Maiden's Tower
Kız Kulesi
A white tower on a small island at the entrance to the Bosphorus. Watching the sunset from the Üsküdar shoreline is a classic Istanbul view.
The Maiden's Tower stands on a small island about 200 meters off the Üsküdar coast. Its origins go back to the Byzantine period, but the current structure was largely rebuilt after the 18th century. It has served as a lighthouse and a quarantine station, and it is linked to the legend of a princess who was prophesied to die from a snake bite. It reopened as a museum after restoration in 2023. Ferries from Salacak pier in Üsküdar take about 5 minutes to reach the island, and an island entry ticket costs about 30 euros including the boat. Even without going onto the island, it is worth visiting. The Salacak seafront promenade offers a view of the tower and the Old City skyline, and it is most beautiful at sunset. Getting there: take a ferry from Eminönü or Karaköy to Üsküdar.
Opening hours
About 09:00–18:00 (shuttle boats run during opening hours)
Nearby sights
- Bosphorus Strait Cruise
- Dolmabahçe Palace
- Topkapi Palace
- Istanbul Modern
- Galataport
- Istanbul Archaeology Museums
- Hagia Irene
- Gülhane Park