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 great to get you in and explain what he is there to do. Once you’re in you can roam around and take your time as it isn’t a tour guide, just fast track”
Skip-the-line Topkapi Palace and Harem guided tour with ticket, expert English guide, and Golden Horn views in about 3 hours.
“We had a very knowledgeable guide who explained the history of the palace along side the history of the city and the region. He really made the palace come alive explaining how the various sections worked. It was a great way to see the palace.”
Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia Mosque and the History & Experience Museum, with 23-language audio and 3-day validity.
“One of must have experiences in Istanbul!! The best way to learn about the history of this magnificent place, An amazing immersive experience. The staff was also very friendly… 100% worthy!!”
A fun ticket to Istanbul’s Museum of Illusions with 60+ optical tricks, games, and photo ops for families. Plan for possible lines.
“Great activity, lots of fun, would highly recommend”
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.
“DO NOT BUY! Ticket not accepted! Bar code doesn't work. Had to buy tickets at the door and then request a refund. Not happy!”
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 🙏”
A self-entry, multi-sensory Hagia Sophia experience in Istanbul with timed entry, skip-line ticket handling, and a digital audio guide.
“Experienta fantastica”
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.
“This tour was totally worthwhile. My guide Ece was so knowledgeable and lovely. The mosaics in the Chora museum are quite close as the church is small so much better to see than in for example, the Hagia Sophia. I was also impressed that they did not cancel or defer the tour due to me…”
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.
