The Galata Tower is a medieval stone tower built in 1348 in Istanbul, located just north of the Golden Horn. It is one of the city's most striking landmarks. It is a 67m high, cone-capped cylinder that dominates the skyline and offers a panoramic vista of Old Istanbul.

There was a constant queue of 50 people lining up to go into the lift that would fit 6 at a time. An entrance fee of 26 Turkish Lira ($15AUS) for two and it was worth it. It was packed up there on the observation deck which could only fit two people wide. But we got some fantastic panoramic pictures with the sunshine.

We walked back to our hotel in the Old City, crossing the bridge and stopping for a fresh street juice of orange and pomegranate. Delicious!! We really walked everywhere in Istanbul. Except we did catch the tram once that day - to the tower. On purpose we went one stop further to the Modern Museum so we could explore the other side. We ended up walking through the slums and back streets to get to the tower. Good exercise. It was all up hill!

To get on the tram you buy a token which costs 3TL ($1.75AUS) and when you hop on you can go as far as you like in one direction. To come back you buy another token. It's similar paying to use the toilet. You insert 1TL coin to go in the main entrance and walk through the turnstile and hope there's a sit down.