The Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi) is one of Istanbul’s most legendary landmarks, standing on a small islet in the Bosphorus Strait.
With a history dating back over 2,500 years, this iconic tower has served as a watchtower, lighthouse, and customs station, and is surrounded by myths and legends, including the famous story of a princess locked away to escape a tragic prophecy.
In this guide, we’ll cover ticket prices, how to get there, best visiting times, and insider tips to help you make the most of your visit to Maiden’s Tower!
At a Glance: Our Tips for Visiting Maiden’s Tower
✔ Visit one of Istanbul’s most legendary landmarks, offering stunning panoramic views of the Bosphorus and the city skyline.
✔ Entry tickets start at €27, but for a hassle-free experience, we recommend the skip-the-line ticket with an audio guide (€39).
✔ Ferry transportation is required (€2.50 / 75 TL), with boats departing regularly from Karaköy Pier and Salacak Pier between 09:30 AM and 06:00 PM.
✔ Visit on a clear day for the best views and photo opportunities—sunset is particularly magical!
Fast Facts About Maiden’s Tower
✔ Over 2,500 years old, with origins dating back to ancient Greek and Byzantine times.
✔ Located on a small islet in the Bosphorus, offering stunning panoramic views of Istanbul.
✔ Has served as a watchtower, lighthouse, customs station, and quarantine center throughout history.
✔ Famous for its legend of a princess locked away to escape a prophecy of being bitten by a snake.
✔ Reopened in 2023 after restoration, featuring a museum, café, and viewing terrace.
✔ Can be reached by boat from Üsküdar or Karaköy, with regular ferry services for visitors.
✔ Featured in popular films and TV shows, including the James Bond movie “The World Is Not Enough.”
Now, let’s explore Maiden’s Tower tickets, visiting tips, and the best times to go!
Quick History
It is estimated that the tower was built 2500 years ago. The rocks on which the tower is located were first mentioned in 410 BC. It is also stated that the rocky place was used by the Athenians to control the ship traffic in the strait.
Emperor Alexius Commenus erected the tower besides a stone wall during the Byzantine Empire. Later, the tower was linked by a defensive wall when the Ottomans arrived to seize Constantinople; the tower functioned as a garrison for the Byzantine soldiers during the invasion. Following the city’s takeover, the Ottomans utilized the tower as a watchtower and dubbed it Leander’s Tower after the legend of Hero and Leander.
The tower was wrecked by an earthquake in 1509 and then burnt down in 1721. Sultan Mahmud II renovated the tower in the year 1832. In truth, this was not the tower’s first restoration; it received one in 1998 for the filming of James Bond’s The World Is Not Enough.
Many people say the tower was built for a daughter’s Emperor, a monarch who adored his daughter. A clairvoyant once warned the Emperor that his daughter would die due to a snake bite. He then considered erecting a tower to keep her away from land and therefore preserve her from an early death. He had the tower erected in the middle of the Bosphorus, and once it was completed, the princess had it placed there, where she was periodically visited.
On her birthday, her father gave her a hamper full of fruits; however, when she approached the basket, a concealed snake within the basket bit the princess, and she died as prophesied by the psychic.
The name Leander’s Tower is derived from a separate myth. In the Greek story of Hero and Leander, Leander was a young man from Abydos, and Hero was an Aphrodite priestess who dwelt in a tower in Sestos. Leander fell in love with the Hero and would swim across the Hellespont every night to be with her.
Another tale concerning the tower is about Battal Ghazi and an Ottoman Governor’s daughter who lived in the tower. After failing to invade Istanbul, Battal Ghazi pitched his camp on the Bosphorus’s coast, just to the right of the Maiden’s Tower.
According to myth, he stayed for seven years because he was in love with Uskudar’s governor’s daughter. Later, the governor imprisoned his daughter within the tower to keep her safe from Battal Ghazi. Battal Ghazi and his warriors stormed the tower and escaped with the daughter and all the riches she had secreted with her.
Our Recommendation: We Booked These Tickets for Maiden’s Tower
Since it requires boat transportation, we booked our ticket online in advance to skip the hassle of arranging separate ferry tickets.
We chose the Maiden’s Tower Entry Ticket with Audio Guide, which included skip-the-line access and an optional audio guide. It was a smooth experience, and we highly recommend booking in advance to avoid delays and maximize your visit.
If you’re planning to visit Maiden’s Tower, here’s a breakdown of the ticket options and prices so you can choose the best one for your trip!
Tickets and Prices for Maiden’s Tower
| Ticket Type | Price per Person | Book Now |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Entry Ticket (Excludes Transportation) | €27 | – |
| Maiden’s Tower Entry Ticket with Audio Guide (Skip-the-Line) | €39 | Book Now |
| Ferry Transportation Fee (Mandatory for all visitors) | 75 TL (€2.50) | Paid on-site |
Which Ticket Should You Choose?
Each ticket option offers a different experience. Here’s what you get with each one:
1. Standard Entry Ticket (€27) – Basic Access
✔ Includes entry to Maiden’s Tower Museum
✔ Comes with an audio guide
❌ Does not include ferry transportation (€2.50 must be paid separately)
❌ No skip-the-line access
💡 Best for: Visitors who already have a Museum Pass Türkiye and want basic entry without extras.
2. Maiden’s Tower Entry Ticket + Audio Guide (€39) – Our Pick!
✔ Includes entry to Maiden’s Tower Museum
✔ Skip-the-line access to avoid long queues
✔ Comes with an audio guide for a self-guided experience
❌ Does not include ferry transportation (€2.50 must be paid separately)
💡 Best for: Travelers who want a smooth, hassle-free experience with skip-the-line entry and a guided visit.
Where to Buy Maiden’s Tower Tickets?
You can book your ticket:
✔ On-site at the ticket booth
✔ Online via trusted platforms like GetYourGuide
💡 We recommend booking online for instant confirmation, flexible cancellation, and skip-the-line benefits.
Is the Maiden’s Tower Skip-the-Line Ticket Worth It?
Yes! Maiden’s Tower is a small island attraction, and entry is controlled by ferry schedules. Queues for tickets and boats can be long, especially in peak tourist season.
✔ If you only have limited time in Istanbul, skip-the-line access saves valuable time.
✔ If you’re traveling with kids, long waits for boats and tickets can be exhausting—better to book ahead!
Is Maiden’s Tower Included in Istanbul City Passes?
Yes! Maiden’s Tower is included in some Istanbul city passes, making it a great way to explore multiple attractions while saving money.
✔ Istanbul E-Pass – Includes Maiden’s Tower entry, but ferry transportation may require extra booking.
✔ Istanbul Tourist Pass – Covers Maiden’s Tower with a guided tour, offering a seamless experience.
Our Maiden’s Tower Experience
Now that you know all about Maiden’s Tower tickets and entry details, let’s get to the exciting part—what is it really like to visit?
How Does a Visit to Maiden’s Tower Work?
Getting to the Tower
Since Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi) is located on a small islet in the Bosphorus, visitors must take a ferry or private boat to reach it.
✔ Ferries depart from Üsküdar (Salacak Pier) and from the pier in front of Karaköy Ziraat Bank at scheduled times.
✔ Ferry tickets (€2.50 / 75 TL) are separate from the entrance fee unless included in a guided tour.
✔ Visitors must go through a security check before boarding the boat.
Once you arrive, you’ll step onto a beautifully restored island, where you can explore the tower, enjoy the views, and dine at the on-site café.
What You’ll See and Do at Maiden’s Tower
Enjoy the Stunning Bosphorus Views
The best part of visiting Maiden’s Tower is the incredible 360-degree views of Istanbul’s skyline.
✔ From the top of the tower, you can see Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Galata Tower, and the Bosphorus Bridge.
✔ The sunset views from the island are spectacular—one of the best in Istanbul!
✔ Bring your camera—this is one of the most picturesque spots in the city.
💡 Tip: Visit just before sunset for the most magical views.
Is Maiden’s Tower Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Maiden’s Tower is a unique experience, offering a blend of history, legends, and stunning Bosphorus views.
However, if you only have limited time in Istanbul, consider pairing your visit with a Bosphorus cruise or a walk along the Üsküdar waterfront for an equally scenic experience.
💡 Best Case? Do both! Explore Maiden’s Tower and then enjoy a sunset ferry ride along the Bosphorus.
Visiting Tips for Maiden’s Tower
📍 Location
Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi) is located on a small islet in the Bosphorus, off the coast of Üsküdar. It is only accessible by boat, making it one of the most unique landmarks in Istanbul.
⏰ Opening Hours
Maiden’s Tower is open daily from 09:30 AM to 06:00 PM, with boat trips departing regularly.
🎟️ Tickets
We’ve covered all ticket options and guided tours earlier in this article—scroll up for details!
💡 Visiting Tips
✔ Check ferry departure times before your visit, as boat schedules may vary.
✔ Visit on a clear day for the best panoramic views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus.
✔ Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll be walking up stairs inside the tower.
✔ Enjoy a Turkish tea or coffee at the café while admiring the view.
✔ Stay for sunset—it’s one of the most romantic spots in Istanbul.
♿ Accessibility
✔ The ferry is wheelchair accessible, but the tower itself has multiple stairs and no elevators.
✔ The restaurant and outdoor seating areas are accessible, offering great views for those unable to climb the tower.
💡 Tip: If you have mobility concerns, consider visiting Üsküdar’s waterfront, where you can get a great view of the tower without taking the ferry.
🏛️ Nearby Attractions
Since Maiden’s Tower is located off the coast of Üsküdar, there are several nearby attractions worth exploring:
✔ Üsküdar Waterfront – A perfect spot for a scenic Bosphorus walk and stunning tower views.
✔ Mihrimah Sultan Mosque – A beautiful 16th-century Ottoman mosque designed by Mimar Sinan.
✔ Çamlıca Hill – One of Istanbul’s highest viewpoints, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
✔ Beylerbeyi Palace – A former Ottoman summer residence with grand architecture.
✔ Kuzguncuk – A charming historic neighborhood with colorful houses and quaint cafés.
💡 Tip: Combine your visit with a stroll along Üsküdar’s coastline, stopping for a traditional Turkish breakfast or a Bosphorus-side tea! 🚤🚀
📍 Contact
- Address: Salacak, Üsküdar, Istanbul
- Tel: +90 216 342 47 47
- Web: kizkulesi.gov.tr
How to Get to Maiden’s Tower – Travel Tips
Here’s how to reach it from different areas of Istanbul:
⛴️ From Karaköy (European Side)
✔ Boat transportation is available from the pier in front of Karaköy Ziraat Bank.
✔ Boats operate daily from 09:30 to 18:00, providing easy access to the tower.
✔ The ferry ride offers a scenic journey across the Bosphorus, perfect for photos.
⛴️ From Üsküdar or Salacak (Asian Side)
✔ Previously, ferries departed from Üsküdar’s Salacak Coast, but due to ongoing arrangements, the current service runs from Karaköy.
✔ If you’re staying on the Asian side, take a ferry to Eminönü or Karaköy and transfer to the Maiden’s Tower boat service.
🚋 From Sultanahmet or Taksim
✔ Take the T1 Tram from Sultanahmet to Eminönü.
✔ Walk or take the T1 Tram to Karaköy and board the Maiden’s Tower boat.
✔ From Taksim, take the F1 Funicular to Karaköy and walk to the pier.
Have You Visited Maiden’s Tower?
These were our best tips and insights for visiting Maiden’s Tower.
Do you have questions about tickets, ferry schedules, or the best time to go? Or have you already visited and want to share your experience?
📩 Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear from you! 🚀
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