Top museums in Istanbul
Istanbul is a city with a rich history that offers plenty of opportunities to explore its cultural heritage. Whether you’re strolling through its streets or enjoying a yacht trip along the Bosphorus, make sure to set aside time to visit the best museums in Istanbul. In this article, we’ve compiled our top museums in Istanbul that every tourist should see.
Hagia Sophia Museum in Istanbul
Hagia Sophia, or the Cathedral of Holy Wisdom, is one of the most famous and majestic historical landmarks and a symbol of Istanbul. This outstanding example of Byzantine architecture was built in 537 and served as a cathedral, then a mosque, became a museum in the 20th century, and since 2020, has returned to being a mosque.
Visitors can explore the second-floor gallery, offering a breathtaking combination of Christian and Islamic art and architecture, along with the opportunity to admire ancient mosaics. Inside, pay attention to the Hagia Sophia dome — one of the largest and most impressive in the world. Its diameter is 31 meters, and it appears to float above the main hall.
Muslims can enter the main hall for free and perform prayers.
The Hagia Sophia Museum in Istanbul is open every day from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM.
Ticket price for tourists: 25 EUR.
Children under 8 years old can enter for free.
Visitors can explore the second-floor gallery, offering a breathtaking combination of Christian and Islamic art and architecture, along with the opportunity to admire ancient mosaics. Inside, pay attention to the Hagia Sophia dome — one of the largest and most impressive in the world. Its diameter is 31 meters, and it appears to float above the main hall.
Muslims can enter the main hall for free and perform prayers.
The Hagia Sophia Museum in Istanbul is open every day from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM.
Ticket price for tourists: 25 EUR.
Children under 8 years old can enter for free.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace is a historical museum in Istanbul, formerly the residence of the Ottoman sultans. The palace spans over 700,000 m², making it one of the largest museums in the world and allowing visitors to experience the full richness of Ottoman Empire culture. The palace’s name can be translated from Turkish as "Cannon Gate," referring to the tradition of firing cannons when the sultans left the palace grounds, a sign of respect for the ruler.
Inside the palace, visitors can explore:
Inside the palace, visitors can explore:
-
The Imperial Gate, leading to the first courtyard of the palace, now houses the ticket booths.
-
The Church of Saint Irene, which was not converted into a mosque.
-
The Gate of Salutation — the entrance to the second courtyard, now part of the museum grounds.
-
The palace kitchens, which now display collections of Chinese, Japanese, and Turkish porcelain.
-
The Council Hall, where the sultans’ viziers enacted important laws, and the Justice Tower, from which the sultan oversaw the council.
-
The Treasury building, which now exhibits a collection of weapons.
-
The Gate of Felicity (or Bliss), which leads into the third courtyard.
-
The Audience Hall or Throne Room, where the sultan conducted his affairs and received ambassadors.
-
The Library of Ahmed III, housing bookshelves with works from the sultans' personal collections.
-
The Pavilion of the Sacred Relics, which includes the mantle of the Prophet Muhammad.
-
The Treasury, once responsible for safeguarding the sultan’s treasures, where visitors can view the 86-carat "Spoonmaker's Diamond."
-
The former Agalar Mosque.
-
The personal quarters of the ruler.
-
The fourth garden of the palace, with pavilions and resting areas for the sultan and his guests.
-
The small circumcision room, used for the ritual of initiating Muslim boys into adulthood.
-
A special highlight is the harem, which could house up to 1,500 concubines and family members of the sultan. In the harem, you can explore the hammams, mosques, kitchens, and the private rooms of the girls.
The Topkapi Palace Museum complex is located on the Sarayburnu promontory, offering views of the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus Strait.
The museum is open from Wednesday to Monday, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The combined ticket price for Topkapi Palace + Harem + Church of Saint Irene is 1700 TL.
Children under 6 years old can enter for free.
The museum is open from Wednesday to Monday, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The combined ticket price for Topkapi Palace + Harem + Church of Saint Irene is 1700 TL.
Children under 6 years old can enter for free.
Istanbul Museum of Modern Art
Visiting this museum is a great way to learn more about contemporary art and immerse yourself in the cultural life of "new" Istanbul. The museum features works by both local and international artists, reflecting the latest trends in the art world.
The idea of creating the museum came about in 1987 during the first Istanbul Biennial, thanks to its organizer and sponsor, Dr. Nejat F. Eczacıbaşı. However, it didn’t open until 2004, and in 2023, the museum relocated to a new space. The museum occupies a building in Galataport, which was completely restored and adapted for the museum by the legendary architect Renzo Piano. The building boasts a modern design, spacious exhibition halls, an open terrace, and a stunning view of the bay. The museum complex also features a fantastic souvenir shop, a free library, a cinema hall showing art films, and a panoramic restaurant. It hosts both permanent and temporary exhibitions.
The permanent collection of the museum showcases works by key Turkish artists from the 20th and 21st centuries, such as Sarkis, Kutluğ Ataman, and İnci Eviner. However, it also features international artists, with a solo exhibition by Japanese artist Tetsuya Ishida running until April 2025. At first glance, visitors may find it difficult to understand the intent behind an abstract work or installation. To help with this, all exhibits in the museum have labels detailing the artist's name, the title of the work, the history behind it, and its main concept.
The Istanbul Museum of Modern Art is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and until 8:00 PM on Fridays.
Ticket price for tourists: 650 TL.
For students and people over 65 years old: 400 TL.
Children under 12 years old can enter for free.
The idea of creating the museum came about in 1987 during the first Istanbul Biennial, thanks to its organizer and sponsor, Dr. Nejat F. Eczacıbaşı. However, it didn’t open until 2004, and in 2023, the museum relocated to a new space. The museum occupies a building in Galataport, which was completely restored and adapted for the museum by the legendary architect Renzo Piano. The building boasts a modern design, spacious exhibition halls, an open terrace, and a stunning view of the bay. The museum complex also features a fantastic souvenir shop, a free library, a cinema hall showing art films, and a panoramic restaurant. It hosts both permanent and temporary exhibitions.
The permanent collection of the museum showcases works by key Turkish artists from the 20th and 21st centuries, such as Sarkis, Kutluğ Ataman, and İnci Eviner. However, it also features international artists, with a solo exhibition by Japanese artist Tetsuya Ishida running until April 2025. At first glance, visitors may find it difficult to understand the intent behind an abstract work or installation. To help with this, all exhibits in the museum have labels detailing the artist's name, the title of the work, the history behind it, and its main concept.
The Istanbul Museum of Modern Art is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and until 8:00 PM on Fridays.
Ticket price for tourists: 650 TL.
For students and people over 65 years old: 400 TL.
Children under 12 years old can enter for free.
Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is one of Istanbul’s most fascinating landmarks. This underground water reservoir, built in the 6th century, impresses with its massive columns and mysterious atmosphere. Here, visitors can enjoy not only the beauty of the architecture but also the amazing interplay of light and water.
The cistern measures approximately 140 by 70 meters and can hold up to 80,000 cubic meters of water (or 80 million liters). According to historical records, the cistern was used to supply water to the city, providing for the Great Palace where the emperors lived, and surrounding buildings for hundreds of years, while also serving as a reserve of drinking water in case of drought or siege. The water was transported through pipes and aqueducts from the Belgrade Forest, located 20 kilometers north of the city. The cistern's name is derived from the fact that it was built on the site of a basilica, which was once a public center of the city. The cistern was actively used until the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. After that, the reservoir was abandoned and became heavily polluted, as in Islam, water should not be stored but always flow.
The Basilica Cistern is nicknamed "Yerebatan Sarayı," which translates as "Underground Palace," because of the 336 marble columns rising from the water. The columns were brought from various Roman structures, which is why they differ in marble type, style, thickness, and decoration. Be sure to look for the heads of Medusa Gorgon at the base of two columns. While walking through the reservoir, be careful not to slip, as water occasionally drips from the ceiling, creating puddles on the floor.
The museum’s hall displays works by contemporary sculptors, and occasionally, evening concerts called "Night Shift" are held.
The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (in winter, until 6:00 PM).
Ticket price for tourists: 900 TL.
The cistern measures approximately 140 by 70 meters and can hold up to 80,000 cubic meters of water (or 80 million liters). According to historical records, the cistern was used to supply water to the city, providing for the Great Palace where the emperors lived, and surrounding buildings for hundreds of years, while also serving as a reserve of drinking water in case of drought or siege. The water was transported through pipes and aqueducts from the Belgrade Forest, located 20 kilometers north of the city. The cistern's name is derived from the fact that it was built on the site of a basilica, which was once a public center of the city. The cistern was actively used until the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. After that, the reservoir was abandoned and became heavily polluted, as in Islam, water should not be stored but always flow.
The Basilica Cistern is nicknamed "Yerebatan Sarayı," which translates as "Underground Palace," because of the 336 marble columns rising from the water. The columns were brought from various Roman structures, which is why they differ in marble type, style, thickness, and decoration. Be sure to look for the heads of Medusa Gorgon at the base of two columns. While walking through the reservoir, be careful not to slip, as water occasionally drips from the ceiling, creating puddles on the floor.
The museum’s hall displays works by contemporary sculptors, and occasionally, evening concerts called "Night Shift" are held.
The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (in winter, until 6:00 PM).
Ticket price for tourists: 900 TL.
Archaeological Museum
This historical museum in Istanbul is one of the largest archaeological museums in the world. Its exhibitions cover many eras and cultures, from the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia to the Greek and Roman periods, and include over 1 million artifacts collected from all corners of empires throughout history. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in history.
The museum is a complex consisting of three main sections:
The museum is a complex consisting of three main sections:
-
The main building of the Archaeological Museum
-
The Tile Pavilion
-
The Museum of the Ancient Orient
The Museum of the Ancient Orient features a collection of artifacts from the pre-Islamic Arab world, Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Anatolia. Here, you can see the first documented peace treaty—the Hittite copy of the historical Treaty of Kadesh (1269 BC) between the Egyptian and Hittite empires, the ancient Ishtar Gate of Babylon dating back to the reign of Nebuchadnezzar II, and even an Egyptian mummy in a sarcophagus.
The Tile Pavilion is a fine example of Ottoman civil architecture. Currently, it displays a collection of Turkish tiles and ceramics, with a special focus on the famous Iznik ceramic tiles.
In the main building of the museum, the collection of sarcophagi from the time of Alexander the Great is particularly noteworthy. These are adorned with relief sculptures, such as the Sidon sarcophagus, depicting the Battle of Issus and scenes of royal hunting, or the "Sarcophagus of the Weeping Women." You can also view statues of ancient Greek goddesses, busts of Zeus and Alexander the Great, parts of statues from the Temple of Zeus in Pergamon, the statue of a lion from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus (the only remaining part of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World in Turkey), and much more. One of the halls is dedicated to the excavations of the ancient city of Troy.
In the museum’s inner courtyard, there are sarcophagi, statues of gods, fragments of Roman and ancient Greek columns, and more on display in an open-air setting.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (in winter, until 5:00 PM).
Ticket price for tourists: 15 EUR.
Children under 8 years old can enter for free.
The Tile Pavilion is a fine example of Ottoman civil architecture. Currently, it displays a collection of Turkish tiles and ceramics, with a special focus on the famous Iznik ceramic tiles.
In the main building of the museum, the collection of sarcophagi from the time of Alexander the Great is particularly noteworthy. These are adorned with relief sculptures, such as the Sidon sarcophagus, depicting the Battle of Issus and scenes of royal hunting, or the "Sarcophagus of the Weeping Women." You can also view statues of ancient Greek goddesses, busts of Zeus and Alexander the Great, parts of statues from the Temple of Zeus in Pergamon, the statue of a lion from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus (the only remaining part of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World in Turkey), and much more. One of the halls is dedicated to the excavations of the ancient city of Troy.
In the museum’s inner courtyard, there are sarcophagi, statues of gods, fragments of Roman and ancient Greek columns, and more on display in an open-air setting.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (in winter, until 5:00 PM).
Ticket price for tourists: 15 EUR.
Children under 8 years old can enter for free.
Rahmi M. Koç Museum
The Rahmi M. Koç Museum is a vast industrial museum located along the Golden Horn. Rahmi M. Koç is a well-known Turkish businessman and philanthropist. His family’s holding company is the largest financial and industrial conglomerate in Turkey.
As a child, Rahmi’s father brought him a toy electric train from Germany, which sparked his lifelong passion for collecting. Inspired by the scientific and industrial museums he visited abroad, Rahmi M. Koç decided to house his entire collection under one roof. He purchased everything that caught his interest or fascinated him. After the museum opened, the collection grew further thanks to contributions from visitors and public organizations. The museum's mission is to educate and inspire people.
The museum features cars, motorcycles, bicycles, strollers, ships, airplanes, trains, trams, various mechanisms and instruments, some of which are displayed in cross-sections, toys, and interactive exhibits demonstrating physical phenomena. Some rooms are designed as workshops, allowing visitors to explore how they work. Many exhibits are interactive, and visitors can touch or climb inside them.
One of the museum's highlights is its collection of vintage cars, showcasing the evolution of design and engineering. An interesting fact: the Ford car used for flying scenes with Harry Potter in the second movie was rented for filming from this very museum.
You can also ride a retro train on the museum grounds, experiencing the atmosphere of the 1930s.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Friday, from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and on weekends from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (until 6:00 PM in winter).
Ticket price for tourists: 600 TL.
Children’s ticket: 300 TL.
As a child, Rahmi’s father brought him a toy electric train from Germany, which sparked his lifelong passion for collecting. Inspired by the scientific and industrial museums he visited abroad, Rahmi M. Koç decided to house his entire collection under one roof. He purchased everything that caught his interest or fascinated him. After the museum opened, the collection grew further thanks to contributions from visitors and public organizations. The museum's mission is to educate and inspire people.
The museum features cars, motorcycles, bicycles, strollers, ships, airplanes, trains, trams, various mechanisms and instruments, some of which are displayed in cross-sections, toys, and interactive exhibits demonstrating physical phenomena. Some rooms are designed as workshops, allowing visitors to explore how they work. Many exhibits are interactive, and visitors can touch or climb inside them.
One of the museum's highlights is its collection of vintage cars, showcasing the evolution of design and engineering. An interesting fact: the Ford car used for flying scenes with Harry Potter in the second movie was rented for filming from this very museum.
You can also ride a retro train on the museum grounds, experiencing the atmosphere of the 1930s.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Friday, from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and on weekends from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (until 6:00 PM in winter).
Ticket price for tourists: 600 TL.
Children’s ticket: 300 TL.
Sakıp Sabancı Museum
The Sakıp Sabancı Museum is located in a beautiful historic mansion overlooking the Bosphorus, which was once the family residence of the Sabancı family. Interestingly, visitors can dock here during a yacht cruise. This is yet another private museum founded by a Turkish businessman.
Sakıp Sabancı's father was an avid collector of artworks, including furniture, porcelain, figurines, and other items. Sakıp continued to expand his father’s collection and developed a passion for the works of Ottoman calligraphers. Since the late 1980s, his collection of calligraphic works has been displayed in major museums abroad, which inspired him to create his own museum. In 1998, the family mansion was donated to Sabancı University with the aim of turning it into a museum, and it opened to the public in 2002. The first floor of the mansion has been preserved with the original antique furniture used by the Sabancı family, while the upper-floor rooms have been converted into galleries.
The permanent exhibition consists of Quran manuscripts, prayer books, calligraphic panels, imperial documents, albums with poems adorned with intricate patterns, and calligrapher tools. It also includes examples of early Turkish painting and works by foreign artists who worked in Istanbul during the final years of the Ottoman Empire. For instance, the museum showcases paintings by Ivan Aivazovsky.
However, perhaps the museum's greatest treasure is its temporary exhibitions. Be sure to check the schedule on the official website, as artists such as Marina Abramović and Ai Weiwei have exhibited here.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Ticket price: 300 TL. Admission is free on Tuesdays.
Children under 12 years old enter for free.
During your visit, be sure to set aside time to explore the best museums in Istanbul to truly feel the spirit of the city and its rich heritage. You can also create your own list of must-see museums. And if you want to enjoy the beauty of the city from the water and see it from a new perspective, consider booking a Bosphorus yacht voyage.
P.S. We recommend checking ticket prices for the museums before your visit, as they may change from time to time in Turkey.
Sakıp Sabancı's father was an avid collector of artworks, including furniture, porcelain, figurines, and other items. Sakıp continued to expand his father’s collection and developed a passion for the works of Ottoman calligraphers. Since the late 1980s, his collection of calligraphic works has been displayed in major museums abroad, which inspired him to create his own museum. In 1998, the family mansion was donated to Sabancı University with the aim of turning it into a museum, and it opened to the public in 2002. The first floor of the mansion has been preserved with the original antique furniture used by the Sabancı family, while the upper-floor rooms have been converted into galleries.
The permanent exhibition consists of Quran manuscripts, prayer books, calligraphic panels, imperial documents, albums with poems adorned with intricate patterns, and calligrapher tools. It also includes examples of early Turkish painting and works by foreign artists who worked in Istanbul during the final years of the Ottoman Empire. For instance, the museum showcases paintings by Ivan Aivazovsky.
However, perhaps the museum's greatest treasure is its temporary exhibitions. Be sure to check the schedule on the official website, as artists such as Marina Abramović and Ai Weiwei have exhibited here.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Ticket price: 300 TL. Admission is free on Tuesdays.
Children under 12 years old enter for free.
During your visit, be sure to set aside time to explore the best museums in Istanbul to truly feel the spirit of the city and its rich heritage. You can also create your own list of must-see museums. And if you want to enjoy the beauty of the city from the water and see it from a new perspective, consider booking a Bosphorus yacht voyage.
P.S. We recommend checking ticket prices for the museums before your visit, as they may change from time to time in Turkey.