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Galata Tower vs Topkapi Palace

Both Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are rated highly by professionals. On balance, Topkapi Palace scores significantly better than Galata Tower. Topkapi Palace scores 97 with recommendations from 9 sources such as Time Out, Travel + Leisure and Frommer'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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Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace
9 / 10
Babıhümayun Caddesi , Istanbul, Turkey
From $0 /night
Fodor's Fodor's
"Few other royal residences match this hilltop compound when it comes to mystery, intrigue, and the lavish intricacies of court life." Full review
Concierge Concierge
"If you're stuck for time, limit yourself to the main palace and the harem, the most intimate and personal rooms used by the sultans and their many, many women."
i
Avoid going on weekends or during peak periods of the day so you miss the busloads of people who move in flocks around the grounds in a veritable babel of chattering languages.
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"This opulent palace complex is the subject of more colourful stories than most of the world's royal residences put together." Full review
Let's Go Let's Go
"The views are luxurious, the buildings overwhelmingly crafted, and the treasures outrageous. " Full review
Michelin Guide Michelin Guide
3 Stars
"In the harem of Topkapi Palace visitors are plunged into a mythical Orient of a thousand and one treasures and as many fantasies." Full review
i
Visit the unmissable Treasury and its masterpiece: a 250kg solid gold throne encrusted with diamonds and emeralds.
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