Galata, Taksim, Istiklal & Karaköy Guided Walking Tour [9398P373]
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.
ADDITIONAL INFO
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
INCLUDED
- Guide
NOT INCLUDED
- Lunch
- Entrance Fees ( Galata Tower )
CANCELLATION POLICY
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
ITINERARY
- Galata is one of Istanbul’s most iconic and historic neighborhoods, located in the Beyoğlu district on the European side of the city. It’s best known for the Galata Tower, a medieval stone tower that offers breathtaking panoramic views over the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, and the old city.
- Karaköy is one of Istanbul’s most dynamic and eclectic neighborhoods, nestled along the shores of the Bosphorus, right at the foot of the Galata Bridge.
- 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.
- Salt Galata is a striking cultural and art space located in a beautifully restored Ottoman-era building in the Galata district of Istanbul. Once the headquarters of the Imperial Ottoman Bank, this architectural landmark has been transformed into a modern hub for art, research, and design.
- 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.
- 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.
