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Istanbul Museum Pass Price, List, Map 2023
What is the Istanbul Museum Pass, and do I need to buy one? Many people who are planning to visit the Turkish metropolis are asking this question. In Istanbul, there are two types of Museum Pass that you can buy for your visit. One of them is owned and offered by the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the another one is offered by authorized travel agents.
If you're planning a visit to all of Istanbul's famous landmarks, this pass will help you skip the long lines and save money. However, if you ask which one you should buy, it all depends of course on the stay you are planning. Now we will explain what the Istanbul Museum Pass is, what you can and can not do with it, and its main benefits.
What Is the Istanbul Museum Pass?
The Istanbul Museum Pass which is offered by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism is a well-known card among Istanbul visitors. The Museum Pass is a one-time payment card that provides you access to certain historical museums and cultural points of interest in Istanbul. It is valid for 5 days, starting not with the day of purchase, but from the day of initial use for your first museum entrance.
We must say that you will hear about another Museum Pass named Müzekart+, which gives access to unlimited visits to more than 300 museums and archaeological sites in Turkey, valid for 1 year and with a price of 60 TL; however this card is exclusively for Turkish citizens and foreign residents who have Turkish ID number.
How to Purchase a Museum Card Istanbul?
You can purchase this museum pass from the official Museum Pass Istanbul website. You can buy online, then simply pick up the card with the confirmation from the ticket booths. Alternatively, you can purchase the Istanbul Museum Card at certain museum ticket counters with your ID card. The price of Museum Pass Istanbul is 700 TL.
What Are the Benefits of the Museum Pass?
The most significant benefit is the ease of use. You no longer need to wait in line to get your tickets or queue to enter to visit all the above-mentioned locations. It must be the most important advantage of visiting a city where there is no shortage of crowds at any time of the year.
If you plan to visit all the above-mentioned locations, you will also spend less money for the entrances. However, since the Museum Pass only grants entry to a limited number of locations, if you plan to visit more, you may consider getting an Istanbul Tourist Pass®️ which is more inclusive, offering free access to 85+ top attractions, tours and essential local services with over 80% savings.
Which Touristic Attractions Can You Visit with the Museum Pass?
The areas of interest that Museum Pass presents free access to are
- Topkapi Palace (including the Harem)
- Istanbul Archaeological Museums
- Galata Tower Museum
- Great Palace Mosaic Museum
- Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum
- Istanbul Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam
- Galata Mevlevi Lodge Museum
- Yıldız Palace Museum
- Rumeli Fortress Museum
- Fethiye Museum
- Hagia Irene Monument Museum
Here are the information about the places covered by the Istanbul Museum Pass:
Which Museum Pass to Choose?
As we mentioned before, Istanbul Museum Pass has another alternative recently: Istanbul Tourist Pass®. The Istanbul Tourist Pass® offers not only all the benefits of the Istanbul Museum Pass, but as well as free access to more other museums and attractions such as Hagia Sophia, Dolmabahçe Palace, or Blue Mosque. Istanbul Tourist Pass® also offers you a variety of services and attractions, including Bosporus Cruises, guided museum tours, aquarium visits, Illusion Museum visits, and airport transfers.If you are in Istanbul looking for other different museums, monuments but also specialized cultural performances, amusement parks, and other city sightseeing excursions, Istanbul Tourist Pass® is the best option for you!
That is why we recommend you to choose Istanbul Tourist Pass®, which offers you the chance to see more and discover more! For admission to Istanbul’s top attractions and other amazing features, get an Istanbul Tourist Pass® today! You can buy Istanbul Tourist Pass® from the website, starting from 90 Euros.
Let’s take a look at the table below and see what the Istanbul Tourist Pass offers, which covers more different areas and services than the Istanbul Museum Card.
| Attractions & Tickets in Istanbul | Museum Pass | Istanbul Tourist Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Archeological Museum | Entry only | Guided Tour Included |
| Great Palace Mosaics Museum | Entry only | Guided Tour Included |
| Tiled Pavilion Museum | Entry only | Guided Tour Included |
| Museum of the Ancient Orient | Entry only |
Guided Tour Included |
| Topkapi Palace Museum | Entry only |
Guided Tour Included |
| Museum Of Turkish And Islamic Arts | Entry only |
Guided Tour Included |
| Hagia Irene Museum | Entry only |
Guided Tour Included |
| Serefiye Cistern Guided Tour | ✗ | ✗ |
| Basilica Cistern | ✗ | Guided Tour Included |
| Dolmabahçe Palace | ✗ | Guided Tour Included |
| Grand Bazaar | ✗ | Guided Tour Included |
| Eyup Sultan Mosque | ✗ | Guided Tour Included |
| Hagia Sophia | ✗ | Guided Tour Included |
| Blue Mosque | ✗ | Guided Tour Included |
| Byzantine Hippodrome Guided Tour | ✗ | Guided Tour Included |
| İstanbul Islamic Science and Technology History Museum | Entry only |
✗ |
| Rumeli Fortress Muesum | Entry only |
✗ |
| Adam Mickiewicz Museum | Entry only |
✗ |
| Galata Mevlevi House Museum | Entry only |
✗ |
| Turbes Museum | Entry only | ✗ |
| Topkapı Harem Apartments | Entry only |
✗ |
| Miniaturk Park Istanbul | ✗ | Guided Tour Included |
| Wox Turkey Illusion & Toy Museum | ✗ | Included |
| Pierre Loti (Sky Tram) | ✗ | Guided Tour Included |
| Bursa Day Trip | ✗ | Guided Tour Included |
| Bosphorus Dinner Cruise With Turkish Shows | ✗ | Included |
| Sapanca Lake & Maşukiye Daily Tour | ✗ | Guided Tour Included |
| Whirling Dervishes Show | ✗ | Included |
| Istanbul Airport Shuttle | ✗ | Included |
| Discounted Istanbul Private Transfer | ✗ | Included |
| Istanbul Segway Tours | ✗ | Guided Tour Included |
| Bosphorus Cruise | ✗ | Included |
| Madame Tussauds Istanbul | ✗ | Included |
| Museum of Illusions Istanbul-ANATOLIA | ✗ | Included |
| Museum of Illusions Istanbul - Istiklal | ✗ | Included |
| Museum of Selfies Istanbul | ✗ | Included |
| Sea Life Aquarium Istanbul | ✗ | Included |
| Emaar Aquarium and Underwater Zoo | ✗ | Included |
| Princes' Islands Boat Trip (round-trip) | ✗ | Included |
| Sapphire Observation Deck | ✗ | Included |
| SkyRide 4D Simulation | ✗ | Included |
| Hop-on Hop-off Bosphorus Boat Tour | ✗ | Included |
| Istanbul Toy Museum | ✗ | Included |
| Legoland Discovery Centre Istanbul | ✗ | Included |
| Flyzone Demiroren | ✗ | Included |
| Jungle Park | ✗ | Included |
| Flyzone Mall of Istanbul | ✗ | Included |
| Dungeon | ✗ | Included |
| Safari | ✗ | Included |
| Panoramic Bus Tour from Europe to Asia | ✗ | Included |
| Xtrem Aventures Istanbul | ✗ | Included |
| Sakip Sabancı Museum | ✗ | Included |
| Pera Museum | ✗ | Included |
| Dialogue in the Dark | ✗ | Included |
| Dialogue in the Silence | ✗ | Included |
| Upside Down House Photo Experience | ✗ | Included |
| Frankenstein Horror House | ✗ | Included |
| Rhythm of the Dance Show | ✗ | Included |
| Ural Ataman Classic Car Museum | ✗ | Included |
| Balat Toy Museum | ✗ | Included |
| Concierge Services | ✗ | Included |
| Exclusive Travel Services | ✗ | Included |
| Offers & Treats | ✗ | Included |
| Discounted COVID PCR Test in Istanbul | ✗ | Included |
| Photo Shoot in Ottoman Style | ✗ | Included |
| Unlimited Internet Access (Portable Mobile Hotspot) | ✗ | Included |
| WHATSAPP TRAVELLER SUPPORT | ✗ | Included |
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
Is the Pass delivered to my hotel? How do I collect it?
Istanbul Tourist Pass is a digital pass that will be sent to you via email.
Which pass should I buy for my child?
It depends on the age of your child and the number of days you want to sightsee in Istanbul.
Children under 5 do not require a Pass because it will be cheaper for you to pay the individual admission fees for them at each site than to buy a Pass. We recommend that you check the admission costs and policies of any attractions you will be visiting for children under 5.
Children 5 - 12 years old can get the Child Pass. Some attractions and experiences are free for children under 12 and the cost of the Child Pass reflects that.
Children 12 and over, even 12 years and 1 day, need an Adult Pass.
So, now that you know whether to buy a child's pass or an adult's pass, simply choose the number of days you want the pass to be valid.
How does the pass validity work?
Istanbul Tourist Pass has 7 options for validity: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 or 10 days.
The moment you first use the Pass at an attraction (except the airport transfer), the days of validity start counting down.
The days of the Pass are counted as consecutive calendar days, not 24 hour periods. For example, if you start using a 3 day pass on a Friday, regardless of the time of day, it will be valid for Friday, Saturday and Sunday and will expire on Sunday at 23:59 (11:59pm).
What are the advantages of Istanbul Tourist Pass?
Istanbul Tourist Pass is a digital city pass that will grant you the access to more than 100 top attractions in the city, while helping you save more than 80%. With Istanbul Tourist Pass, you can visit best museums, historical places and hidden gems in the city while saving money for your future trips.
Which Pass Should I Choose?
It depends on how many days you want to spend in the city. If you are here for a short time, we recommend 3,4 or 5 day passes. For the full Istanbul experience, you can visit up to 10 days and even more by upgrading your Istanbul Tourist Pass during the trip.
Do I get a physical card?
No, Istanbul Tourist Pass is a digital pass that will be sent to you via email.
What Are The Normal Prices of Attractions Included?
You can find all of the attractions provided and their regular prices you would pay if you haven’t had Istanbul Tourist Pass on our attractions page.
Can I Purchase Istanbul Tourist Pass As A Gift?
Yes. After purchasing the pass, you can simply send the pass ID to the person who is going to use the pass.
Why Should I Purchase an Istanbul Tourist Pass?
Because as Istanbul Tourist Pass stuff, we optimized our pass for the best experience. Tourists of Istanbul are usually very confused with what they will do in the city when they arrive. To avoid this, we gathered the most-visited 100+ attractions while letting you save up to 80%!
Moreover, you can skip the long ticket lines in the museums with your Pass. Just show your ITP at the entrance, and you are good to go. There are dozens of more benefits to Istanbul Tourist Pass, and you can view them all through our website!
Buying Your Pass
Is the cost of the Pass in Turkish Liras?
No, the cost of the Pass is in Euros (€).
Can I buy the pass in cash or pay in a different currency?
Unfortunately not. The Istanbul Tourist Pass is an online Pass that will be delivered to you instantly via email. For that reason, you need to buy it directly from our website. You can pay with any debit or credit card. If your account is in a currency other than Euros, your bank will convert the price at the conversion rate of the day.
Which Payment Methods Can I Use?
You can securely pay by credit or debit card. All transactions will be in EUR.
Is There A Discount For Groups?
Yes. If you are going to visit with a group of more than 10, you can contact us and get your special discount.
How Can I Purchase Istanbul Tourist Pass?
It is a very easy process. Go to our website, click buy now, choose how many days you will spend in the city, and proceed with secure payment methods.
Then, in seconds, you will get your pass information! You can download our mobile app, available both for Android and iOS, to use your pass.
I've Purchased Pass for 2 Person but Get 1 Pass Code, is This Normal?
Yes, while purchasing your Pass if you pick more than 1 person in same payment, system will be generate 1 Pass code under 2 or how many you choose. This way it will be easy to manage your reservations!
If you want to have separate Passes you should make your purchase separately.
Using Your Pass
What attractions or services are included in the Pass?
Visit https://istanbultouristpass.com/whats-included to see all of the attractions and services that are included with Istanbul Tourist Pass. You'll see the the best of Istanbul and make memories to last a lifetime!
Can I visit the museums by myself?
For the Tours stated as Guided you can only access with a guided tour.
You can find meeting location at Hours & Meeting section of each museum page, our guides carry a white flag with the logo of Istanbul Tourist Pass®. You can find time table for all tours here;
https://istanbultouristpass.com/guided-tours-timetable
Istanbul Tourist Pass includes guided tours with certified guides. This is great for you because you get to skip the ticket line and enter directly with the guide PLUS they will share their knowledge with you so you get the most our of your visit!
If you would prefer to investigate on your own, you can leave the tour once you are inside!
After I purchase the pass, can I use it right away?
Almost! Right after your purchase, you will get a confirmation e-mail with you Pass ID and a link to manage all your reservations. Log in to your account and get started!
What do I need to present in order to visit an attraction or claim a service?
For guided museum tours, follow the time table and simply show the guide your digital pass when you get to the meeting point.
For attractions or services you reserved online, simply present your digital pass at the entrance.
For attractions or services that do not require a reservation in advance, simply present your digital pass at the entrance.
For the HAVAIST airport shuttle bus, the QR code will be sent to you separately.
Can I change or extend the dates of my Pass?
Yes, you can change the start date of your Pass as long as you haven't used it yet (not counting the airport transfer ). Just send us an email with your Pass ID and the new start date and we can change it for you right away.
You can also extend the dates of your Pass. The options are 1 day, 2 day, 3 day, 4 day, 5 day, 7 day and 10 day so just send us an email telling us which Pass you want to extend to and then all you have to do is pay the difference.
We will send you a link so you can pay online securely and quickly.
How does Istanbul Tourist Pass® App work?
Download Istanbul Tourist Pass App from Google Play Store or Apple Store Click and enter your Istanbul Tourist Pass ID, you are in! All attractions and reservations can be arranged simply.
Should I print my pass?
You don’t need to print. If you will be out on the internet, you can have a screenshot or print of your Istanbul Tourist Pass.
I lost my confirmation mail. How can I access my pass account?
Please contact our customer support team. We will send your confirmation mail to your email address again.
Can I Use One Pass with My friend?
You can order one pass for 2 people under the same pass id. That means when you try to use the attraction, counter staff will allow you to use it for 2 people. But you can’t use one pass for one participant with your friend.
How Can I Learn About The Opening Hours of Attractions?
You can check our attractions page and check the opening hours of each attraction.
Do I Need to Make Reservations Before Visiting the Attractions?
Most attractions do not require a reservation, so you can visit whenever you want. However, some attractions like guided museum tours or Sapanca Day Trip take place at specific hours. You can check them on our website or on your mobile application.
How Can I Make Reservations For Those Attractions That Require One?
You need to make your reservation from your Pass Managment Screen or using the App, after you create your reservationYou will recieve a confirmation mail, when you reach the attraction simply present your digital pass at the entrance.
How can I enter the state museums?
In order to enter the state museums, you need to join a Guided Tour.
Airport Transfers
How can I use my one-way airport transfer? Can I get a return transfer?
After you buy your Istanbul Tourist Pass, you will be able to make a reservation for a discounted one-way private airport transfer online.
For transfers to/from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) the discounted price is €45.00. For transfers to/from Istanbul Airport (IST) the discounted price is €40.00. These prices are per Pass, not per person.
Yes, you can get a return transfer but you cannot get the discounted price for the second transfer. In fact, you can book any number of additional transfers with us at the regular price of €50.00 for a minivan and €65.00 for a minibus.
My Pass expired yesterday and I didn’t book the airport transfer. Can I still book it?
Oops! Unfortunately, for technical reasons it is not possible to book the airport transfer after your pass has expired. You have plenty of time from the moment you purchase the Pass until it expires to make all the required reservations and use your Pass as much as you can.
Refunds
In case I can’t come to Istanbul, can I get my money back?
All orders can be cancelled for a 100% refund up to 3 business days before you start using the Pass . That is, 3 day before the nearest reservation you have made is due or before you visit any of the attractions.
If your travel plan changes, we will amend your pass validity dates free of charge (if any service was not used) . Or we will reset your pass validity date so that you can use it any time within 24 months.
I bought a Pass but I couldn't make use of it fully. Can I get my money back?
Yes, we give you a savings guarantee. If you feel that you would have been better off not buying a Pass, we are willing to calculate the regular retail price of all attractions & services you used and compare it to the amount you paid for the Istanbul Tourist Pass.
If it looks like you over-paid, we’ll refund you the difference. The savings are yours!
Most Popular Questions
How Does Istanbul Tourist Pass Work?
Very easy! You can start using your Istanbul Tourist Pass in 4 Easy Steps!
- Purchase your Istanbul Tourist Pass®️ online.
- Download the Istanbul Tourist Pass®️ app and log in
- Go to any attraction you want! Most of them are walk-in but some require pre-reservation, which you can make in 15 seconds For guided tours you need to meet the tour guide based on time table.
- Scan your QR code or Pass ID at entries, to our guides or to the gatekeepers. Enjoy!
How do I activate my Tourist Pass?
You can choose your pass start date at the time of purchasing your pass. Alternatively, your pass will start automatically by using first tour or activity.
Keep in mind that the Istanbul Tourist Pass® only counts calendar days, not 24-hour intervals. For example, if you begin using a 3-day pass on Friday at 4:00 p.m., your pass will expire on Sunday at 11:59 p.m., rather than Monday at 4:00 p.m. As a result, we recommend that you start your pass on the first full day of your trip to Istanbul to get the most out of your pass.
Is There A Limit To Visit Attraction Per Day?
Yes. You can visit/join each tour and activity only one time per person.
How long is Istanbul Tourist Pass valid for?
Your pass will be valid until your pass expiry date at 23:50. For example if your 3 day pass is valid for Jan 12-14, the last day that you are allowed to use pass is Jan 14th.
How Much Do I Save with Istanbul Tourist Pass?
With Istanbul Tourist Pass, you can save up to 80%. Buying the tickets separately would cost a lot more, and you can calculate it for yourself!
Is Istanbul Tourist Pass Covid-Safe?
Absolutely. That is because Istanbul Tourist Pass is fully digital. That means you do not have to physically contact anyone to purchase or use your card. You will be managing your Pass through the mobile app, thus no worries about covid!
Support
Where Can I Find The Contact Number?
When you purchase your pass, we will send a phone number to you on the confirmation e-mail.
When Can I Text To You?
Our WhatsApp lines are online between 9 AM and 6 PM(GMT +03:00). You can type anytime during this period.
Do I Have to Be in Istanbul in Order to Text?
No! You can type wherever you are. It can be before or after your trip, when you are back in your country.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Help From ITP Staff?
Nothing! It is a complimentary service just for you.
What Can I Ask?
Anything about your trip. You can ask about directions, how to plan your trip, how to use your pass and more.
Guided Tours
Can I skip the lines with my Pass?
For all our guided tours, you get to skip the ticket line.
(Does not include mosques Hagia Sophia since public places does not have a ticket line but security line is mandatory.)
This will save you a huge amount of time, especially at the most popular museums such Topkapi Palace and Dolmabahce Palace where you could be waiting in the ticket line up to an hour at each place!
Many museums in Istanbul have security checks at the entrance and these lines cannot be skipped.
Where Can I Meet with the Guide?
You can find meeting location at Hours & Meeting section of each museum page, our guides carry a white flag with the logo of Istanbul Tourist Pass®. You can find time table for all tours here;
https://istanbultouristpass.com/guided-tours-timetable
Do I Have To Join Guided Tours For Museum Visits? Can I Do It Myself?
For the Tours stated as Guided you can only access with a guided tour.
You can find meeting location at Hours & Meeting section of each museum page, our guides carry a white flag with the logo of Istanbul Tourist Pass®. You can find time table for all tours here;
https://istanbultouristpass.com/guided-tours-timetable
Istanbul Tourist Pass includes guided tours with certified guides. This is great for you because you get to skip the ticket line and enter directly with the guide PLUS they will share their knowledge with you so you get the most our of your visit!
If you would prefer to investigate on your own, you can leave the tour once you are inside!
How Can I Join a Guided Tour?
We have a time table for guided tours and specific meeting points. After you decide to join a tour, check the time table and show your pass to the guide at the meeting point. You can find the hours and meeting points(indicated as letters next to attractions) via the link below;
https://istanbultouristpass.com/guided-tours-timetable
Can I buy the Pass when I'm in Istanbul?
Yes , you can. Istanbul Tourist Pass is 100% online so you can buy it online and can start using it right away.
We recommend however that you buy the Istanbul Tourist Pass BEFORE travelling as there are some attractions and services require reservations in advance.
For peace of mind, take a couple of minutes to browse and reserve those items before you arrive in Istanbul.