The sturdy Galata Tower was built in 1384 as an observation point and today its distinctive conical roof still looks over the Golden Horn. Take the lift up 12 floors where the viewing gallery offers spectacular panoramic city views of Topkapi Palace and mosques. Sunset is one of the best times to go.
During its lifetime, the tower has been a jail for prisoners of war, a shipyard, warehouse and fire station, but today it is one of the city's major attractions.