Perched on a small islet at the southern entrance of the Bosphorus strait, the Maiden's Tower (also known as Leander's Tower or Kız Kulesi) sits just 200 meters from the coast of Üsküdar in Istanbul. You should visit this famous landmark to experience a unique piece of history that has served as an ancient custom station, Byzantine garrison, Ottoman watchtower, lighthouse, and quarantine station over the centuries.
Reopened to the public in May 2023 following an extensive restoration to reinforce its stone masonry and foundations, the tower features an interior converted into a café and restaurant. From inside, you can enjoy panoramic views across the water toward the former Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman capital at Sarayburnu.
Beyond its rich past, visiting allows you to stand at a location steeped in legendary local folklore—including the tale of an emperor's daughter and a fateful snake bite, as well as the myth of Hero and Leander—while exploring a modern pop-culture icon featured in the James Bond film *The World Is Not Enough* and numerous international media.
What to see at Maiden's Tower
- Historic Bosphorus islet location 200m off the coast of Üsküdar
- Interior café and restaurant featuring sweeping views of Sarayburnu
- Restored stone masonry architecture reinforced with stainless steel tie rods
- Famous setting linked to ancient legends and modern pop culture like James Bond
Visiting tips
You can reach the landmark by taking private boats that ply back and forth between the tower and the shore throughout the day.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Maiden's Tower is easy to reach on Istanbul’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Istanbul travel guide.
See the full Istanbul travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.