10 Most Visited Museums in Istanbul

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To better understand the fascinating history of Istanbul, you should absolutely include several museums to your itinerary during your stay in Istanbul. 

The historical museums of Istanbul include the Topkapi Palace and its harem, the Istanbul Archaeological Museums, the Dolmabahçe Palace where the leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk died, or the mystical Cistern Basilica. A tour through the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum right across from the Blue Mosque is also one of the classics in Istanbul.

All these museums with various themes, from science to maritime, makes us understand the contemporary side of Istanbul... Art lovers will have to visit the Istanbul Modern Museum, Pera and the Elgiz Museum. Technology fans can visit the Rahmi M. Koc Museum and the Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam.

Read more details about each museum below and get tours and tickets with the special 5% discount for our readers.

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1. Topkapi Palace and Harem

The Topkapi Palace is one of the most famous Istanbul tourist attractions and part of the historic peninsula, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.

The construction of the Topkapi Palace began soon after the conquest of Constantinople in 1453 by Sultan Mehmet, the conqueror. The first part of the building was completed in 1468. Until 1478 the palace was enlarged. The palace received its present appearance at the beginning of the 18th century.

The Harem

This is the most exciting part about Topkapi Palace, which was the most secluded and private section. Here was the home for Sultans, royal family members including the Queen Mother and underage children of the Sultan, the concubines, favorites and wives of the Sultan. 

Originally there used to be about 300 rooms in Harem. Of course, today it is possible to see only some part of it. The life in Harem has been the subject of curiosity by Europeans for decades. Harem is hiding many intrigues and interesting stories within its walls. Make sure to create some time for this amazing section as you make your way to Topkapi Palace.

  • Address: Topkapı Sarayı, Cankurtaran Mahallesi, Sultanahmet, Fatih
  • Website: See here options of Topkapi Palace Tickets
  • Entrance: Closed on Tuesdays
  • Visiting Hours: 09:00 – 18:00
  • Tickets & Tours : Book one of the 2 most popular tickets for entrance and tours, with a discount of 5%:
  • Buy your VIP Combo Ticket here and visit the 3 main museums of Istanbul

2. Istanbul Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum was founded in 1891 and is today the largest and most important archaeological museum in Turkey.

It is located in the Eminönü quarter of Istanbul, near Topkapi Palace.

Its collections include some 15.000 archeological pieces of prehistoric, Mesopotamian, Assyrian, Sumerian, Akkadian, Babylonian, Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Byzantine periods as well as pre-Islamic and Islamic Arab culture.

The Archeology Museum is divided into three parts. 1. The Archaeological Museum itself 2. The Museum of Ancient Near Eastern Art 3. The Museum of Islamic Ceramics (Çinili Köşk). In 1991 the museum was awarded the Museum Prize of the Council of Europe. A must-see if you are interested in seing historical artifacts from the Ottoman period.

  • Address: Alemdar Caddesi, Osman Hamdi Bey Yokuşu, Gülhane 
  • Entrance: Open everyday
  • Opening Hours during Summer: 09:00 – 19:30
  • Opening Hours during Winter: 09: 00 – 17: 30
  • Price: 360 TL (Museum Card is valid, more info here)
  • Official Page of the Museum Here

3. Dolmabahçe Palace

Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul in Turkey - Istanbul Tourist Information

The magnificent Dolmabahce Palace on the banks of the Bosphorus served as the residence of the Ottoman sultans from 1856.

Architects with European education built the 600-meter-long building with 46 halls, 285 rooms, 6 hammams and 68 baths on an area of 45,000 m².  

Inside the Dolmabahce Palace, visitors can marvel at the great collection of European antiquity, beautiful paintings, furniture, handmade silk carpets and the famous 4.5 tons crystal chandelier, which is the largest chandelier in the world.

The palace also has a very significant feature for the Turkish people as Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Turkish Republic, who spent his last days here and died on 10.11.1938.

Tip: * With your ticket to “Selamlık “ section of Dolmabace Palace, you also get an entrance for the Clock Museum and Painting Museum in the garden of Dolmabahce Palace.

Painting Museum 

After seven years of restoration work a part of the Dolmabahce Palace Celestial Office has been opened as the "National Palaces Painting Museum". It consists of 11 sections in thematic integrity and displays about 200 pieces of Turkish and international artists of the 19th century.

Clock Museum 

71 Ottoman, British and French watches of the 18th and 19th century which were kept in the warehouses, came to daylight with the Clock Museum that has been opened after renovation works of the former Interior Treasury building in the Harem Garden of Dolmabahçe Palace.

  • Address: Dolmabahçe Sarayı, Vişnezade Mahallesi, Dolmabahçe Caddesi, Beşiktaş
  • Entrance: Closed on Mondays
  • Visiting hours: 09:00 - 18:00
  • Ticket counter closes at 17:00
  • Tickets : Get your discounted VIP skip-the-line ticket to the Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul and enjoy a guided tour in English with an historian expert of the place. 

4. Beylerbeyi Palace Museum

Beylerbeyi Palace, the "Palace of the Lord of the Lords", is located on the Asian side of Istanbul and offers a wonderful view of the Bosphorus and the old town from the other side.

The palace was built under Sultan Abdülaziz between 1861 and 1865 and is one of the most important palaces of Istanbul. 

Beylerbeyi Palace served as the summer residence of the Sultans and as a place to entertain foreign heads of state, including Queen Eugenie the wife of Napoleon III., Queen Elisabeth, the King of Montenegro, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and the Russian Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolayevich Romanov.

Visiting this palace is the best occasion for travelers to go to the other side of the Bosphorus, learn even more about the former empire and be amazed by yet another incredible monument. You shouldn't miss it !

  • Address: Beylerbeyi Sarayı, Beylerbeyi Mah., Abdullah Ağa Caddesi, Beylerbeyi 
  • Entrance: Closed on Mondays
  • Visiting hours: Open from 09:00 to 18:00 .
  • Ticket counter closes at 17:00 am.
  • Price: 50 TL per person
  • Official Page of the Palace Here

5. Rumeli Fortress

rumeli fortress - rumeli hisar istanbul museum tourist information

Rumeli Fortress is an Ottoman fortress built in 1452, making it the second oldest Ottoman fortress.

Fatih Sultan Mehmet II had this monumental structure built as part of its preparations for the siege of Constantinople. 

Since an extensive restoration on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the conquest of Constantinople in 1953, the fortress acts as a museum. The exhibition of the museum shows relics of the time such as cannons, cannonballs and the chain that was used to block the Golden Horn.

The atmosphere at the fortress is unreal and the view is breathtaking. This visit will be a peaceful moment spent outside of the Istanbul crowds.

  • Address: Rumeli Hisari, Yahya Kemal Caddesi, Sarıyer
  • Entrance: Closed on Mondays
  • Ticket booth closes at 17:00 at all seasons
  • Summer: 09:00 – 19:30
  • Winter: 09:00 – 17:30
  • Price: 30 TL ( Museum Card is valid, more info here)

6. Museum of Great Palace Mosaics 

Great Palace Mosaic Museum in Istanbul Tourist Information

The Museum of Great Palace Mosaics is located at the Arasta Bazaar near the Blue Mosque, in the grounds of the Great Palace, former residence of the Byzantine emperors.

The mosaics were extensively restored and transported back to this place, where the museum was finally built. The impressive mosaics are from the Byzantine period around the years 450-550 AD and show mostly scenes from everyday life, mythology and nature.

Fans of delicate art who want to know more about how mosaics are made and preserved will love this museum.

  • Address: Arasta Bazaar, Sultanahmet Mahallesi, Fatih
  • Entrance: Open everyday
  • Ticket booth closes at 17:00 at all seasons
  • Summer: 09:00 – 17:30
  • Winter: 09: 19:30
  • Price: 35 TL (Museum Card is valid, more info here)
  • Official Page of the Museum

7. Hagia Irene Museum

Hagia Irene Museum in Istanbul in Turkey

Hagia Irene is a former Byzantine church and today’s museum in Sultanahmet, on the grounds of Topkapı Palace.

This famous church in Istanbul is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.

Hagia Irene was built under the Roman Emperor Constantine I in the 4th century as the first church in Constantinople. When Hagia Irene Church had been burnt down during the Nika uprising in 532, Justinian I. reconstructed it. After the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottomans in 1453, the palace guard of the Janissaries used Hagia Irene Church as a weapons arsenal. 

The Hagia Irene is the only Byzantine church with an original preserved atrium. Since 1973, the restored architectural monument has been used for classical concerts for its impressive acoustic atmosphere. 

  • Address: Aya Irini Müzesi, Cankurtaran Mahallesi, Topkapı Sarayı 1. Avlu, Fatih
  • Entrance: Closed on Tuesdays
  • Visiting Hours in Summer: 09:00 – 17:00
  • Visiting Hours in Winter: 09:00 – 16:00
  • Price: 80 TL
  • Official Page of the Museum

8. Basilica Cistern

One of Istanbul's most popular museums is hidden beneath the streets of the city: the Basilica Cistern. Located west of Hagia Sophia, the cistern has a capacity of 80,000 cubic meters of water.

Built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, it served as a water reservoir for the Great Palace, a large Basilica that stood on this site in late antiquity. With an area of 9800 square meters, the Basilica Cistern is the largest and best excavated among Istanbul's 60 underground cisterns. 

A visit to the museum, which impresses its visitors with a quite mystical scenery, is like a unique journey into the past. More than 300 well-preserved columns as well as two Medusa heads from the Roman period await you here. Moreover, there is an exhibition themed "light". Read more details about the Basilica Cistern in our dedicated article.

  • Address: Yerebatan Cad. Alemdar Mah. 1/3 34410 Sultanahmet-Fatih
  • Entrance: Open everyday
  • Opening Hours: 09:00 – 19:00
  • Price: 190 TL for international visitors 
  • Official Page of the Museum

9. Istanbul Modern Museum

Istanbul Modern Museum

Istanbul Modern opened in 2004 as the first museum of modern and contemporary art in Turkey.

With the aim of uniting the artistic creativity and cultural identity of Turkey with the international art world, the museum offers a wide range of activities.

Istanbul Modern's global vision is to collect, preserve, document and exhibit works of modern and contemporary art and make them accessible to the general public. The museum offers a variety of cultural activities in its permanent and temporary exhibition halls, in the photo gallery, in the rooms for educational and social programs, in the library and in the cinema.

  • Address: Asmalımescit Mahallesi, Meşrutiyet Caddesi 99, Beyoğlu
  • Entrance: Closed on Mondays
  • Tuesday to Saturday: 10.00 - 18.00
  • Sundays : 11.00 - 18.00
  • Price: 68 TL for international visitors
  • Istanbul Modern Official Website

10. Galata Tower Museum

Galata Tower in Istanbul in Turkey

Galata Tower, one of the most iconic symbols of the city, was actually built in 528 by the order of the Byzantine Emperor Anastasius.

When the Genoese, a kingdom in Italy, settled in this region, they enlarged the tower and used it to watch the ships approaching from afar. After the city was conquered by the Ottomans, it first served as a dungeon and then as a fire tower. 

It is possible to go up to the terrace of this historical building and look at a magnificent view. This is one of the favorite spots of Istanbul visitors to take pictures and get an overall view of the city from every side. Don't miss the Galata Tower!

  • Address: Bereketzade Street, Galata Tower, Beyoglu/Istanbul
  • Entrance: Open everyday
  • Summer: 08:30 - 24:00
  • Winter: 10:00 -20:00
  • Price: 100 TL 
  • Tickets & Tours : Find below tickets to go on top of this landmark of Istanbul. We also suggest you to book a guided tour to get to know the historical background of Galata Tower and the historical Pera neighbourhood with a lot of gems. Tours and tickets to the Galata Tower are with a 5% discount!

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Istanbul Museum Pass

The Istanbul Museum Pass allows you to visit 10 museums of Istanbul. The card is valid for 5 days and gives you free skip-the-line entry to selected museums. 

  • Read more: Our dedicated article Best City Pass for Istanbul includes detailed information and prices of the Istanbul Museum Pass, and all other Istanbul City Passes. Check out the article, plan your trip ahead and save money!

Opening hours: The opening hours of the museums in Istanbul vary according to the summer and winter seasons. On the first day of certain public holidays, the state museums open at 13:00.  On the other days, regular opening hours apply.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Are museums free in Istanbul?

Not all the museums are free of charge in Turkey and in Istanbul. You can find the information about the prices and entrance for the top visited museums in this article.

What day museums are closed in Istanbul?

There is not a certain closed day for all the museums in Istanbul. For example Topkapi Palace Museum and Hagia Eirene Museum is closed on Tuesdays while Dolmabahce Palace Museum and Beylerbeyi Palace Museum is closed on Mondays. The best way is to check in from the official websites before getting there.

How much is the entrance to Hagia Sophia?

There is no entrance fee for Hagia Sophia. But, we suggest you to do your visit with an official tour guide to this unique monument with many striking details and 1500 year old history.

Is the Blue Mosque free?

Yes, it is possible to visit all Imperial Mosques in Turkey free of charge including Blue Mosque except for the praying times. You can check the prayer times here.

Which are the most important museums of Istanbul?

In Istanbul, one can get to know better and feel the nostalgia of the Ottoman lifestyle by visiting the Imperial Palaces that serves as museums today including Topkapi Palace Museum, Dolmabahce Palace Museum and Beylerbeyi Palace Museum. Istanbul Archaeology Museum is also highly significant with a large collection about Istanbul's history as well as various sections about Eastern civilisations including Babylonian, Egyptian and Sumerian.

How much is the Museum Pass in Istanbul?

You can get Museum Pass from our shop for € 37.00 with a special discount.

Which is the best museum of Istanbul?

Istanbul as a cosmopolitan city with a substantial history has world-famous museums. Even if the term "best" could be an individual attribute, we can count the Topkapi Palace Museum with Harem, Dolmabahce Palace Museum, Istanbul Archaeology Museums among the top rated museums. 

Location of the Museums

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All Museums in Istanbul

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History


Museums with a connection to Istanbul’s history

The majestic Topkapi Palace served as the administrative and educational center ...

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Set on the southern banks of the Bosphorus, the sumptuous Dolmabahce ...

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No other building reflects the soul of Istanbul and its turbulent ...

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The Istanbul Archaeology Museums, located just below Topkapi Palace, is a ...

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The City Museum is located in the Fine Arts Hall of ...

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The private museum of the industrial magnate Vehbi Koç , built ...

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The former church of Pammakaristos monastery is located on the northern ...

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Hagia Irene - the "Church of Holy Peace" - is a ...

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Chora church was built between 527 and 575 on the top ...

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Hidden beneath the houses and structures we see on the Historical ...

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Country and culture


Way of life, culture and belief in Turkey

Built on the foundations of the Great Palace of Constantinople, this ...

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"To read beautiful calligraphy is like smelling the aroma of a ...

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Discover the world’s richest Islamic art collection in the Turkish and ...

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The museum of the founder of the state and father of ...

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Istanbul's oldest dervish monastery, the Galata Mevlevihanesi, which dates back to ...

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The Museum of Turkish Jews, founded on the occasion of the ...

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Some time ago, with the idea of opening a museum in ...

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Art and modernity


From contemporary Turkish art to exhibitions from the past.

Located in the Beyoglu district, Pera Museum is housed in a ...

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"To read beautiful calligraphy is like smelling the aroma of a ...

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You cannot admire art in a more beautiful way. The Sakıp ...

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Santral Istanbul is a hip arts and cultural center that once ...

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Are you ready to explore the dynamic and ever-evolving contemporary art ...

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Burhan Cahit Doğançay was an important artist of our time. His ...

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Since its founding in 2001, the Elgiz Museum of Contemporary Art, ...

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Anyone climbing the Çamlıca hill to enjoy one of the most ...

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Technology


Turkish history of technology, seafaring and past

The Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam ...

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Opened in 1994, the Rahmi Koç Museum is located on the ...

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The Military Museum is one of the largest museums in Istanbul ...

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