Top 23 Must-visit Museum in Istanbul

Istanbul is a museum unto itself, with centuries worth of historical relics dispersed throughout its contemporary streets and more constantly being discovered daily.

It would be a mistake if you visited Istanbul and didn't go into one of the city's numerous museums to learn about the culture.

Must-See Museums in Istanbul to Visit

You may discover the most popular and the best Istanbul museums on our list below, including those that were formerly a palace, cathedral, or mosque, or those that are dedicated to the history, famous painters, current, delicate, and modern art, photography, or temporary and permanent exhibitions.

1. Topkapi Palace

Location: Cankurtaran, Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Opening Hours: Wednesday to Monday between 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Entrance Price: 200 Turkish Lira

Sultans, concubines and courtiers all lived in the beautiful Topkapı Palace between the 15th and 19th centuries when it was the seat of the Ottoman Empire. Constructed in 1453 by Mehmed the Conqueror, the palace is a standout feature of Istanbul's skyline. The palace museum, which stands on the historic peninsula that overlooks the Golden Horn and the Bosporus Strait, gives visitors a glimpse into royal life in the Ottoman era. It contains several halls and pavilions lined with exquisite İznik tiles and displays a massive array of artifacts, including imperial jewels, arms and weapons of Umayyad and Ottoman origin and even relics attributed to the Prophet Muhammad. Go straight to the harem section where the sultan's concubines lived, as it closes earlier and gets crowded quickly, before wandering around the four courtyards that include the treasury. It is one of the best Istanbul museum for artifacts display, so allocate half a day to this museum, as it's easy to get lost wandering through the ancient palace halls.

2. Arter

Location: Yenişehir, Irmak, Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey

Opening Hours:  11:00 – 19:00 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 

11:00 – 20:00 on Thursdays 

11:00 – 24:00 every first Saturday of the month 

Closed on Mondays

Entrance Price: 25 Turkish Liras

As one of the best Istanbul museums for modern artworks, it has been welcoming visitors with a collection of modern artworks since it opened in 2007. The museum is focused on the local area and is interested in artistic creativity. It places value on highlighting the parallels and discrepancies in form, substance, and expressions created in the same geographic areas across time. Since the 1960s, it has displayed modern art in various ways. Painting, sculpture, photography, video, cinema, installation, music, and light are examples of these artistic mediums. 

3. Santa Sophia – Hagia Sophia

Location: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı, Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm, closed to touristic visits during prayer.

Entrance Price: 25 Turkish Liras

In Sultanahmet, Santa Sophia may be found. Right in the middle of the spacious plaza lies the structure. Thousands of travelers visit Istanbul each year to see the Santa Sophia.

Both the Christian and Muslim communities should take note of it. The largest church ever constructed by the East Roman Empire was Santa Sophia. After Istanbul was conquered, it was converted into a mosque and one of the best Istanbul museums. Ancient towns like Aspendos, Ephesus, and even Egypt are where all mosaics and stones originate. Santa Sophia is a must-see location because of its priceless mosaics. All coronations occurred there as long as the structure served as the city's cathedral.

4. Dolmabahce Palace

Location: Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe, Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey

Opening Hours: Open every day except Mondays between 09:00 and 18:30.

Entrance Price: 450 Turkish Liras

Dolmabahce Palace depicts the architectural evolution of the Ottoman Empire. Neo-Classical and Baroque elements may be seen in the palace built in the 19th century.

The Dolmabahce Palace offers a sea view from nearly all of its rooms and is situated in one of the most picturesque areas of the Bosphorus. The palace, constructed in the last years of the empire, is embellished with costly furnishings and chandeliers.

Visitors to Dolmabahce Palace have fantastic picture possibilities. Despite it being against the law to take pictures within the palace, its grounds are plenty of picturesque locations.

5. Rahmi M. Koc Museum

Location: Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey

Opening Hours: Tue - Fri 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Sat-Sun 10:00 am - 6:00 pm.

Entrance Price: 30 Turkish Liras

Enjoy watching classic cars? This place is one of the best Istanbul museums for you!

Rahmi M. Koç, one of the wealthiest people in Turkey, decided to use his collection to build his private museum. Exhibitions on transportation, communication, and industry history will be available for visitors. 

Since 1994, it has been the only location that can provide culture and entertainment combined. It offers a distinctive perspective of the coastlines of the Golden Horn, intermingled with the historical charms of Istanbul. Visitors will have the chance to take a trip through all the historical details, including the "submarine" tour, the "Nostalgic Train" tour, the "airplanes" tour, the "vintage vehicles" tour, and much more.

6. Istanbul Archaeology Museums

Location: Cankurtaran, Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Opening Hours: Between 9:00 am and 8:00 pm

Entrance Price: 60 Turkish Liras

The Istanbul Archaeology Museums (three sites in one complex), located in a peaceful area of the former royal grounds, have a staggering collection of artifacts from different ancient civilizations that dates back thousands of years. Its more than one million items include everything from prehistoric Sumerian cuneiform tablets to ornately carved Hellenistic stone sarcophagi to a snake's head from the Serpentine Column of the Hippodrome and a piece of the massive chain that once served to keep enemy ships out of the Golden Horn.

7. Sadberk Hanim Museum

Location: Büyükdere, Piyasa, Sarıyer/İstanbul, Turkey

Opening Hours: 10:00 am-05:00 pm, closed on Wednesday.

Entrance Price: 50 Turkish Liras

The Sadberk Hanm Museum, a little-known cultural gem with a fantastic collection of artifacts (about 18,000 items) from the Anatolian civilization, is housed in a restored 19th-century palace on the Bosporus Strait. Some of the most exquisite items in the collection, which spans prehistory to the Byzantine period, are woven Ottoman fabrics and an exceptional collection of Iznik tile art from the 16th century. The museum, which is not well-known even among Istanbul locals, is an excellent place to learn about the past while escaping the crowd. Only the workdays are open at Sadberk Hanim.

8. Panorama 1453 History Museum

Location: Merkez Efendi Mahallesi, Topkapı Kültür Park İçi Yolu, Zeytinburnu/İstanbul, Turkey

Opening Hours: 08:00 am - 06:30 pm

Entrance Price: 7,5 Turkish Liras

The Panorama 1453 History Museum represents Fatih Sultan Mehmet's devotion to Istanbul. The museum recreates key historical events under the Ottoman empire using 360-degree panoramic paintings, 3D items, and sound effects. Even a helicopter simulation that whisks you away to ancient Turkey is available. On January 31, 2009, the museum officially opened.

9. Basilica Cistern

Location: Alemdar, Yerebatan, Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Opening Hours: Between 09:00 am and 7:00 pm.

Entrance Price: 190 Turkish Liras

For the Ottoman Empire, this place served as a water tank. It is unique due to its enormous size in comparison to other museums. The lighting is purposefully dim to foster a mystical environment while safeguarding the ancient remains.

On the ground and in the water are Medusa's heads. We do not know why, how, or whence the heads arrived, but here is where Perseus murdered Medusa and turned her into stone. Some of the sites you visit are where the myths are in action. These days, concerts are held here because of the incredible acoustics.

10. Theodosius Cistern

Location: Binbirdirek, Piyer Loti, Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Opening Hours: Between 09:00 am and 7:00 pm.

Entrance Price: 150 Turkish Liras

Theodosius Cistern in Istanbul is the oldest surviving Roman cistern. Even older than the Basilica Cistern, this place was recently repaired and made accessible to the general public as a museum.

The Theodosius Cistern, also known as "Serefiye Cistern" in Turkish, currently has a light display. During the day, you may visit the cistern to view this ten-minute light show at the beginning of each hour.

Images from the Byzantine, Ottoman, and Republic eras of Istanbul's history may be seen during the light display as they are reflected on the cistern's columns and walls.

11. Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts

Location: Binbirdirek, At Meydanı, Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Opening Hours: Between 09:00 am and 6:30 p.m.

Entrance Price: 100 Turkish Liras

Although it was constructed on the historic Ibrahim Pasha Palace site, this institution dates back to 1913.

This is one of the most excellent museums to visit in Istanbul if you want to immerse yourself in the local culture because it is situated just across from the Blue Mosque. In contrast to other museums, this one took part in international exhibits and was the first to compile all Islamic artworks in Turkey. Because it has received several European awards and has been recognized by UNESCO for its unique items, its collections are well-known worldwide.

12. Pera Museum

Location: Asmalı Mescit, Meşrutiyet, Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey

Opening Hours:

Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 - 19:00. 

Friday 10:00 - 22:00. 

Sunday 12:00 - 18:00.

Closed on Mondays.

Entrance Price: 80 Turkish Liras

The exceptional Pera Museum is a private museum housed in a majestic 19th-century structure, previously the historic Hotel Bristol, and was created by the architect Achille Manoussos. It features an intriguing mixture of historical artifacts, traditional arts, significant paintings, and modern art. The Pera Museum Istanbul hosts three ongoing exhibits: Anatolian Weight and Measures, Kütahya Tiles and Ceramics, and Orientalist Paintings. On the top three levels, there are further transient exhibitions. The Goya and Andy Warhol show at the Pera Museum, including Rembrandt, Frida Kahlo, Pablo Picasso, Fernando Botero, and Diego Rivera, are among the most well-known Pera Museum exhibitions to present.

13. Istanbul Modern Art Museum

Location: Kılıçali Paşa, Tophane İskele, Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Entrance Price: 72 Turkish Liras

The first privately run modern and contemporary art museum in Turkey is called Istanbul Modern, or Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, one of the best Istanbul museums, especially for fans of modern art. The museum has lately emerged as Turkey's most well-known and prestigious institution for modern art.

A photo gallery, several educational and social programming spaces, and both permanent and occasional exhibitions are featured from the early twentieth century.

Watercolor, abstract, and landscape paintings are among the most extraordinary pieces.

Most of the artworks on display in the museum are from the private collection of the Eczacbaş family, a well-known Turkish family and the museum's founders.

14. The Quincentennial Foundation of Turkish Jews

Location: Bereketzade, Büyük Hendek, Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey

Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm until 1:00 pm on Friday and Saturday.

Entrance Price: 30 Turkish Liras

This museum serves as a living history of Turkey's Jewish community and is filled with images and movies that illustrate the long history of the Jewish contribution to Turkey. Visitors may see contemporary Jewish customs thanks to a glass wall separating the museum from the nearby synagogue. The museum café is renowned for serving delicious Sephardi food for patrons to sample. You might be required to provide your passport at the door due to security concerns.

15. Borusan Contemporary (Haunted House)

Location: Rumeli Hisarı, Balta Limanı Hisar, Sarıyer/İstanbul, Turkey

Opening Hours: Saturdays & Sundays Only from 10:00 am to 07:00 pm

Entrance Price: 20 Turkish Liras

The 1910 construction of the Yusuf Ziya Pasha Mansion was halted due to the First World War. It was referred to be a "haunted mansion" in the neighborhood because of its incomplete construction and vacant levels. Between 1995 and 2000, the building's construction was finished, keeping the original design. The inner areas were more open and contemporary, while the exterior aspect was kept with its historic architecture. The 10-story structure is beautiful, with views of both the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea on opposite sides. The artworks of the Borusan Contemporary Collection are displayed in the building which Borusan Holding rents. The Borusan Contemporary Collection has 800 captivating items.

16. The Museum of Innocence

Location: Firuzağa, Çukurcuma Caddesi, Dalgıç, Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey

Opening Hours: Between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm, closed on Mondays.

Entrance Price: 65 Turkish Liras

The Museum of Innocence is a museum that has won awards. In 2014, it was named "The Museum of the Year in Europe." It is the best Istanbul museum ever established for your literature thirst!

Orhan Pamuk, a renowned author and Nobel Prize winner, built this museum. After finishing the excellent love tale Museum of Innocence, which has an Istanbul setting, he decided to create this museum.

You will be able to visualize the book because the museum has a collection that is excluded from it.

You will discover an invitation ticket if you purchase and enjoy reading the book. You may utilize the ticket, so do so. Once they have stamped your book, you are welcome to enter.

17. Galata Tower Museum

Location: Bereketzade, Galata Kulesi Sk., Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey

Opening Hours: Between 08:30 am and 23:00 in the late evening

Entrance Price: 175 Turkish Liras

One of Istanbul's most recognizable buildings is Galata Tower. The tower and surrounding square, which the Genoese built in the fourteenth century, are now among the most popular tourist attractions in the city.

The Italian Genoese commercial colony transported products from the Silk Road to Europe from the port of Constantinople throughout the Byzantine and Ottoman eras. These expert seamen left behind palaces, walls, and towers in Istanbul.

The freshly renovated Galata Tower is now a cutting-edge museum. Some of Istanbul's top retail areas surrounding the Galata Tower may be found. Art galleries and imaginative gift shops may be found here.

18. Istanbul Carpet Museum

Location: Alemdar, Foundations Regional Directorate Carpet Museum Sultanahmet Mosque, Courtyard/İstanbul, Turkey

Opening Hours: Tue - Sun 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Entrance Price: 40 Turkish Lira

The Carpet Museum, built in an old soup kitchen near the Aya Sofya, has an extraordinary collection of Anatolian carpets from the 14th to the 20th centuries that exhibit diverse applications, styles, and methods. This place is one of the best Istanbul museums for textile enthusiasts. The panels that interpret the many themes woven into the carpets add even more intrigue to their exquisite craftsmanship.

19. Istanbul Naval Museum

Location: Sinanpaşa, Beşiktaş, Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey

Opening Hours: between 09:00 am and 5:00 pm

Entrance Price: 10 Turkish Lira

This location dates back to 1897 and is home to Istanbul's most significant naval museum. This location could be regarded as Turkey's first military museum, despite the existence of a different Istanbul Military Museum.

There are historical objects in the collection that date before the Ottoman era. One of the few history museums with flawless English explanations has real stories from real people.

20. Galata Mevlevi House Museum

Location: Şahkulu, Galip Dede, Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey

Opening Hours: Every day except Monday from 9:00 am–6:30 pm

Entrance Price: 40 Turkish Liras

The Mevlevi, a Sufi religious order established by devotees of the poet and mystic Celaleddin Rumi, have their traditions preserved in this dervish lodge in the Galata area. So, if you are one of the Rumi fans, it is the best Istanbul museum for you to visit. Exhibits on Sufism, arts done in the lodge, including glassblowing and bookbinding, everyday life in the lodge, musical instruments used by the dervishes, and samples of calligraphy, ebru (paper marbling), and other traditional arts are all on view at the Galata Mevlevi House Museum. In the octagonal wooden chamber in the middle of the museum complex, Mevlevi rites still occasionally take place, along with the whirling dance.

21. Madame Tussauds Museum Istanbul

Location: Hüseyinağa, Grand Pera, İstiklal, Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey

Opening Hours: between 011:00 am and 8:00 pm

Entrance Price: 145 Turkish Liras

The name might seem familiar, given that Madame Tussauds has locations in every major city you can think of. Due to its wonderfully lifelike wax celebrities, this fantastic exhibit is a true crowd-pleaser! In 2020, it earned a spot among the best Istanbul museums. It is divided into parts honoring notable musicians, athletes, actors, and scientists.

22. Istanbul Toy Museum

Location: Göztepe, Dr. Zeki Zeren Sk, Kadıköy/İstanbul, Turkey

Opening Hours: between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm, closed on Monday.

Entrance Price: 75 Turkish Liras

This is the best Istanbul museum for you if you like to relive your childhood. The Istanbul Toy Museum, housed at a former toy store, has vintage dolls and miniatures from 200 years ago that will make you nostalgic and unleash your inner kid. Refrain from being misled into believing this museum is only for kids; it has much to offer to everyone. Sunay Akn, a poet and author, established the museum, which debuted on April 23, a day off for kids initially decreed by the great leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. The museum earned a spot among Istanbul's top museums in 2020.

23. Miniaturk

Location: Örnektepe, İmrahor, Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey

Opening Hours: Between 09:00 am and 7:00 p.m.

Entrance Price: 90 Turkish Liras

This fascinating museum has miniature replicas of historical relics from ancient to modern Turkey as one of the family-friendly things to do in Istanbul; visiting Miniaturk is a must. If you have decided to explore the city with your children, this is the best Istanbul museum to consider.

The Miniaturk Museum's ability to depict long-gone constructions is one of its most crucial aspects. In this museum, for instance, you may witness marvels from antiquity, like the Temple of Artemis and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus.

This area is a miniature version of Istanbul, with all the city's key neighborhoods and structures. It is a fantastic chance to take a little tour of Turkey. It serves as Turkey's showcase.

Istanbul, different regions of Turkey, and other countries are shown in miniature.

Bottom Line

Istanbul is one of the world's most stunning cities and has a pervasive historical and cultural foundation. We occasionally need more time when traveling to see museums. However, certain museums are worthwhile visits. You may check out the best Istanbul museums on our list provided in this post. We hope you enjoy your visit to Istanbul's museums.

If you want to visit several locations, consider purchasing a Museum Pass Card. It will enable you to bypass long lines and receive discounts at several exclusive museums.