Starting from just €119

40% OFF ALL PASSES - BEST DEAL EVER!

FREE 2 GB INTERNET

01-10-2021 - Museums

Top Museums and Galleries You Shouldn’t Miss in Istanbul

If there is one thing you will never get bored of doing during your stay in Istanbul, that is visiting its countless amazing museums. From contemporary art galleries to historical museums, there is no shortage of places to visit in this city. If you want to make the most out of your time and plan before heading to Istanbul, here are the best museums and galleries in Istanbul.

Pera Museum

Founded in 2005, Pera Museum is one of the prominent contemporary museums in Istanbul. It is located in the lively and culturally rich district, Beyoglu, and is a must-visit if you are an art-lover. There are three amazing permanent collections inside the Pera Museum: “Orientalist Paintings”, “Anatolian Weights and Measures”, and “Kutahya Tiles and Ceramics”. Plus, many temporary exhibitions rotate over the course of the year, so it is not the same if you visit this museum twice. On top of these, Pera Film and Pera Learning is also in the museum. Pera Film is an informative and entertaining monthly program that showcases and examines various classic and experimental movies and videos. Pera Learning, on the other hand, is a program that was created to raise awareness for art and make art more accessible by all age groups.

Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum

One of the most important points in the Turkish history undoubtedly has been its meeting with Islam. If you are interested in the history and/or want to learn how Turks came to accept the Islam and how their cultures and art were affected by this, buy a Turkish Islamic Art Museum Ticket. The building of the museum is actually Pargali Ibrahim Pasha’s palace, who was Suleiman the Magnificent’s second grand vizier. Inside, you will find many Turkish and Islamic historical relics while getting the chance to examine how these two separate art forms gradually became one. A couple of examples of this would be the carpets and rugs section, Prophet Muhammad’s beard and one of his footsteps, Old Door of the Cizre Great Mosque, and religious documents. It is definitely one of the top museums of Istanbul.

Madame Tussauds Istanbul

One of the most fun museums in Istanbul, Madame Tussauds is a must-visit for anyone who passes by Istanbul’s famous Istiklal Avenue. You will find +60 extremely detailed wax models of various popular people, ranging from celebrities to historical figures like Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and Albert Einstein. If you ever feel lost, you can always read the small information tablets near the wax models to learn about them. Some parts of the museum are also interactive. For example, you can wear Mozart’s wig or Mohammad Ali’s gloves and take a picture! The interior design of this museum is also very unique; it makes you truly feel like a superstar. Whether alone or with friends and family, you shouldn’t miss Madame Tussauds Museum.

Choose Your Pass

Skip-the-Line Instant Access to 100+ Attractions including Guided Tours, Dinner Cruise, Airport Transfers and more...Save up to 70% and enjoy!

5 Day Pass

Adult

€370 €219

Child

€300 €189

SELECT

7 Day Pass

Adult

€420 €249

Child

€340 €209

SELECT

10 Day Pass

Adult

€475 €299

Child

€390 €259

SELECT

1 Day Pass

Adult

€200 €119

Child

€155 €99

SELECT

2 Day Pass

Adult

€235 €149

Child

€185 €119

SELECT

3 Day Pass

Adult

€285 €179

Child

€225 €149

SELECT

4 Day Pass

Adult

€335 €199

Child

€270 €169

SELECT

2 Days Pass

Pass

Quantity

Total

Adult(8+)

Child(4-7)

€0

Order Summery

Sale Discount

-€10

Order Total

€135

Sakip Sabanci Museum

Established by the Sabanci University in the house of the famous Turkish businessman Sakip Sabanci, this museum is one of the most modern and prominent private museums in Istanbul. So much so that the first temporary exhibition that Sakip Sabanci Museum hosted was “Picasso in Istanbul”, which brought 135 rare pieces owned by the world-renowned painter Pablo Picasso. Located in a very privileged location next to the Sariyer’s beautiful shores, Sakip Sabanci Museum hosts a variety of different exhibitions, ranging from contemporary collections to classical collection that focus on 19th and 20th century art. On top of these, you will also find a restaurant that belongs to Turkey’s best culinary institution, Mutfak Sanatlari Akademisi (Culinary Arts Academy).

Borusan Contemporary

Another popular private museum with a focus on art is the Borusan Contemporary. It is the first museum in Turkey to be a member of International Association of Corporate Collections of Contemporary Art. Inside, you will find various permanent and temporary exhibitions with a general focus on classical music and visual arts. These valuable collections range from video art and new media to photography, from both local and international artists. An interesting fact about this museum is its building; it is actually a mansion built by Yusuf Ziya Pasha to impress his young love. It is known as Yusuf Ziya Pasha Mansion, or more famously, Perili Kosk (The Haunted Mansion). This stems from the rumors about this mansion being haunted after its construction was stopped midway in the 20th century. But rumors aside, this is one of the best contemporary galleries in Istanbul.

Naval Museum

Istanbul’s Naval Museum is one of the largest museums in Istanbul, and that is saying something in a city that has dozens of museums. It is also known as the Maritime Museum, and inside, you will see the largest collection of historical relics and objects regarding the naval history of Turkey and the Ottomans. In the large 17 rooms and 4 halls named after the wind directions, you can find anything related to the navy, such as ship and boat models, navy clothes, armors and weapons, documents about the navy, maps for ships and so much more.

Museum of Illusions Istanbul

If you ever want to take a quick and fun break from Istanbul’s countless historical sites, visiting Museum of Illusions Istanbul will be a breath of fresh air for you. As you can understand from its name, you will experience many real-life illusions inside this place. While illusions are cool when you see them on the internet, they are much more interesting and mind-blowing when you see them in real life. There are many tricks that will confuse you, like optical illusions, the Hollow Face Illusion, the Beuchet Chair illusion, the Clone Table illusion and the Head on the Platter illusion. You can take funny photos with these illusions too. On top of these, there is a Smart Playroom section in which visitors can try themselves in various cognitive challenges, so this museum is one of the most fun family attractions in Istanbul.

Istanbul Archeological Museums

Istanbul Archeological Museum has 3 different museums: Archeological Museum, Museum of Ancient Orient, and Tiled Kiosk. Inside the Archeological Museum, which is in the main museum building, you can find various archeological artifacts from various periods from Helen Civilization to the Ottoman Empire. In the Museum of Ancient Orient, many historical objects from the pre-Islamic periods of the Greek, Egyptian, and Arabian Peninsula of Anatolia and Mesopotamia can be seen. In the Tiled Kiosk, you can examine countless historical relics from the Ottoman and Seljuks periods.

SHARE WITH

Subtract icon 1

Subtract icon 2

Latest Posts

21-02-2023

Most Popular Historic Mosques You Must Visit in Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the most culturally rich and diverse cities in the world thanks to its deep history which is comprised of many empires, cultures, and religions. Because of this, you can find numerous historically significant sites here, from churc...

Read More

06-03-2021

A Brief History of Galata Tower

Galata Tower, an architectural gem standing tall in Istanbul, proudly overlooks the bustling neighborhoods of "Beyoglu" and "Karakoy" from its strategic location. Its captivating allure, especially when illuminated by colorful lights at night, has ma...

Read More

22-10-2024

Live Like a Local in Istanbul: Explore the City's Hidden Wonders

Istanbul, a city that seamlessly blends ancient history with modern culture, is a living, breathing tapestry of colors, sounds, and experiences. From the bustling streets of Taksim to the serene waters of the Bosphorus, Istanbul offers something for ...

Read More

19-10-2022

Restaurants in Istanbul: Where to Eat in Istanbul Old Town

Istanbul is not only the meeting point of cultures but also of cuisines! There are various options to taste delicious food from all over the world in the city. While visiting the magnificent Hagia Sophia or taking great Instagram photo...

Read More

16-10-2022

Istanbul Branches of World-Famous Eateries

If one had but a single glance to give the world, one should gaze on Istanbul.  Alphonse de Lamartine   Istanbul is full of surprises in every corner. The city can surprise you with its colours, sounds, and amazing views as well as t...

Read More

14-10-2022

3 Best Nightclubs in Istanbul

Istanbul, a city full of zest, has so much to offer to its visitors from across the globe. Whether you're interested in its historic architecture, deep-rooted culture & heritage, delicious food, or the city's flashy nightlife, there's something f...

Read More

14-10-2022

4 Best Indian restaurants in Istanbul

Indian cuisine is widely loved across the globe for its rich ingredients, intoxicating aromas, and fresh blend of spices. Its historic staple diet consisting of whole-wheat flour, rice, and vegetables makes it unique and flavoursome. Travellers, espe...

Read More

08-09-2022

Where to Stay in Istanbul with Family

Where to stay in Istanbul with family You finally booked your flight, and are eager to see the beauty of Istanbul within days from your flight. For your trip here, you rightfully want to stay at one of the best hotels in Istanbul for families that w...

Read More

01-08-2022

August in Istanbul

What to do in August Dear guest, Istanbul lover-to-be! You finally arrived in one of the most popular cities around the world, we hope you throughly enjoy it! Whilst you just arrived, we have few recommendations and tips for making your experience e...

Read More

07-09-2022

Where to go in Istanbul with family

If you booked your flight and soon are coming to Istanbul with your children and wondering where to go in the city, we would like to let you know beforehand that there are plenty of great places to visit. Moreover, there are many places that are kid ...

Read More

4.8 out of 5 stars

Istanbul Tourist Pass® has an average rating of 4.8 /5 from 1710 reviews

Read all traveler reviews →

How it works?

FAQ

Contact

Attractions Prices

Buy
Pass

More

COMPANY

About Us Media Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Site Map

ISTANBUL TOURIST PASS®

About Istanbul Tourist Pass® Attractions Plan & Save Why Choose Istanbul Tourist Pass Special Offers Skip Ticket Lines with Istanbul Tourist Pass About The App

WORK WITH US

Become a Reseller Become an Affiliate Partner Our Business Partners Group Requests Careers

SUPPORT

How It Works FAQ Testimonials and Reviews Upgrade Pass Contact

OTHER LINKS

Istanbul Museum Pass Istanbul Guided Museum Pass Unlimited Istanbul Tourist Transportation Card Istanbul Public Transportation Card Istanbul Private Tour Guide

CITY GUIDE

Tourist Attractions in Istanbul Things to do in istanbul Free Digital Istanbul Guidebook Weather in Istanbul Free Digital Istanbul Maps All Blog Posts Browse Attractions on Our Interactive Map

POPULAR ATTRACTIONS

Museums

Tours Time Table

Entertainment

Historical Landmarks

Private Services

View All 100+

Open the menu

EN