Pay Once and Have Free Attractions Entry for 2, 3, 5 or 7 days
Introduction
If you are planning to visit Istanbul, you cannot miss out on the rich culture and history that the city has to offer. Istanbul is home to many museums, and the best way to explore them all while saving time and money is by getting an Istanbul Museum Pass.
Types of Museum Pass
There are two types of Museum Pass that you can buy to visit museums in Istanbul. One of them is owned by the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the other is offered by authorized travel agents. In this article, we will talk about the Museum Pass Istanbul.
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Museums Included
The Museum Pass Istanbul offers access to 13 museums in Istanbul under the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Directorate of National Palaces, which also means State Museums. All these museums can be visited for five days with the Museum Pass.
The list of museums included in the Museum Pass Istanbul is as follows:
- Topkapi Palace Museum + Harem
- Hagia Irene Museum
- ADAM MICKIEWICZ MUSEUM
- TURBES MUSEUM
- Museum of Turkish & Islamic Arts
- Istanbul Archaeology Museums
- Chora Museum
- Great Palace Mosaics Museum
- Museum of History of Science and Technology in Islam
- Galata Mevlevi Lodge Museum
- Galata Tower Museum
- Rumeli Fortress Museum
Is it Worth It?
If you are going to visit Istanbul museums in detail, the Istanbul Museum Pass is definitely worth the money. However, do not forget that you should visit at least three or four museums with all sections. Especially Topkapi Palace has three separate sections, and the Museum Pass is valid in all of them. Even in this museum alone, you will get most of your money back.
How to Use
The Museum Pass Istanbul is a plastic tool, similar to a credit card, and it’s very easy to carry. Once the card is activated, you can use the Museum Pass Istanbul for five days, or 120 hours. Also, The Museum Pass is valid in all Istanbul museums that we have listed above. You can activate it in turnstiles at museum entrances.
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How to Buy Istanbul Museum Pass
It can be purchased online from the official website or directly at the ticket windows at the museums. The price for the card l is 700 TL, and it is valid for five days starting from your first visit.
Additional Discounts
In addition to saving time and money, the Museum Pass Istanbul also provides additional discounts at other museums and attractions. Some of these museums include:
- Museum of Innocence (Nobel Prize winner Orhan Pamuk’s museum)
- Istanbul Military Museum (Located in Besiktas area by Bosphorus)
- Pera Museum (Located next to Istiklal Street At Beyoglu)
- Rahmi Koc Museum (Located in Golden Horn shores)
- Sakip Sabanci Museum (Located at the Bosphorus at Emirgan)
- Sadberk Hanim Museum (Located further up the Bosphorus at Sariyer)
Security Queues
It is essential to note that the pass saves you from waiting in line to buy tickets, but this does not mean that you will enter the museum without waiting. In most museums, there is a security queue after passing the ticket offices. You leave your bag on the x-ray machine before you scan your ticket and pass through the turnstiles. Security checks take time due to crowds during the tourist season, and even if you own a museum pass, you may have to wait here.
Plan Your Museum Visits
Undoubtedly, to plan your museum visits in Istanbul, you need to take into account the days the museums are closed. Istanbul museums are closed one day a week. In the list below, we have noted the days when the most important attractions are closed:
- Hagia Sophia Mosque: Open Everyday
- Galata Tower: Open Everyday
- Turkish & Islamic Arts Museum: Monday
- Grand Palace Mosaic Museum: Monday
- Topkapi Palace: Tuesday
- Great Palace Mosaic Museum: Wednesday
- Fethiye Museum: Wednesday
Conclusion
Overall, the Museum Pass Istanbul is an excellent way to save time and money while exploring the rich culture and history of Istanbul.
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