Museums in Istanbul: Opening Hours & Entry Fees
Istanbul, a city where history and culture intertwine, offers a myriad of fascinating museums for tourists. The Topkapi Palace, once the heart of the Ottoman Empire, amazes with its opulent courtyards and the Harem. Hagia Sophia, a marvel of Byzantine architecture, showcases stunning mosaics and a colossal dome. The Istanbul Archaeology Museums impress with artifacts spanning empires, including the Alexander Sarcophagus. Dolmabahçe Palace dazzles with its lavish décor and the world’s largest Bohemian crystal chandelier. The Chora Church captivates with its intricate mosaics and frescoes, narrating biblical stories. The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts displays exquisite carpets, calligraphy, and artifacts, reflecting Turkey’s rich artistic heritage. Lastly, the Rahmi M. Koç Museum delights with its collection of industrial and technological progress, offering a unique insight into the evolution of transport and machinery. Each museum tells a distinct story of Istanbul’s layered history and diverse culture.
Topkapi Palace & Harem
Opening Hours and entry fee; 09:00-17:00, closed on Tuesdays. Ticket price; Topkapi Palace + Harem + Hagia Irene combined ticket; 950 TRY. Official website Home to Ottoman Sultans for 400 years, it showcases opulent treasures and intriguing harem life. Topkapi Palace, the epicenter of the Ottoman Empire, is an architectural jewel in Istanbul. This sprawling complex, with its ornate courtyards and lavish chambers, offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the sultans. The Harem, a secluded part of the palace, intrigues visitors with its stories of palace intrigues and luxuries, reflecting the complex social structure of the Ottoman court. Visitors are captivated by the richly decorated rooms and the intriguing history behind the palace walls.
Hagia Sophia Mosque (Ayasofya)
Opening Hours and entry fee; the mosque is open to visitors 24/7 throughout the year for free of charge. But it is recommended to avoid visiting during prayer times. It is recommended to make your visit in week days or after 18:00 to avoid long queues. A stunning example of Byzantine architecture, famous for its massive dome and rich historical mosaics. Hagia Sophia, a symbol of Istanbul’s rich history, stands as a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Originally a cathedral, then a mosque, and now a museum, its massive dome and stunning mosaics have awed visitors for centuries. The blend of Christian and Islamic art inside Hagia Sophia narrates a history of empires and religions converging. It’s particularly famous for its majestic central dome and the Deesis Mosaic, epitomizing the pinnacle of Byzantine art.
Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)
Opening Hours and entry fee; this mosque has the similar conditions, entry is free of charge and recommended to avoid visiting during prayer times. known for its striking blue tiles, this working mosque combines Islamic and Byzantine architectural elements. Blue Mosque is being used for praying five times a day and allowed to visit only before or after prayer times. Entrance is free of charge.
Istanbul Archaeology Museum
Opening Hours and entry fee; 01.04-31.10; 09:00-19:00 / 31.10-01.04; 09:00-18:00. Closed on Mondays. Ticket price; 340 TL. Official website.This complex houses extensive collections from the Ottoman Empire, Byzantium and ancient civilizations including the Treaty of Kadesh, the world’s earliest surviving peace treaty and the famous Alexander Sarcophagus.
Roman Hippodrome
Opening Hours and entry fee; this site is open 7/24 hours and entry is free of charge. an open-air museum, the Hippodrome offers a glimpse into Constantinople’s political and sporting center with its ancient monuments.
Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici)
Opening Hours and entry fee; 09:00-22:00, open everyday. Ticket prices; 09:00-18:30; 450 TRY, 19:30-22:00; 1000 TRY. Official Website. Basilica Cistern, Istanbul’s ancient underground water reservoir, is famed for its atmospheric columns and Medusa head carvings, creating a mysterious ambiance.
Museum Of Turkish And Islamic Arts
Opening Hours and entry fee; 1 April-31 October; 09:00-19:30 / 31 October – 1 April; 09:00-18:30. Open everyday. Ticket price; 390 TL. Official website. Located in a former palace, this museum showcases Islamic art, antique carpets, and historical Turkish artifacts.
Chora Museum (Kariye Müzesi)
Renowned for its well-preserved Byzantine mosaics and frescoes, this museum reflects the city’s deep Byzantine roots. The museum is under renovation as for December 2023.
Dolmabahçe Palace
Opening Hours and entry fee; 09:00-16:30. Closed on Mondays. Ticket price; The Palace (Selamlik) + Harem + Painting Museum combine ticket valid for 1 week; 650 TRY. This palace on the Bosphorus impresses with its opulent European and Ottoman interior, home to the world’s largest Bohemian crystal chandelier. Official website
Beylerbeyi Palace
Opening Hours and entry fee; 09:00-16:30. Closed on Mondays. Ticket price; 200 TL. An imperial Ottoman summer residence on the Asian side of the Bosphorus, known for its elegant interior and lush gardens. Official website
Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi)
Opening Hours and entry fee; 1 April – 1 November, Opening time: 08:30 – Closing time: 23:00. 1 November – 1 April Opening time: 08:30 – Closing time: 22:00. Open everyday. Ticket price; 650 TRY. Official website. Offers a panoramic view of Istanbul and is a symbol of the city’s Genoese past, with a rich history dating back to medieval times.
Pera Museum
Opening Hours and entry fee; visiting hours; Tuesday – Saturday 10.00 – 19.00, Friday 10.00 – 22.00, Sunday 12.00 – 18.00. Closed on Mondays. Ticket price; 100 TRY. Official website. Famous for its Orientalist Painting Collection, bridging eastern and western art. peramuseum.org
Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi)
Opening Hours and entry fee; 1 April – 1 November, Opening time: 09:00 – Closing time: 20:00, 1 November – 1 April, Opening time: 09:00 – Closing time: 20:00. Open everyday. Ticket price; 550 TL. Official website. A historic tower on a small islet, offering panoramic views and legends, including one about a maiden’s tragic fate.
Museum Of Great Palace Mosaics
Opening Hours and entry fee; 01.04-01.10; 09:00-19:00 & 01.10-01.04; 09:00-18:30. Open everyday. Ticket price; 220 TL. Official website. Exhibits stunning Byzantine mosaics from the Great Palace of Constantinople, showcasing daily life and nature scenes.
Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisari)
Opening Hours and entry fee; 1 April – 31 October – Opening time: 09:00, Closing time: 19:00. 31 October – 1 April, Opening time: 09:00 – Closing time: 17:00. Closed on Mondays. Ticket price; 130 TL. This massive fortress on the Bosphorus showcases Ottoman military architecture and offers stunning views of the strait.
Beşiktaş Naval Museum (Deniz Müzesi)
Opening Hours and entry fee; weekdays 09:00-17:00 / weekends; 10:00-18:00. Closed on Mondays. Ticket price; 200 TL. Home to majestic Ottoman-era boats and artifacts, showcasing Turkey’s naval history.
Rahmi M. Koç Museum
Opening Hours and entry fee; tuesday to friday; 10:00-17:00, saturday-sunday; 10:00-18:00 . Closed on Mondays. Ticket price; 80 TRY (students 40 TRY). Official website. Dedicated to the history of transport, industry, and communications, this museum houses a diverse collection including classic cars and submarines, one of the secret jewels of Istanbul.
Harbiye Military Museum (Askeri Müze)
Opening Hours and entry fee; wednesday to sunday from 09:00-17:00. Closed on monday and tuesday. Ticket price; 6 TL. You can listen “Janissary Military Band” between 15:00-16:00. Focused on Turkish military history, it features arms, uniforms, and the famous Mehteran band performances. It’s a worth to visit museum especially for the ones interested in military and history of Turkey. Also has one of the cheapest museum ticket price of Istanbul.
Istanbul Modern
Opening Hours and entry fee; tuesday-wednesday-thursday-saturday-sunday; 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Friday; 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Monday Closed Ticket price; 72 TL. Official website. Located on the Bosphorus, it features modern and contemporary art exhibitions reflecting Turkey’s vibrant art scene, also worth a visit for its cafeteria with magnificant Bosphorus view.
SSM (Sakip Sabanci Müzesi)
Opening Hours and entry fee; open everyday except mondays, opening hours; 10:00-18:00. Ticket price; 90 TL. Official website. Hosts valuable calligraphic art, paintings, and a scenic view of the Bosphorus.
The Museum Of Innocence
Opening Hours and entry fee; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10:00 AM-6:00 PM, closed on mondays. Ticket price; 300 TL. Official website. Inspired by Orhan Pamuk’s novel, this museum recreates scenes from the book and reflects Istanbul life in the 20th century.
Galata Mevlevi Lodge (Galata Mevlevihanesi)
Opening Hours and entry fee; 1 April – 1 October, Opening time: 09:00 – Closing time: 20:00. 1 October – 1 April, Opening time: 09:00 – Closing time: 18:30. Closed on Mondays. Ticket price; 150 TRY. Official website. A museum dedicated to the Mevlevi Sufi order, showcasing their cultural heritage, including the Whirling Dervishes’ ceremony.
Istanbul Toy Museum (Oyuncak Müzesi)
Opening Hours and entry fee; 1 April – 1 October, Opening time: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Closed on Mondays. Ticket price; 350 TRY for adults and 300 TRY for children. Official website. The Istanbul Toy Museum, located in Istanbul’s Göztepe neighborhood in Asian Side, offers a nostalgic experience for adults and a fun time for children with its extensive collection of toys from around the globe. Established in 2005, the museum is housed in a historical mansion and showcases over 4,000 toys, some dating back to the 1700s.
Istanbul Painting and Sculpture Museum (Resim Heykel Müzesi)
Opening Hours and entrance fee; 09:00 to 18:30. Closed on Mondays. Admission; 300 TRY (combined ticket with Dolmabahçe Palace is 650 TRY). Official website. The museum, located within the Dolmabahçe Palace complex, includes several exhibits such as the Museum of Painting & Sculpture. This museum is a significant cultural site, showcasing a range of artworks and offering insights into the rich history and artistic heritage of Turkey.