Galata Bridge spans the Golden Horn between Istanbul’s Historic Peninsula and the Karaköy district in Beyoğlu. The current 490-meter bascule bridge was completed in 1994, the fifth structure to cross at this point, replacing an iron bridge from 1912.
By day, hundreds of local anglers line the upper deck, trailing fishing lines into the water alongside trams, cars, and pedestrians crossing between the old city and its more modern European side.
The lower level is lined with seafood restaurants and cafés overlooking the water — a scenic spot for a drink or a fish sandwich, though prices there tend to run higher than at the informal boat vendors serving grilled mackerel on the Eminönü side.
