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Galata street from Doner Kebab Salonu

Galata is the best place for a first time stay in Istanbul

January 27, 2015 By Jan Robinson 34 Comments

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Galata - Istanbul

 

Where is Galata?  

Galata is the southernmost Neighborhood of Istanbul’s Beyoglu District.

Some first time visitors choose to stay amongst the big name sights of Sultanahmet, but for our first week in Istanbul we chose the Galata Neighbourhood. Downtrodden and derelict in the 60’s it’s cobblestoned streets now hold an interesting collection of design shops, cafes, kebab places and hipster boutiques and the bonus is, it is a great area to rent an apartment in. The different neighbourhoods of Beyoglu blur into each other and are hard to define on a map, but Galata’s indisputable boundaries are the Bosphorus to the east and the Golden Horn to the south.

The Bosphorus boundary of Galata.

Galata from the Bosphorus Ferry

 

What is Special About Galata?

The Galata Bridge.

In September the bridge was mostly framed by bright blue, but toward evening it showed a mellower side.  This photo was taken from the Eminonu side of the Bridge.

Galata Bridge

 

The current Galata Bridge was completed in December 1994.  It straddles the Golden Horn inlet, joining the transport hub of Eminonu with Galata, via three vehicle lanes and one walkway in each direction, a tram track, an under-level of fish restaurants and a central busy ferry channel beneath.  It’s most defining feature is the ever hopeful line of fishermen on it’s upper level.

  • Entrance: Free
  • Open 24 hours/day

Galata Bridge Fishermen from Eminonu

For a good view of the Galata Bridge and the Golden Horn inlet head to Topkapi Palace in Sultanahmet.

Galata Bridge from Topkapi Palace

The Genoese built Galata tower.

Built in 1348, the tower lost it’s conical roof during a storm in 1875 and didn’t regain it until it’s restoration and public debut in 1967. It is particularly attractive in a golden light, but as my camera card will attest I am a fan at any time of day.  From 1717 during the Ottoman era it was used as a fire spotting tower as the Ottoman houses were made of timber.  The tower walls are an incredible 3.75 metres thick and a lift leads to the 7th floor with a restaurant on the 8th and cafe and viewing deck on the 9th.

  • Entrance 18.50 tl
  • Hours 9.00 to 20.30

Galata Tower Gold

Galata Tower and Streets

 

Galata Streets Istanbul

An emerging art/design area. The street our apartment was in.

Galata Street Art

Eryilmaz Pide Salonu (L.H. corner building below) located at the high end of Yuksek Kaldirim Caddesi is a local kebab shop.

Although not expensive it’s tower views means it is not dirt cheap either.

Galata Tower and Salonu

In a tasty twist the rotisseried chicken dropped it’s juices onto the waiting layer of cooked potato chips below.  When asked, I hesitated to add them to my kebab sandwich… but not for long.

The copper/nickel mugs held the cold salty yoghurt drink called Aryan – the national drink of Turkey.  We didn’t know what we were getting but it was a refreshing if startling discovery.

Another given on any Turkish table are green chillies.  Shortly after we sat down the owner came and whisked our jar away, only to return it filled to the brim.

Galata Doner Kebab Shop

It’s a great place to take a rest and indulge in a little people watching.

Galata street from Doner Kebab Salonu

 

Galata Street Scene

Galata Tower is on the right. We found it safe to walk around in this district at night. In fact we felt safe at all times in Istanbul.

Galata Tower Night Close Up

Walking is the best way to discover Galata.

Starting from Galata Bridge make your way to Yuksek Kaldirim Caddesi and turn left.  It is a challenging climb but Istanbul is built on seven hills so it is inevitable.

Yuksek Kaldirim Caddesi

Continue climbing as the name changes to Galip Dede Caddesi and the shops take on a musical theme.

Galip Dede Caddesi Music Shop

Always veering to the right arrive at the 1.4 km long pedestrian Istiklal Caddesi. This street is the beating heart of Istanbul with it’s ever changing mix of buskers, Dondurma Icecream Magicians, historic tram, restaurants or atmospheric lanes that beg exploration and a perfectly thick Mandabatmaz Turk Kahvesi.

 

At the far end of Istiklal Caddesi is the Taksim District.  The expansive Taksim Square is an important transport hub and traditional meeting place for locals and visitors.  It was here in May and September 2013 that protestors and police clashed making world news.  Protests have continued in Istanbul and other towns throughout Turkey.  I like that the locals are prepared to protest for their rights.  Between Taksim and the Bosphorus is the Cihangir Neighborhood of Beyoglu – another interesting place to stay.

Taksim Square in the early evening.

Taksim Square Early Evening

Seeing the Sights from Galata

Transport is easy when staying in Galata.

A mix of walking, the T1 Tram, Ferries and a very occasional taxi will see you through.

Buy an Istanbulkart (transport card) at the airport or from kiosks at Sultanahmet or Eminonu Plaza.  (6tl for the card plus choose an amount to spend).  It is the best thing for first time visitors and everyday commuters.  Valid for all transport including the Eyup chairlift, it can be left in your wallet or bag and passed in front of the auto reader. It deducts the discounted fare, giving further discounts on up to 5 transfers within 2 hours.   The 6tl card deposit is refundable on departure, or can be kept for next time, or passed forward to another traveller.  Only one card is necessary for up to five users.

Isklital Caddesi Historic Tram

 

Sights reached on foot.

Istiklal Caddesi should be on everyone’s Istanbul List.

Galata Bridge – Cross it morning, noon and night – sunset was my favourite time. Don’t forget the Lower Level.

Karakoy Fish Market – This small but exciting market is to the right before entering the bridge on the Galata (Karakoy) side.  Grab an authentic mackerel (or hamsi in season) sandwich.

Check out the fish restaurants at night here as well.

Belik Emek.  As you leave the bridge at Eminonu look to the right where the golden boats cooking Balik Emek Boats are moored.  This is a fun place to try a Turkish Fish Sandwich with lurid pink pickles in a cup on the side.  The boats look like a tourist gimmick, there are just as many locals having a good time here.

New Mosque, Spice Market and the Hidden Mosque (Rustem Pasha Mosque) are just a short walk from the Eminonu end of the bridge.

Suleymaniye Mosque and Grand Bazaar (also on the T1 Tram Line) are a little further uphill.

Elfresco eateries adjoining Karakoy Fish Market.

Karakoy Fish Market Eateries

 

Live like an Istanbulian – Catch a Ferry.

Before entering the bridge from the Galata Side, walk to the left to use the Karakoy Ferry Dock for connection to Kadikoy on the Asian Shore.

Continuing across the bridge to the Eminonu side turn left for Bosphorus Cruises, and ferries to Kadikoy and Uskudar on the Asian Shore (with bus connections to Cengelkoy).

Turn right off the bridge for ferries to the Golden Horn including Eyup  – walk through open air Eminonu Plaza and the bus parking area, passing the double storey car park to the shores of the inlet.

Ferry trips are a fun thing to do in Istanbul.

 

Take a Load Off – Catch a Tram.

The T1 tram begins at Kabatas on the Bosphorus and connects Galata (Karakoy) to Sultanahmet the historic centre of Old Istanbul where The Topkapi Palace, The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, The Hippodrome and The Basicila Cistern (don’t miss it) are.  The section from Galata (Karakoy) to Sultanahmet takes 10 minutes and trams depart at 15 minute intervals.

Going in the other direction from Galata (Karakoy) on the T1 route leads to Tophane for the Istanbul Modern Art Museum and to the Kabatas Terminal for Dolmabahce Palace (5 minute walk) or connection to the Sea Bus Terminal for the Princes Islands, or the Funicular uphill to Taksim.

The Witt Hotels Magazine has the best T1 Tram Map for Tourists that I have found.

 

Read more before you go.

Introduction to Istanbul for the Frist Time Visitor written by Jenny from A Taste of Travel.  An ex travel agent, Jenny loves Istanbul and knows it well.

When I was deciding which area of Istanbul to stay in I found this article written by Sherry of Ottsworld very helpful.  Sherry stayed in three different neighbourhoods and spent time in four others.  She recommends Galata too!

We stayed in an AIRBNB APARTMENT near Galata Tower.

 

This post is linked to Budget Travelers Sandbox for Travel Photo Thursday

Travel Photo Mondays at Noel’s Travel Photo Discovery.

Eminonu Plaza, Golden Horn Inlet, Galata Bridge, Galata Tower, Galata at Night

Eminonu, Bridge, Tower at Night

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Filed Under: Airbnb, Destination, Istanbul

About Jan Robinson

Jan Robinson writes about travel on her Budget Travel Talk blog. A solo traveller in her teens, for the last 40 years Jan has travelled through Australia, Asia, Europe, Turkey and New Zealand with her husband. They specialise in road trips, caravanning and Independent travel without spending a fortune. Her favourite destination is Turkey and she is currently dreaming of Myanmar and Mexico.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. hikebiketravel

    January 28, 2015 at 2:01 am

    I’m heading to Istanbul in October so this is a timely post for me. I haven’t booked anything yet so will now consider this area. Looks super interesting.

    Reply
    • Jan

      January 28, 2015 at 10:25 am

      I am so jealous Leigh!

      Reply
  2. Suzanne Stavert

    January 28, 2015 at 1:43 pm

    Oh my goodness! This is the most thorough and amazing post! I will bookmark and save it for the future. Thank you so much.

    Reply
    • Jan

      January 28, 2015 at 8:16 pm

      Thanks Suzanne, Istanbul is a great city and Turkey is a wonderful country to travel in.

      Reply
  3. Danielle (Bubs on the Move)

    January 28, 2015 at 9:27 pm

    I feel like I make comments about fishing too often on your blog Jan but I did particularly love the photo of the men fishing on the bridge just because their fishing poles are unlike ours – no reels! You have given readers a lovely feel of this completely foreign neighborhood and I know where I will be staying if we make it to Turkey!

    Reply
    • Jan

      January 29, 2015 at 9:54 am

      I keep on posting photos of fishermen! They do have reels Danielle, you can see one on the rod of the closest fisherman on the bridge.

      Reply
  4. Kathy Marris

    January 29, 2015 at 7:15 am

    Jan, thanks for bringing back wonderful memories of an amazing city. Although we stayed in Sultanahmet we spent an evening wandering around Galata and enjoyed it immensely. There were heaps of street performers playing music and I loved the cobbled narrow streets. Did you have a fish burger at the Galata Bridge? They are a local delicacy apparently.

    Reply
    • Jan

      January 29, 2015 at 9:44 am

      Yes we did Kathy. At the boats in Eminonu Plaza. It was quite the experience!

      Reply
  5. Muza-chan

    January 29, 2015 at 4:14 pm

    Great photos 🙂

    Reply
  6. Steve

    January 30, 2015 at 12:19 am

    My wife has always wanted to visit Turkey and Istanbul. I sent her your post. I’m sure we will need to start making some real plans soon 🙂

    Thanks for the wonderful pictures and travel tips, Jan!

    Steve

    Reply
    • Jan

      January 30, 2015 at 9:06 am

      Great Steve, Istanbul is a vibrant city and Turkey is such an interesting country.

      Reply
  7. Anita @ No Particular Place To Go

    January 30, 2015 at 8:45 am

    Thanks for your terrific and thorough guide to Galata. This looks like THE PLACE TO BE when visiting Istanbul and your photos are amazing. We’re hoping to visit at the end of this year so I’ve bookmarked your very helpful post!

    Reply
    • Jan

      January 30, 2015 at 9:05 am

      Thanks Anita, You are so lucky visiting Istanbul!

      Reply
  8. Linda Bibb

    January 30, 2015 at 9:48 am

    I suspect that a lot of visitors decide to stay in Sultanahmet because they don’t know Istanbul well. Granted, it’s conveniently located, but there’s a lot to be said about staying in a different neighborhood that offers a different vibe. Galata looks picturesque enough to keep anyone busy for a while.

    Reply
    • Jan

      January 30, 2015 at 2:14 pm

      That’s true Linda. We stayed in Cihangir the second time we were in Istanbul. If I was lucky enough to visit again I would try and find a different neighbourhood. 🙂

      Reply
  9. Shelley

    January 30, 2015 at 2:22 pm

    Love your photos! It puts me right back in Istanbul. You are right, Galata is a great area, and I wish we had more time there. We enjoyed sitting with our tea on the Galata bridge watching fish reeled in from the level above.

    Reply
    • Jan

      January 30, 2015 at 9:47 pm

      I didn’t do that but it would be fun. I hope to get back there again one day. 🙂 Thanks for commenting.

      Reply
  10. Marisol@TravelingSolemates

    January 31, 2015 at 6:29 am

    Hi Jan, I remember Galata tower and how beautiful the view of the city was from there. The neighbohood seems to have changed from what I can remember. Looks a lot more gentrified. I didn’t stay in that area but I agree that it’s a good place to stay as it is convenient to almost everything. Love the photos.

    Reply
    • Jan

      January 31, 2015 at 12:11 pm

      It has been gentrified in the last three years I believe Marisol. Locals are currently concerned at the new port development on the Bosphorus near Galata and it’s effect on the Istanbul skyline. If only things could stop at the current level of gentrification maybe Galata will retain it’s charming mix of locals and tourists.

      Reply
  11. Rachel@safari254

    January 31, 2015 at 4:39 pm

    Amazing photos, love the views of the bridge, the cobbled narrow streets … overall looks like a very beautiful place.

    Reply
    • Jan

      February 1, 2015 at 1:45 pm

      I was Rachel. Thanks for commenting.

      Reply
  12. Anna

    January 31, 2015 at 6:01 pm

    I loved this area so much!! I’m glad we didn’t stay in the area by the Blue Mosque. I thought the Beyoglu area was much more charming and fun. We stayed for 2 weeks. Our little apartment was in such a great location in the midst of the little windy cobblestone streets and whimsical little cafes. We loved just sitting at a cafe and people watching. The funny thing though, is that even though we were just up the street from the Galata Tower, we never one went up it!

    Reply
    • Jan

      February 1, 2015 at 1:44 pm

      You know Anna, neither did we!

      Reply
  13. jenny@atasteoftravel

    February 2, 2015 at 11:53 am

    A great post Jan. We loved our time in Galata. It’s so central to everything. We’ve now stayed in about five different areas of Istanbul which gives a new perspective on the city each time but Galata is still a favourite!

    Reply
    • Jan

      February 2, 2015 at 2:46 pm

      I saw your post on the hotel in Sirceki which looked like a good place to stay too. We should go to a different area each time!

      Reply
  14. Mike

    February 3, 2015 at 3:27 pm

    How ironic that I came from a post on Istanbul literally to your’s, Jan! I’ve been out of touch for a while, obviously, and may be again for while. But, I wanted to stop by and say “hi” to you. What a beautiful looking city and you could bring that entire spit of chicken to my table please lol 🙂 I hope all is well with you!

    Reply
    • Jan

      February 4, 2015 at 4:47 pm

      Hi Mike I checked out your twitter feed today while I was out driving today (I was the passenger), trying to see what you have been up to. Thanks for dropping by to say Hi. I just love Istanbul and agree there seems to be a lot of chatter about it in the blogosphere lately.

      Reply
  15. Escape Hunter

    February 3, 2015 at 6:55 pm

    And interesting place to stay… I missed out on the Galata Tower. A few years ago I decided to stay in the Golden Horn area. I think that is a fantastic place, because many major attractions are around… so are shops, restaurants.

    Reply
    • Jan

      February 4, 2015 at 4:45 pm

      I just love Istanbul. I would probably try a different area if I was ever lucky enough to return.

      Reply
  16. Joy

    October 15, 2017 at 8:31 pm

    Jan,
    I really liked your comment about the protests. So often travelers will say, “don’t go here or don’t go there,” because there might be protests. It is a good idea to be cautious, but we should also be pleased to see that people are standing up for their rights around the world. They are just trying to make their home a better place to live for themselves and their families.

    Reply
    • Jan

      October 15, 2017 at 9:00 pm

      Thanks Joy, I’m happy that you have the same point of view. 🙂 Istanbul is such a great city.

      Reply

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  1. Topkapi Palace Views in Istanbul | Budget Travel Talk says:
    August 25, 2017 at 2:13 pm

    […] to what makes Istanbul special. The ferries are a much loved necessity as is wandering over Galata Bridge with it’s ever-present long rod […]

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