Buy Now

Visit Museums in Istanbul with Istanbul Tourist Pass

If you want to visit museums in Istanbul, but are not sure which ones are the best, you are in the right place. Istanbul, in terms of history, culture, and art, is one of the greatest cities in the world. More than 80 museums, spanning from archaeology and historical museums to contemporary and fine art museums, as well as themed museums can be found in the city. Exploring the museums of Istanbul is a whole other experience! 

Ekim Erkan
Ekim Erkan
May 14, 2021 • 4 min
Visit Museums in Istanbul with Istanbul Tourist Pass


Whether you're searching for outstanding museums that were formerly a palace/church/mosque, as well as those dedicated to the history, classic painters, current, fine and modern art, photography, or temporary and permanent exhibits, the most visited and essential ones may be found on our list below. 


Tiled Pavilion Museum


The Tiled Pavilion Museum (Tiled Kiosk) is a 1472 house. It was erected as a summer residence under the orders of Ottoman Sultan II. Mehmed and is positioned inside the outer walls of Topkapi Palace. The Tiled Kiosk is the oldest structure in the Istanbul Archeology Museums complex in terms of construction date. 


When you visit the Tiled Kiosk, you should also pay a visit to Topkapi Palace, a prominent tourist site nearby. With the Istanbul Tourist Pass, you'll get free admission and a guided tour. 


Topkapi Palace Museum


Together with the close-in-distance Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, one of the world's wealthiest museums, might be regarded as the greatest and most visited site in Istanbul. It is a beautiful oriental palace and one of the world's finest architectural marvels, situated on a triangular point commanding the Bosphorus and Golden Horn. 


The Ottoman sultans' palace as well as the Empire's administrative and educational headquarters was Topkapi Palace. The palace was built by Fatih Sultan Mehmed, who conquered Istanbul in 1453, atop the Byzantine acropolis on Sarayburnu, near the extremity of the historical peninsula, between 1460 and 1478. 


 


Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum 


The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts is a magnificent museum that exhibits both Turkish and Islamic art. It is located in Sultanahmet, near the Ibrahim Pasha Palace (one of the most famous structures of Ottoman civil architecture in the 16th century). The museum was the last to open under the Ottoman Empire, and it has about 40,000 objects in its carpet, manuscript, wood, glass-metal-ceramic, and ethnographic divisions.


Basilica Cistern Museum


Are you ready for a magical journey? It is one of the city's most stunning and magical structures. The two Medusa Heads, which serve as supports under the two columns at the cistern's northwest side, are the most interesting and draw the most attention. With your Istanbul Tourist Pass, you can explore the fabled and enigmatic Basilica Cistern while skipping the queues! For history and mythology fans, the Basilica Cistern is a fantastic chance! 


Museum of Blue Mosque


The Blue Mosque, one of the world's oldest and most stunning mosques, will take you back in time. With Blue Mosque, you can take a look at Istanbul's spiritual side and learn about the Islamic Ottoman Empire's culture. The Blue Mosque is the city's most famous sight and a must-see for every tourist to Istanbul. Start your morning there and spend the rest of the day exploring the best of Istanbul's Old City! It's located in the heart of Sultanahmet, close to many other attractions that are included in your Istanbul Tourist Pass, so start there and spend the rest of the day exploring the best of Istanbul's Old City!  


Pera Museum


The Pera Museum is one of Istanbul's most important private art institutions. Even the structure is a piece of beauty! The museum is housed in the old Bristol Hotel, which is situated in the bustling and historic area of Pera in the Beyoglu district. 


Orientalist Paintings, Anatolian Weights and Measures, and Kütahya Tiles and Ceramics are the three permanent collections. These treasures are available to see anytime you go to Istanbul.


Visit Istanbul Museums While Saving %50 With Istanbul Tourist Pass


These were some of the most famous museums in Istanbul, and the best thing is, all of these museums are included with Istanbul Tourist Pass! You can explore the museums mentioned here without any additional charges, and you can skip the lines while you are there. Explore the advantages of the Istanbul Tourist Pass through our website!

Find more Istanbul inspiration

Exploring the Golden Horn in Istanbul: A Historical Marvel
calendar_today Nov 17, 2023 • 14 min

Exploring the Golden Horn in Istanbul: A Historical Marvel

Istanbul is a city full of wonders, from its ancient history to its bustling streets, it is one of the greatest capitals of the world. One of the most iconic landmarks in Istanbul is the Golden Horn, a natural harbor that has played a vital role in the city's development for centuries. The Golden Horn […]

Top 10 Best Istanbul Street Food You Must Try
calendar_today Oct 27, 2022 • 5 min

Top 10 Best Istanbul Street Food You Must Try

Istanbul is a vibrant city with different cultures, deep history, and also with a great selection of foods! Street foods have a special place in Turkish culture but especially in Istanbul, street food is an inseparable piece of the city’s identity. Today even fine-dining restaurants in Istanbul serve street-food-inspired platters.  
 
 In this article, […]

Kadıköy & Moda: A Full Day on Istanbul's Asian Side
calendar_today May 28, 2026 • 20 min

Kadıköy & Moda: A Full Day on Istanbul's Asian Side

Galata Tower to Taksim: A Half-Day Route with the Istanbul Tourist Pass®
calendar_today Apr 20, 2026 • 12 min

Galata Tower to Taksim: A Half-Day Route with the Istanbul Tourist Pass®

Winter in İstanbul Guide 2026: Local Tips & Winter Magic
calendar_today Jan 19, 2026 • 5 min

Winter in İstanbul Guide 2026: Local Tips & Winter Magic

Best Shopping Malls in Istanbul for Tourists
calendar_today Dec 9, 2025 • 10 min

Best Shopping Malls in Istanbul for Tourists

If you are planning a city break with culture, food, and serious retail therapy, the best shopping malls in Istanbul will fit your itinerary perfectly. These centers are weather proof, family friendly, and easy to reach by metro, tram, or ferry. This guide is written for you, dearest Istanbul visitors who want clear directions, sensible […]

The Best Places for Digital Nomads in Istanbul
calendar_today May 30, 2025 • 5 min

The Best Places for Digital Nomads in Istanbul

Discover Istanbul’s top neighborhoods for remote work, creativity, and connection. Whether you seek buzzing coworking spaces or peaceful café corners, the city has it all.

Cultural Keepsakes: Souvenirs from Istanbul
calendar_today May 26, 2025 • 5 min

Cultural Keepsakes: Souvenirs from Istanbul

Discover the best souvenirs in Istanbul—from intricate Turkish ceramics and the iconic evil eye to fragrant spices and handwoven carpets. These cultural keepsakes capture the heart of Turkey, making perfect gifts or personal mementos. Plus, save time shopping by skipping queues at major sites with the Istanbul Tourist Pass®.

Istanbul’s Forgotten History: Exploring the City’s Lesser-Known Past
calendar_today May 31, 2025 • 5 min

Istanbul’s Forgotten History: Exploring the City’s Lesser-Known Past

Uncover the hidden layers of Istanbul beyond the famous landmarks. Explore ancient walls, forgotten cisterns, and quiet neighborhoods with rich multicultural history.

Istanbul for Solo Travelers: A Safe and Fun Guide
calendar_today Jun 4, 2025 • 6 min

Istanbul for Solo Travelers: A Safe and Fun Guide

Discover the ultimate guide to solo travel in Istanbul—an empowering, safe, and unforgettable journey through one of the world’s most captivating cities. From insider safety tips to top attractions and hidden gems, this article shows you how to make the most of your solo adventure.