Must-See Museums in Istanbul

Turkey's most crowded, most beautiful and most touristic city, Istanbul is undoubtedly very rich in terms of places to visit. There are many places to visit and many museums to visit in every district of Istanbul. For those living in Istanbul or visiting Istanbul Must-see museums in Istanbul I made a list. I recommend those who love Istanbul and visiting museums to complete the museums in this list.

I would like to state that I did not put it in any priority order while preparing the list of museums that must be seen in Istanbul. I have prepared the list as I think it should be visited in order regionally.

I recommend you to take a look at my article that includes my suggestions for places to visit in Istanbul>> Suggestions for Places to Visit in Istanbul – Daily Istanbul Travel Routes

The entrance fees of the museums on the list of must-see museums in Istanbul are for February 2022. For current prices, you can check the websites of the museums, the website of Müzekart and the website of the Ministry of Culture.

If you are ready, Let's start the list of must-see museums in Istanbul!

What You Will Find In This Article

1) Topkapi Palace, Sultanahmet

Topkapi palaceIt consists of a set of buildings that have been the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire for 400 years and housed 4000 people. Bab-ı Hümayun (Gate of Sultanate), I. Courtyard (Alay Square), Babüsselam (Greeting Gate / Middle Gate) and II. The palace, which consists of four main parts as the courtyard (Divan Square), has been serving as a museum since 1924. The palace, where the most important periods of the Ottoman Empire were ruled, was included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list in 1985.

Topkapi Palace Museum 2023 Entrance fee: There are three sections that you can see in Topkapı Palace and can be entered with different tickets; 1) Topkapı Palace Combined Ticket I (Topkapı Palace + Hagia Irene) entrance fee is 110 TL, discounted 35 TL, only Topkapı Palace is free with Müzekart; 2) Harem Section 60 TL, discounted 20 TL, Müzekart is not valid; 3) Hagia Irene entrance fee is 45 TL, discounted 20 TL, Müzekart is not valid. You can also benefit from combined tickets; Topkapi Palace + Hagia Eirene + Harem 140 TL, discounted 45 TL. If you buy a combined ticket, the Müzekart is not valid.
Visiting hours: Topkapi Palace can be visited between 09:00 and 18:00, but the box office closes at 17:00 and no visitors are accepted after 17:00. The museum, which is under the management of the National Palaces, is closed to visitors on Tuesdays.
address: Topkapi palace; It was established on the Byzantine acropolis located in Sarayburnu at the tip of the historical peninsula, between the Sea of Marmara in the south, the Bosphorus in the east and the Golden Horn in the northeast. The open address of Topkapi Palace is Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul. Topkapi Palace's Google Maps application click for location.
How to go?: Topkapi Palace is located at the back of Sultanahmet Square, so to go to the palace, it is enough to reach Sultanahmet Square. Easiest way to get here T1 Tram line running between Bağcılar and Kabataş. After reaching Eminönü or Kabataş by ferry or bus, you can reach the palace by getting off the tram at the Sultanahmet Square stop. Since the square is closed to vehicle traffic and the surrounding roads are very narrow, I would not recommend you to come here with your private vehicle.

Topkapi Palace and Istanbul Archaeological Museums Be sure to check out my travel post.

2) Istanbul Archaeological Museums, Sultanahmet

İIstanbul Archeology Museums, the first museum of the Ottoman Empire period and one of the largest museums in the world. The museum, which was established to exhibit historical artifacts found in the lands of the Ottoman Empire; Today, it is a museum complex consisting of 3 separate buildings, namely the Archeology Museum (Main Building), the Tiled Kiosk and the Museum of Ancient Oriental Works, so it is called "museums" rather than "museums".

Istanbul Archeology Museums 2023 GIrritation Fee: You only need to buy one ticket for three museums. Entrance fee is 100 TL, you can visit for free with Müzekart.
Visiting hours: The museum can be visited between 09:00 and 18:30, the box office entrance closes at 18:00. In addition, the museum can be opened at night due to special events / tours.
Istanbul Archaeological Museums address: The open address of the Istanbul Archaeological Museums; Alemdar Street, Osman Hamdi Bey Slope, Gulhane, Istanbul. On the Google Maps app click to see location.
How to go?: Easiest way to get here T1 Tram line running between Bağcılar and Kabataş. After reaching Eminönü or Kabataş by ferry or bus, you can get off the tram at the Gülhane stop and take the Osman Hamdi Bey Slope to reach the museum. Since Sultanahmet Square is closed to vehicle traffic and the surrounding roads are very narrow, I would not recommend you to come here with your private vehicle.

Istanbul Archaeological Museums My post will also be of interest to you.

3) Hagia Sophia Mosque (former museum), Sultanahmet

Hagia Sophia, which has been one of the cultural assets of Istanbul for hundreds of years, went through many revisions after being built as a church by the Eastern Roman Empire. With the decision of the Council of Ministers, it started to serve as a museum in 1453 and was converted into a mosque in July 1935.

If you are visiting Hagia Sophia, I recommend you to see not only the interior but also the buildings outside the building: Sultan II. Selim III. Murad, Sultan III. Tombs of Mehmed and Sultan Mustafa I and Sultan İbrahim, Şehzadeler Tomb.

The Hagia Sophia Mosque Entrance fee: Since the Hagia Sophia Museum has been removed from the status of a museum and converted into a mosque, no entrance fee is charged.
Visiting hours: Since the Hagia Sophia Museum has been removed from the status of a museum and converted into a mosque, there is no restriction on visiting hours.
address: Full address of Hagia Sophia Mosque; Hagia Sophia Square No:1, Fatih/Istanbul. on the Google Maps app. click to see location.
How to go?: The easiest way to get here T1 Tram line running between Bağcılar and Kabataş. After reaching Eminönü or Kabataş by ferry or bus, you can reach the palace by getting off the tram at the Sultanahmet Square stop. Since the square is closed to vehicle traffic and the surrounding roads are very narrow, I would not recommend you to come here with your private vehicle.

The Hagia Sophia Mosque I suggest you read my detailed article about it.

4) Turkish-Islamic Arts Museum, Sultanahmet

The Turkish-Islamic Art Museum is important because it is the first museum in our country where Turkish-Islamic artifacts are exhibited and the last museum opened during the Ottoman Empire. Since the building where the museum is located was used as the Grand Vizier Ibrahim Pasha Palace, it attracted a lot of attention when the Magnificent Century series was on the air. In the museum; You can see works belonging to the Umayyad, Abbasid, Andalusian, Fatimid, Mamluk, Ilkhanid, Timur, Mamluk, Safavi and Ayyubid periods, as well as works belonging to the Seljuk, Ottoman and Turkish Republics.

Turkish Islamic Arts Museum 2023 Entrance fee: Museum entrance fee is 100 TL, free with Müzekart. You can also get an audio guide service.
Visiting hours: Open every day between 09:00 – 18:30. The box office closing time is 17:30, that is, it is not possible to enter after 17:30.
address: The full address of the Turkish-Islamic Arts Museum; Binbirdirek Mh. Atmeydanı Sk. No: 12, 34122 Sultanahmet Istanbul. on the Google Maps app. click for location.
How to go?: The easiest way to get here T1 Tram line running between Bağcılar and Kabataş. After reaching Eminönü or Kabataş by ferry or bus, you can get off the tram at Sultanahmet Square stop and walk to the museum. When you take the Blue Mosque to your left and the German Fountain behind you, the museum entrance will be on your left. Since the square is closed to vehicle traffic and the surrounding roads are very narrow, I would not recommend you to come here with your private vehicle.

5) Islamic Science and Technology History Museum, Sultanahmet

World-renowned Islamic Science Historian Prof. Dr. The museum, which was opened in 2008 as a result of the work of Fuat Sezgin; It was designed to showcase the contributions of Islamic civilization to the world of science and technology. A collection of 500 tools, device replicas, models and models are on display in the 585 square meter exhibition area.

On the upper floor of the two-floor museum, the Cinevision Hall where you can watch the visuals about the museum, the Astronomy, Watch Technology, Maritime, War Technology and Medicine Departments; On the lower floor, there are exhibition areas of maps and drawings related to mines, physics, mathematics-geometry, urbanism and architecture, optics, chemistry and geography. In the garden of the museum, the globe, which is a copy of the world map made by the Caliph al-Ma'mun in the 9th century, contains 26 of the medicinal plants mentioned in the second volume of Ibn Sina's book al-Kanun fi't-Tıbb, which was opened in 2013. -i Sinai Botanical Garden.

Islamic Science and Technology History Museum 2023 Entrance fee: Museum entrance fee is 50 TL, free with Müzekart.
Visiting hours: The museum can be visited between 09:00-18:00 in the summer period and between 9.00-16.00:XNUMX in the winter period.
address: Can Kurtaran Mah. Alemdar Cad. Has Stables Building Gulhane Park, Sirkeci. on google maps click for location.
How to go?: The museum is located in the Has Stables Building, adjacent to the palace walls, in Gülhane Park. The easiest way to get here T1 Tram line running between Bağcılar and Kabataş. After reaching Eminönü or Kabataş by ferry or bus, you can get off the tram at Gülhane stop and walk to the museum.

6) Istanbul Railway Museum, Sirkeci

Istanbul Railway Museum was opened to visitors on 23.09.2005 at the historical Sirkeci Train Station. The original layout plans, drawings, various photographs, railway instruments and communication tools of the Rumelia Railways and TCDD's Thrace line are exhibited in the museum. You can also see objects and photographs of railway schools and TCDD hospitals that existed in the past in the railway administration. The driver section of one of the suburban trains, which is considered the symbol of our country's transition to the first electric train operation, is the most photographed part of the museum. The museum located in the train station; The historical building is a nostalgic exhibition space with its colorful stained glass windows.

Istanbul Railway Museum 2023 Entrance fee: The museum can be visited free of charge.
Visiting hours: Museum visiting hours are 10:30-17:00, last entry time is 16:40. Closed on Sunday, Monday and public holidays.
address: TCDD Istanbul Railway Museum, Sirkeci Train Station, Hocapaşa Mah., Fatih. on Google Maps apps click for location.
How to go?: It is very easy to go to the museum. It is enough to reach Sirkeci Train Station by using any bus, ferry or metro line that goes to Sirkeci. The museum is located in the train station.

7) Isbank Museum of Turkey, Eminonu

The building, which was used as a post office during the Ottoman Empire, serves as the İşbank Museum today. After the post office, the Ottoman İtibar-ı Milli Bankası served in this building. It was used as the Istanbul Branch of İşbank from the date of the merger of the Ottoman İtibar-ı Milli Bankası and İş Bankası until 2004. In 2005, it started to be used as the İşbank Museum. Currently, the upper floor of the building serves as the İşbank corporate culture museum. Periodically changing exhibitions are held on the ground floor.

Is Bank Museum 2023 Entrance fee: Museum admission is free.
Visiting hours: İşbank Museum can be visited between 10:00 and 17:00 every day except Mondays. It is closed on Mondays, the first days of Ramadan and Sacrifice Holidays and on January 1
address: Hobyar Mahallesi Bankacılar Caddesi No: 2 Bahçekapı Eminönü Istanbul. on the museum's Google Maps app. click for location.
How to go?: Türkiye İş Bankası Museum is located in the back street of Yeni Mosque in Eminönü. It draws attention from the outside with its pink paint, you can easily find it. You can reach the museum by using any bus, ferry, tram or metro line that goes to Eminönü.

Isbank Museum You can also read my blog post with detailed information about it.

8) Great Post Office (PTT) Museum, Eminönü

The building where the Great Post Office Museum is located; Between the years 1905-1909, one of the leading names of the I. Architectural Movement Architect Vedat Tek's first design It was built as the Post and Telegraph Ministry Building. It started to be known as the New Post Office in 1930 and the Great Post Office in the following years. It was also used as Istanbul Radio House between 1927-1936. In 1958, it started to be used only in postal and telegraph works.

Currently, the Istanbul European Side PTT Head Office provides service in this building. There is a museum inside the building where we can get information about the telecommunications and communication history of our country.

Great Post Office Museum Entrance fee: Museum admission is free.
Visiting hours: The PTT Museum can be visited between 09:00 and 17:00 on weekdays.
address: Hobyar Mh. Büyük Post Office Cd. No: 44 Fatih/Istanbul. on the Grand Post Office Museum's Google Maps app click for location.
How to go?: The Great Post Office is within walking distance of the New Mosque and Spice Bazaar. You can easily reach the museum by using any bus, ferry, tram or metro line that goes to Sirkeci.

9) Galata Tower, Beyoğlu

Galata Tower, one of the symbols of Istanbul and one of the must-see places for tourists coming to Istanbul, was built as a part of the walls by the Genoese living around Galata in the 14th century. The tower, which was used for different purposes such as a dungeon and a fire tower, serves as a museum today. The taste of watching Istanbul from your balcony, where you can watch 360 degrees Istanbul view, is another. And they say that you married the person you went to Galata Tower with.

There is a cafeteria on the top floor of the tower.

Entrance fee: The entrance fee to the Galata Tower is 175 TL per person, and you can go free with the Müzekart. Also, don't be afraid to see the long queues in front of the tower. If you have a Museum Card, you can have it read and pass without waiting in line.
Visiting hours: Galata Tower is open between 08:30 – 23:00, box office closing time is 22:00
address: The full address of the tower: Bereketzade, Galata Tower, 34421 Beyoğlu/Istanbul. Galata Tower on Google Maps application Click for location.
How to go?: To go to Galata Tower; You have to walk after reaching Taksim Square, Şişhane or Karaköy. You don't have a chance to drive up to the front of the tower. The easiest way to reach Şişhane by metro or by ferry to Karaköy is walking. If you are coming with your own vehicle, you can leave your vehicle at İspark in Şişhane.

Galata tower I suggest you read the article I told about their stories.

10) Galata Mevlevi Lodge Museum, Beyoğlu

Galata Mevlevihanesi was established in 1491 as the first Mevlevi Lodge of Istanbul. The building, which was damaged by fire and earthquakes in Istanbul, was renovated by Selim III. It lost its function as a Mevlevihane during the Republican period, and has been used as a Divan Literature Museum since 1975. Since 2011, it can be visited as the Galata Mevlevihanesi Museum. Whirling dervish shows are also held in the museum.

Galata Mevlevi Lodge 2023 Entrance Fee: Mevlevihane entrance fee is 50 TL, you can visit it for free with the Museum Card.
Visiting hours: You can visit the Mevlevihane between 09:00 and 18:30, the box office closes at 18:00.
address: Mevlevihane address Galip Dede Cad. No:15, Tunel, Beyoglu, Istanbul. On the Google Maps application of Galata Mevlevihanesi click for location.
How to go?: Galata Mevlevihanesi is very close to Tünel Square at the end of Istiklal Street. You can come from the Karaköy-Eminönü side by using the tunnel, or you can reach it by a 5-minute walk from Şişhane. You can come to Şişhane by metro or if you come with your private vehicle, you can leave your vehicle at İspark.

11) 500th Year Foundation Museum of Turkish Jews, Beyoğlu

Probably the least known places on this list is the 500th Year Foundation Museum of Turkish Jews. Located on the upper floor of the Neva Shalom Synagogue on Büyük Hendek Sokak, overlooking the Galata Tower, the museum has sections on the history, culture, religious objects, traditions and settlements of Turkish Jews. Religious ceremonies, weddings and circumcision events in the Neva Shalom Synagogue can also be watched from the 3-storey museum. You must have your identity card with you for security check at the entrance to the museum.

500th Year Foundation Museum of Turkish Jews Entrance Fee: There is an entrance fee, but I could not find the current price.
Visiting hours: Museum on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00; You can visit between 10:00-13:00 on Fridays. Museum visitor entry ends 45 minutes before closing time. The museum is closed on Saturdays, Sabbaths, and national and religious holidays.

address: Bereketzade Mahallesi, Büyük Hendek Caddesi No: 39, Beyoğlu, Istanbul. on the museum's Google Maps app. click for location.
How to go?: You can come to the museum the same way you came to the Galata Tower. The easiest way to reach is the Şişhane metro and the ferry from Karaköy.

12) Istanbul Cinema Museum, Beyoglu

The Cinema Museum, which was opened in a 200-year-old building on Istiklal Street in Beyoğlu, where the Atlas Cinema is located, is shown among the best cinema museums in the world. 130 pieces of art are exhibited on two floors, one digital and one analog. Especially the area where there are exhibitions about Yeşilçam cinema attracts a lot of attention.

Entrance fee: The entrance fee of the Cinema Museum in 2023 is 80 TL, with a discount (Retired, 65 and Over and Student/Teacher) 60 TL.
Visiting hours: The museum is open to visitors between 11:00-19:00 every day except Monday.
address: Kuloglu, Istiklal Cd. Atlas Passage No: 131, 34433 Beyoğlu, Istanbul. on the museum's Google Maps app. Click for location.
How to go?: To go to the Cinema Museum, it is enough to reach Taksim Square. After a 10-minute walk from the square in the direction of Galatasaray, the museum is located on your left in the building of the Atlas Cinema.

13) Pera Museum, Beyoğlu

Pera Museum, serving in one of the most beautiful buildings of Beyoğlu, is a culture and art museum established by the Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation. There are different exhibition halls on each floor of the multi-storey building, it is a museum that you can visit again and again with its permanent and renewed exhibitions. One of Osman Hamdi Bey's most famous paintings, The Tortoise Trainer, is exhibited in the museum.

The museum has a small cafe and a museum shop.

Entrance fee: The entrance fee of Pera Museum in 2023 is 80 TL, 40 TL discounted, 10 TL per person for groups of 60 or more. On Wednesdays the museum is free for students. Pera Museum can be visited free of charge every Friday between 18.00:22.00 and XNUMX:XNUMX.
Visiting hours: Pera Museum is open to visitors from Tuesday to Saturday between 10.00 and 19.00, on Fridays from 10.00 to 22.00, on Sundays from 12.00 to 18.00. Closed on Mondays. The museum is closed on the first day of Ramadan (Sugar) and Sacrifice Feasts and on 1 January every year.
address: Meşrutiyet Caddesi No:65, Tepebaşı, Beyoğlu, Istanbul. on the museum's Google Maps app. Click for location.
How to go?: You will use the metro to go to Pera Museum; On Yenikapı – Hacıosman (M2) line, get off at Şişhane stop. Take the Şişhane exit and proceed on Meşrutiyet Caddesi. Pera Museum is a 10-minute walk away. You will use the bus to go to the museum; Get off at the Tepebaşı-Beyoğlu bus stop in front of the British Consulate General on Tarlabasi Boulevard. Pera Museum is 5 minutes walking distance. If you are coming to Pera Museum with your own vehicle, you can use Beyoğlu Tepebaşı İSPARK, the parking lot is only 2 minutes walking distance.

14) Dolmabahce Palace, Besiktas

The area, which was an old port, was filled with the sea and buildings were started to be built on it and it was named Dolmabahçe as the private garden of the sultans. The mansions and pavilions built in a private garden were called Beşiktaş Beach Palace. During the reign of Abdülmecit, the Beach Palace was demolished and Dolmabahçe Palace was built in its place. The last Ottoman sultans lived in this palace.

Between 1927-1938, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk stayed in Dolmabahçe Palace from time to time until his death and died here. For this reason, every year on November 10, thousands of people come to visit the room where our Ancestor took his last breath.

The garden entrance of Dolmabahçe Palace is free and there are 4 different cafes in the garden. While the cafe at the main entrance has a wonderful view of the Bosphorus, my favorite is the Şeker Ahmet Paşa Tea Room in the Painting Museum.

Entrance fee: The ticket price for the Selamlık, Harem and Painting Museum is 110 TL, and the Selamlık ticket is 70 TL. Except for the Selamlık part, you can travel free with the Müzekart.
Visiting hours: The palace can be visited between 09:00-18:00 every day except Mondays. It is 17:00 for the last visitor entry from the box office.
address: Vişnezade District, Dolmabahçe Street, Beşiktaş, İstanbul. Dolmabahçe Palace on Google Maps application click for location.
How to go?: Beşiktaş is one of the most comfortable places in Istanbul in terms of transportation. Dolmabahçe Palace is also only a 10-minute walk from Beşiktaş Ferry Terminal and bus stops. Kabataş ferry port and Kabataş tram stop are also just a short walk away. In other words, you can reach the palace by all kinds of public transportation options such as bus, ferry, motor, tram. If you come with your own car, there is a car park right in front of the palace, but it may not be easy to find a place, especially on weekends.

Dolmabahçe Palace Be sure to read my article where I have gathered all you need to know about it.

15) National Palaces Painting Museum, Beşiktaş

We came to the National Palaces Painting Museum, which is my favourite, which I often go to because it is close to my house. The building, which was used as the crown residence of Dolmabahçe Palace, has a very impressive architecture both from the outside and from the inside. The two-storey building has 34 different exhibition spaces in different exhibition rooms.

One of the rooms facing the Bosphorus view on the ground floor of the museum serves as the Şeker Ahmet Paşa Tea Room. In addition, there is another cafe called Limonluk Cafe in the backyard of the museum. Both are visually beautiful cafes, you can take advantage of the cafes without paying the museum entrance fee.

Entrance fee: The Art Museum entrance fee is 45 TL. You can enter it free of charge with the Museum Card.
Visiting hours: It can be visited between 09:00-18:00 every day except Mondays. It is 17:00 for the last visitor entry from the box office.
address: Vişnezade District, Dolmabahçe Street, Dolmabahçe Palace, Beşiktaş, Istanbul. Image Museum's Google Maps app click for location.
How to go?: Beşiktaş is one of the most comfortable places in Istanbul in terms of transportation. The museum is only a 5-minute walk from Beşiktaş Ferry Port and bus stops. Kabataş ferry port and Kabataş tram stop are also just a short walk away. In other words, you can reach the palace by all kinds of public transport such as bus, ferry, motor, tram. If you come with your own car, there is a car park right in front of Dolmabahçe Palace, but it may not be easy to find a place, especially on weekends.

One of my most read posts on the blog. National Palaces Painting Museum You can find the details in my post.

16) Naval Museum, Beşiktaş

While walking from Dolmabahçe Palace to Beşiktaş Pier, the two-storey building on the right is the Naval Museum. Naval Museum, in 1897, II. It was established in a small building in Tersane-i Amire under the name of "Museum and Library Administration" under the leadership of the Minister of Navy Bozcaadalı Hasan Hüsnü Pasha during the reign of Abdülhamit. After serving in different buildings, it started to serve in its current location in 1961. Museum; It consists of the Main Exhibition Building, Historical Boats Gallery, Cultural Site and Open Exhibition Areas. Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha Tomb is also in the museum.

Entrance fee: Naval Museum Adult Entrance Fee is 50 TL, Student(0-18 Ages) Free, Student(19-25 Ages) Entrance Fee is 25 TL, Student(26-65 Ages) Entrance Fee is 40 TL. The museum card is not valid.
Visiting hours: The Maritime Museum is closed on the first day of religious holidays and on Mondays. During the winter period, it serves between 09:00-17:00 on weekdays and 10:00-18:00 on weekends. Box office closing time is 16:00 on weekdays and 17:00 on weekends, no visitors are allowed to enter the museum after these hours. In the museum Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha Tomb It is open to visitors between 10:00-12:00 and 14:00-16:00 every day except Mondays.
address: Naval Museum Command Sinan Paşa Mh. Besiktas Cad. 6/1, Besiktas, Istanbul. On the Maritime Museum's Google Maps app click for location.
How to go?: Beşiktaş is one of the most comfortable places in Istanbul in terms of transportation. The museum is located just a 2-minute walk from Beşiktaş Ferry Port and bus stops. Kabataş ferry port and Kabataş tram stop are also just a short walk away. In other words, you can reach the museum by all kinds of public transportation options such as bus, ferry, motor, tram. If you come with your own car, there is a car park right in front of Dolmabahçe Palace, but it may not be easy to find a place, especially on weekends.

17) Akaretler Mustafa Kemal Museum, Beşiktaş

This building, where Atatürk's family lived for 7 years and he frequented, was organized as a museum by the General Directorate of Foundations. Atatürk's belongings and historical artifacts of the period are exhibited in the museum, which was opened in 2010. As of February 2023, it has entered into a restoration work again, unfortunately it cannot be visited at the moment.

Entrance fee: You can visit the museum for free.
Visiting hours: Unfortunately, the Mustafa Kemal Museum in Beşiktaş can only be visited on weekdays. You can visit the museum between 09:00-12:00 and 13:00-16:00 on weekdays.
address: Vişnezade Mh, Süleyman Seba Cd. No: 36, 34370 Besiktas, Istanbul. on the museum's Google Maps app. click for location.
How to go?: The museum is located in Akarets, 5 minutes walking distance from Beşiktaş Ferry Terminal and bus stops. It is very easy to reach by public transport.

Akaretler Mustafa Kemal Museum I suggest you to read my detailed article about it.

18) Harbiye Military Museum, Şişli

The building, which was built as the Military Academy in 1841, has been serving as the Military Museum since 1993. The most important feature of this wonderful museum is that our Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was educated at the Military Academy in this building between 1899-1905. There is the "Cadet Atatürk Class" in the museum, in which the class he studied was portrayed.

Considering the richness and diversity of its collection, the Military Museum is one of the world's leading military museums. In the museum, there are halls belonging not only to the Republican Period, but to all Turkish States, and the Turkish state and military traditions of 2000 years are explained. The museum is really big, I recommend you to spend 4-5 hours to visit the whole museum.

Harbiye Military Museum 2022 Entrance Fee: Museum entrance fee is 25 TL, free for students, Müzekart is not valid.
Visiting hours: Museum; Closed on January 1 and the first day of religious holidays, open on official holidays, closed on Mondays, you can visit every day between 09:00 and 17:00, no visitors are allowed inside after 16:00.
address: Military Museum and Cultural Site Command, Governor's Mansion Street, Harbiye, Şişli 34298 Istanbul. on the museum's Google Maps app. click for location.
How to go?: The Harbiye Military Museum is located in the very heart of Istanbul, on Cumhuriyet Caddesi in the Harbiye district, which takes its name from this building, right next to the Harbiye Army House. You can easily reach by public transport.

Harbiye Military Museum You can find much more information in my article.

19) Kariye Mosque (former museum), Fatih

The history of the Kariye Mosque dates back to the 6th century. It was the center of the Khoara Monastery during the Eastern Roman Empire. Church of St. Savior Hora was. The church, which is famous for its mosaics, started to be used as a mosque after the conquest of Istanbul. It was converted into a museum in 1948 and opened to visitors. While it was among the most visited museums in Turkey, it was converted into a mosque again in 2019 and the mosaics and icons were covered. As of 2023, it is closed to visitors due to restoration works.

Entrance fee: There is no entrance fee as it serves as a mosque.
Visiting hours: Since the Kariye Mosque was removed from the status of a museum and converted into a mosque, there is no restriction on visiting hours.
address: Dervisali, Kariye Cami Sk. No:18, Fatih, Istanbul. On the mosque's Google Maps application click for location.
How to go?: The easiest public transportation way to go to the mosque between Edirnekapı and Fener is to use the bus or tram lines passing through Edirnekapı.

After the Kariye Mosque, set your route. Fener and Balat You can continue to the side.

20) Fethiye Museum (Pammakaristos Monastery), Fatih

The structure, which was built as the Pammakaristos Monastery in the Eastern Roman period, was built in 1315 by Hz. An additional church dedicated to Jesus was built. It was used as a women's monastery after the conquest of Istanbul. The Patriarchate was moved here in 1455 and was used as the Patriarchate until 1586. However, Sultan III. During the reign of Murad, the church was converted into a mosque and named Fethiye Mosque.

Istanbul Fethiye Museum is closed to visitors due to renovations.
address: Carsamba Mah. Fethiye Cad. Fener, Fatih, Istanbul. on the museum's Google Maps app. click for location.
How to go?: To enter the Fethiye Museum by public transport, you can choose the buses or trams that go to Edirnekapı or Fener. Since the area consists of narrow streets and there are not many options for parking, I do not recommend you to come with your own vehicle.

21) Rahmi Koç Museum, Golden Horn

Rahmi Koç Museum is located in Hasköy, on the shores of the Golden Horn. Spreading over an area of 27 thousand square meters, the museum was opened in 1994. The main subjects of the museum are communication and transportation, and the industrial heritage covering these areas is exhibited in different sections.

Entrance fee: 60 TL for students, 120 TL for adults. If it is visited as a school group, the student fee is 40 TL.
Visiting hours: Museum; It is open to visitors between 09:30 and 17:00 on Tuesdays and Fridays, and between 10:00 and 18:00 on Saturdays and Sundays. It is closed on Mondays.
address: Rahmi M. Koç Museum Hasköy Cad. No: 5 Hasköy 34445 – Istanbul. of the museum click for location.

22) Santral Istanbul Energy Museum, Eyup

Located in Istanbul Bilgi University Santral Istanbul Campus, the museum is defined as Turkey's first industrial archeology museum. The building, which served as the Silahtarağa Power Plant between 1914-1983, has been serving as the Energy Museum since 2007.

For more information Energy Museum Check out my post.

Entrance fee: Entry to the Energy Museum is free!
Visiting hours: The Energy Museum is open to visitors between 09:00 and 17:30 on weekdays and weekends.
address: Safetytepe, Istanbul Bilgi University, Kazım Karabekir Cd. Santralistanbul Campus No: 2/13, 34060 Eyüpsultan/Istanbul. of the museum click for location.
How to go?: Santral Istanbul, where the museum is located, is located in Silahtar, the point where the Kağıthane and Alibeyköy streams meet in the Golden Horn. Many buses pass by the stop in front of the university.

23) Sakip Sabanci Museum, Emirgan

Rahmi M. Koç Museum, which was opened to visitors in 1994, is located in the Hasköy district on the northern side of the Golden Horn. Today, the museum, which spans an area of approximately 27 thousand square meters, consists of three main sections. Mustafa V. Koç Building / Historical Lengerhane Building, Historical Hasköy Shipyard and Open Air Exhibition Area. In the museum collection, there are examples of the widest range of industrial heritage under communication and transportation.

Inside the museum; There are cafes and restaurants called Arçelik Telve Cafe, Fenerbahçe Buffet, Nostalgic Coca-Cola Buffet, Halat Restaurant, Suzy's Cafe Du Levant.

Entrance fee: Rahmi Koç Museum entrance fee is 120 TL for adults and 60 TL for students. The museum card is not valid.
Visiting hours: The museum can be visited from Tuesday to Friday between 09:30 and 17:00 on weekdays, between 10:00 and 18:00 on weekends, it is closed on Mondays. The museum is closed on the eve and first day of religious holidays and on 31 December and 1 January every year.
address: Rahmi M. Koç Museum Hasköy Cad. No: 5 Hasköy, Istanbul On the Google Maps application of the museum click for location.
How to go?: To go to the Rahmi Koç Museum by public transportation, you can use the ferries that depart from Kadıköy and Üsküdar and stop at Hasköy, or the buses that leave from Eminönü and pass through Hasköy. If you are going with your own vehicle, the museum has its own parking lot.

24) Kite Museum, Üsküdar

The only kite museum in Turkey and one of the 18 kite museums in the world is the Kite Museum in Üsküdar. The museum has a kite collection consisting of over 6 pieces collected from 33 continents and 2500 countries. As of the age of 3, the Kite School, which can be attended by visitors of all ages, is also within the museum.

Entrance fee: Kite Museum admission is free.
Visiting hours: The Kite Museum is open on weekdays between 09:30 and 17:30, you can visit it by appointment on Saturdays, it is closed on Sundays.
address: Aziz Mahmut Hüdayi Mah. Uncular Cd. Babysitter Sk. No: 12, Uskudar, Istanbul. The museum on Google Maps. Click for location.
How to go?: The Kite Museum is in one of the back streets within walking distance from Üsküdar Square. Only 200 meters walking distance to Üsküdar metro station and Üsküdar Square.

Kite Museum You can find the details in my article.

25) Beylerbeyi Palace Museum, Üsküdar

Beylerbeyi Palace is one of the most important Ottoman monuments located on the Anatolian side of Istanbul. The palace, which was used as a summer palace, and the other buildings in its garden, are in the big garden and hosts one of the most beautiful views of the Bosphorus. The palace, which was built in its current form between 1863-65, was used especially to host foreign guests.

Entrance fee: Beylerbeyi Palace entrance fee is 45 TL for adults, 20 TL with discount, garden entrance is 10 TL. You can visit it free of charge with Müzekart.
Visiting hours: The palace is open to visitors every weekday except Mondays. It is also closed to visitors on January 1 and the first day of religious holidays. You can visit the palace and its garden between 09:00-17:30.
address: Beylerbeyi, Abdullah Ağa Cd. 34676 Uskudar, Istanbul. The Palace on Google Maps click for location.
How to go?: The palace is located in the Beylerbeyi district between Üsküdar and Çengelköy, right at the foot of the first bridge. If you are coming from the Anatolian side with your own vehicle; When you go to the Bosphorus Bridge and take the last exit before the bridge towards Çengelköy, the palace will be right in front of you on the beach. If you are coming from the European side with your own vehicle; When you exit the first exit after the bridge and continue in the direction of Çengelköy, you will come to the palace. If you are coming by public transport, the easiest way to get to Beylerbeyi is to take any bus or minibus that uses the coastal road from Üsküdar. There is a bus stop 50 meters from the palace. Beylerbeyi Palace is 3.3 kilometers from Üsküdar Ferry Port, if you like walking like me, you can reach it in 40-45 minutes on foot.

Beylerbeyi Palace Take a look at my article about the museum in detail.

26) Istanbul Toy Museum, Goztepe

The Toy Museum has emerged with the collection of toys collected by writer and poet Sunay Akın, one of the most important values of our country, from 20 different countries for 40 years. A true archivist, Sunay Akın has a huge collection from antique shops, auctions and toy shops. Stage design artist Ayhan Doğan made the necessary design for the exhibition of this collection. The museum is the first and only museum in the world, founded by a poet and designed by a stage designer.

Entrance fee: The entrance fee of the Toy Museum is 75 TL in full, 40 TL with a discount. (Children aged 3 and over, students, teachers, lecturers, people aged 65 and over can benefit from the discount). Disabled people, children under the age of 3, ICOM card holders, MMKD members, licensed guides and members of the press can visit the museum free of charge.
Visiting hours: The Toy Museum is closed on Mondays. It can be visited between 10:00 - 18:00 on weekdays, except Monday, between 10.00:18.30 - XNUMX:XNUMX on weekends.
address: Goztepe, Dr. Zeki Zeren Sk No:17, Kadıköy, Istanbul. On the Google Maps application of the Toy Museum Click for location.
How to go?: Istanbul Toy Museum is located in Göztepe district of Istanbul. There are quite a few options for transportation. My advice is that you do not come with your own vehicle, because there is a parking problem as the museum is located between the streets and residential areas. However, if you come by bus and/or metro, you can reach the museum with a short walk.

Istanbul Toy Museum You can read all the details about it in my article.

Museums to be seen on the Anatolian side of Istanbul My post will also be of interest to you.

27) Museum Gazhane, Kadıköy

Museum Gazhane is a culture and arts space that was opened with the restoration of Istanbul's last gas station, which met the oil and gas needs of the Anatolian Side of Istanbul for 130 years, and bringing it back to the public on July 9, 2021. The historical building, which is one of the most important industrial heritages of Turkey, was closed in 1993 along with other gas stations in Istanbul. The old gas house is now open to the use of Istanbulites as a place that houses museums, exhibition areas, cafes and restaurants, theater stages and event spaces.

Climate Museum, Cartoon and Humor Museum, Children's Science Center, Afife Batur Library, Gazhane Gallery, temporary exhibition area, sound / silent study areas, two theaters & concert halls belonging to IMM City Theaters and Istanbul Bookstore, cafes and restaurants belonging to Beltur, green areas and parking are what you can find in the 32 thousand square meter campus. In the garden of the museum, the sculptures produced by 7 sculptors from waste materials in the Golden Horn Shipyard will attract your attention.

Museum Gazhane Entrance fee: There is no entrance fee to the Museum Gazhane.
Visiting hours: Museum The venues and museums in Gazhane have different visiting hours. Afife Batur Library and audio study area are open 7/24; Cartoon and Humor Museum, Climate Museum, Science Center, Gallery Gazhane are open from 09:00 to 18:00 on weekdays except Mondays, and from 10:00 to 18:00 on weekends; restaurant and cafe open daily from 10:00 to 22:00; Gazhane Meydan is open every day between 09:00 and 22:00, Istanbul Bookstore is open between 11:00 and 22:00 every day.
address: The full address of the Museum Gazhane; Kurbağalıdere Cd. No:125 Hasanpasa/Kadikoy. on the Google Maps app. click for location.
How to go?: Museum Gazhane is located only 5 minutes walking distance from Söğütlüçeşme Metro Station. It is 20-25 minutes walking distance from Kadıköy Pier. If you are coming with your car, you will see the museum entrance and the parking lot sign after passing the Kadıköy Historical Tuesday Market.

Museum Gazhane You can find more information in my article.

If you were to ask my favorites among the must-see museums in Istanbul; Dolmabahçe, Chora, Military Museum and Galata Tower I can say.

Of course, there are many other museums in Istanbul besides these, the ones I have on my list that I think should be included in the list of must-see museums in Istanbul. If you have any suggestions, you can add them in the comments.

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