The entrance fees for Istanbul’s main tourist attractions range from free to 2000 TL per person. Often children can go in for free, but different sightseeing spots have different age limits. The overview below also allows for easy comparison to find out whether an Istanbul Museum pass is worth the investment or not based on your personal itinerary. Also, avoid standing in front of a closed door by checking the opening and closing hours of the main tourist attractions. All tickets prices are for foreign nationals.
- Archaeological Museums (Arkeoloji Müzeleri)
Ticket price: 15 Euro
Children aged 12 and under: free of charge (ID required)
Istanbul Museum Pass is valid here. - Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı)
Ticket price: 1500 TL (daytime) – 2400 TL (evening)
Istanbul Museum Pass is not valid here. - Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayı)
Ticket price: 700 TL
Istanbul Museum Pass is valid here. - Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)
Free entrance. - Çadır Pavilion (Çadır Köşkü)
Free entrance. - Dolmabahçe Palace (Dolmabahçe Sarayı)
Selamlık (Official section) and Harem (Family section): 1800 TL
Children aged 6 and under: free of charge
Istanbul Museum Pass is not valid here. - Egyptian or Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı)
Free entrance. - Emirgan Park (Emirgan Korusu)
Free entrance. - Fethiye Museum (Fethiye Müzesi)
The museum has been closed for renovation since April 2018. - Florya Atatürk Marine Mansion (Florya Atatürk Deniz Köşkü)
Ticket price: 40 TL
Discounted: 30 TL (students / International Student Identity Card required)
Children aged 6 and under: free of charge - Fortress of Seven Towers (Yedikule Hisarı)
Currently only open for Turkish citizens after online reservation. - Galata Mevlevi Lodge Museum (Galata Mevlevihanesi Müzesi)
Ticket price: 7 Euro - Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi)
Ticket price: 30 Euro - Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı)
Free entrance. - Great Palace Mosaic Museum (Büyük Saray Çinileri Müzesi)
Ticket price: 10 Euro
Istanbul Museum Pass is valid here. - Hagia Irene (Aya İrini)
Ticket Price: 900 TL
Children aged 6 and younger: free of charge
Istanbul Museum Pass is valid here. - Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya Müzesi)
Ticket Price: 25 Euro - Hagia Sophia History and Experience Museum (Ayasofya Tarih ve Deneyim Müzesi)
Ticket Price: 25 Euro
Children aged 8 and younger: free of charge (ID required). - Harem (Harem)
Price: 900 TL
If you plan to visit the Harem, you’re better off buying a combined Topkapi Palace with Harem ticket (see below for Topkapi Palace).
Children aged 6 and younger: free of charge (ID required).
Discounted: 120 TL (students / International Student Identity Card required)
Istanbul Museum Pass Card is not valid here. - Imperial Porcelain Factory (Yıldız Porselen Fabrikası)
Ticket price: 200 TL
Children aged 6 and under: free of charge - Istanbul Akvaryum
Ticket price: 1150 TL (online)
Children aged 2-12: 1050 TL (online)
Children under 2: free of charge
Buy tickets online. - Istanbul Modern
Ticket price: 750 TL
Discounted (65 and older, students): 470 TL - Kariye Mosque (Kariye Camii)
Ticket price: 20 Euro - LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Permanently closed.
- Madame Tussauds
Permanently closed - Maiden Tower (Kız Kulesi)
Entrance: 27 Euro, free entrance with Museum Card
Transfer to and from the tower: 75 TL. - Miniatürk
Ticket price: 900 TL
For groups bigger than 10 people 20% discount. - Naval or Maritime Museum
Ticket price: 400 TL - Pera Museum
Ticket price: 300 TL
Discounted (children older than 12, students, seniors aged 60 and older): 150 TL
20% discount with Istanbul Museum Pass.
Free entrance: Children aged 12 and younger.
Groups (10 people and more): 150 TL - Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisarı)
Ticket price 6 Euro
Children under 12: free of charge
Istanbul Museum Pass is valid here. - Sea Life Istanbul
Permanently Closed. - Şerefiye Cistern (Şerefiye Sarnıcı)
Ticket Price: 900 TL
Istanbul Museum Pass Card is not valid here. - Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii)
Free entrance - Topkapi Palace (Topkapı Sarayı)
Ticket Price: 2400 TL (including the Harem)
Cash and credit cards are accepted.
Istanbul Museum Pass is valid here.
Children aged 6 and younger: free of charge (verification needed). - Turkish & Islamic Art Museum (Türk İslam Eserleri Müzesi)
Ticket price: 17 Euro
Istanbul Museum Pass is valid here. - Tünel (Tünel)
Ticket Price: 27 TL per person per ride
To get on the funicular, you need to have an Istanbul Card. - Yıldız Palace (Yıldız Sarayı)
Ticket price: 850 TL
Istanbul Museum Pass Card is valid here.
Children at the age of 6 and younger: free of charge.
Currently closed for renovation. - Yıldız Park (Yıldız Korusu)
Free entrance
If you come by car, the parking fee is 48 TL.
We will be in Istanbul in early October – first time there. Are there any tourist attractions that we should reserve in advance to avoid long queue?
Well, there tend to be long lines for Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern. If you plan to be very active, you may want to have a look my review of the Istanbul E-pass.
Hi. Do children aged 6 have to pay to get into Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sofia?
Thank you.
Hi,
This is indeed the general rule.
Hello,
I have heard that the Blue Mosque is no longer free (at least for people not entering for prayer). I’ve also heard that tourists are limited to the second floor.
Are you able to confirm if either of these are true?
Thanks!
Hi,
This is not for the Blue Mosque, but for the Hagia Sophia. The Blue Mosque is still free, but only outside of prayer times. Both are now mosques, so mosque rules apply.
Latest 2025 prices please for Blue Mosque and other attractions if you have them.
Thank you.
I just updated all prices.
hi there, are there student discounts for students studying in Universities from Asia (Malaysia)?
Some have, some don’t. Bring your international student card, and try your chance.
Our family of 4 (21 to 65) will spend 2 days in Istanbul (May 2 and 3, 2025). The only public transportation we plan to use is:
1. May 2, around 6p – Ferry from Eminonu to Ortakoy
2. May 2, around 8p – Bus or ferry from Ortakoy to Karakoy
Here are our questions and hope you can help:
1. Should we need to get the Istanbul Kart for just 2 trips?
2. If we do, can we get them at the Eminonu ferry entrance?
3. If we do, I believe we can get just one card for all of of us?
4. Are there ferry rides on the above date and times? Where can I find the schedule?
5. From Ortakoy back to Karakoy (where our cruise ship is docked), is it better to take the bus?
Thanks kindly in advance!
Hi,
1. yes, it’s easier
2. yes
3. correct
4. Yes, there will be ferry rides. You can find the timetable at Istanbul Şehir Hatları. However, this site may only work once you’re in Turkey.
5. If you can, take a ferry. Much more relax, and no traffic.
Have fun.
Hiii
im planning to visit Istanbul in October
Planning to visit the Blue Mosque, Hagia sophia, Basilica cistern, Topkapi and the Bosphorus boat tour
can you recommend all inclusive entrance ticket that include the above places.
NO tour guide required, just express entrance tickets
thank you
please email me details and how to book
Sure, the Istanbul E-pass. Here’s my review on the Istanbul e-pass.
Hi, thanks for the summary. Very helpful. I know prices change very rapidly and it is difficult to keep up.
Any chance you can update the prices?
Some that I am aware of (as of June 2024) have changed quite a lot.
Basilica Cistern 800 TL (~23 Euro daytime), 1300 TL (evening ~37 Euro)
Miniaturk 500 TL (~15 Euro)
Serefiye Cistern 715 TL (~20 Euro)
Hi, thanks a lot. I updated all prices, but you caught most of the ones that changed recently.
Hello, I would like to visit Mecidiye Palace, can you suggest me some public transport (bus, ferry?), how its the most easy to get there?
Hi,
It’s located in Beykoz. Unfortunately, ferries don’t often stop in Beykoz. I guess you best bet is to take a ferry to üsküdar, and from there to Beykoz. From what I know, from üsküdar ferries go every hour starting 12:00.
Hi what is the cost of sea life for a disabled 71 year old please?
I’m afraid there is no such guarantee for foreign visitors. But DO try our chance at the ticket booth, Turks are very compassionate for less fortunate, teachers, army personnel, students and children.
While trying to buy online tickets for the tourist attractions in Istanbul, I almost always reach viator or getyourguide or one of these agencies.
Is there a way I can buy these tickets to help skip the line ? I do not want to get the tickets from the tour agencies. (e.g. topkapi palace, basilica cistern, hagia, dolmabache….)
Getting your skip-the-line tickets from GetYourGuide or Viator is very common. You can trust those. You can buy tickets from the ministry of tourism directly and of the head of state palaces, too. No app though, no helpdesk in case something goes wrong either.
Many thanks.
Is there any way of getting the skip the line tickets without paying for the audio and tour guide. Coming from London and the whole package is too expensive. Please advise
Not sure I understand your question. Do you mean a package like Istanbul E-pass is too expensive?
Where did you buy the tickets from? Specifically (Hagia Sofia,Cistern, Topkapi Palace & Galata tower) Thanks,
Hi
Do you have any guesses how overrun the main attractions will be at the end of april/ early march? Will skip the line tickets be a necessity or more a nice to have thing to not spend 30-60 minutes in a queue on weekdays?
TIA
Hi Alex,
That’s hard to predict. End of April is of course the start of the high season. Since most of thgem are bought online, you can still take the risk and have a look the first day…
Hello! I plan on visiting dolmabahce palace tomorrow, I am a student in turkey so when I show them my student card and certificate what should be my ticket price? Thank you
Hi, this should be around 150 TL.
Hi,
I know this is an older post but still maybe you will answer my question and help me.
Should foreign students with ISIC card buy their tickets online beforehand and if not, do you think if I visit in late March could I buy all of the tickets on site to get the students discount.
thank you for your help
Hi,
From what it says on their website, you must purchase them on site, because you must show your student card to receive the discount. To make sure you have a ticket early in the morning.
Hello! I’m going on a trip to Istanbul this month. I have an ISIC card. In Milli saraylar site is written that the ticket in Topcapi palace for foreign students is two times more than the one for the local students(2×60=120 tl). I wonder if Is it true and is it only for Topcapi or it is valid for Dolmabahce too. Thank you in advance!
Mariela
Hi,
It’s correct, you pay two times the prices that local students would pay. The same rule for Dolmabahçe Palace. Be happy, regular visitors pay more than 4 times the price regular Turkisg visitors have to pay.
Yeah! That’s right! This is the reason why I’m asking for information. I wanted to know if it’s true. I’m definitely happy about that fact. Thank you!
Hello! It’s me again. I forgot to ask about Galata tower. The ticket now is way more expensive than last year for example. I know the situation it’s different from the palaces(Topkapi, Dolmabahce, Beylerbeyi), but is there also any discount for foreign students? I have heard that sometimes if you go late at night it’s possible to get a free visit. Maybe it’s just a joke. I really don’t know. That’s why I am asking. Thank you in advance!
Hi Mariela,
There is no discount for the Galata Tower, let alone a free entrance.
Is it true that this month Hagia Sophia will be closed for visitors? I have read that there will be restoration activities which will continue for a couple of years. I intend to visit it at the end of the month. I have already made a plan to go later at night, at 8-9 pm for example, when there are not as many tourists as throughout the day. Have you heard about that? And if it’s not true is it a good option to go there at such a late hour? Sorry about all these questions, but I am just curios. I love Istanbul. I was there two yeas ago, but I didn’t see everything I wanted then and I want to catch up. Thanks you so much again!
Hi,
There is some restoration work planned, but as far as I know the venue will remain open for visitors and prayers. There may be some scaffolding though. To be 100% sure, ask one of the tourist offices upon arrival and plan accordingly.
Hi,
how much is the entrance fee of Topkapi Palace for Turkish citizens?
Thank you
Hi,
Locals pay 150 TL at the moment.
good evening, next week we will be in Istanbul, for which attractions is online advance purchase recommended?
Thank you
Albert
Hi,
I would say for sure Topkapı Palace, Dolmabahçe Palace, Galata Tower, and the Basilica Cistern. For the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia, the entrance is free and a guided tour doesn’t change much for the waiting line. Having a guide is of course always a plus. You may consider a Istanbul E-pass or Istanbul Tourist pass instead of buying them individually.
Hi, how are you?
I’m going to istanbul in October, I would just like to know if prices have increased as I see for madame tuassads on the website they charging 517TL.
Thank You.
Hi,
Yes, the prices have once again increased. I’ll update them today or tomorrow. They change quite a bit because of Turkey’s inflation rate and weakening currency.
I have just updated all the prices.
Hello Erlend, Thank you for the detailed article about the attractions prices and prompt answers to the queries of ppl.
We ( Husband, wife n 2 kids aged 5 n 7 yrs) will be visiting IST in 4th week of June for 8 days and plan to visit blue mosque, hagia sofia, bascila cistern, topkapi, galata tower, dolmabahce palace, ist akvarium, hagia irene and would like to take bhosporus cruise.
– Are the above prices of attractions un changed as of now or increased.
– What would you kindly suggest to buy indvl tickets for mentioned attractions or some pass economy wise.
Thanks for consideration.
Hi Arslan,
I just updated the page and prices today. Since you’ll be going for many days and plan to visit a lot, you may consider the Istanbul E-pass (Here’s my review of the Istanbul E-pass).
Thank you Erlend. Much appreciated.
Hi,
My wife and I will be in Istanbul for 3 days on the 6th of June.
We plan to visit the following: Topkapi (incl. harem), Hagia Sophia museum, Basilica Cistern, Dolmabahce Palace, Turkish and Islamic art museum and Galata tower.
Is it doable without rushing in 2 days to allow a leisurely sight-seeing.
What would be the best value for money pass (skipping the queue) to purchase and how early do we need to buy them.
Your advice would be much appreciated.
Thank you and best regards,
Hi Jacey,
You can visit them all, it will take two full days. Not saying you’ll be rushing, but not really leisurely either. I would have a look at the Istanbul E-pass. If I calculate all entrance fees separately, it’s the same price as the two day pass, but then you can maybe benefit from other attractions and services included.
good morning audio guides to visit the attractions, can they be rented at the entrance when you get the ticket?
Thank you
Alberto
Some are included in the price, some are not. If they are available, surely you can rent them at the entrance.
I am invalid senior lady.
There ary any reduction in istanbul atractions
Norma
Hi Norma,
I’m afraid I haven’t seen discounts for invalid or senior people.
Hi if we only have 1-2 days in instanbul, is it worth to get the welcome card from klook? My concern is the guided tour timing. Are there several to each place through the day?
Hi Angie,
If you’re in Istanbul only for 1 day, I wouldn’t buy it. I haven’t tried the Welcome Card, but from what I understand the short orientations are given daily except Tuesdays. For more information, I suggest you contact Klook.
Hello, we are students in our country. Can we have student prices or just the Turkish schools can have the discount ?
Thank you for your time and have a nice day
Francois
Hi,
You do well to bring your student card. Some sightseeing spots (Topkapı Palace, Dolmabahçe Palace, …) offer student discounts. Keep in mind though that foreign students pay the local fee times two. For example, the current Tapkapi Palace entrance fee is 35 TL for students. For foreign students, this becomes 70 TL. Which is still less than the full foreigner’s fee of 110 TL.
Do you obligatory need a ISIC card or does it work with a “normal student-ID”, and can you maybe recommend a website where all student discounts possible in Istanbul are listed, I can’t find any…
thank in advance !
If you want to play safe, have the ISIC card. But you may get away with a regular student card as long as it has English translations.
Can a 65+ person (foreign tourist) pay a entry fee with discount in Istanbul?
Not a standard for foreigners, but you can always give it a try.
Hi,
Sorry, the earlier identical post I had incorrectly input my email address. Please kindly respond to this… 🙏
We bought the combined tickets for Topkapi, Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern via KLOOK (Local provider – Istanbul Welcome Card). So everything follows their process. However this package doesn’t include entrance fee to the Harem. So how does it work? I know we get the Skip-The-Line and follow the guide inside and do the tour then the guide will leave us to do our own stuffs. However, I read it is highly recommended to head first for the harem. I am a bit confused with what to do…
I bought from KLOOK since it is much cheaper. But it isn’t too late for me to cancel if need to.
Mel
Hi,
You should ask Istanbul Welcome Card or KLOOK, the company you bought it from. But if you’re going in the weeks to come, I wouldn’t stress too much about it, lines will be short(er) since it’s low season now.
What are your thoughts on the istanbul epass? Is it worth the money? We’re going in February for about 6 days and will mostly be staying in Istanbul. Do you have any suggestions about short stays outside of Istanbul?
Have you read my detailed review of the Istanbul E-pass after using it this spring?
I would like to ask you regarding Istanbul tourist pass. Is it worth to buy it? We are planning to stay in istanbul for 8 nights , is that more than enough for a complete and relaxed Istanbul tour. We are a family of four including two kids.
I am travelling to Istanbul next week. For visiting Aghia Sofia do we have to buy a ticket in advance for a specific day and time ?
Also, where do you buy the tickets for the ferry to Princess islands ?
Thank you in advance.
Since the Hagia Sophia has been converted to a mosque, entrance is free.
Tickets for the ferry can be bought at the Şehir Hatları docks in Eminönü. Look for the pavilion selling tickets for ‘Adalar’
Can you possibly update all the admission costs? Since July 2022, a few of the attractions have substantial price increases. For Example
*Galata Tower entrance fee is 175 TL , not 130 TL. Can you double check?
*Basilica Cistern, the entrance fee is now 190TL, not 30 TL. Can you verify?
I updated the page with the latest fees. It’s hard to keep up with the current inflation rate in Turkey. Thanks for letting me know.
The prices are ridiculus. Not worth.
Don’t see why. Go visit the Versailles Palace in Paris, it also costs 21,5 Eur. Tower of London costs 34 Eur. So, they seems pretty much average if you ask me.
Your web site is excellent for information. Apprecaite you responding to all the questions.
Can you clarify about Dolmabahce Palace admission fees? For a visit to include both Selamlik and Harem, is it 300TL or 150 TL?
You stated:
Dolmabahçe Palace (Dolmabahçe Sarayı)
Selamlık (Official section) and Harem (Family section): 300 TL
Combined ticket for Selamlık & Harem: 150 TL
Do you have admission information about Kucuksu and Beylerbeyi Palaces/Museums? Are they worth visiting? They are opened, right?
Dolmapalace Palace is 300 for the Selamlik and Harem combo. Beyberleri is 90 TL, it’s nice but is difficult to reach with public transportation. I wouldn’t go out of your way or sacrifice other spots for it.
Hi Erlend,
I’ll be visiting Istanbul with my family in the last week of September 2022, so just a week away.
If you could please clarify a few queries, it would be really helpful –
1. Do we must take a guide to go inside Basilica Cistern or just an entry ticket would do? Is a guide must for any of the ticketed monuments?
2. How long are we allowed to stay in the ‘Archaeological Museums’ and ‘Turkish & Islamic Arts Museum’? Is it 6 pm or 8 pm?
3. When is the last entry time to the Galata Tower? How long should we plan for the Galata Tower?
4. Is there any metro and tram pass which I can buy at the airport or at Sirkeci?
5. It seems no more Istanbul Museum Pass are available for the days of our travel. Does it all tickets are sold out for the museums or is it just the museum pass which is sold out and we can still go and buy the tickets at the counter (after standing in queue) in each of the museums?
Appreciate your help.
Thanking in advance.
Rajib
Hi,
1. Guides are not a must.
2. 20:00. Here is an overview of all opening hours.
3. 22:00 last entry, once inside an hour is enough, but their will be a line to get inside as well. That of course is hard to predict, but I suggest in total to go the latest by 20:00
4. Istanbul Kart.
5. Not sure where you looked, but I don’t think Museum Passes can be sold out. Have a look here.
Thank you so much Erlend! That was very helpful.
Now super excited to be in Istanbul by this time next Sunday.
Hi Erlend,
Sorry to bother again.
What options do I’ve to buy SIM card and Data/Wifi card for my mobile phone?
I’ll be staying at Sirkeci.
Thanking in advance.
Rajib
You can. buy those in any Vodafone or Turkcel shop in the city center. If you can wait, don’t buy them at the airport since they’re often double the price there.
Hi, great info overall. Do you happen to know if there are sim cards that are not the tourist welcome package which I read are expensive. Any suggestions. I am staying the the Beyoğlu area. Also Is Turkcell better than Vodafone or visa versa? Thanks
I am leaving in a week. Can’t wait! Thanks in advance.
Hi Jo,
First of all, they’re not that expensive, certainly not when you don’t buy them at the airport and when your home currency is USD or EUR. Moreover, to get the regular cards, you may have to prove you’re a Turkish citizen or get into a subscription plan.
Hi Erland,
Reading on Istanbul Clues Basilica Cistern re opening mid July.
You hearing that?
PS … Like your website better😀
Chris
Hi,
That has indeed been announced. But there have been such announcements in the past, so I will update the post and write that it’s open when I see it.
Thanks
Hi Chris,
The Basilica Cistern has been reopened. I thought you’d like to know.
Hi Erland,
Thank you. I am so happy I will be able to visit the Basilica Cistern in October.
I appreciate you thinking of me.
Chris
About group tickets for 6 peoples
Most attractions don’t have group tickets for individuals.