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Galata Bridge : The Happening Place to Be

For the thousands of people every year who head to the impressive city of Istanbul, the first question that is often on their mind is

“Where are the happening places to head to?”

This slang term is also always at the front of my mind, no matter where in Turkey I travel. I want to know where the locals hang out. I want to observe a busy and vibrant atmosphere that gives me a great insight into the place that I am in. I want to know the places that are significant in peoples lives

When it comes to Istanbul, the answer to the question will more than likely be one of two choices.

People will tell you to either head to Istiklal Avenue that is a bustling street of shops, restaurants, bars and historical buildings. It is quite possible to spend more than a day exploring this avenue and all the quirky areas, lined up down the side streets. If there is any demonstration that is going to happen in Istanbul, then it will more than likely start from this avenue.

The second answer will be Galata Bridge spanning over the golden horn.

Personally, I like Galata Bridge

You can see the famous bridge in many photographs of travel magazines, hundreds of fishermen  casting their rods over the side.  One of numerous bridges over the golden horn, it has a colorful history, rebuilt five times in five different locations.

Fishermen of Galata Bridge

Featured in numerous travel tales including Mark Twain’s book “The Innocents Abroad”, its history lays as a connection between two different civilizations. Look east towards Asia or look west towards Europe and remember the saying that it was the passageway to the Old City of Constantinople.

Old Galata Bridge

So why am I obsessed by Galata Bridge?

Simply, because it has addictive vibes and they remind you that you are standing in one of the greatest cities of the world. It is a bustling place full of traffic and people going about their business. No one will notice you on the bridge; you can simply blend in and observe daily Turkish life in Istanbul. It is the hub of the golden horn.

Floating restaurants of Galata Bridge

Seven Reasons Why I love Galata Bridge

One: The fishermen are quite friendly. Perhaps they have got used to tourists snapping cameras away in their faces.  The men stand there day in and day out, in the rain and in the sun. Every soon often, they throw fish in the air and birds swoop in to catch the fish before it hits the ground. Observing the fishermen is a delight in itself and it could quite easily keep me occupied for hours.

Galata Bridge Locals

Two: Galata Bridge is where the locals head. They eat cheap food, smoke nargile pipes, catch the ferryboats and enjoy a day out with their families. For me, it is a great opportunity to experience true Turkish life in a big city. I don’t get any added extras just because I am a tourist. What I see is what I get.

Street Seller

Three: There is an abundance of tasty and cheap Turkish street food, from the hot corn on the cob to the 5-lira fish sandwiches.   Forget the five star restaurants, because the food sold around the bridge is just as good as any gourmet meal. If street food is not your idea of great cuisine; restaurants under the bridge serve a variety of dishes including the speciality of fresh fish caught daily.

Restaurants Galata bridge

Four: I love smoking a nargile pipe and sipping on a nice cold glass of beer. The restaurants under the bridge are the perfect place to do this. I just relax and chill out.

Five: I can cruise the golden horn section of the Bosphorus for just 12 lira by catching the ferryboats here.

Ferry Boats of Galata bridge

Six: The bridge is close to other sites to see such as Galata tower at one end and the spice market at the other. Chances are that if you are sightseeing around Istanbul, you will end up crossing the bridge at one time or another.

Seven: The Bridge serves as a good transport-starting place to other areas lying off the golden horn such as Uskadar and Ortakoy. Ferryboats leave from the side of the bridge to a variety of places and day time plans when I  return to Istanbul, will all start at the bridge.

Ferry Services istanbul

Maybe one day, my obsession with the bridge will simmer down however until then, every time I visit Istanbul, I will return simply to latch onto the flurry of addictive vibes that surround it.

Fish sandwiches for sale

Readers Question: Do you agree that Galata Bridge is the first place that people should head to when they visit Istanbul?

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Hi. I'm Natalie, a freelance travel blogger and writer specializing in the country of Turkey. I love hot summer days, historical sites and coffee.
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Comments

  1. Agreec- the locals kind of make it as well

  2. I love Galata Bridge – the views over the mosque filled skyline are so pretty at sunset and I love the feel of locals and fisherman all bustling around

  3. They catch loads Scott – even throw it up into the air for the birds to catch while they are flying. Sorry to read you did not like your sandwich though. Maybe just the wrong moment

  4. Was there last week— the fish sandwich was pretty bad, but I think traditional foods are cool and I didn’t care. Interesting scene. Why do all those guys fish there? Semms like no one ver catches anything!

  5. Glad you agree Ilku – took a look at your blog – it is quite good – have you seen Ozlem and Joys blogs about cooking and Turkish food?

  6. Yes! Definitely. As soon as I get to those “meydans” and hear the street vendors, I feel Iike I am alive again!

  7. It is fun. Just be careful under the bridge for the hassle.

  8. Ohh wooow! I want to go here when I finally make my way to Istanbul. Looks like a really fun place to hang out. 🙂

  9. Ha ha – But that is the fun part. getting lost. Discover so much more than you expect

  10. Funny you should say this, we’ve already gotten lost twice trying to get to and from our hotel! Enjoying Istanbul so far though.

  11. turky , is nice place and galata bridge wow i am hope to take picture there>>>

  13. I loved the street food when I was there – but just looking at that big basket of seafood, maybe I should have tried one of the restaurants as well.

  14. I am back end of April Shane and then probably again in summer. Let me know when you manage to make it back there again

  15. When you arrive at your hotel, ask reception if they have a map. Even I can read maps of Istanbul Andrew, and I am the worst map reader in the world. Once you see the layout on a map, it is so easy to find your way around

  16. They have more dedication then me Alex – If rain or snow comes along, I stay in bed!

  17. I’m getting a craving for a nagile looking at that picture. Now places are starting to open for the summer I hope I can find one somewhere.

    Have seen a few posts on Istanbul these past few days. We’re going to have to get up there again soon, it’s such a great city.

  18. Definitely looks like a great place to hang out around in Istanbul. We will be there in less than a week. I am excited to see that the bridge is near the Spice Market. I was just thinking today about making sure to get there.

  19. This bridge blew my mind. Absolutely astounding to see the fisherman there regardless of how bad the weather was. Snow/blizzard/rain/sun.

  20. I am looking forward to reading about everything you get up to Ali. I know you are going to love Istanbul, Ephesus and Pamukkale as well

  21. This looks like a really cool place! I’m looking forward to checking it out in about a week!

  22. Galata Bridge is just one of the delights of Istanbul Sherry. The whole city really does stand on its own when it comes to being unique.

  23. Looking forward to seeing your photos Pete – The ones that I have seen so far are fantastic

  24. I have been past it at Nightlife but I would like to spend time there at night as well. I imagine it to be a different atmosphere.

  25. Which area is Karakoy Joy? I am still getting to grips with all the different areas. Is Karakoy at the end of the bridge if you are walking from Eminonu?

  26. The photos alone make me really want to go. I especially love the floating fish stalls – they look amazing! Really does look like a place where it all happens in Istanbul. I’ll have to visit this bridge some day.

  27. We stayed just a few blocks away from here, and I loved walking over the bridge at night. I talked with a few people about fishing, enjoyed the lights of Istanbul, and took just a few photos. I need to get back to enjoy it again 🙂

  28. Looks like we’re all agreed on Galata Bridge then. We spend quite a lot of time there when we go to Istanbul, too. Love it at night when you can see everywhere lit up from the restaurants underneath.
    Julia

  29. Balik ekmek and a glass of Efes under the Galata Bridge – only 10 tl! People watching – free! I love taking our visitors across the bridge and to watch their expressions. Heck, even I, often walk from Eminonu to Karakoy just to soak up that “daily life” experience, and then catch the tram. =-)

  30. Yes,the first four bridges collapsed for numerous reasons. Glad this one is quite stable. 🙂

  31. You are very welcome Alan -Glad you liked the post

  32. The fish sandwiches are nice Erica. I never had one this time but I have romantic memories from my honeymoon 🙂

  33. I read somewhere else that your press trip had fell through. What a shame. Surely one day you will be able to make it here. So much to see and do

  35. . . one of our joys in the big city and you’ve re-kindled the memories very nicely – thank you for that.

  36. Love the Galata Bridge…..we always eat the street food. It’s like a treat over there with the fresh grilled fishes. …..it’s making my mouth water for one of those fish sandwiches.

  37. I’m not usually big on crowded hotspots, but I’ve got to say that the bridge looks pretty cool, and I love the shot of the floating fish stalls. We were hoping to make it turkey this year, but the press trip we were working on setting up fell through. Hopefully we’ll get there someday soon!

  38. So true – I read a quote somewhere and an estimation was 3 million people over the course of a weekend. Shocked if that estimation is true.

  39. I had an interesting conversation about lobster for 140 lira in the restaurants under the bridge! The restaurants we went to displayed prices and we always checked the bill anyway.

  40. The Galata Bridge is a bit like Piccadilly Circus. Over time, the whole world will pass by.

  41. I love the bridge too but be careful of the rip off restaurants under it! Stick to the street food!