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 palace is huge, you have to give it at least 2 hours to tour. Don't go at peak season, there will be packed with people.”
Skip-the-line Topkapi Palace and Harem guided tour with ticket, expert English guide, and Golden Horn views in about 3 hours.
“Our guide, Fatih, was very knowledgeable and clearly passionate about his subject. He was also extremely friendly. We do think that he could benefit from keeping greater focus on the subject and keeping digressions, family stories and jokes to a minimum. He meant well and this was surely his way of working to connect us…”
Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia Mosque and the History & Experience Museum, with 23-language audio and 3-day validity.
“I liked the combo option, they compose together the larger expierience of Hagia Sophia and its history during centuries. I would suggest to visit the museum first, and later visit Hagia Sophia :) Skip-the-line option was very useful (no waste of time next to the ticket office, and only for the entrance itself to the…”
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 a unique and special tour . It was a wonderful day in Istanbul. We saw a lot of comments that encouraged us to take this tour. The guide was very kind and patient . The nature was amazing and wonderful .”
Skip-the-line QR entry plus an English audio guide for Istanbul Archaeological Museums, with standout tombs and Ottoman-era rooms.
“I turned up with my pre-booked ticket and was told I needed a QR code. I explained that I had just been provided with the Viator app ticket and that I had not received a QR code. I was told to contact the tour operator and the Whatsapp link Read more”
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.
“Despite 40 minutes of communication and 2 pictures sent over what’s app and being 2 minutes away - the tour was missed. A real mess trying to find a meeting point 4 locals had no idea where it was”
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.
“Services of the pleasant tour guide, knowledge and pacing of the tour were all excellent. Would highly recommend this tour.”
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.
