Istanbul Two Continents Tour: Maiden's Tower & Mihrimah Sultan Mosque
KTLY655958
+3
Istanbul
About this tour
The Maiden's Tower sits on its own little islet just off the Üsküdar shore, and this visit gets you out there by ferry with a licensed guide. You'll climb up for a full 360-degree look at the Bosphorus and the old-city skyline, walk through the museum exhibits that lay out the tower's long history and its famous legend, and have time to sit with a drink at the café while the water surrounds you. Ferry rides and bottled water are included, and you can add the tower's entrance ticket when you book.
Highlights
- Climb the tower and enjoy sweeping 360-degree views of Istanbul, the Bosphorus, and the historic skyline.
- Explore museum exhibitions that reveal centuries of history, legends, and life on the water.
- Relax with a drink or snack at the café while surrounded by panoramic sea views.
- Capture spectacular photos of domes, bridges, and minarets from rare and unforgettable angles.
- Stand at the symbolic meeting point of Europe and Asia in one of the city’s most unique locations.
- Feel the atmosphere transform at sunset as golden light fades and Istanbul begins to glitter.
- A small stone tower standing alone on its own islet in the Bosphorus
- Climb up for a 360-degree view of the old-city skyline, its domes, bridges, and minarets
- Short boat ride across from Uskudar as part of the visit
Included / Excluded
- Entrance fee of Maiden Tower (if option selected)
- Ferry rides
- Professional licensed tour guide
- Water
Visiting the Maiden's Tower: Hours and Getting There
The Maiden's Tower is open every day from 09:00 to 19:00, the same hours all week, so it's easy to fit into your day whenever you're on Istanbul's Asian side.
The tower sits on its own little islet just off the Uskudar shore, so reaching it means a short boat ride, usually from Uskudar, and that crossing is half the fun. It's a compact site, so you won't need hours here, but weather makes a real difference: the Bosphorus views and the boat trip are the whole point, so a clear day is worth holding out for. It pairs well with a walk around Uskudar once you're back on shore.
Available Days / Times
- Monday : 10:00, 13:00
- Tuesday : 10:00, 13:00
- Wednesday : 10:00, 13:00
- Thursday : 10:00, 13:00
- Friday : 10:00, 13:00
- Saturday : 10:00, 13:00
- Sunday : 10:00, 13:00
From
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328€
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Important Information
- Ticket Availability: Purchase your Maiden's Tower tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
- Transportation: Plan your transportation to Üsküdar and the connecting boat.
- Weather Conditions: Check the weather forecast, as boat trips may be affected by adverse conditions.
- Photography: Cameras are allowed, so capture the stunning views.
- Accessibility: Be aware that the tower may have limited accessibility for those with mobility issues.
- Avoid loud or disruptive behavior.
- Follow the instructions of the staff.
- Do not climb on or damage any part of the structure.
- Dispose of trash properly in designated receptacles.
FAQs
How can I book tickets for the Maiden's Tower?
You can book right here on our website, where we offer several ticket options to fit what you're looking for.
Where is the best place to purchase Maiden's Tower tickets?
Booking online through our site is your best bet. The tickets are verified, and you'll sometimes catch a discounted rate.
Can I buy Maiden's Tower tickets at the entrance?
You may be able to buy them on-site, but booking online ahead of time locks in your entry, which matters most when it's busy.
How long does it take to visit the Maiden's Tower?
Most people spend one to two hours here, enough time to see the tower and take in the views from the top.
Is there a restaurant at the Maiden's Tower?
No, the old restaurant inside has closed. There's now a café serving drinks and light snacks, which makes a nice spot for a quick break during your visit.
How do I get to the Maiden's Tower?
It's a short boat ride from Üsküdar, with ferries leaving regularly from the Üsküdar pier.
Are there any discounts available for Maiden's Tower tickets?
Check our website now and then, as we sometimes run discounts or special offers on Maiden's Tower tickets.
Is the Maiden's Tower suitable for children?
Yes, kids are welcome. Just keep an eye on them around the upper levels and the open-air terraces.
What is the history of the Maiden's Tower?
It goes back to ancient times and has served many roles over the centuries, including a lighthouse, a defensive post, and a quarantine station.
What is the legend of the Maiden's Tower?
The best-known story is of a princess kept in the tower to shield her from a prophecy that she would die of a snakebite. A snake hidden in a basket of fruit still reached her, and the prophecy came true. Historians treat it as a myth, but the tale gave the tower its romantic reputation.
Where is the Maiden's Tower and how do you get there?
It stands on a small islet in the Bosphorus just off the Uskudar shore, on Istanbul's Asian side. You reach it by a short boat ride, usually departing from Uskudar.
What is the legend of the Maiden's Tower?
The best-known version tells of a princess whose father kept her on the island to avoid a prophesied death, only for that fate to reach her there anyway.
What can you see and do inside the Maiden's Tower?
Museum displays cover the tower's long history and the legends tied to it, and you can climb up for a full 360-degree view toward the old-city skyline. There's also a small cafe with the Bosphorus on every side.
What has the Maiden's Tower been used for over the years?
Across the centuries it has served as a lighthouse, a customs and defense point, and a quarantine station, among other roles. The current structure reopened in 2023 after a restoration.