In this article, you can find the best museums in Istanbul and their entrance fees and visiting hours, up to date in 2025. I have listed the most popular museums in Istanbul from the eyes of a professional tourist guide.
Ticket prices and opening hours of museums in Istanbul may change several times throughout the year. For this reason, although I update it frequently, it is not possible to keep this article 100% up to date.
For this reason, before visiting the museums, I recommend you to check this information one last time on their official websites. You can also find skip-the-line tickets for some museums of Istanbul in related topics.
1. Hagia Sophia
Although Hagia Sophia serves as a mosque today, as of 2025 its upper floor will still function as a museum that can be visited with a ticket. On the upper floor of Hagia Sophia you can see magnificent Byzantine mosaics and take a panoramic photo of the unique structure.
Hagia Sophia Entrance Fee 2025
Hagia Sophia entrance fee is 25 Euros in 2025. The ticketed section is the upper floor galleries that are open to touristic visits. The lower floor is reserved for Muslim visitors to pray during prayer hours. This was last updated on January 2, 2025.
If you want to get fast access to Hagia Sophia with a guided group, you can buy skip-the-line tickets from this link. These online tickets can save you from waiting at the ticket booths during the spring and summer months.
Hagia Sophia Opening Hours 2025
Hagia Sophia opening hours are between 09:00 in the morning and 19:00 in the evening. It should be noted that these hours are for the upper floor galleries that are open to tourist visits. Muslim visitors can enter the ground floor throughout the day during all prayer times. This was last updated on January 2, 2025.
2. Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace was the place where Ottoman sultans lived between 1461 and 1856. 25 Ottoman sultans lived here with their families. Topkapi Palace spreads over a huge area and has 4 huge courtyards. You can see the exhibition rooms, treasures and Harem rooms spread across the courtyards of the palace.
Topkapi Palace Entrance Fee 2025
Topkapi Palace entrance fee is 2000 Turkish Liras as of 2025. This combined ticket includes all courtyards of the palace, Harem rooms and Hagia Irene Church. This was last updated on January 8, 2025.
If you want to get fast access to Topkapi Palace with a guided group, you can buy skip-the-line tickets from this link. These online tickets can save you from waiting at the ticket booths during the spring and summer months.
Topkapı Palace Opening Hours 2025
Topkapi Palace opening hours are between 09:00 in the morning and 17:00 in the evening. Please also note that the museum is closed on Tuesdays. This was last updated on January 8, 2025.
3. Basilica Cistern
Basilica Cistern is the largest of the Byzantine underground cisterns in Istanbul. Built in the same period as Hagia Sophia, the cistern has a history of 1500 years. Basilica Cistern underwent a major restoration between 2015 and 2022, and with its new lighting, it looks more beautiful than ever.
Basilica Cistern Entrance Fee 2025
Basilica Cistern entrance fee is 900 Turkish Lira per person as of 2025. Museum Pass Istanbul is NOT valid in the museum. You can pay by credit card or Turkish lira at the box office. This was last updated on January 2, 2025.
If you want to get fast access to Basilica Cistern with a guided group, you can buy skip-the-line tickets from this link. These online tickets can save you from waiting at the ticket booths during the spring and summer months.
Basilica Cistern Opening Hours 2025
Basilica Cistern opening hours are between 09:00 in the morning and 18:30 in the evening. The cistern is open to visitors every day of the week. This was last updated on January 2, 2025.
4. Galata Tower
Galata Tower is a very suitable place to take photos of Istanbul. Built during the Byzantine period in the 14th century, Galata Tower is a great place to watch the magnificent panoramic view of Istanbul.
Galata Tower Entrance Fee 2025
Galata Tower entrance fee is 30 Euros as of 2025. Museum Pass Istanbul is valid in this museum. The information on the ticket price was last updated on January 2, 2025.
Galata Tower Opening Hours 2025
Galata Tower opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 23:00 in the evening. This museum is open every day of the week. This was last updated on January 2, 2025.
5. Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahce Palace is a magnificent palace built on the shores of the Bosphorus. Representing the late Ottoman architecture, the palace was built in the 19th century. Dolmabahce Palace is one of the best museums in Istanbul with its magnificent chandeliers, furniture and giant hand-woven carpets.
Dolmabahce Palace Entrance Fee 2025
Dolmabahce Palace entrance fee is 1500 Turkish Liras as of 2025. The combined ticket covers the Main Building, the Harem Rooms and the Palace Collections sections of the palace. This was last updated on January 8, 2025.
If you want to get fast access to Dolmabahce Palace with a guided group, you can buy skip-the-line tickets from this link. These online tickets can save you from waiting at the ticket booths during the spring and summer months.
Dolmabahce Palace Opening Hours 2025
Dolmabahce Palace opening hours are between 9:00 in the morning and 17:00 in the evening. Please note that Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays. This was last updated on January 8, 2025.
6. Istanbul Archaeology Museum
There are many historical artifacts related to the civilizations that lived in Anatolia and Mesopotamia in the Istanbul Archaeology Museum. The museum also houses an important heritage related to Greco-Roman and Byzantine history.
Istanbul Archaeology Museum Entry Fee 2025
Istanbul Archaeology Museum entrance fee is 15 Euros as of 2025. Istanbul Museum Pass is valid in this museum. The information on the ticket price was last updated on January 2, 2025.
Istanbul Archaeology Museum Hours 2025
Istanbul Archaeological Museums opening hours are between 09:00 in the morning and 18:30 in the evening. Please note that the ticket office closes at 17:30. This museum is open every day of the week. This was last updated on January 2, 2025.
7. Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum
Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum hosts a collection dating back to the Caliphates in Islamic history. The legacy of the Seljuk and Ottoman empires regarding Turkish history can also be seen in the museum. This museum is among the best museums in Istanbul with its collection of antique Turkish rugs.
Turkish & Islamic Arts Museum Entry Fee 2025
Turkish and Islamic Art Museum entrance fee is 17 Euros as of 2025. Istanbul Museum Pass is valid in this museum. The information on the ticket price was last updated on January 2, 2025.
Turkish & Islamic Art Museum Hours 2025
Turkish and Islamic Art Museum opening hours are between 09:00 in the morning and 18:30 in the evening. Please note that the ticket office closes at 17:30. This museum is open every day of the week. This was last updated on January 2, 2025.
8. Yildiz Palace
Yildiz Palace, near Ortakoy, the most beautiful district of the Bosphorus, consists of mansions spread over a large forest area and dates back to the 19th century. Yildiz Palace is one of the rare museums that brings people together with nature in a megacity like Istanbul.
Yildiz Palace Entrance Fee 2025
Yildiz Palace entrance fee is 200 Turkish Liras as of 2025. Museum Pass Istanbul is valid in this place. The information on the ticket price was last updated on January 2, 2025.
Yildiz Palace Opening Hours 2025
Yildiz Palace opening hours are between 09:00 in the morning and 17:00 in the evening. The museum is closed on Monday. This was last updated on January 2, 2025.
9. Beylerbeyi Palace
Beylerbeyi Palace is located on the Asian side of Istanbul. It was used as a summer palace by the Ottoman sultans for a while. It later became a guest house for high profile visitors. Among the celebrities who stayed in the palace is French Empress Eugénie de Montijo.
Beylerbeyi Palace Entrance Fee 2025
Beylerbeyi Palace entrance fee is 600 Turkish Liras as of 2025. Museum Pass Istanbul is not valid in this museum. The information on the ticket price was last updated on January 2, 2025.
Beylerbeyi Palace Opening Hours 2025
Beylerbeyi Palace opening hours are between 09:00 in the morning and 17:00 in the evening. Please note that the palace is closed on Mondays. This was last updated on January 2, 2025.
10. Chora Church (Kariye Mosque)
Chora Church was a Byzantine building, just like Hagia Sophia, and today it serves as the Kariye Mosque. The most beautiful examples of Byzantine mosaic art can still be seen on the walls of the mosque.
Chora Church Entrance Fee 2025
Chora Church (now Kariye Mosque) entrance fee is 20 Euros as of 2025. Museum Pass Istanbul is not valid here. The information on the ticket price was last updated on January 2, 2025.
Chora Church Opening Hours 2025
Kariye Mosque (former Chora Church) opening hours are between 09:00 in the morning and 18:00 in the evening. The building is completely closed to visitors on Fridays due to congregational prayers. Information on visiting hours was last updated on January 2, 2025.
11. Fethiye Museum
Fethiye Museum introduces the heritage of Pammakaristos Church, one of the important Byzantine buildings in Istanbul. The building actually serves as the Fethiye Mosque today, but the burial chapel of the monastery church is used as a museum.
Fethiye Museum Entrance Fee 2025
Fethiye Museum entrance fee is 3 Euros as of 2025. You can use Istanbul Museum Pass to enter former Pammakaristos Church. The information on the ticket price was last updated on January 2, 2025.
Fethiye Museum Opening Hours 2025
Fethiye Museum opening hours are between 09:00 in the morning and 17:00 in the evening. However , this museum is currently closed due to restoration. This was last updated on January 2, 2025.
12. Galata Mevlevi Museum
Galata Mevlevi Museum is a place where you can trace the philosophy of the world-famous Rumi. A whirling dervish show is also organized here at some times of the year. This is one of the museums where you can go on a spiritual journey in Istanbul.
Galata Mevlevi Museum Entrance Fee 2025
Galata Mevlevi House Museum entrance fee is 7 Euros as of 2025. The Museum Pass Istanbul is valid at the entrance. The information on the ticket price was last updated on January 2, 2025.
Galata Mevlevi Museum Opening Hours 2025
Galata Mevlevi House Museum opening hours are between 09:00 in the morning and 18:30 in the evening. Please also note that the Museum is closed on Mondays. This was last updated on January 2, 2025.
13. Miniaturk Museum
Miniaturk Museum is a large open-air museum containing small models of all historical artifacts from across Turkey. In this sense, it is among the best things to do in Istanbul for families with children.
Miniaturk Museum Entrance Fee 2025
Miniaturk Museum entrance fee is 620 Turkish Liras as of 2025. The Istanbul Museum Pass is not valid in this particular museum. Information on ticket price was last updated on January 2, 2025.
Miniaturk Museum Opening Hours 2025
Miniaturk Museum opening hours are between 09:00 in the morning and 18:00 in the evening. The musuem is open every day, including weekends and public holidays. This was last updated on January 2, 2025.
14. Rumeli Fortress
Rumeli Fortress is a 15th-century structure built by the Ottomans on the European side of the Bosphorus. Rumeli Fortress is among the best museums in Istanbul in terms of the view it offers.
Rumeli Fortress Entrance Fee 2025
Rumeli Fortress entrance fee is 6 Euros as of 2025. The Museum Pass Istanbul is valid at the entrance to the Rumeli Fortress. The information on the ticket price was last updated on January 2, 2025.
Rumeli Fortress Opening Hours 2025
Rumeli Fortress opening hours are between 08:30 in the morning and 17:00 in the evening. Please also note that ticket sales at the box office end at 16:00. The museum is closed on Mondays. This was last updated on January 2, 2025.
15. Rahmi Koc Museum
Rahmi Koc Museum is a museum located on the shores of the Golden Horn in Istanbul and is about the history of industry in the world. In the museum you can see old planes, ships, cars and even a submarine.
Rahmi Koc Museum Entrance Fee 2025
Rahmi Koc Museum entrance fee is 600 Turkish Lira for adults as of 2025. Discounted tickets for children and students are 300 Turkish Liras. The museum also sells tickets for the Submarine tour, but this section is currently out of service. This was last updated on January 2, 2025.
Rahmi Koc Museum Opening Hours 2025
Rahmi Koc Museum opening hours are between 09:30 in the morning and 17:00 in the evening. On weekends, the museum can be visited between 10:00 and 18:00. The museum is closed to visitors on Mondays. This was last updated on January 2, 2025.
16. Sakip Sabanci Museum
Sakip Sabanci Museum is an art museum located in Emirgan, one of the most beautiful districts of the Bosphorus. The museum has previously introduced Salvador Dali and Picasso to Istanbulites with temporary exhibitions and is definitely among the best museums in Istanbul.
Sakip Sabanci Museum Entrance Fee 2025
Sakip Sabanci Museum entrance fee is 300 Turkish Liras as of 2025. Discounted ticket price for visitors over 65, students over 18 and teachers is 210 TL. Student ticket price is 150 TL. This was last updated on January 2, 2025.
Sakip Sabanci Museum Opening Hours 2025
Sakip Sabanci Museum opening hours are between 10:00 in the morning and 18:00 in the evening. The museum is closed to visitors on Mondays. Tuesdays are public day at the museum and admission is free. This was last updated on January 2, 2025.
17. Istanbul Modern Art Museum
Istanbul Modern Art Museum is a place where you can watch the history of modern art in the city since the beginning of the 20th century. The museum’s recently opened building was designed by world-famous architect Renzo Piano.
Istanbul Modern Art Museum Entry Fee 2025
Istanbul Modern Art Museum entrance fee is 700 Turkish Lira per person as of 2025. Museum tickets are sold at a discounted price of 450 Lira for students and visitors over the age of 65. This was last updated on January 2, 2025.
Istanbul Modern Art Museum Hours 2025
Istanbul Modern Art Museum opening hours are between 10:00 in the morning and 18:00 in the evening. On Fridays it is open until 20:00 in the late evening. The museum is closed on Mondays. This was last updated on January 2, 2025.
18. Pera Museum
Pera Museum is within walking distance of Taksim Square and Galata Tower, the most important tourist centers of the city. You can see a magnificent collection of 19th century orientalist painters at Pera Museum.
Pera Museum Entrance Fee 2025
Pera Museum entrance fee is 200 Turkish Lira per person as of 2025. The price is reduced to 100 Turkish Liras for children under 12 years, for students and for adults over 60 years old. This was last updated on January 2, 2025.
Pera Museum Opening Hours 2025
Pera Museum opening hours are between 10:00 and 19:00 on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. On Sunday the opening time is 12:00 in the midday and the closing time is 18:00 in the evening. The museum is closed on Mondays. This was last updated on January 2, 2025.
19. Istanbul Aquarium
Istanbul Aquarium is a wonderful museum that hosts sea creatures from all over the world. The museum is divided according to the names of the oceans and introduces children to sea creatures. The aquarium also has live diving sessions.
Istanbul Aquarium Entrance Fee 2025
Istanbul Aquarium entrance fee is 950 Turkish Liras as of 2025. The discounted ticket price for children aged 2-12, students, teachers and citizens over 65 is 850 TL. This was last updated on January 2, 2025.
Istanbul Aquarium Opening Hours 2025
Istanbul Aquarium opening hours are between 10:00 in the morning and 19:00 in the evening for the weekdays. On weekends, it is open until 20:00. The Aquarium in Florya is open to visitors every day of the week. This was last updated on January 2, 2025.
20. Vialand Theme Park
Vialand Theme Park serves as both a giant shopping and activity center and theme park in Istanbul. Especially families with children can have a great time at Vialand, the Disneyland of Istanbul.
Istanbul Vialand Entrance Fee 2025
Istanbul Vialand entrance fee is 60 US Dollars as of 2025. Admission is free for babies between 0 and 3 years old. Information about ticket price was last updated on January 2, 2025.
Istanbul Vialand Opening Hours 2025
Istanbul Vialand opening hours are between 10:00 and 18:00 on the weekdays. On weekends, Vialand is open between 11:00 and 19:00. Vialand is open every day of the week. This was last updated on January 2, 2025.
Best Museums in Istanbul by Serhat Engul
Hello, I like your blog very much, nicely presented and very informative. I will be visiting Istanbul next week and want to visit most of the places you described . Is the new restrictions and curfew in Turkey particularly in Istanbul affecting the openings of all the places you wrote about in this blog and to tourists who just need a few places to see.
Hi Michael, thank you for your nice review about my blog. The situation is critical right now. It was decided to close cafes and restaurants. Museums affiliated to Istanbul Municipality are also closed. Among them is the Basilica Cistern. Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace are open to visitors for now. But if the spread of the virus increases further, there is a possibility of a full curfew.
Hello Serhat. Thank you so much for your quick reply and information. It’s very much appreciated. I guess we will have to make a final decision on whether to proceed with the trip, since we are expected to arrive in Istanbul on 11/24. And be there for 6days. A few of the people are fine with the the take out option for the restaurant and not planning on going out much. Just to walk around and see the city. If places are still open will follow the Covid prevention rules and visit and return to their country after 6days.
I think you will be able to see most of the things. The latest Covid restrictions have just been announced and I don’t think there will be any major changes anytime soon.
Hi Serhat,
Could you please advise what museums/palaces are open for visitors, planning to visit Istanbul 03/12/2020.
You help much appreciated.
Hi Natalia, majority of the museums are open to visitors. Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque are open. Only Basilica Cistern is closed in the Sultanahmet area.
Hi Mr. Serhat,
I find your sight very informative. Thanks for doing this. We were planning to visit Istanbul with my wife between December 24 to January 1. Are museums open, and other cultural sites open during this time?
Kind regards,
Dear Carlos Banchik,
Although I am a guide, I have not been going to museums for months. For this reason, I do not know about each museum. In addition, as museums are operated by three different authorities, the opening and closing situations are constantly changing.
As far as I know, museums affiliated to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism are open between 09:00 in the morning and 5:30 in the evening. So Topkapı Palace is open. However, those affiliated to the Municipality of Istanbul are closed and the most important of them is Basilica Cistern.
Mosques such as Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque are open. However, there is currently full curfew on the weekends. For this reason, everything about museums can change daily and it is very difficult to follow.
Kind regards
Thank you, found this site very helpful especially hours and costs. Thank you for this. We plan to visit son (in UK on a scholarship for 3 yrs) in early 2025 via Turkey so am just begining to look at the historical places – my favourite – and I see you are a history buff. This site now bookmarked for future reference. Thank you.
Hello Jenny, thank you very much for your feedback. I hope you have a nice holiday in Istanbul.
Hey, Serhat Engul. Apppreciate, your blog very helpful. May I get the details for tour guide over istanbul. From malaysia here. Hope can keep in touch for further details.
Dear Syed Ibrahim, thank you for your interest in my private tours. I will send a reply to your email address registered in the system regarding tour options in Istanbul.