Old Galata Bridge

It spans the Golden Horn, an arm of the Bosphorus, and connects two famous districts of İstanbul; Beyoğlu and Eminönü in Fatih. A bridge has existed at this location since 1845; the current bridge is the fifth, built in 1994. A trip across the Galata Bridge offers a breathtaking view of İstanbul’s skyline on both sides of the Golden Horn and the ships sailing along the inlet. All five bridges that have stood on this spot have fascinated artists and found mention in famous literature and cinema. This bridge forms a link between two different cultures that co-exist in İstanbul: the historic Islamic side of the old city and the modern nightlife and entertainment district of Beyoğlu.

The sight of thousands of amateur anglers crowding shoulder to shoulder on the Galata Bridge and the shores of the Bosphorus from the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea is also one of the iconic images of İstanbul. Many anglers come during the day and night, light fires and bring semavers (samovars) to make tea. Small stall holders sell bait, hooks and flies. It's an important hub for local fishermen to fish the ‘catch of the day’, and depending on the season there are prized delicacies such as lüfer (bluefish), levrek (perch) and palamut (bonito).