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!
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.
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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 %70 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!