ISTANBUL
The pick of Istanbul.
The 14 most popular museums tours in Istanbul. A short list of the ones worth planning a day around, with prices, run times and who to book with.
Skip-the-line entry to Topkapi Palace and the Harem with timed access and a phone audio guide in Istanbul.
Most Popular“The guide was really nice and I enjoyed my time at the amazing palace of Topkapi”
Skip-the-line Topkapi Palace and Harem guided tour with ticket, expert English guide, and Golden Horn views in about 3 hours.
“Jaan was an excellent and knowledgeable guide. He answered all our questions. Very interesting and enjoyable tour. M”
Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia Mosque and the History & Experience Museum, with 23-language audio and 3-day validity.
“Very good multimedia exhibition with a traditional museum afterwards. It was very entertaining, we just wished some more information (for example on architecture of Hagia Sophia) afterwards. Best to visit Hagia Sophia after visiting the museum!”
A fun ticket to Istanbul’s Museum of Illusions with 60+ optical tricks, games, and photo ops for families. Plan for possible lines.
“Great place for the kids”
Skip-the-line entry to Istanbul Archaeological Museums with a 25-language audio guide via QR ticket for a self-paced history-filled day.
“This is a lot of money for what you get. There is a lot of renovation to the outside of one of the buildings, therefore closing off access. The toilets are not well signposted and it will not take you long to get round. We had ticket issues and had to contact the company who…”
Skip the ticket line at Istanbul’s Yıldız Palace & Museum. Explore Ottoman rooms, textiles, and gardens in Beşiktaş for $18.
Full-day Istanbul Bosphorus tour with Egyptian Bazaar, guided Beylerbeyi Palace, Europe-Asia boat cruise, and lunch included.
“It was really a wonderful day ! What a special company ! The guide was competent, and the driver was funny and had a smiling face . We felt like we were with our family . We felt good and safe with them . Many thanks 🫡”
Skip-the-line QR entry plus an English audio guide for Istanbul Archaeological Museums, with standout tombs and Ottoman-era rooms.
“The tickets sent to us were not accepted by the museum. We were forced to buy separate tickets. Also no headsets were available for rent.”
A self-entry, multi-sensory Hagia Sophia experience in Istanbul with timed entry, skip-line ticket handling, and a digital audio guide.
“A good experience bought a skip the line timed ticket but you couldn't skip the line. The experience is a bit rushed and there's nowhere to sit which wasn't ideal with an arthritic knee. It's good but from a customer experience perspective it could be better. Recommended but it's not ideal for someone with mobility…”
Byzantine and Ottoman Istanbul tour with hotel pickup, A/C transport, museum tickets, and lunch. See Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, and more.
“The tour of Byzantine and Ottoman sites in Istanbul was wonderful! Visiting the museums was exciting, and the lunch they provided was very good. I learned so much! Thanks 🙏”
Skip the lines at Istanbul’s Chora Museum with a QR ticket and 25-language audio guide, then wander Byzantine mosaics at your pace.
“La chiesa è bellissima, peccato non aver ricevuto il link con l'audio guida, fortunatamente c'erano i QR code dentro”
A guided Istanbul day linking the Spice Market, Chora mosaics, Eyüp Sultan, and Golden Horn views from Pierre Loti Hill.
“Emel was friendly and very well informed and enthusiastic! We appreciated that she made sure we saw as much as possible and had many helpful shopping tips! The lunch we had with her was fantastic as wwll”
See the fall of Constantinople in a 360° panoramic museum in Istanbul, with digital audio guide and skip-the-ticket-line entry for $31.
“Panoramic show about Uothman’s Empire”
From the strait to the old city to the day trips beyond, and every way to see them.
