Maiden's Tower (Kız Kulesi) — Istanbul's Romantic Icon
Visit the legendary tower on a tiny islet at the entrance of the Bosphorus, recently restored with a museum and panoramic restaurant.
History & Legend
Standing on a small islet 200 meters off the Asian shore in Üsküdar, the Maiden's Tower has served as a lighthouse, quarantine station, customs checkpoint, and restaurant throughout its 2,500-year history. The most popular legend tells of a sultan who locked his daughter in the tower to protect her
After Renovation
Reopened in 2023 after a major restoration, the tower now features a museum, panoramic restaurant, and café. The museum showcases the tower's history through multimedia exhibits. The restaurant on the upper floors offers fine dining with 360° Bosphorus views — one of Istanbul's most romantic dinner
Visiting Info
Open Tuesday–Sunday. Access by boat from Üsküdar or Kabataş (every 15 minutes). Museum ticket: approximately 200 TL. Restaurant reservations separate. The tower is beautifully illuminated at night and makes for iconic photographs from the Üsküdar waterfront.