Maiden's Tower (Kiz Kulesi) Accessibility Guide

Overview

Maiden's Tower (Kiz Kulesi) is one of Istanbul's most romantic landmarks, a small tower on a tiny islet in the Bosphorus strait, 180 meters off the coast of Uskudar on the Asian side. Built and rebuilt over centuries, the tower has served as a watchtower, lighthouse, quarantine station, and customs checkpoint. After a major two-year restoration completed in 2023, it reopened as a museum with multi-floor exhibits about the tower's history and legends. The restoration included the installation of an elevator, significantly improving access for visitors with mobility limitations.

Getting There

• Boat from Salacak (Uskudar): The main departure point. The Salacak promenade is flat and step-free. Taxis can drop you within meters of the ticketing booth via a short, gentle slope.
• Boat from Karakoy: Boats depart from Ziraat Bank Pier in Karakoy between 9:30am and 8:00pm, every 90 minutes.
• Boat from Kabatas and Galataport: Additional departure points on the European side.
• Getting to Uskudar: Take the Marmaray commuter rail or M5 metro to Uskudar station, then taxi to Salacak promenade (about 5 minutes).

Wheelchair Accessibility

• The Salacak departure promenade is entirely step-free with smooth paving, easily navigable for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
• Staff assist with boarding the shuttle boat using ramps deployed at the pier. The boats have open deck space that can accommodate wheelchairs.
• Inside the tower, an elevator provides access to all main museum floors, allowing visitors to see the exhibits without using stairs.
• The upper interior floor has large panoramic windows with views of the Bosphorus, the Sultanahmet skyline, and the Asian shore.
• The final open-air rooftop terrace requires a short flight of stairs and is not accessible by elevator. However, the panoramic views from the upper floor windows are comparable.
• Accessible restroom facilities are available inside the tower and are clearly marked.

Accessible Toilets

Accessible restrooms are available inside the tower. They were part of the 2023 restoration and are clearly marked. Additional restrooms are available at the Salacak departure area.

Tips for Visitors with Disabilities

• Visit on a weekday morning or afternoon for smaller crowds and easier navigation inside the compact tower.
• The boat transfer is short (just a few minutes) but depends on weather and sea conditions. Rough weather may cause cancellations.
• Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours for the full visit, including boat transfer, museum tour, and return.
• The Salacak promenade in Uskudar has benches, cafes, and beautiful views of the European skyline. It is worth spending time here before or after your tower visit.
• Book tickets online in advance through the official website to avoid queuing at the pier.
• Check weather conditions before your visit. The boat does not operate in very rough seas.