Sights of Istanbul and what to see

Istanbul is a real storehouse of attractions that will surprise even the most experienced tourists and travelers with its location. There are about a hundred museums and galleries here alone, and many times more of all kinds of architectural and historical places. At first glance, it seems that in all this diversity it is easy to get lost, but in fact there are not so many really "top" attractions that are mandatory to visit, and you can see them in 2-3 days. If you visit all the others, you will find that they are all quite of the same type and boring, and it is not necessary to visit every mosque or church, or very specific museums.

Here's what to visit first:

• Topkapi Palace
• Dolmabahce Palace
• Museum-Hagia Sophia
• Blue Mosque
• Basilica Cistern
• Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
• Istanbul Archaeological Museum
• Istiklal Caddesi Street and Taksim Square
• Istanbul Markets
• Bosphorus or Golden Horn cruise
• Princes ' Islands

Other places can be visited at your discretion by interest, choosing from the list below on this page.

When planning the route of the visit, please note that most museums and paid historical monuments are open until 19:00 in summer, and until 17:00 in winter, with access to visitors ceasing an hour before closing. Here is a summary of the weekend, you can print this table, and take it with you:

Almost all attractions, with rare exceptions, are paid, prices are not cheap. The cost of tickets is indicated below in the list, but they increase annually, for example, since 2020 to 2022, they have at least doubled for visiting palaces. Museum Card Museum Pass Istanbul. This card is especially relevant for passing without a queue, since there is usually a long queue at the ticket offices of popular museums for tickets. As for children's tickets, for foreign children in different countries, different ages are set for free admission in the range from 6 to 12 years, and older than this age, children will have to pay a full fee. The age of children at the entrance is checked by passport, and without a passport they simply will not miss with rare exceptions.

And there is another alternative to the museum card - a single ticket to the three main attractions in Sultanahmet: the Topkapi Palace, the Archaeological Museum, and Hagia Sophia Cathedral for 162 lira, and separately visiting them costs 180. You can buy at one of the ticket offices in these museums, the queues are least in the Archaeological Museum.

You can get acquainted with the sights of Istanbul yourself, using city transport, taxi, or on foot to move. In general, most of the most important historical sites and museums are located in the Sultanahmet district, which is all easy to get around on foot. There is also a tour bus Big Bus Istanbul on the Hop-on-Hop-off system, if you are willing to pay from 45 euros for one day. As for excursions, in travel agencies on the street you can find group or individual tours, but in general this is not very common, and very few Russian-language excursions are offered. But you can book individual or group sightseeing tours on one of these trusted sites:

• Excursions from the tour operator TezTour
• Excursions from Sputnik8
• Trips from Tripster

And now a list of the most interesting sights of Istanbul with an indication of opening hours, costs and ways to get to them:

Istiklal Caddesi Street

It is the main pedestrian tourist area of Istanbul, the heart of Beyoglu tourist district. It is pedestrian, but a historic tram runs along it, in several places crosses the roadway. All along it is packed with shops, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, fast food stalls, souvenir shops, currency exchange offices, banks, Turkish sweets shops, there are international restaurants McDonalds and Burger King. It even houses the Consulate General of the Russian Federation. In the evening, in different places you can see performances of street artists, exhibitions of artists. In general, on Istiklal you can find everything that the soul of a tourist can need. Learn more about Istiklal street here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: around the clock, walking is most interesting in the evenings.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: located in the center of Beyoglu tourist area (Istiklal Street on the map), and any hotel in the area is easily accessible on foot. Other areas can be reached by taxi, tram T1, Metro M2, buses, ferries.

Taksim Square

This is an important point for a landmark and a small tourist area or quarter in the Beyoglu district, and only then a tourist attraction. At various times, it became a center for expressing popular discontent, holding rallies,and in 1977 there was even a mass shooting of demonstrators. Today everything is quiet here, and it is a place for folk festivals, walks of tourists, a transport hub. Learn more about Taksim Square here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: around the clock.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: located in the center of Beyoglu district at the beginning of Istiklal Street (Taksim Square on the map. You can get here by Metro M2 to Taksim station. From Sultanahmet, the easiest way to get here is by tram T1 to the final stop of Kabataş and then on foot 15 minutes or by funicular. From the Asian part of the city by ferry to Kabataş Pier.

Galata Bridge / Galata Köprüsü

The bridge passes over the waters of the Golden Horn Bay and connects the tourist areas of Sultanahmet and Beyoglu. It opened in 1994 and is not an architectural or historical landmark, but it is an iconic place and an important point of reference for tourists and locals alike. And from here there are excellent views of the tourist areas.

The bridge is two-level (two-story). On the lower level there is a pedestrian area with many seafood restaurants. The upper level of the Galata Bridge is a road with wide sidewalks along the edges. Learn more about Galatskiy bridge here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: around the clock.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: the bridge is located between Sultanahmet and Beyoglu districts (Galata Bridge on the map. From both areas, the bridge is most pleasant to reach during a walk, or you can take the T1 tram to the Karaköy or Eminönü stops. From the Asian part of the city, you can take a ferry to Karaköy or Eminönü marinas.

Historic tram on Istiklal Street

This is the city transport of Istanbul, route number T2, but for tourists it is a special type of transport – the historical tram or Nostalgic Tram. You are unlikely to move on it in order to get from place to place, it will be faster on foot. But you can ride a retro tram, which has long become one of the tourist symbols of the city, with pleasure. But even if you can not ride, be sure to take a selfie on its background and a few photos. Learn more about the historic tram here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: runs from 07:00 to 22:00 every 40-50 minutes on schedule, exact schedule here.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: the fare is 2.6 lira (0.06 USD), payment by card Istanbul Kart.

🚶 How to get there: walks along the tourist Istiklal Street, the rails are laid right in the middle of the street (Istiklal Street on the map. You can take it at any of the three stops along the route, or at the final ones.

Topkapi Palace

The largest and most popular attraction in Istanbul, which should definitely be visited during the first visit to the city. This is the former palace of the ruling dynasty of the Ottoman Empire, where from 1475 to 1854 lived all the rulers and their families. The complex includes four courtyards, a harem, museums and exhibitions with a total fund of up to 65,000 exhibits, internal parks, mosques, baths, swimming pools, fountains, the Church of St. Irene (Hagia Irene or Aya Irini). For inspection it is worth laying at least 3 hours, and preferably half a day. Learn more about the Topkapi Palace Museum here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: in summer (from April 1 to October 2) – 09:00 to 18:45; in winter (from October 3 to March 31) – 09:00 to 16:45. The entrance closes 45 minutes before the end. Weekends are every Tuesday as well as January 1, April 21 and October 29.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: Entrance to the complex 1500 lira (32.66 USD, see Turkish currency and exchange rate), children under 8 years old inclusive free of charge. According to the museum map of Istanbul, the palace and the Church of St. Irene are visited free of charge, but the harem is not included in the visit on the map.

🚶 How to get there: Topkapi Palace is located in Sultanahmet district (entrance to the Palace on the map). From Sultanahmet districts/Fatih can be reached on foot. From Beyoglu district by tram T1 (stop nearby); Metro Line M2 to Vezneciler station and walk 1 kilometer; buses 80T, 70KY, 74A, taxis 22 and 23 and walk 1-2 kilometers. From the Asian part and Kadikoy district by the Marmaray city train. On the tourist bus Big Bus Istanbul get off at the Stop number 1/20.

Museum-Hagia Sophia / Aya Sofya (since 2020 a mosque)

This is a former large museum complex in the historic Orthodox Cathedral of Hagia Sophia (Sofia Cathedral), which became a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. In 2020, by the decision of the president and the government, it was again transformed into a mosque. It was one of the most popular historical monuments and museums, just a must-visit during the first tourist trip to Istanbul. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Learn more about the museum-Hagia Sophia here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: around the clock, but Hagia Sophia cannot be visited by tourists during namaz (prayer), which is held 5 times a day, so as not to distract the faithful. The schedule of namaz changes, you can specify it on a special calendar, and it is also published at the entrance. Namaz lasts 1-1.5 hours,so even if you come here at this time, you can wait and walk around the square nearby.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: From 15 jan 2024 – 25 EUR.

🚶 How to get there: located in the historic Sultanahmet district at Ayasofya Meydanı, 34122 (Cathedral on the map).

Dolmabahce Palace

It is one of the most visited by tourists and beautiful palaces in Istanbul and in all of Turkey, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans of the late XIX century. You will be able to explore the courtyard of the complex and the ornate interior, as well as the harem for an additional fee. Also on the territory there is a mill, a stable, a poultry yard, a confectionery shop, kitchens, baths and other life-supporting outbuildings, and there are Clock museums, an art gallery, and a museum of musical instruments. Everywhere you can see the luxury and feel the history of this place, because some of the exhibits were part of the life of the rulers of the Empire, were their personal belongings. Learn more about Dolmabahce Palace here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: 9:00-16:00, Monday is a day off.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: 60 lire entrance to the palace (1.31 40 lire entrance to the harem; 90 lire general ticket to the palace+harem.

🚶 How to get there: located in Besiktas district just one and a half kilometers from Taksim Square and the end of Istiklal Street (Palace on the map. You can walk in 20 minutes, or take the F1 funicular down to kabatas Marina and walk along the shore. From other districts and Sultanahmet, the easiest way is to take the T1 tram to the final stop near kabatas Marina and walk a little, or to Taksim metro station.

Blue Mosque

This is the most beautiful and majestic mosque in Istanbul, a famous architectural symbol of the city. Its image can be seen on tourist products, booklets, brochures, and, of course, it is impossible not to see this architectural miracle with your own eyes. It can be viewed inside, you just need to follow the rules of visiting: you can not enter in T-shirts, shorts, short skirts, bright provocative clothes, women must cover their heads with a scarf, which can be taken free of charge at the entrance. It is also necessary to take off your shoes and wear shoe covers. Inside you can take pictures, but you can not use a tripod and shoot believers. Learn more about the Blue Mosque here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: 08:30 to 12:30, 14:00 to 15:45, 16:45 to 17:45, Fridays from 13:30. The mosque can not be visited during namaz (prayer), which is held 5 times a day, so as not to distract the faithful. But if you really want, during the prayer anyone, even non-Muslims, can go inside and join the believers, but it is forbidden to take pictures at this time.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: The Blue Mosque is located in Sultanahmet district (mosque on the map).

Church of St. Irene (Hagia Eirene or Aya Irini)

It is a monument of history and architecture, one of the oldest churches of the period of Constantinople. Unlike other temples, which after the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottomans were converted into mosques, this temple never became a mosque. Today it is open to the public as a historical landmark. But, frankly, as a tourist attraction, it will be of little interest to a wide range of tourists. Inside there are no details and artifacts, you can only see the general interior and architecture, about which without additional information from the tour guide or guide you still will not understand anything. Learn more about St. Irene's Church here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: in summer (from April 1 to October 1) – 09:00- 20:00; in winter (October 1-April 1) – 09:00-17:00. Tuesday is a day off. Ticket offices close 30 minutes before the end of work.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: 350 lire (7.62 USD), children under 6 years old inclusive free of charge. By Museum Pass istanbul Card free.

🚶 How to get there: located in Sultanahmet district on the grounds of Topkapi Palace (Church of St. Irene on the map) .

Church of little Aya Sofya or Saints Sergius and Bacchus

This is a functioning mosque, originally built in the VI century by the Byzantines as an Orthodox Church. In the XVI century, it was converted by the Ottomans into a mosque,and in this capacity it still serves. Interestingly, it was built even before the Hagia Sophia (Hagia Sophia) in the period from 527 to 536 years. It is believed that it became the architectural prototype of the Hagia Sophia. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Learn more about the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus or little Aya Sofia

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: in the daytime.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: located in the historic Sultanahmet district (church on the map).

Basilica Cistern

Basilica Cistern, or Arasında Yerebatan Saray, is a monumental ancient structure to ensure the vital activity of the city, a reservoir of drinking water. Built in 532. It is a giant underground storage 145 meters long and 65 meters wide, which could store approximately 100,000 tons of water. Since 1987, it has not performed its functions, it is a museum. Definitely worth a visit, but best with guided tours, an individual guide or an audio guide, which can be charged for 5 lire at the entrance. Learn more about the Basilica Cistern here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: 09:00-17: 30 seven days a week.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: 190 lire (4.14 USD), children under 12 years old inclusive free of charge.

🚶 How to get there: The Basilica Cistern is located in the historic Sultanahmet district on Yerebatan Street Cd. 1/3 (Basilica Cistern on the map).

Istanbul Archaeological Museum

The largest of the classical exhibition museums in Istanbul, the collection has more than a million exhibits. It consists of three sections: the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient East, the tiled Pavilion. All of them are visited by one ticket.

Unfortunately, the main building of the museum has been under repair for many years, not the entire collection is represented. But even with this in mind, it is definitely worth a visit. Learn more about the Archaeological Museum of Istanbul here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: in summer (from April 1 to October 1) – 09:00- 20:00; in winter (October 1-April 1) – 09:00-17:00. Monday is a day off. Ticket offices close 30 minutes before the end of work.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: 340 lire (7.4 USD), children under 8 years old inclusive free of charge. On the museum map of Istanbul for free.

🚶 How to get there: the museum is located in Sultanahmet district, adjacent to Topkapi Palace, but the entrance is on the other side (entrance Museum on the map).

Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts (Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts)

If you really choose one Classic exhibition Museum in Istanbul to visit in the first place, then definitely Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts (Türk ve Islam Eserleri Muzesi). The number of artifacts in its collection is perhaps not very impressive compared to the Archaeological Museum of Istanbul, only 40,000 against one million. But here they are very diverse, and cover all aspects of the life and culture of the Islamic period in modern Turkey. Learn more about the Museum of Turkish and Islamic art here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: in summer (from April 1 to October 31) – 09:00-19:00; in winter (from November 1 to March 31) – 09:00-17:00. In summer without days off, in winter on Tuesday - a day off.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: 390 lira (8.49 USD), children under 12 years-free of charge. According to the museum map of Istanbul, the visit is free.

🚶 How to get there: located in the historic Sultanahmet district (Museum on the map).

Kariye museum or Chora Museum (Kariye Muzesi, Chora Museum)

This is a historical architectural museum in the former Old Church of Christ The Savior in the fields. It is the best preserved church of the Byzantine period, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Originally built in the VI century, it was destroyed during the invasion and rebuilt in the XII century. Inside the church is decorated with mosaics depicting episodes from the earthly life of Jesus and biblical stories. Learn more about Kariye Museum here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: in summer (from April 1 to October 31) – 09:00-19:00; in winter (from November 1 to March 31) – 09:00-17:00. Wednesday is a day off, but as of 2019 the museum is open seven days a week, you can check the schedule here. Yandex. checkout stops working 1 hour before closing.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: 65 lire (1.42 USD), children under 12 years old free of charge. According to the museum map of Istanbul, the visit is free.

🚶 How to get there: the museum is located in the Fatih district, but not in the historical quarter of Sultanamet, but in the quarter of Fener / Fener almost 6 kilometers from Sultanahmet (Museum on the map. You can get there on the metro line M1A/M1B to ulubatli station and then walk one and a half kilometers. Even closer by tram T4, but with transfers. Also here there are many buses and taxis.

Grand Bazaar

This is the main point of sale for tourists, and at the same time a tourist attraction. Even if you are not going to buy anything, be sure to visit it while walking around the Sultanahmet district, and maybe even more than once. This is a very colorful market with trade traditions that have been around for several centuries, because it was built on the orders of Sultan Mehmed II The Conqueror (Fatih) back in 1461. There are more than 4000 shops and shops. The range of goods is huge: jewelry, antiques, leather and other clothing, carpets, ceramics, spices, coffee, fakes of famous brands, and of course an infinite number of souvenirs. But it is fair to say that despite the color and atmosphere, for economical shopping the market is not very suitable. Learn more about the Grand Bazaar here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: 09:00-19:00, Sunday is a day off.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: located within walking distance of Sultanahmet district (Bazaar on the map. You can get there by tram T1 to Beyazıt stop, by Metro M2 to Vezneciler station, by commuter train Marmaray to Sirceci station.

Egyptian Bazaar or spice market (Spice Bazaar)

This market is not as big and iconic as the Grand Bazaar, but more suitable for tourist shopping. Prices are initially called lower than in the Grand Bazaar, besides, you can bargain. But the goods here are specific: first of all, these are spices, there are a lot of them; Turkish sweets; coffee; dried fish. There are few souvenirs, but no leather jackets, clothes, etc. in any case, it is worth visiting the market at least in order to see spices and delicacies, which most of our compatriots have not even heard of. And on the second floor of the building is the restaurant "Pandeli" overlooking the Bosphorus, famous for the fact that it was visited by many famous people. Learn more about the Egyptian Bazaar here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: 08:00-19:00, Sunday 09:30-19:00, seven days a week.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: located in the Eminonu quarter near Sultanahmet (Bazaar on the map. You can take the T1 tram to the Eminonu stop, take the Marmaray commuter train to the Sirceci station, or take the ferry to the Eminonu Marina.

Arasta Market (Arasta Bazaar)

This is a shopping street with shops selling souvenirs, handicrafts, Turkish sweets, spices, jewelry, antiques. There are no shirts, T-shirts and other cheap consumer goods here. But you can find an old handmade carpet (or what they give out for it), hookahs, Turks made by hand, and of course a bunch of inexpensive souvenirs like magnets and plates. Learn more about Arasta market in Istanbul here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: in the daytime.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: the market is located in the Sultanahmet district next to the Blue Mosque (market on the map).

Fish market / Karaköy Balık Pazarı

There are several fish markets in Istanbul, but the most popular one for tourists to visit is between the tourist areas of Sultanahmet and Beyoglu near the Galata Bridge. There is nothing particularly remarkable in it, but if you like such "folk" places, you can visit it. The main trade takes place in the morning, when fishing boats arrive with freshly caught fresh fish and various sea reptiles. Buyers of goods here are mainly restaurants in the tourist areas of Istanbul. Learn more about Istanbul fish market here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: from 06:00 to 19:00.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: the fish market is located in Beyoglu district at Karaköy Istasyonu marina near Galata Bridge and (Fish Market on the map. You can get from Isktiklal Street and from Sultanahmet district during a leisurely walk to the bridge, or by tram T2 to the Karaköy stop.

Suleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii)

This is the largest mosque in Istanbul, and the second most important for believers. At the same time, up to 5,000 people can pray in it! Built by the great Sultan Suleiman I The Magnificent (Kanuni Sultan Süleyman) in 1550-1557. It is fair to say that although this is the largest mosque, it is not the largest religious building in Istanbul. It is inferior in height and width to the Hagia Sophia. In the courtyard is the mausoleum where the Sultan and his wife rest. Learn more about the Suleymaniye Mosque here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: visiting time for tourists is 9:00 to 12:30, from 13:45 to 15:45.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: the mosque is located next to the historical Sultanahmet district, you can walk (mosque on the map. From other areas, it is most convenient to get by Metro M2 (Vezneciler station) or tram T1 (Laleli - diversite stop). From the Asian part, take the Marmaray city train or ferry to the Eminonu Pier. Take the Big Bus tour bus to stop number 2/7.

Mosaic Museum

The museum is small, consists of only two halls. Inside is a collection of Byzantine period mosaics discovered during archaeological excavations at the arasta Bazaar in Sultanahmet Square. Presumably, these mosaics were part of the pavement at the court of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, although some researchers say that they are from a later period. Learn more about the Mosaic Museum here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: in summer (from April 1 to October 31) – 09:00-19:00; in winter (from November 1 to March 31) – 09:00-17:00. Seven days a week.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: 220 lira (4.79 USD), children under 8 years free of charge. According to the museum map of Istanbul, the visit is free.

🚶 How to get there: located in the historic Sultanahmet district (Museum on the map. The entrance to it is from Torun Sk Street.

Fethiye Museum (Fethiye Museum)

Fethiye Museum is an ancient Orthodox Church of the Virgin of Pammakaristos (Pammakaristos Church), built by the Greeks in the XI-XII centuries, although other sources claim that it was built from 1292 to 1294. In the XVI century it was converted into a mosque. As of 2019, it is under long-term restoration, it can only be viewed from the outside.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: 09:00-18:00, Wednesday-day off. You can inspect the outside around the clock.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: 5 lire (0.11 USD), children under 12 years old free of charge. According to the museum map of Istanbul, the visit is free.

🚶 How to get there: located in Fatih district but far from the historic district (Museum on the map. You can take the M2 Metro to Ulubatli or Emniyet station and walk one and a half kilometers. A little less to go if you change to tram T4. From Eminonu jetty, you can take a ferry to ayvansaray jetty and walk a short distance.

Galata Tower

It is a historical and architectural landmark of Istanbul, an important symbol of the city, as well as a great entertainment if you are willing to pay a very high entrance fee. At the top there is an observation deck with excellent views of Istanbul from a height of 140 meters (this is about 50 floors), although the tower itself has a height of 61 meters, just located on a hill. It is best to visit it in the evening before sunset, then you can see the city both in daylight and at dusk. But it is better to come here in advance, as there are always a lot of people who want to go upstairs, especially in the evening, and you will have to stand in line for 30-60 minutes. Learn more about Galatskaya Tower here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: 09:00-20: 30 seven days a week, it is better to visit in the evening before sunset.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: 650 lire (14.15 USD), children under 6 years-free of charge.

🚶 How to get there: the tower is located in Beyoglu district in Karakoy (tower on the map. It is easy to reach it on foot via Istiklal street; by Metro M2 to Seişhane station; by historic tram T2 to the final stop; by tram T1 to Karakoy stop and further on foot or by funicular F2; by ferry from the Asian part of the city to Karakoy pier and further on foot or by funicular F2.

Maiden Tower (Kız Kulesi)

Also known as the Leander tower, it is one of the architectural symbols of the city along with the Galata Tower. It is located on a small island in the Bosphorus Strait near the coast of the Asian part of the city.

It is attractive, first of all, for its history, which, together with the island on which the tower is built, has at least 16 centuries. Inside there is a restaurant, a bar, and an observation deck is open at the top, from where, in good weather, both parts of the city are perfectly visible, located in different parts of the world: Asian and European. But, in our opinion, the popularity of the Maiden Tower far exceeds the real experience and pleasure that you will get from visiting it. Learn more about the Maiden Tower in Istanbul here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: the restaurant and Tower are open from 09:00 to 19:00, and from 20:00 to 00:30 (for dinners), seven days a week.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: the entrance fee to the tower and the ascent to the observation deck, including boat delivery from the pier, is 30 lire. (0.65 USD), children under 6 years old inclusive-free of charge.

🚶 How to get there: located on a small island in the Bosphorus Strait near the coast of the Asian part of the city (tower on the map. You can get to it from the pier Kabatas (Kabatas) or Salacak by ferry. Ferries from Kabatas Marina depart every 30-60 minutes on a schedule from 10:00 to 18:00, with Salacak every 15 minutes. For more information, see the link to the full description.

Galata Mevlevi or Museum of Dervishes (Galata Mevlevi Museum)

This is a museum dedicated to the whirling ceremony of the dervishes, Muslim monks known throughout the world for their unique whirling dance. Located in a former Sufi monastery, converted into a museum in 1946. Here you can see unusual architecture, not like traditional mosques, as well as a small museum exhibition of musical instruments, household items of monks, mannequins. In general, nothing particularly interesting. But once a week there is an authentic performance of the dervish dance. Learn more about the Galata Mevlevi museum or the Dervish abode here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: in summer (from April 1 to October 31) – 09:00-19:00; in winter (from November 1 to March 31) – 09:00-17:00. Monday is a day off. The performance of the dervishes takes place on Sundays at 17:00.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: 40 lire (0.87 USD), children under 8 years old inclusive free of charge. On the museum map of Istanbul for free. Representing dervishes costs 100 lire (2.18 USD)

🚶 How to get there: located in Beyoglu district (Museum on the map) at the end of Istiklal pedestrian street. From other areas, you can take the M2 Metro to Šişhane station; the historic T2 tram to the terminus; the T1 tram to Karakoy stop and beyond on foot or by funicular F2; the ferry from the Asian part of the city and Kadikoy district to Karakoy pier and beyond on foot or by funicular F2.

Museum of the history of Islamic Science and Technology (Museum of the History of Science & Technology in Islam)

This is one of the must-visit traditional exhibition museums of Istanbul, visited on the museum map. The number of exhibits in its collection may not be very impressive compared to the Archaeological Museum of Istanbul, only 40,000 against one million, but here you can learn about the culture and art of Turkey, the basis of which is Islam. The influence of religion here is evident in every exhibit. Sculptures, carpets, fabrics, jewelry, dishes, calligraphy, books – everything is somehow connected with religion. There are also special, sacred exhibits-hair from the beard of the Prophet Muhammad. Read more about the Museum of the history of Islamic Science and technology here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: in summer (from April 1 to October 31) – 09:00-19:00; in winter (from November 1 to March 31) – 09:00-17:00. Tuesday is a day off.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: 210 lire (4.57 USD), children under 12 years-free of charge. According to the museum map of Istanbul, the visit is free.

🚶 How to get there: located in the historic Sultanahmet district (Museum on the map).

Rumeli Hisari fortress Museum (Rumeli Hisari Museum)

This ancient architectural landmark was built by the Ottomans in 1452 for the capture of Constantinople. This is a very worthy and interesting place to visit, if not for one thing... It is located very far from the tourist center of the city, so it is worth a visit if you are not the first time in Istanbul, or if you have a museum card Museum Pass Istanbul, which this attraction is visited for free. In other cases, you can skip the fortress, or limit it to inspection from a cruise boat on the Bosphorus. Learn more about the Rumeli-Hisari fortress Museum here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: in summer (from April 1 to October 31) – 09:00-17:00; in winter (from November 1 to March 31) – 09:00-16:00. Wednesday is a day off. Ticket offices close 30 minutes before the end of work.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: 130 lire (2.83 USD), children under 8 years old inclusive free of charge. On the museum map of Istanbul for free.

🚶 How to get there: located on the European side of Istanbul 13 kilometers from the tourist area of Sultanahmet (fortress on the map). In detail how to get there, see the link with a full description of the attraction.

Beylerbey Palace (Beylerbeyi Palace)

One of the Sultan's palaces, used as a summer residence in the late XIX-early XX centuries. Built in 1861-1865 in neo-baroque style. A beautiful park reeks around the palace. Inside, in 26 rooms and 6 halls, the atmosphere of the life of the Sultans is recreated. The interior features European crystal chandeliers, French clocks, Oriental vases and Arabic carpets.

If you like untrodden tourist routes, you can visit the palace. But objectively, it is much inferior in luxury, beauty and richness of history to the palaces of Topkapi and Dolmabahce. Visits are conducted in groups with a guide in English, or independently with an audio guide. Photography inside is strictly prohibited. Learn more about Beylerbey Palace here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: in summer (from April 1 to October 31) – 09:00 to 17:00; in winter (from November 1 to March 31) – 09:00 to 16:30. Weekends are Monday and Thursday.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: 60 lire (1.31 USD), children under 12 years old free of charge. For 5 lire you can see only the garden without visiting the palace from the inside.

🚶 How to get there: located on the Asian side of the city in Uskyudar district (Palace on the map. You need to take the ferry to the pier Uzsküdar from the marinas Eminonu, Beşiktaş, Kabataş, or take the commuter train Marmaray to the stop Üsküdar, and from there on foot, by taxi, minibus or bus number 15.

Carpet Museum

Carpet Museum (Carpet Museum, tour. Halı Muzesi) at first glance unremarkable and seems little interesting. Few tourists really look into it. But it is impossible not to mention it, since carpets are one of the reflections of the culture and history of the country. Here are carpets collected from mosques from all over the country. They date back to the period from XIV to XX century, i.e. some of them are almost 700 years old! The exhibition is divided into three parts for different time periods. There is detailed information about the methods of weaving and drawings, their meaning. In general, an interesting museum and worth a visit if you have time.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: 09:00-16:00, Monday-closed.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: 10 lire (0.22 USD), children under 12 years old free of charge.

🚶 How to get there: located in Sultanahmet near Hagia Sophia / Aya Sofya (Museum on the map).

Cistern Of Theodosius / Šerefiye Sarnıcı

The cistern of Theodosius is another ancient underground reservoir to provide the city with fresh water. It was built between 428 and 443 years, i.e. now the building is almost 1600 years old! It is not as popular and known as the Basilica Cistern, since it was opened to the public only in 2018, but it is a UNESCO site. Moreover, you can visit it completely free of charge. Sometimes there are exhibitions of contemporary artists, concerts. Learn more about the cistern of Feodosiya here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: 09:00-18:00, Sunday 09:00-15:00, seven days a week.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: the cistern is located in Sultanahmet district at 23 Piyer Loti Caddesi Street (cistern on the map. The entrance to it is made in the form of a building made of glass in The Shape of a cube. You can take the T1 tram to Sultanahmet stop.

Filoxene Cistern (Binbir Direk)

The Filoxena cistern (Binbirdirek, also called Direk Sarnıcı 1001, which means 1001 columns) was built in the 5th century. It is the most "boring" of the three ancient underground cisterns-reservoirs available for tourist visits in the historic Sultanahmet district. Inside there is a cafe, a shop with clothes and souvenirs, sometimes exhibitions, concerts, private celebrations are held. In our opinion, it is worth visiting only if you want to see absolutely all the sights of Istanbul, in other cases you can safely skip this place, and visit the other two reservoirs.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: 09:00-18:00, Sunday is a day off.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: 50 lire (1.09 USD), children under 12 years old free of charge.

🚶 How to get there: the cistern is located in Sultanahmet district at 23 Imran Öktem Cd (cistern on the map. The entrance to it is inconspicuous, similar to the entrance to the cafe, can be recognized by the inscription Binbir Direk. You can take the T1 tram to Sultanahmet stop.

Maritime Museum (Naval Museum)

The Naval Museum of Istanbul is a real find for tourists. It tells about the history of navigation and the Navy of Turkey, and stands out for its theme and Exposition against the background of monotonous hikes through ancient temples, mosques, and historical museums. Although the topic is specific, we are sure that both adults and children will like it here. Learn more about the Maritime Museum in Istanbul here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: on weekdays 09:00-17:00, Saturday and Sunday 09:00-18:00, ticket sales stop one hour before closing.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: 100 lire (2.18 USD), children under 12 years old free of charge. Photography - 50 lire.

🚶 How to get there: located in Besiktas district on the waterfront of the Strait near Dolmabahce Palace (Museum on the map. As with the palace, you can walk from Taksim Square and Taksim metro station, or take the T1 tram to the terminus at kabatas Marina, and walk a short distance.

Ish Bank Museum (Turkey Iş Bank Museum)

This is a large free museum dedicated to one of the largest and the first Republican bank. It is now known as Türkiye Iş Bankası. It was founded in 1924 by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk along with the founding of the Republic of Turkey, and is a kind of national pride.

We will not say that tourists should visit it in the first place, but it is definitely worth a visit, especially since it is free. Consisting of two floors and a basement, it tells about the history of the bank and the formation of banking in Turkey. The exposition includes photographs, old cash registers and counting machines, photographs, etc. The most interesting is in the basement, where there is a safe room and money storage. Learn more about the ish Bank Museum here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: 10:00-18:00, Monday-closed.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: located in the Eminönü district next to the marina of the same name (Museum on the map).

Museum of Polish poet Adam Mickiewicz (Adam Mickiewicz Museum)

This Memorial Museum will be interesting only to a very narrow circle of tourists familiar with the work of the Polish poet. But on the other hand, the famous Polish poet, who was one of the proteges of Polish literature, is our compatriot: he was born in the Russian Empire on the territory of present-day Belarus in the Grodno region in 1798. He moved to Istanbul to live in 1855, and in the same year he died of an illness. The museum presents a collection of his works, personal belongings, paintings of the poet. You can visit it if you pass by, since it is included in the visiting program on the museum map, but you should not get to it specifically.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: 09:00-17:00, Monday-closed.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: located in Beyoglu district within walking distance of Istiklal Street and Taksim Square (Museum on the map).

Military Museum (Harbiye Military Museum)

The military museum (Harbiye Military Museum or Harbiye Askeri Muze ve Kültür Sitesi Komutanlığı) tells about the history of the Turkish Armed Forces, and will definitely appeal to children, especially boys. Here are images of weapons, uniforms, insignia, etc.since the beginning of the Ottoman Empire, and ending with the present day. Large military equipment is displayed on the street: tanks, planes, helicopters, artillery, etc.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: from 09:00-16: 30, Monday and Tuesday-closed.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: 10 lire (0.22 USD), children under 12 years old free of charge.

🚶 How to get there: located in the Sisli district, one and a half kilometers from Taksim Square (Museum on the map. Ostanbey Metro Station on line M2 is also a 10-minute walk away.

Railway Museum (Istanbul Demiryolu Muzesi)

This small departmental museum is located at the Marmaray city train station, and tells about the history of Turkish Railways. It is quite small, consists of only one room, but the exhibits are interesting in their own way, besides some can even be touched. It is not worth a mandatory visit, but if you walk along the eminenyu embankment, it is worth a look here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: 09:00-17:00, Sunday and Monday are closed.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: located in Eminenyu district (Museum on the map).

Museum of innocence (Museum of Innocence)

A famous and interesting museum in Istanbul, but not for the general public. It was created by the modern Turkish writer Ferit Orhan Pamuk based on his work "Museum of innocence". The museum recreates the style and atmosphere of this work, but without reading the book, you, unfortunately, are unlikely to understand anything here. Therefore, before visiting it is recommended to read the work, otherwise there is no point.

Practical Information

🌐 Website: https://tr.masumiyetmuzesi.org/

🕐 Working hours: from 10:00 to 18:00, Thursday from 10:00 to 21:00, Monday – closed.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: 50 lire (1.09 USD), audio guide-5 lire.

🚶 How to get there: the museum is located in Beyoglu district near Istiklal pedestrian street at Dalgıççk., 2 (Museum on the map. From other areas, it is most convenient to get by tram T2 to Tophane stop, or by Metro M1 to Taksim station.

Museum of Modern Art (Istanbul Modern)

Istanbul has several small museums and contemporary art exhibitions, this one The Museum of Modern Art (Istanbul Modern) is the largest and most famous of them. Previously located in a large building on the waterfront in Beyoglu district, the exhibition was very rich. As of 2019, due to the development of the territory, it temporarily moved to a small building in the same area closer to Istiklal Street. Because of this, part of the collection became inaccessible, temporary exhibitions were reduced, the special entourage of the huge old building was lost. At the same time, the price for visiting remained the same. Learn more about Museum of Modern Art in Istanbul here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 10:00-18:00, Thursday 10:00-20:00, Sunday 11.00-18.00.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: 72 lira (1.57 USD), children under 12 years old free of charge.

🚶 How to get there: located in a temporary building at Meşrutiyet Cd. No:99 within walking distance of Istiklal Street (Museum on the map. You can get from other areas by Metro M2 to the station Šişhane, by tram T1 to the station Karaköy and there transfer to the funicular F2, or go up the street on foot.

Bosphorus cruises (Bosphorus tours or Golden Horn)

One of the main attractions in Istanbul that every tourist should experience are cruise tours along the Bosphorus. But do not confuse tours with Transport ferries that run between berths to move passengers, here it is a completely different experience. During the cruise, there are stunning views of the Strait, sights, bridges over the Bosphorus, and full tours almost reach the Black Sea.

Cruises are offered everywhere on Istiklal Street and in other tourist areas at travel agencies. The price includes delivery from the hotel to the pier, the cruise itself, and optional delivery back to the hotel. Usually for such an excursion they ask from 20 euros. But it is much more profitable to buy cruises yourself directly at the pier from where they depart. Most often it is the pier Eminönü (Eminönü) in the eponymous area next to the historical quarter of Sultanahmet. Learn more about Bosphorus cruises and how to go on your own here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: flights depart on a schedule all year round, in winter the number of flights decreases.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: 12-25 lira depending on tour type, children under 6 years free.

🚶 How to get there: depart mainly from the pier Eminenyu (Eminonu, Eminonu on the map).

Princes 'island or Adalar (Princes' Island Adalar)

There are 9 islands in the group, four of them are resorts with hotels, restaurants, cafes, tourist entertainment. You can go to any of the islands as an excursion or on your own during the day, and if you want to stay there for recreation, including Beach. But I would like to note that you should not count on the islands as full-fledged beach resorts. This is rather an option for citizens to escape for the weekend on the beach, and to choose them as a place to spend the whole holiday in Turkey is not worth it.

There are no particularly interesting sights on the islands, only a few mosques, monasteries, ruins of a fortress, a museum. More interesting is the cruise to them, a cozy resort atmosphere, the opportunity to swim and sunbathe, or just walk around the island. Learn more about the Princes ' Islands and how to get there here.

Practical Information

🕐 Working hours: around the clock, it is better to visit from May to October.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: the islands are on average 20 kilometers from Istanbul (Buyukada Island on the map). You can visit independently or with excursions, in Russian You can order here. You can independently take ferries from different marinas, most often in the Marina Eminenyu / Eminonu, about every hour. Payment by card Istanbul Kart-5.2 lira, not by card from 7 lira. For more information, see the link to the full description.

Dance of the dervishes

Dervishes are Muslim monks, Sufi mystics, known for their unique dance, during which they spin and thereby introduce themselves into a kind of trance to connect with the Almighty. At the same time, the dance itself is only part of a more complex Mevlevi ritual for spiritual elevation and mystical knowledge of the truth. Mevlevi includes the reading of verses-prayers, musical improvisation, special outfits, etc.

The dance of the Dervishes is a fascinating sight, and it is definitely worth visiting at least once in your life. In Istanbul, there are at least three places where such performances are consistently held. Learn more about places where shows are held, cost, schedule here.

🕒 19 April, 2026