The Istanbul Museum Pass: Save Money & Time With This Guide

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Written by our local expert SJ

Sarah-Jane has lived in Croatia for 10+ years. SJ, as she is known, has been traveling the Balkans & beyond since 2000. She now shares her passion for traveling with her husband & kids.

If you are looking for a unique way to experience the historical sites of Istanbul or want a cost-effective option for sightseeing, the Istanbul Museum Pass is worth considering.

Turkey Travel Blog_The Istanbul Museum Pass: Save Money & Time With This GuideAre you planning a trip to Istanbul and looking for ways to save money and time while exploring the city’s rich culture and history? Look no further than the Istanbul Museum Pass!

This all-in-one pass grants you access to over 12 museums, palaces, and other cultural sites across the city without waiting in line or purchasing individual tickets.

In this complete guide, we’ll show you how to make the most of your museum pass experience so that you can focus on soaking up all that Istanbul has to offer. Get ready for an adventure filled with ancient artifacts, stunning architecture, and incredible stories from Turkey’s past – all while saving time and money!

Introduction To The Istanbul Museums Pass

Istanbul Museum Pass

Istanbul is a city with a rich history and culture, and there are many ways to experience it. One of the best ways is through its museums. The Istanbul Museum Pass is a great way to save money and time while visiting some of the city’s most popular attractions.

The Istanbul Museum Pass gives you access to over 12 museums and archaeological sites in the city, including the famed Archaeological Museum.

The pass is valid for five days (120 hours after the first time of use), so you can take your time exploring all that Istanbul has to offer. If you plan on visiting multiple museums during your stay in Istanbul, then the Istanbul Museums Pass is worth considering.

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Price Of The Istanbul Museum Pass

The museum pass Istanbul is an excellent option for tourists who want to save money and time. For a fixed price of 700 Turkish Lira (as of February 2023), you can see 12 museums saving you lots of money!

What Museums Are Included In The Istanbul Museums Pass

  1. Topkapi Palace Museum
  2. Topkapi Palace Harem 
  3. Istanbul Archeological Museum
  4. Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum
  5. Galata Tower
  6. Galata Mevlevi Lodge Museum
  7. Rumeli Fortress Museum 
  8. Great Palace Mosaics Museums
  9. Hafiza 15 Temmuz
  10. Adam Mickiewicz Museum
  11. Istanbul Airport Museum
  12. Hagia Irene Monument Museum
  13. Museum Of The History Of Science And Technology In Islam

Tips on When to Buy and How to Use Your Pass

The Istanbul Museum Pass is a great way to save money and time if you plan on visiting many of the city’s museums. Here are some tips on when to buy and how to use your pass:

  • Buying the pass might not be worth it if you only plan to visit a few museums. Check the prices of individual tickets vs. the cost of the pass to see if it’s worth it for you
  • The pass is valid for five days, so plan your visits accordingly. You can visit as many museums as you want during that period, but keep in mind that some museums may have restricted hours or days when they’re open to the public
  • When using your pass, present it at the ticket office of each museum you wish to enter. You’ll still need to queue up and wait for your turn to get into each museum, but having the pass will help you skip any lines at the ticket office

Opening Times For The Museums On The Istanbul Museum Pass

  • Topkapi Palace: Daily except Tuesdays from 9 am – 6 pm
  • Harem Apartments: Daily except Tuesdays from 9 am – 6 pm
  • Galata Tower: Daily 8:30 am – 23:00
  • Museum of Turkish Islamic Art: Daily 9 am – 6 pm
  • Galata Mevlivihouse: Daily except for Mondays, 9 am – 6 pm
  • Istanbul Archaeological Museums: Daily 9 am – 6 pm
  • Hagia Irene Monument Museum: Daily except Tuesdays from 9 am  – 6 pm
  • Great Palace Mosaics Museum: Daily from 9 am – 6 pm
  • Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam: Daily from 9 am – 6 pm
  • Rumeli Fortress Museum: Daily except for Mondays, 9 am – 5 pm

List of Museums Not Covered by the Pass

How Many Days In Istanbul Is Enough - The Basilica Cistern

If you’re looking to save money and time while visiting Istanbul’s many museums, the Istanbul Museum card is a great option. However, two notable places are not covered by the pass. These include:

  • Dolmabahce Palace Museum
  • Basilica Cistern

Alternatives To The Istanbul Museum Pass

There are a few alternatives to the Istanbul Museum Pass that can save you money and time when visiting the city’s many museums. The first is

  • Istanbul Tourist Card: This offers free or discounted admission to many city attractions, including museums. The second is the
  • Istanbul City Pass: This includes several different attractions and activities, including free admission to some of the city’s most famous museums
BUY THE PASS HERE

Wrap Up About The Istanbul Museum Pass

The Istanbul Museum Pass is a great way to save money and time when exploring the incredible museums of this historic city. With it, you can explore all that Istanbul offers without worrying about individual ticket prices or long lines at each museum.

Whether you are looking for a unique way to experience the historical sites of Istanbul or want an easy and cost-effective option for sightseeing, the Istanbul Museum Pass is definitely worth considering.

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Comment

  1. Hi there… thanks for the article. The muesum pass has increased in price significantly over course of 2023… well above inflation to be honest. I can still save a little but really not much today.

    Can i check with you… if i have the muesum pass, do i still need to exchange for tickets at Galata Tower and Topkapi Palace for example… or can i just walk straight to the entrance? Thank you.

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