Maiden's Tower: A Tiny Island with a Huge Legend
Suggested Duration
1-1.5 hours including the ferry
From
20 EUR
Good to Know
Details below before you go
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Free cancellation up to 24h before
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A small lighthouse on its own island, accessible only by boat, with a legend of a locked-up princess and one of the best 360 degree Bosphorus views in the city.
Highlights
- Go out on a small boat to an island with its own tower in the middle of the Bosphorus
- Listen to the legend of the princess locked away here to escape a snake bite foretold in prophecy
- Take in one of the most panoramic unobstructed views of both the European and Asian skylines
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip boat transfer from Üsküdar or Kabataş
- Access to the observation decks of the tower
- Restaurant dining (separate reservation and menu pricing)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Good to Know
- Most frequent departures from Üsküdar's Salacak pier, slower service from Kabataş
- At night the tower also becomes a restaurant, worth booking a table for sunset
- Boat departures may be suspended in high winds or rough water, check conditions if visiting off season
Available languages: Turkish, English
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reach the Maiden's Tower?
A short public ferry from the Salacak pier in Üsküdar, included in most ticket packages, or a private boat from Kabataş on the European side.
What is the legend of Maiden's Tower?
A sultan locked his daughter here after a prophecy said she would die from a snake bite. A snake reportedly arrived hidden in a fruit basket anyway.
Is it worth it for the views alone, without dinner?
Yes, the daytime tickets allow you to go on the viewing floors without having to reserve a restaurant seat.
