Updated Istanbul Museums & Attractions Entry Fees and Opening Hours (2024)

Istanbul, a city that has been an enchanting bridge between East and West for centuries, offers a treasure trove of attractions for tourists to explore. With its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning architecture, it’s no wonder that the city is a magnet for visitors. To help you navigate the vibrant labyrinth of Istanbul, we have compiled a comprehensive guide on the entrance fees and opening hours for the city’s most iconic attractions. So, grab your virtual map and let’s embark on a journey through the Istanbul’s mesmerizing wonders.

Tickets Prices of Museums in Istanbul

Hagia Sophia Mosque: A Timeless Marvel

• Entrance fee: 850 TL
• Working hours: Between 09:00 in the morning and 17:00 in the evening. Like all mosques in Istanbul, it is closed during prayer times.

Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii): A Symphony of Blue

• Entrance fee: Free
• Working hours: Between 09:00 in the morning and 17:00 in the evening. Like all mosques in Istanbul, it is closed during prayer times.

Topkapi Palace Museum: A Portal to the Ottoman Empire

• Entrance fee: 1500 TL (Topkapı Palace + Harem)
• Opening hours: Every day except Tuesdays, 09:00-18:00

Step into the enchanting world of the Ottoman Empire with a visit to the Topkapi Palace Museum. Here, you can immerse yourself in the opulence of the sultans’ court, explore the breathtaking palace grounds, and delve into Istanbul’s rich history.

Harem (Harem): Behind the Veil of Intrigue

• Entrance fee: 1500 TL, only with a Topkapi Palace ticket.
• Opening hours: Every day except Tuesdays, 09:00-18:00.

The Harem, a fascinating part of the Topkapi Palace, offers a glimpse into the secretive world of the Ottoman Empire’s royal household.

All you need to know about Topkapi Palace >>

Hagia Irene (Aya İrini): Echoes of Byzantine Glory

• Entrance fee: 500 TL; Free for children aged 8 and younger
• Istanbul Museum Pass: Valid
• Opening hours: Every day except Tuesdays, 09:00-18:00

Located within the Topkapi Palace complex, the Hagia Irene is a testament to Istanbul’s Byzantine legacy.

Basilica Cistern Museum: A Subterranean Wonderland

• Entrance fee: 600 TL
• Opening hours: Every day, 09:00-19:00
• Istanbul Museum Pass: Not valid

Descend into the depths of Istanbul’s history by visiting the Basilica Cistern Museum. This ancient underground reservoir is an engineering marvel that transports visitors to a time long past.

Istanbul Archaeology Museums: A Journey Through Time

• Entrance fee: €30 (510 TL); Free for children aged 12 and under (ID required)
• Opening hours: Every day, 09:30-19:30 (01 April to 01 October), 09:00-18:30 (01 October to 01 April)
• Istanbul Museum Pass: Valid.

Discover the rich tapestry of history at the Istanbul Archaeology Museums, which house a vast collection of artifacts from diverse civilizations.

Museum of Turkish & Islamic Arts: A Cultural Treasure Trove

• Entrance fee: €17 (590 TL)
• Opening hours: Every day, 09:30-19:30 (01 April to 01 October), 09:00-17:30 (01 October to 01 April)
• Istanbul Museum Pass: Valid

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Turkish and Islamic art by visiting this exceptional museum.

Great Palace Mosaics Museum: A Kaleidoscope of Colors (Temporarily Closed)

• Entrance fee: – TL
• Opening hours: Every day, 09:30-19:30 (01 April to 31 October), 09:00-18:30 (31 October to 01 April).
• Istanbul Museum Pass: Valid

Step into a world of vibrant colors and intricate designs at the Great Palace Mosaics Museum. For an entrance fee of 60 TL, you can marvel at the stunning mosaics that once adorned the floors of the Byzantine-era Great Palace. This mesmerizing collection offers a unique glimpse into the artistic achievements of a bygone era.

Dolmabahce Palace Museum: Ottoman Elegance

Entrance fee:

• 1050 TL (Selamlik + Harem + Painting Museum Ticket, valid for a week);
• 1400 TL [Combine Ticket I] National Palaces Full Pass; Dolmabahçe Palace+ Palace Kiosk And Pavilions Of Asian Side + Palace Kiosk And Pavilions Of European Side (Except Topkapi Palace And Küçüksu Pavilion Picnic Area);
• 1200 TL [Combine Ticket II] Dolmabahçe Palace + Palace Kiosk And Pavilions Of The European Side
• 1200 TL [Combine Ticket III] Palace Kiosk And Pavilions Of Asian Side Combined Ticket (Except Küçüksu Pavilion Picnic Area).

Opening hours: Every day except Mondays, 09:00-18:30.

Istanbul Museum Pass: Not valid.

Discover the opulence and elegance of the Dolmabahce Palace Museum, the lavish residence of Ottoman sultans in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Şerefiye Cistern (Şerefiye Sarnıcı): A Submerged Spectacle

• Entrance fee: 500 TL
• Opening hours: Every day, 09:00-22:00
• Istanbul Museum Pass: Not valid.

Uncover another of Istanbul’s subterranean marvels by visiting the Şerefiye Cistern. With an entrance fee of 500 TL, you can explore this ancient underground water reservoir, which is an engineering wonder that dates back to the Roman Empire. As you wander through the cavernous space, you’ll be captivated by the magnificent columns and the soothing sound of water dripping.

Imperial Porcelain Factory (Yıldız Porselen Fabrikası): Closed

• Entrance fee: – TL
• Opening hours: Every day except Mondays, 09:00-18:00
• Children aged 6 and under: Free of charge

Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayı): A Riverside Retreat

• Entrance fee: 350 TL
• Istanbul Museum Pass: Valid
• Working Hours: Every day except Monday, 09:00-18:00

Beylerbeyi Palace, nestled along the Bosphorus, is an enchanting summer residence that once served as a royal retreat for the Ottoman sultans.

Galata Tower: Soaring Above Istanbul

• Entrance fee: €30 (1025 TL)
• Opening hours: Every day, 08:30-23:00 (1 April – 1 November)

Galata Tower, a medieval stone tower that dominates the skyline, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Istanbul.

Museum of Islamic Science and History of Technology: The Golden Age of Innovation

• Entrance fee: €10 (350 TL)
• Opening hours: Every day, 09:00-18:30 in Winter Period, 09:00-20:00 in Summer Period (1 April – 1 November)

Discover the ingenuity of Islamic scholars at the Museum of Islamic Science and History of Technology.

Galata Mevlevi Lodge Museum: Whirling into Spirituality (Temporarily Closed)

• Entrance fee: – TL
• Opening hours: Every day except Mondays, 09:00-20:00 (1 April – 1 October), 09:00-18:30 (1 October – 1 April)

Galata Mevlevi Lodge Museum invites you to delve into the mystical world of the whirling dervishes. For a – TL entrance fee, learn about the history, beliefs, and rituals of the Mevlevi order, founded by the poet Rumi.

Fortress of Europe (Rumeli Hisarı): A Mighty Bastion on the Bosphorus

• Entrance fee: €6 (210 TL)
• Opening hours: Every day, 09:00-17:30 in Winter Period, 09:00-19:30 in Summer Period (1 April – 1 November)

Stand in awe at the Fortress of Europe, also known as Rumeli Hisarı, a colossal stronghold that once guarded the Bosphorus Strait. For a 130 TL entrance fee, explore the fortress’s impressive towers and walls while enjoying scenic views of the waterway. The fortress is open daily, with different hours for winter and summer periods.

Istanbul Museum of Modern Art: A Creative Hub (Open!)

• Entrance fee: 500 TL
• Opening Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 10.00 a.m – 6.00 pm; Thursday 10.00 a.m – 8.00 pm. Closed on Mondays.

The Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, although temporarily closed, is a must-see for art enthusiasts when it reopens. With a 500 TL entrance fee, visitors can explore a diverse collection of contemporary art by Turkish and international artists. The museum is temporary closed due moving to the new location.

Private Pera Museum: A Blend of Art and Culture

• Entrance fee: Adult: 100 TL, Concessions: 60 TL (12 years old or younger, students, faculty, 60 years and over), Group: 80 TL (minimum 10 people)
• Opening hours: Every day except Mondays and holidays; Tuesday – Saturday: 10.00 – 19.00; Friday 10.00 – 22.00; Sunday: 12.00 – 18.00.

Private Pera Museum is a vibrant center of art and culture in Istanbul, offering a range of permanent and temporary exhibitions. With entrance fees ranging from 60 TL to 100 TL, visitors can explore its remarkable collection of Orientalist paintings, Anatolian weights and measures, and Kütahya tiles and ceramics.

Istanbul Madame Tussauds Wax Museum: Rub Shoulders with the Stars

• Entrance fee: from 702 TL
• Opening hours: Every day between 11:00 and 21:00; Last entry is 20:00.

At Istanbul Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, meet lifelike wax figures of celebrities, politicians, and historical figures.

Miniaturk Museum: Turkey in Miniature

• Entrance fee: 350 TL
• Opening hours: Every day, 09:00-18:00

Discover Turkey’s most iconic landmarks in miniature at Miniaturk Museum. With a 240 TL entrance fee, visitors can explore over 100 meticulously detailed miniature models of Turkey’s most famous structures, including the Hagia Sophia and the ancient city of Ephesus. The museum is open daily from 09:00 to 18:00.

Find more places to visit in Istanbul with kids >>

Private Rahmi M. Koc Transport Museum: A Journey Through Time

• Entrance fee: 500 TL
• Opening hours: Every day except Mondays, Tuesday-Friday: 10:00 – 17:00, Saturday-Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00 (closed on Mondays and certain holidays)

For a unique experience, head to the Private Rahmi M. Koc Transport Museum, which offers a fascinating journey through the evolution of transportation in Turkey. The museum’s collection includes vintage cars, trains, planes, and even a submarine.

Theme Parks in Istanbul

If you’re traveling with family or friends, you may want to consider visiting one of Istanbul’s theme parks, which offer a fun and exciting day out for all ages. Here are some of the top options:

Vialand Theme Park: Thrills and Adventure

• Opening hours: Every day, 11:30-20:00 (till 21:00 on weekends)
• Admission prices: $55 or 1660 TL

Vialand Theme Park is the largest theme park in Istanbul, offering a wide range of rides and attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, and a Ferris wheel.

Istanbul Aquarium: An Underwater Adventure

• Opening hours: Every day, 10:00 – 19:00 on weekdays, 10:00 – 22:00 on weekends
• Admission prices: Please check the website for current prices

Istanbul Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in Europe, housing over 15,000 sea creatures. Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits, including a tropical rainforest and a shark tunnel. The aquarium also offers interactive experiences and educational programs for all ages.

Enjoy Free Entry to the Famous Museums and Guided Tours with Istanbul E-Pass

The Istanbul E-Pass is a valuable option for travelers, as it offers free entry and guided tours to the famous museums, along with 50+ other attractions, providing a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the city.

Istanbul Dolphinarium: Up-Close with Dolphins

• Opening hours: Every day except Mondays, 10:00-18:00
• Admission prices: from 1300 TL

Istanbul Dolphinarium is a unique attraction where visitors can watch dolphin shows and even swim with these intelligent creatures. In addition to dolphins, the park also has shows featuring seals and sea lions.

Aquarium Sealife Istanbul: Discovering the Ocean

• Opening hours: Every day, 10:00 to 19:00
• Admission prices: From 702 TL

Aquarium Sealife Istanbul is another aquarium that offers visitors the opportunity to discover the ocean and its inhabitants. Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits, including a tropical rainforest and a shark tunnel. The aquarium also offers interactive experiences and educational programs for all ages.

Istanbul LEGOLAND: Building and Exploring

• Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00 – 19:00; Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 – 20:00
• Admission prices: From 702 TL

Istanbul LEGOLAND is a must-visit destination for LEGO lovers of all ages. The park features LEGO-themed rides, attractions, and activities, including a LEGO factory tour and a 4D cinema. Visitors can also see replicas of famous Turkish landmarks made entirely out of LEGO.

Find more places to visit in Istanbul with kids >>

Bazaars in Istanbul: A Shopper’s Paradise

No trip to Istanbul would be complete without a visit to one of its bustling bazaars. The most famous and oldest one is the Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsi), which dates back to the 15th century.

Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsi)

• Opening hours: every day except Sundays between 08:30-19:00
• Closed on Sundays + national holidays
• Can be restricted during the Muslims’ Friday worship at noon, because of the lack of space in the nearby Beyazit Mosque.
• Entrance is FREE of charge.

Read more about Grand Bazaar >>

Egyptian Spice Market (Misir Carsisi)

• Opening hours: every day between 08:00-19:30.
• Closed on national holidays
• Entrance is FREE of charge.

Explore the Best Bazaars in Istanbul with Guides

Conclusion

In conclusion, Istanbul is a city brimming with an abundance of captivating attractions that offer a glimpse into its rich history and culture. When planning your visit, it’s essential to be aware of the entrance fees and opening hours for each attraction to make the most of your time in Istanbul.

It’s worth noting that most of the attractions in Istanbul are closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly. From the iconic landmarks of Sultanahmet to the trendy galleries of Karaköy, there is something for every type of traveller in Istanbul. By taking note of these essential details, you can embark on an unforgettable journey through the sights and sounds of this mesmerizing metropolis.

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