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Galata Bridge

Golden Horn, Istanbul, Turkey

Fishermen on Galata Bridge Istanbul

Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Turkey // Istanbul Turkey Location: [post_gps_latitude], [post_gps_longitude]

The Galata Bridge has multiple personalities. It spans the Golden Horn from Eminonu to Karakoy and provides both a real and symbolic link between two key parts of the city.

On the top level, a constant stream of road and tram traffic makes the bridge bounce as the cars, buses, trucks, and trams rumble by. Hundreds of fisherman stake out a spot along the bridge at dusk, hanging their multi-hooked lines over the edge, competing for the fish below.

Down below, on a second level, are rows of restaurants and bars. Most are tourist traps. In one, you'll find tourists treated to all of the cliches of a Turkish fish restaurant. Next to it might be a modern nightclub. In another, you might find full of locals watching a Turkish soccer game on the large-screen TV. All have a great view out over the Golden Horn.

There's been a bridge spanning the Golden Horn in this general area since the 6th century. But there have been multiple versions, particularly since the 1830s, and the Galata Bridge's vital role in connecting historic parts of Istanbul has added an air of mystery and romanticism. But the current version isn't old at all. The first phase--the upper level for transportation--was completed in 1994, while the second--the lower level for restaurants and bars--was completed in 2003.

It has been multi-level for a long time, other aspects have changed. Trams used to run down the middle of the bridge, and boats used to dock along the bridge itself as if it was actually a long pier. You can see a good example from the 1950s amongst these beautiful photos of Istanbul by Ara Guler.

Photos of Galata Bridge

Fishing off the Galata Bridge in Istanbul

Near the ferry terminals on the Eminonu side. Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Fishing off the Galata Bridge in Istanbul with Mosque in background

You can see the silhouette of theS uleymaniye Mosque in the background. Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Fish sandwiches in Istanbul

Floating fish restaurants on the Eminonu waterfront. Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Galata Bridge Istanbul

The road is on the top level. Underneath is another level of bars and restaurants. Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Fishermen on Galata Bridge Istanbul

Looking toward Eminonu, with the Suleymaniye Mosque in the background. Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Fishermen on Galata Bridge Istanbul

Lit up in the background to the left is the Galata Tower. Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Eminonu and Suleymaniye Mosque Istanbul

The floating fish restaurants in the foreground, with Suleymaniye Mosque in the background. Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Galata Bridge at Dusk in Istanbul

Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Fishing off the Galata Bridge in Istanbul

Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Istanbul waterfront at night

The bustling plaza at the Eminonu foot of the bridge, with the floating fish restaurants. Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Fishermen and the Galata Tower

Galata Tower in the background. Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Grilled fish boats at Eminonu

Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Fishermen on Galata Bridge Istanbul

Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Fishermen at the Galata Bridge in Istanbul

Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Fishing Supplies on Galata Bridge Istanbul

A fisherman's gear. Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Fishermen on Galata Bridge Istanbul

Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Fishing off the Galata Bridge in Istanbul at night

Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Fishing from bridge in Golden Horn

Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Padlocks on Galata Bridge Istanbul

As with so many other famous bridges, some tourists try to export the idea behind the locks on the Pont des Artes in Paris. Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Galata Bridge fishermen

Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Eminonu waterfront at dusk

Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Sunset reflection of Istanbul fishermen

Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Grilling fish sandwiches

Fish sandwiches. Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Fish grill at Eminonu

Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

Eminonu waterfront at night

Photo by David Coleman. How to license & download this image.

What to Know Before You Go to Galata Bridge

  • Galata Bridge is easily accessible from either Eminonu or Karakoy waterfronts. From either of those spots you can't miss it.
  • It's very pedestrian-friendly, with a wide walkway on top and another below. Up top, particularly, can get crowded, especially in the evening. The lower level involves some stairs in the middle in the bridge, where there's a break for boats to pass through.
  • It's 1600 feet (490 meters) long. If you don't feel like walking both ways, there's a tram stop at each end (T1 line, Eminonu and Karakoy).

More to Explore:

  • Karakoy Restaurant on the Banks of the Golden Horn
    The Karakoy Waterfront
  • Assorted spices at the Spice Bazaar Istanbul Turkey
    Istanbul's Spice Bazaar
  • Sunset at U Bein Bridge, Myanmar
    Myanmar's Scenic U Bein Bridge
  • Prayer Hall of the New Mosque (Yeni Cami) Istanbul
    Istanbul's Grand "New" Mosque
  • Prayer Hall of Nuruosmaniye Mosque Istanbul
    Nuruosmaniye Mosque
  • Istanbul Naval Museum
    Istanbul Naval Museum
  • Rustem Pasha Mosque in Istanbul with tourists
    Rustem Pasha Mosque
  • Brightly colored lights for sale in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar
    Istanbul's Grand Bazaar
  • Tourists at the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, Turkey
    Istanbul's Ancient Basilica Cistern


Travel Advice for Turkey

You can find the latest U.S. Department of State travel advisories and information for Turkey (such as entry visa requirements and vaccination requirements) here.

The British and Australian governments offer their own country-specific travel information. You can find the British Government's travel advice for Turkey here and the Australian Government's here.

Health & Vaccinations

The CDC makes country-specific recommendations for vaccinations and health for travelers. You can find their latest information for Turkey here.

David Coleman Photography

I take photos. I travel. I write. I do it for a living. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Under water. And a bunch of places in between. You can find my main site at havecamerawilltravel.com. Or check out what’s in my go-to travel photography kit. Or get in touch here.


Location: Golden Horn
Country: Turkey
Coordinates:
      Latitude: 41.020082
      Longitude: 28.973312

      # Istanbul Turkey


About David Coleman

I take photos. I travel. I write. I do it for a living.

I’m based in Washington, DC.

You can find my photography gear reviews and tips at havecamerawilltravel.com/photographer.

David Coleman Photography

I take photos. I travel. I write. I do it for a living. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Under water. And a bunch of places in between. You can find my main site at havecamerawilltravel.com. Or check out what’s in my go-to travel photography kit. Or get in touch here.

Licensing & Prints

Looking for travel stock photos or prints? I might be able to help. You can search my collection here:

If you already have a buyer account with Alamy and would prefer to use that, you can search my images directly here.

Get in Touch

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© 2009–2019 David Coleman · Have Camera Will Travel LLC · all rights reserved


Photos by David Coleman. Please contact me for licensing images.
All images are registered with the U.S. Copyright Office.


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