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Daily Tours

Istanbul City Walk: Galata Tower, Istiklal Street & Karaköy

4.7(98)IstanbulFree cancellation

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.

Highlights

    What's included

    • Guide

    Not included

    • Lunch
    • Entrance Fees ( Galata Tower )

    Itinerary

    1. Viaport Marina

      Karaköy Yeraltı Çarşısı Ve Geçidi.

      10 minutesAdmission freeSee on map

    2. Viaport Marina

      Karaköy Füniküler

      10 minutesAdmission freeSee on map

    3. Istiklal Street

      Istiklal Street (İstiklal Caddesi)

      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.

      20 minutesAdmission freeSee on map

    4. Viaport Marina

      İBB Casa Botter

      10 minutesAdmission freeSee on map

    5. Viaport Marina

      Santa Maria Draperis Kilisesi (outside visit)

      15 minutesAdmission freeSee on map

    6. Viaport Marina

      The Church of Saint Anthony of Padua (Sent Antuan Kilisesi)

      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.

      10 minutesAdmission freeSee on map

    7. Galatasaray High School

      Galatasaray Lisesi

      10 minutesAdmission freeSee on map

    8. Cicek Pasaji

      Çiçek Pasajı (Outside visit)

      10 minutesAdmission freeSee on map

    9. Avrupa Pasajı (Inside visit)

      10 minutesAdmission free

    10. Passage Hazzopulo

      10 minutesAdmission free

    11. Narmanlı Han

      10 minutesAdmission free

    12. Galata Tower

      20 minutesAdmission not includedSee on map

    13. Viaport Marina

      The Camondo Stairs

      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.

      20 minutesAdmission freeSee on map

    14. Viaport Marina

      Tünel Meydanı Sok.

      10 minutesAdmission freeSee on map

    Meeting point

    MADO Coffee Karaköy

    The map shows Istanbul. The exact meeting point is the address above.Open larger map

    Pickup

    • Everyone meets at the start point

    Know before you go

    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Mobile or paper ticket accepted
    • One per booking

    Cancellation and refunds

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

    If you cancelRefund
    At least 1 days before100%
    Between 0 and 1 days before0%
    • Cancelled and fully refunded if the weather makes it unsafe
    Supplied by
    Tourmania
    Product code
    9398P373

    Customer reviews

    4.7 · 98 reviews
    4.7
    98 reviews
    • 5 ★85
    • 4 ★6
    • 3 ★3
    • 2 ★2
    • 1 ★2

    Ratings from Viator 4.3 (27) · Tripadvisor 4.9 (71)

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    From

    $29$26per person