Maiden’s Tower in Istanbul offers spectacular views with a restaurant and café for an outstanding place to relax and capture fantastic photos of the surrounding region. The tower dates to ancient days and since the medieval Byzantine era has also been known as the Tower of Leandros, or Leander's Tower. Legends abound regarding its original construction, from an emperor protecting his daughter from a prophecy to the Greek myth of Hero and Leander.
The tower has been featured in games, movies, television series and other media across the years. It's an iconic part of Istanbul and a popular photo destination.
Maiden’s Tower in Istanbul - one of the highlights of 12 Best Things to Do in Istanbul (Read all about Istanbul here)
What are the highlights of Maiden’s Tower in Istanbul?
The highlights of Maiden’s Tower in Istanbul include the bottom floor restaurant offering delicious, elegant meals, and the top floor café where you can enjoy light fare and spectacular views. The tower is a historic landmark of the city and is a wonderful spot for a romantic photo or selfie op with you and your beloved.
You can see fantastic views of the city and bay from the top. While you're here, you can also visit the museum that will tell you all about the tower's uses over the years, from a tax collection centre to a lighthouse and defence tower.
What else is good to know about Maiden’s Tower in Istanbul?
Maiden’s Tower in Istanbul is open to the public and includes two eateries—a full-service restaurant and a café offering lighter fare—and a full museum discussing the history of the structure and all the legends surrounding it. Admission to the museum is included, but entrance to the tower itself does carry a fee. Kids under 6 get in free.
The tower is reachable by ferry boat from Üsküdar or Kabataş. Getting to the ferry is only about 12 minutes by car from the Istanbul city centre. Guided tours are not available, but you'll find plenty of information in the museum.
Maiden’s Tower in Istanbul
Locatie: Salacak, 34668 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Türkiye
Telefoonnummer: +902 163 42 47 47