See the sunset, eat some seafood and brush shoulders with thousands of locals on the busy Galata Bridge. This bridge spans the Golden Horn inlet to link the historic southern district of Istanbul with its northern neighbourhoods, although this is only one of its functions. The upper level hosts fishermen and vendors, while the lower level features an entire city block of shops and restaurants.
Today’s Galata Bridge, which was completed in 1994, features two levels spread out over its 490-metre (1,600-foot) length. This is the fifth bridge to stand at this location on the Golden Horn inlet. The first was built in 1854, although Leonardo da Vinci submitted a possible design for the Galata Bridge as early as 1502.
Walk along the wide pedestrian walkways of the bridge’s top level for panoramic views of the mosques of the southern district and the hillside cityscape of the northern neighbourhoods. Visit after sundown, when Galata Tower glows above Beyoğlu. At any time of day, the top level of Galata Bridge is busy with foot, car and tram traffic. Hundreds of fishermen constantly cast lines off the side of the bridge, and merchants sell trinkets and food.
The lower level of the bridge sits right at water level, allowing you to hear the waves of the Golden Horn as they lap against the sides. Browse the restaurants, bars and teahouses that line the walkways of the lower level. Spend an evening eating a plate of seafood on a restaurant terrace or smoking hookah outside of a café as you look out over the water.
Spend time at each end of the Galata Bridge. The fish market north of the bridge is world renowned for its fish sandwiches. Eat yours before the cats that prowl this area can get to it. Head to the southern side of the inlet to find the 16th-century New Mosque and the extensive Egyptian Market, where you can buy some fresh meat and cheese.
If you would like to boat under the bridge, take a ferry from the dock at Eminönü.
