The most visited museums in Istanbul.
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Istanbul can be considered one of the best cities in the world for history, culture and art. Istanbul is home to more than 80 museums ranging from archaeological and historical museums to modern art and fine arts museums, as well as themed museums.
Whether you are looking for an amazing palace / church / mosque museums, as well as those related to history, classical artists, contemporary, refined and modern art, photography or temporary and permanent exhibitions, you can find some notable ones in our list below.
If you book by clicking on “book now”, under each museum, you can skip the line as soon as you are in Istanbul.
Hagia Sophia
1,500 years after being built, Istanbul’s architecture still hasn’t produced a building to rival the beauty of the Hagia Sophia. Dating all the way back to the Roman Empire, the building has served the city as an Orthodox Church, a secular museum, and once again as a mosque.
Topkapı Palace
The Topkapı Palace, or the Seraglio, is a big museum in Istanbul. It is located in the former residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans, in the heart of Istanbul. The castle, which once housed the Emperor and his Harem, is now a magnificent museum.
Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace is the last palace built by the Ottoman Sultanate in Istanbul, Turkey. It is located on the coast, close to the ferries that depart from Beşiktaş. You may only enter the palace by joining a guided tour.
Istanbul Archaeological Museums
The Istanbul Archeological Museums are among the largest museums in the world, with over one million artifacts from various cultures. This attraction is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul.
SEA LIFE Istanbul
SEA LIFE Istanbul is an aquarium and marine wildlife conservation center. Home to Europe’s largest collection of sharks, the aquarium features an 83-meter walk-in tunnel where a large variety of sharks can be seen gliding around visitors!
Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum
The Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum is a museum packed with Turkish treasures, from ancient carpets and rugs to calligraphy and art. It is located in Sultanahmet Square in the Fatih district of Istanbul, Turkey, close to the Blue Mosque.
Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is a chamber built in the 6th century to hold 80,000 cubic meters of water. It is located under the streets of Istanbul, supported by arches and 336 marble columns.
Rumeli Hisarı
Rumeli Hisarı is a medieval fortress located in Istanbul, on a cluster of hills on the European banks of the Bosphorus Strait. Now is a popular museum open to the public.
Hagia Irene Museum
Hagia Irene is a Greek Eastern Orthodox church located in the outer courtyard of Topkapı Palace. Today, it serves as a historical museum.
Madame Tussauds Istanbul
Madame Tussauds is a world-famous museum featuring wax reproductions of popular celebrities and historical figures. The Istanbul location holds a collection of famous Turkish and international personalities.
Museum of Hammamizade İsmail Dede Efendi
Close to Blue Mosque, you’ll find the house museum and music salon of Ottoman composer Hammamizade İsmail Dede Efendi. A highlight of any visit is the chance to see the whirling of the Sufi Dervishes.
LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Istanbul
There’s all the fun of your fave childhood toys, plus a LEGO® 4D cinema, a Miniland of Istanbul and global landmarks, as well as rides like the Kingdom Quest laser game and Merlin’s Apprentice. In Miniland you’ll feel like a giant!