The official Istanbul Museum Pass costs €105 in 2026 and provides one-time admission to 13 museums and historic sites for five consecutive days from the first use. The separate Istanbul Welcome Card package costs €120, or €114 with the ITI5 discount code, and adds audio guides, two Digital Public Transport QR Passes and digital travel tools.
The pass is especially useful if you plan to visit Topkapi Palace, the Harem Apartments, Galata Tower and several other state-run museums during the same trip.
However, the official pass does not include Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Dolmabahce Palace, public transportation or Night Museum visits after 19:00.
This guide explains what the Istanbul Museum Pass includes, how it works, where to buy it and whether it is the right choice for your itinerary.
Istanbul Museum Pass 2026: Quick Facts
Official Museum Pass price | €105 |
IWC package price | €120 |
IWC price with ITI5 | €114 |
Validity | 5 days from first use |
Included sites | 13 museums and historic sites |
Entry limit | One visit per included museum |
Format | Digital e-card |
Night Museum visits | Not included after 19:00 |
Official pass transportation | Not included |
IWC package transportation |
What Is the Istanbul Museum Pass?
The Istanbul Museum Pass is a sightseeing card designed mainly for international visitors who want to visit several government-operated museums during the same trip.
Instead of purchasing a separate entrance ticket at every included museum, you use one digital pass.
👉🏻 The five-day validity period begins when you first use the pass. It does not begin on the purchase date, so you can buy it before your trip without immediately activating it.
How Does the Istanbul Museum Pass Work?
The pass removes the need to purchase a separate ticket at participating museum ticket offices. It does not allow visitors to bypass mandatory security checks or temporary entrance lines.
Keep your phone charged and save a copy of your pass before leaving your hotel.
Which Museums Are Included in the Istanbul Museum Pass?
The Istanbul Museum Pass includes one-time entry to 13 museums and historic sites. The pass is valid for five consecutive days after its first use.
Here is the complete list of museums included in the Istanbul Museum Pass in 2026:
1. Topkapi Palace Museum
Topkapi Palace was the home and administrative center of the Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years. Visitors can explore its courtyards, imperial collections and views of the Bosphorus.
2. Topkapi Palace Harem
The Harem Apartments were the private living quarters of the Ottoman royal family. The Harem contains decorated rooms, courtyards and historic residential areas.
3. Maiden’s Tower
Maiden’s Tower is located on a small island in the Bosphorus. It is one of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks.
Transport and access arrangements may change, so check the current visitor information before your trip.
4. Galata Tower Museum
Galata Tower offers panoramic views of the Historic Peninsula, Golden Horn and Bosphorus.
Museum Pass holders must enter before the official pass-entry cut-off time.
5. Hagia Irene Monument Museum
Hagia Irene is an early Byzantine church located inside the outer grounds of Topkapi Palace. It is a separate monument from Hagia Sophia and is included in the Museum Pass.
6. Istanbul Archaeological Museums
The Istanbul Archaeological Museums contain important objects from ancient civilizations across the former Ottoman territories. The collection includes sculptures, sarcophagi, archaeological discoveries and the historic Tiled Kiosk.
7. Great Palace Mosaics Museum
The Great Palace Mosaics Museum displays Byzantine mosaics discovered near the former Great Palace of Constantinople. It is located close to the Blue Mosque and other major Sultanahmet attractions.
8. Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
Located on Sultanahmet Square, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts contains historic carpets, manuscripts, ceramics, woodwork and ethnographic objects.
9. Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam
This museum is located inside Gülhane Park. It displays models and reconstructions of scientific instruments developed by scholars from the Islamic world.
10. Rumeli Fortress Museum
Rumeli Fortress was built by Sultan Mehmed II before the conquest of Constantinople in 1453.
The fortress is outside the main Sultanahmet tourist area, so allow extra time for transportation.
11. Galata Mevlevi House Museum
The Galata Mevlevi House Museum explains the history and traditions of the Mevlevi order.
The museum is within walking distance of Galata Tower.
12. Adam Mickiewicz Museum
The Adam Mickiewicz Museum is a small house museum dedicated to the Polish poet Adam Mickiewicz, who spent the final weeks of his life in Istanbul.
13. Türbeler Museum
The Türbeler Museum, also known as the Museum of Tombs, manages several historic Ottoman tombs across Istanbul.
Opening hours and visitor access may be different for each location.
Important: Museums may temporarily close because of restoration work, maintenance or official events. Check the current opening status of each museum before planning your visit.
What Is Not Included in the Istanbul Museum Pass?
The Museum Pass does not cover every major attraction in Istanbul. The pass does not include:
The official Museum Pass is also not valid for Night Museum visits after 19:00.
If Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Dolmabahce Palace, a Bosphorus cruise and transportation are the main priorities in your itinerary, compare the Museum Pass with a broader city pass or ticket combination.
Official Museum Pass or Istanbul Welcome Card Package?
You may see both €105 and €120 prices online. These prices are for two different products.
Official Museum Pass
The official Museum Pass costs €105 and includes:
It does not include public transportation, audio guides, a city map or other travel tools.
Istanbul Welcome Card Package
The Istanbul Welcome Card Museum Pass package normally costs €120. Use the ITI5 discount code to reduce the price to €114.
This package includes the Museum Pass plus the following extras:
The official pass is the cheaper option if you only need museum entry. The discounted IWC package costs €9 more. It may offer better value if you will use the audio guides, transportation passes and digital tools.
Where Can You Buy the Istanbul Museum Pass?
You can buy the official Istanbul Museum Pass from the official Museums of Türkiye website or an authorized sales point.
If you want the extra services listed above, you can buy the Istanbul Welcome Card Museum Pass package.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The official Istanbul Museum Pass costs €105. The Istanbul Welcome Card package costs €120, or €114 with the ITI5 discount code. The package also includes audio guides, two Digital Public Transport QR Passes and digital travel tools.
The pass is valid for five consecutive days from your first museum entry.
The official pass includes 13 museums and historic sites in Istanbul.
Final Decision: Should You Buy the Istanbul Museum Pass?
The Istanbul Museum Pass is a good choice if you want to visit several state-run museums within five days.
It usually offers the best value when your plan includes Topkapi Palace, the Harem, Galata Tower, the Archaeological Museums and other included sites.
It is not an all-inclusive Istanbul pass. Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Dolmabahce Palace and Night Museum visits need separate tickets.
Choose the official €105 pass if you only need museum entry. Consider the €114 IWC package if you will use the audio guides, two Digital Public Transport QR Passes, digital city map and local guide.
Choose the option that matches the places and services you will actually use.