (open seven days a week from 8.30 a.m. till midnighand), a restaurant and an amazing view point, a section where you can be photographed as an Ottoman emperor with all its costume.

The tower overlooks the glistening Bosphorous, a 360-degrees view if Istanbul, and the majestic Süleymaniye Mosque (which is the second largest mosque in Istanbul). It’s a guarantee that one will be able to witness a view like no other.

The Galata Restaurant is for fine dining that requires reservations. They serve some really fancy Turkish delicacies. Also, the view from the restaurant is also spectacular.

As I have mentioned earlier, there is a cafe just beneath the tower where most visitors hang out. Open 24 hours a day, the Gundogdu Cafe is the perfect spot before and after enjoying your time inside the Galata Tower. I have learned that this cafe is a Turkish institution, where visitors of various nationality meet up for a cup of Turkish coffee (or tea) and simit.