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Galata Tower vs Balik Pazari

Both Galata Tower and Balik Pazari are recommended by experts. Overall, Galata Tower ranks marginally higher than Balik Pazari. Galata Tower is ranked #12 in Istanbul with approval from 6 sources including Lonely Planet, Michelin Guide and Fodor's.

Galata Tower
Galata Tower
8 / 10
Buyuk Hendek Cad., Istanbul, Turkey
From $0 /night
Fodor's Fodor's
"The hillside location provided good defense, as well as a perch from which to monitor the comings and goings of vessels in the sea lanes below." Full review
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"Constructed in 1348, it was the tallest structure in the city for centuries, and it still dominates the skyline north of the Golden Horn." Full review
Michelin Guide Michelin Guide
1 Star
"A district full of life on the banks of the Bosphorus, culminating in the 68m-high Galata Tower... delightful 360° view." Full review
Afar Magazine Afar Magazine
"On the 21 March, I climbed the Galata Tower to see if a 470 year old Istanbul love story was true." Full review
Michelin Guide Michelin Guide
1 Star
"The imposing Galata Tower is 68m tall. Built in 1348, it was the main bastion of the Genoese surrounding wall. Modified by the Ottomans, it served as a prison then a watchtower." Full review
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Balik Pazari
Balik Pazari
8 / 10
Balikpazari, İstiklal Caddesi, İstanbul Turkey
From $0 /night
Fodor's Fodor's
"Located just off İstiklal Caddesi next to the entrance to the Çiçek Pasajı, the Balık Pazarı is a bustling labyrinth of streets filled with stands." Full review
Frommer's Frommer's
"This fish market is a colorful cluster of much more than just fishmongers." Full review
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
"Many of the shops have been here for close on a century and have extremely loyal clienteles – check out Sütte Şarküteri for its delicious charcuterie." Full review
Michelin Guide Michelin Guide
1 Star
"A feast of Rococo architecture, the 19C Flower Passage (Çiçek Pasaji in Turkish) has retained its full charm." Full review
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You'll also want to visit the nearby bustling market, with its colourful displays of fish, flowers and fruit.