Choose your pass

Visit Museums in Istanbul with Istanbul Tourist Pass

If you want to visit museums in Istanbul, but are not sure which ones are the best, you are in the right place. Istanbul, in terms of history, culture, and art, is one of the greatest cities in the world. More than 80 museums, spanning from archaeology and historical museums to contemporary and fine art museums, as well as themed museums can be found in the city. Exploring the museums of Istanbul is a whole other experience! 

Istanbul.com Creator Community
Istanbul.com Creator Community
May 14, 2021 4 min
Visit Museums in Istanbul with Istanbul Tourist Pass


Whether you're searching for outstanding museums that were formerly a palace/church/mosque, as well as those dedicated to the history, classic painters, current, fine and modern art, photography, or temporary and permanent exhibits, the most visited and essential ones may be found on our list below. 


Tiled Pavilion Museum


The Tiled Pavilion Museum (Tiled Kiosk) is a 1472 house. It was erected as a summer residence under the orders of Ottoman Sultan II. Mehmed and is positioned inside the outer walls of Topkapi Palace. The Tiled Kiosk is the oldest structure in the Istanbul Archeology Museums complex in terms of construction date. 


When you visit the Tiled Kiosk, you should also pay a visit to Topkapi Palace, a prominent tourist site nearby. With the Istanbul Tourist Pass, you'll get free admission and a guided tour. 


Topkapi Palace Museum


Together with the close-in-distance Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, one of the world's wealthiest museums, might be regarded as the greatest and most visited site in Istanbul. It is a beautiful oriental palace and one of the world's finest architectural marvels, situated on a triangular point commanding the Bosphorus and Golden Horn. 


The Ottoman sultans' palace as well as the Empire's administrative and educational headquarters was Topkapi Palace. The palace was built by Fatih Sultan Mehmed, who conquered Istanbul in 1453, atop the Byzantine acropolis on Sarayburnu, near the extremity of the historical peninsula, between 1460 and 1478. 


 


Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum 


The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts is a magnificent museum that exhibits both Turkish and Islamic art. It is located in Sultanahmet, near the Ibrahim Pasha Palace (one of the most famous structures of Ottoman civil architecture in the 16th century). The museum was the last to open under the Ottoman Empire, and it has about 40,000 objects in its carpet, manuscript, wood, glass-metal-ceramic, and ethnographic divisions.


Basilica Cistern Museum


Are you ready for a magical journey? It is one of the city's most stunning and magical structures. The two Medusa Heads, which serve as supports under the two columns at the cistern's northwest side, are the most interesting and draw the most attention. With your Istanbul Tourist Pass, you can explore the fabled and enigmatic Basilica Cistern while skipping the queues! For history and mythology fans, the Basilica Cistern is a fantastic chance! 


Museum of Blue Mosque


The Blue Mosque, one of the world's oldest and most stunning mosques, will take you back in time. With Blue Mosque, you can take a look at Istanbul's spiritual side and learn about the Islamic Ottoman Empire's culture. The Blue Mosque is the city's most famous sight and a must-see for every tourist to Istanbul. Start your morning there and spend the rest of the day exploring the best of Istanbul's Old City! It's located in the heart of Sultanahmet, close to many other attractions that are included in your Istanbul Tourist Pass, so start there and spend the rest of the day exploring the best of Istanbul's Old City!  


Pera Museum


The Pera Museum is one of Istanbul's most important private art institutions. Even the structure is a piece of beauty! The museum is housed in the old Bristol Hotel, which is situated in the bustling and historic area of Pera in the Beyoglu district


Orientalist Paintings, Anatolian Weights and Measures, and Kütahya Tiles and Ceramics are the three permanent collections. These treasures are available to see anytime you go to Istanbul.


Visit Istanbul Museums While Saving %50 With Istanbul Tourist Pass


These were some of the most famous museums in Istanbul, and the best thing is, all of these museums are included with Istanbul Tourist Pass! You can explore the museums mentioned here without any additional charges, and you can skip the lines while you are there. Explore the advantages of the Istanbul Tourist Pass through our website!

Best Sights in One Day

Istanbul FAST Pass®

Visit 2 landmarks & 3 authentic experiences including Hagia Sofia or Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque with Bosphorus Cruise.

1 Pass Option expand_more
2 Travelers expand_more
Adult €49 / person
1
Child (5-12) €44 / person
0
3 Review expand_more
With Hagia Sophia (Adult) x 1 €49.00
eco Instant Access Fee €10.00
Order Total €59.00
Istanbul FAST Pass®
With Hagia Sophia · 1 Adult
€59.00

Istanbul Must-Sees

Istanbul DISCOVER Pass®

Visit 3 landmarks & 100+ top attractions including Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque.

1 Pass Duration expand_more
2 Travelers expand_more
Adult €149 / person
1
Child (5-12) €139 / person
0
3 Review expand_more
3 Days (Adult) x 1 €149.00
eco Instant Access Fee €10.00
Order Total €159.00
Istanbul DISCOVER Pass®
3 Days · 1 Adult
€159.00

Ultimate Istanbul Experience

Istanbul PRIME Pass®

Visit ALL 7 landmarks, 120+ top attractions & premium experiences including Luxury Bosphorus Sunset, Breakfast & Dinner Cruises and deluxe Hammam.

1 Pass Duration expand_more
2 Travelers expand_more
Adult €259 / person
1
Child (5-12) €249 / person
0
3 Review expand_more
5 Days (Adult) x 1 €259.00
eco Instant Access Fee €10.00
Order Total €269.00
Istanbul PRIME Pass®
5 Days · 1 Adult
€269.00

Find more Istanbul inspiration

Istanbul: The Legend of Seven Hills and the Foundation of Constantinople
calendar_today Jan 9, 2023 9 min

Istanbul: The Legend of Seven Hills and the Foundation of Constantinople

Istanbul is a city with a deep history and amazing stories. There are many things to explore in this beautiful city. In this article, we will take a closer look at one of the legends rooted in the city's rich history.  
 
 Before starting digging into the past, check out the 100+ amazing attractions, […]

Istanbul Tourist Pass 5-Day Usage Guide: Day-by-Day Plan
calendar_today May 3, 2026 12 min

Istanbul Tourist Pass 5-Day Usage Guide: Day-by-Day Plan

Cihangir: Istanbul’s Coolest Corner of Creative Buzz
calendar_today May 9, 2025 9 min

Cihangir: Istanbul’s Coolest Corner of Creative Buzz

Istanbul is a city that never sits still. Ferries criss-cross the Bosphorus, prayers drift from slender minarets, and side streets burst into sudden song. Yet behind all the movement, the city keeps pockets of calm where artists think, cats nap, and conversations spill out of tiny cafés. One of those pockets is Cihangir. 
 
 […]

2026 Istanbul Museum & Site Ticket Prices: How Much Do You Save With the Pass?
calendar_today Apr 1, 2026 11 min

2026 Istanbul Museum & Site Ticket Prices: How Much Do You Save With the Pass?

Istanbul Archaeological Museums: A Bridge from the Ancient World to Modern Time
calendar_today Jul 1, 2024 8 min

Istanbul Archaeological Museums: A Bridge from the Ancient World to Modern Time

One of the most impressive points of Istanbul is undoubtedly the Istanbul Archaeological Museums. Thousands of artifacts from a wide geography ranging from the pre-Islamic periods of Anatolia to Mesopotamia, Greece, Egypt and the Arabian Peninsula await their visitors here. This museum is a treasure trove for archaeology enthusiasts and offers the opportunity to travel […]

Istanbul Museum Pass
calendar_today Feb 27, 2025 11 min

Istanbul Museum Pass

The Istanbul Museum Pass® opens the doors to some of the most iconic museums and historical sites across the city, making it the ultimate companion for those eager to explore Istanbul’s vibrant history and culture. With access to a curated selection of landmarks, including the breathtaking Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace, and the Istanbul Archaeological […]

Besiktas Football Club Museum
calendar_today Jan 16, 2020 1 min

Besiktas Football Club Museum

The Beşiktaş JK Museum is located inside the Vodafone Park that is the shrine of the Beşiktaş football team

Old & Historical Shopping Streets In Istanbul
calendar_today Sep 26, 2021 3 min

Old & Historical Shopping Streets In Istanbul

When people think of shopping in Istanbul, they typically think of the Grand Bazaar and its maze-like alleys filled with everything from carpets to local spices. If you're searching for anything other than the bustle of the extra-large covered market, though, the city has much to offer. Culture Trip selects the finest shopping alleys in Istanbul, from antique […]

History of Spice Bazaar
calendar_today Aug 6, 2021 4 min

History of Spice Bazaar

The historical Egyptian Bazaar is one of Istanbul’s main bazaars that dates back to the Ottomans.

First Time in Istanbul: The Ultimate 3-Day Pass Usage Guide & Itinerary
calendar_today May 18, 2026 8 min

First Time in Istanbul: The Ultimate 3-Day Pass Usage Guide & Itinerary