Istanbul City Walk: Galata Tower, Istiklal Street & Karaköy

4.7 (105 reviews) 2–3 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

105 reviews

4.7

Istanbul City Walk: Galata Tower, Istiklal Street & Karaköy — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Istanbul City Walk: Galata Tower, Istiklal Street & Karaköy, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Travel back to the era of the Byzantine Empire with this half-day walking tour of the Galata hillside and nearby areas. Get picked up at your hotel in Istanbul with an air-conditioned vehicle, then depart for the Galata area, located at the northern shore of the majestic Golden Horn. Walk through the serene hillside, once filled with numerous orchards during the Byzantine era, and take in the gorgeous view of the Golden Horn, an inlet of water surrounded by skyscrapers and lush green forests. Check out the exterior of the Galata Tower, a medieval stone tower, and listen to stories from your guide about how the neighborhood became a Genoese colony from the 6th to the 15th century. Explore the narrow streets of Istanbul to visit famous churches and synagogues before stopping by the Camondo Steps, a famous pedestrian walkway in Banks Street that was built by the Camondo family circa 1870-1880. You'll hear more interesting stories from your guide as you drop by hospitals and schools.

Bus Tours Private and Luxury Historical Tours City Tours Excellent Quality Low Supplier Cancellation Rate Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate Short term availability

At a glance

Duration: 2–3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 15 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English, Spanish
Operated by: Tourmania

Ages: Infants (0–3 years) · Children (4–11 years) · Adults (12–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Guide

Not included

Not included: Lunch
Not included: Entrance Fees ( Galata Tower )

Itinerary

Stop 1

10 min

Karaköy Yeraltı Çarşısı Ve Geçidi.
Stop 2

10 min

Karaköy Füniküler
Istiklal Caddesi

20 min

Istiklal Street (İstiklal Caddesi) is one of Istanbul’s most iconic and vibrant avenues, stretching from Taksim Square to the historic Galata Tower. Buzzing with life day and night, this pedestrian-friendly street is a cultural melting pot lined with 19th-century architecture, shops, cafés, restaurants, art galleries, and historic churches.
Stop 4

10 min

İBB Casa Botter
Stop 5

15 min

Santa Maria Draperis Kilisesi (outside visit)
Stop 6

10 min

The Church of Saint Anthony of Padua (Sent Antuan Kilisesi) is the largest and one of the most beautiful Catholic churches in Istanbul, located right on the lively Istiklal Street.
Galatasaray High School (Galatasaray Lisesi)

10 min

Galatasaray Lisesi
Cicek Pasaji

10 min

Çiçek Pasajı (Outside visit)
Avrupa Pasaji

10 min

Avrupa Pasajı (Inside visit)
Passage Hazzopulo

10 min

Passage Hazzopulo
Narmanli Han

10 min

Narmanlı Han
Galata Tower

20 min Admission not included

Galata Tower
Stop 13

20 min

The Camondo Stairs are one of Istanbul’s hidden architectural gems, nestled in the historic Galata neighborhood. Built in the late 19th century by the influential Camondo family—a prominent Ottoman Jewish banking family—these elegant, curved stairs connect Bankalar Caddesi (Banks Street) to the upper Galata area.
Stop 14

10 min

Tünel Meydanı Sok.