Museums – Istanbul Insider TV

Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan)

08/06/202308/06/2023Posted in Museums, PlacesTagged basilica cistern, blog, istanbul, istanbul blog, istanbul insider, istanbul museums, istanbul museums visiting days, museum, sultanahmet, türkiye, tourism, travel, travel blog, turkey, yerebatan

The Basilica Cistern is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul. It is a large underground cistern that was built in the 6th century by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I. The cistern is located near the Hagia Sophia and the Sultanahmet Mosque, and it is open to the public for tours. The Basilica Cistern is a vast underground chamber that is supported by 336 marble columns.

The columns are arranged in 12 rows of 28 columns, and they are each about 9 meters high. The cistern is filled with water, and it is said to be able to hold up to 80,000 cubic meters of water.

The Basilica Cistern is a popular tourist destination because of its unique architecture and its historical significance. It is a great place to learn about the Byzantine Empire and to see one of the most impressive engineering feats of the Middle Ages.

The Basilica Cistern is a great place to visit if you are interested in Byzantine history, architecture, or simply want to see a unique and interesting place in Istanbul.

Basilica Cistern Location:

Dolmabahçe Palace

06/03/202306/03/2023Posted in Museums, PlacesTagged besiktas, blog, dolmabahçe museum, dolmabahçe palace, dolmabahçe palace museum, dolmabahce, istanbul, istanbul blog, istanbul insider, istanbul museums, museum, palace, türkiye, turkey

Dolmabahçe Palace is a historical palace located in the Besiktas district of Istanbul. It was built between 1843 and 1856 as a residence for the Ottoman sultans and served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire.

The palace is home to several important landmarks, including the Harem, a secluded section of the palace that was reserved for the sultan’s family and concubines. The palace also features a collection of European and Ottoman artwork and furniture, as well as a large collection of crystal chandeliers and clocks.

The palace was designed by the Ottoman architect Garabet Balyan and his sons. It has a total of 285 rooms, 43 halls, 6 baths and 68 toilets. The palace was also home to several famous Ottoman sultans, including Abdülmecid I and Mehmed V.

Today, the palace is a popular tourist destination, attracting an estimated 3 million visitors annually. It is also a popular spot for locals, with many shops, restaurants, and cafes located nearby.

Galata Tower

02/02/202302/02/2023Posted in Museums, PlacesTagged beyoglu, beyoglu museums, blog, Constantinople, galata, galata tower, galata tower istanbul, Genoese, istanbul, istanbul blog, istanbul insider, istanbul museums, museum, taksim, turkey

The Galata Tower is a medieval stone tower located in the Galata district of Istanbul. It was built in 1348 as part of the fortifications of the Genoese colony in Constantinople. The tower stands at a height of 63 meters and offers stunning views of the city.

The tower has been used for various purposes throughout history, including as a watchtower, a prison, and a fire lookout. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and features a restaurant and observation deck on its top floor.

Galata Tower has been a major tourist attraction in Istanbul and in recent years, the tower has undergone renovations and restoration work. In 2020, the tower was closed for restoration work and reopened in October 2020.It is an important cultural and historical landmark in Istanbul and is widely recognized as a symbol of the city. It is visited by millions of tourists every year.

Galata Tower Location

Eyüp Sultan Mosque

26/08/202226/08/2022Posted in Museums, PlacesTagged eyup sultan, eyup sultan mosque, eyup sultan transportation, eyupsultan mosque, golden horn museums, haliç, islam, istanbul, istanbul blog, istanbul golden horn museums, istanbul insider, istanbul museums, istanbul museums location, istanbul museums visiting days, istanbul museums visiting hours, istanbul transportation, mosque, pierre loti, pierre loti hill, turkey, turkiye

After Mecca and Medina, the Eyüp Sultan Mosque in Turkey is one of the most revered places among Muslims.

The mosque is titled after Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari, whose tomb is located in the same place. He was one of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Companions. The Place of the Grave was determined by Akşemsettin, the master and mentor of Mehmed the Conqueror, in 1453, right after the conquest of Istanbul and five years later, the mosque was built there.

Since its build, the mosque has maintained its significance. In the Ottoman era, the coronation ceremony took place here, and most sultans visited the Eyüp Sultan tomb as their final stop before engaging in combat. Today, both locals and tourists frequently visit the mosque.

Eyüp Sultan Tomb Visiting Hours and Days: The tomb is open to visitors between 09:30 and 16:00 every day.

Pierre Loti Hill:
During your visit to Eyüp Sultan Mosque, there is a cable car and stairs that run from the Golden Horn’s shore to the top of the Pierre Loti Hill, and also by drinking a Turkish coffee and Golden Horn view you can get rid of your tiredness.

How to get to Eyüp Sultan Mosque using public transportation:

You can use 99A and 33ES bus lines (Eyüpsultan Stop) or T5 tram line from Eminönü.
You can take 55T bus line (Eyüpsultan Stop) from Taksim or 55 (Eyüpsultan Stop) bus line from Şişli.

Eyup Sultan Mosque Location:

Pierre Loti Cable Car Location:

Istanbul Museums & Places for Families & Kids (UPDATED: November 2023)

05/08/202126/11/2023Posted in Museums, PlacesTagged beyoglu, beşiktaş, blog, chocolate museum, golden horn museums, isfanbul, isfanbul theme park, istanbul, istanbul aquarium, istanbul blog, istanbul golden horn museums, istanbul insider, istanbul maritime museum, istanbul museum fees, istanbul museums, istanbul museums entrance fees, istanbul museums information, istanbul museums location, istanbul museums maps, istanbul museums visiting days, istanbul museums visiting hours, istanbul naval museum, istiklal avenue, istiklal street, madame tussauds, madame tussauds istanbul, maritime museum, miniaturk, miniaturk museum, museum, museum of illusions, museum of illusions istanbul, museum pass card, museum pass card istanbul, naval museum, panorama 1453, panorama 1453 museum, pelit chocolate museum, rahmi koç museum, sea life aquarium, taksim, theme park, turkey

1- Miniatürk (Miniature Turkey Museum)
Location:	Sütlüce, Golden Horn
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours:	09:00 – 19:00 (9:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	250 TL

2- Rahmi Koç Museum
Location:	Hasköy, Golden Horn
Closed Days:	Mondays
Visiting Hours:	09:00 – 17:30 (9:00 A.M. – 5:30 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	400 TL

3- Panorama 1453 History Museum
Location:	Topkapı
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours:	08:00 – 18:30 (08:00 A.M. – 6:30 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	400 TL

4- Vialand Theme Park
Location:	Yeşilpınar, Alibeyköy
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours:	10:00 – 18:00 (10:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	55 USD

5- Sea Life Aquarium
Location:	Forum Istanbul Shopping Mall
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours:	10:00 – 20:00 (10:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	575 TL

6- Istanbul Aquarium
Location:	Aqua Florya Shopping Mall
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours:	10:00 – 19:00 (10:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	650 TL

7- Pelit Chocolate Factory & Museum
Location:	Esenyurt
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours:	10:00 – 17:00 (10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	* TL

8- Museum of Illusions (Istanbul Istiklal)
Location:	Istiklal Avenue
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours:	11:00 – 20:00 (11:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	490 TL

9- Madame Tussauds Istanbul
Location:	Istiklal Avenue
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours:	11:00 – 19:00 (11:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	575 TL

10- Naval Museum
Location:	Beşiktaş
Closed Days:	Mondays
Visiting Hours:	09:00 – 17:00 (9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	200 TL

Istanbul Museums – Entry Fees & Visiting Hours & Location Information – Asian Side Museums (UPDATED: November 2023)

05/08/202126/11/2023Posted in Museums, PlacesTagged anatolian side, asian side, beykoz, beykoz museums, beylerbeyi, beylerbeyi palace, blog, camlica tower, istanbul, istanbul asian side museums, istanbul blog, istanbul insider, istanbul museum fees, istanbul museums, istanbul museums entrance fees, istanbul museums information, istanbul museums location, istanbul museums maps, istanbul museums visiting days, istanbul museums visiting hours, kucuksı palace, kucuksı pavilion, kızkulesi, maidens tower, mecidiye palace, mecidiye pavilion, museum, museum pass card, turkey, uskudar, uskudar museums

1- Beylerbeyi Palace
Location:	Beylerbeyi, Üsküdar
Closed Days:	Mondays
Visiting Hours:	09:00 – 17:00 (9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Valid
Entrance Fee:	200 TL

2- Küçüksu Pavilion
Location:	Göksu, Beykoz
Closed Days:	Mondays
Visiting Hours:	09:00 – 17:00 (9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Valid
Entrance Fee:	90 TL

3- Beykoz Mecidiye Pavilion
Location:	Beykoz
Closed Days:	Mondays
Visiting Hours:	09:00 – 17:00 (9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Valid
Entrance Fee:	90 TL

4- Maiden’s Tower
Location:	Salacak, Üsküdar
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours:	09:00 – 18:00
Museum Pass Card:	Valid
Entrance Fee:	600 TL

5- Çamlıca Tower
Location:	Çamlıca
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours:	10:00 – 22:00 (10:00 A.M. – 10:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	450 TL

Istanbul Museums – Entry Fees & Visiting Hours & Location Information – Beyoglu, Taksim Museums (UPDATED: November 2023)

05/08/202126/11/2023Posted in Museums, PlacesTagged beyoglu, beyoglu museums, blog, galata, galata mevlevi house, galata museums, galata tower, galata tower istanbul, istanbul, istanbul blog, istanbul insider, istanbul museum fees, istanbul museums, istanbul museums entrance fees, istanbul museums information, istanbul museums location, istanbul museums maps, istanbul museums visiting days, istanbul museums visiting hours, istiklal avenue, istiklal street, madame tussauds, madame tussauds istanbul, museum, museum of illusions, museum of illusions istanbul, museum pass card, taksim, taksim museums, turkey1 Comment

1- Galata Mevlevi House Museum
Location:	Şişhane
Closed Days:	Museum is closed for restoration
Visiting Hours:	*
Museum Pass Card:	Valid
Entrance Fee:	*

2- Museum of Illusions
Location:	Istiklal Avenue
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours:	11:00 – 20:00 (11:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	490 TL

3- Madame Tussauds
Location:	Istiklal Avenue
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours:	11:00 – 20:00 (11:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	650 TL

4- Galata Tower
Location:	Galata, Beyoğlu
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours:	08:30 – 22:00 (8:30 A.M. – 10:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Valid
Entrance Fee:	650 TL

Istanbul Museums – Entry Fees & Visiting Hours & Location Information – Golden Horn Museums (UPDATED: November 2023)

01/08/202126/11/2023Posted in Museums, PlacesTagged aynalikavak palace, blog, chora church, fethiye mosque, golden horn museums, halic, halic museums, haskoy, haskoy museum, istanbul, istanbul blog, istanbul fatih museums, istanbul golden horn museums, istanbul insider, istanbul museum fees, istanbul museums, istanbul museums entrance fees, istanbul museums information, istanbul museums location, istanbul museums maps, istanbul museums visiting days, istanbul museums visiting hours, kariye mosque, maslak pavilions, miniaturk, miniaturk museum, museum, museum pass card, pammakaristos church, panorama 1453, panorama 1453 museum, rahmi koç museum, sutluce, sutluce museums, tekfur palace, topkapı, turkeyLeave a comment

1- Rahmi Koç Museum
Location:	Hasköy, Golden Horn
Closed Days:	Mondays
Visiting Hours:	09:30 – 17:00 (09:30 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	400 TL

2- Aynalıkavak Pavilion
Location:	Hasköy, Golden Horn
Closed Days:	Mondays
Visiting Hours:	09:00 – 17:00 (9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Valid
Entrance Fee:	90 TL

3- Miniatürk (Miniature Turkey Museum)
Location:	Sütlüce, Golden Horn
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours:	09:00 – 19:00 (9:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	250 TL

4- Panorama 1453 History Museum
Location:	Topkapı
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours:	08:00 – 18:30 (08:00 A.M. – 6:30 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	400 TL

5- Pammakaristos Church / Fethiye Mosque
Location:	Fatih, Çarşamba
Closed Days:	Museum is closed for renovation
Visiting Hours:	*
Museum Pass Card:	Valid
Entrance Fee:	*

7- Kariye Mosque / Chora Church
Location:	Edirnekapı, Fatih
Closed Days:	Museum is closed for renovation
Visiting Hours:	*
Museum Pass Card:	*
Entrance Fee:	*

8- Tekfur Palace
Location:	Ayvansaray
Closed Days:	Mondays
Visiting Hours (Winter):	09:00 – 17:00 (9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	40 TL

Istanbul Museums – Entry Fees & Visiting Hours & Location Information – Bosphorus Museums (UPDATED: November 2023)

22/07/202126/11/2023Posted in Museums, PlacesTagged blog, dolmabahçe museum, dolmabahçe palace museum, istanbul, istanbul blog, istanbul insider, istanbul maritime museum, istanbul military museum, istanbul museum fees, istanbul museums, istanbul museums beşiktaş, istanbul museums bosphorus, istanbul museums entrance fees, istanbul museums information, istanbul museums location, istanbul museums maps, istanbul museums visiting days, istanbul museums visiting hours, istanbul museums şişli, istanbul naval museum, maritime museum, maslak pavilions, museum, museum pass card, museum pass card istanbul, national palaces painting museum, naval museum, painting museum, palace collection museum, rumeli fortress, rumelian castle, turkey, yıldız museum, yıldız palace, yıldız parkLeave a comment

1- Dolmabahçe Palace Museum
Location:	Dolmabahçe
Closed Days:	Mondays
Visiting Hours:	09:00 – 17:00 (9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:
Dolmabahçe Palace Selamlık + Harem + Painting Museum (Combined Ticket)	650 TL

2- National Palaces Painting Museum
Location:	Beşiktaş
Closed Days:	Mondays
Visiting Hours:	09:00 – 17:00 (9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	200 TL

3- Palace Collections Museum
Location:	Beşiktaş
Closed Days:	Mondays
Visiting Hours:	09:00 – 17:00 (9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Valid
Entrance Fee:	90 TL

4- Naval Museum
Location:	Beşiktaş
Closed Days:	Mondays
Visiting Hours:	09:00 – 17:00 (9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	200 TL

5- Yıldız Palace
Location:	Beşiktaş, Yıldız Park
Closed Days:	Museum is closed for restoration
Visiting Hours:	*
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	*

6- Ihlamur Pavilions
Location:	Teşvikiye, Şişli
Closed Days:	Mondays
Visiting Hours:	09:00 – 17:00 (9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	90 TL

7- Military Museum
Location:	Harbiye, Şişli
Closed Days:	Mondays
Visiting Hours:	09:00 – 16:00 (9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	150 TL

8- Rumeli Fortress Museum
Location:	Rumelihisarı, Bosphorus
Closed Days:	Mondays
Visiting Hours:	09:00 – 17:00 (9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Valid
Entrance Fee:	130 TL

9- Maslak Pavilions
Location:	Maslak
Closed Days:	Mondays
Visiting Hours:	09:00 – 17:00 (9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Valid
Entrance Fee:	90 TL

Istanbul Museums – Entry Fees & Visiting Hours & Location Information – Old Town Museums (UPDATED: November 2023)

15/07/202126/11/2023Posted in Museums, PlacesTagged basilica cistern, blog, Carpet Museum, hagia irene museum, istanbul, istanbul Archaeology Museums, istanbul blog, istanbul insider, istanbul museum fees, istanbul museums, istanbul museums entrance fees, istanbul museums information, istanbul museums location, istanbul museums maps, istanbul museums old city, istanbul museums old town, istanbul museums sultanahmet, istanbul museums visiting days, istanbul museums visiting hours, museum, museum pass card, museum pass card istanbul, The Museum of Great Palace Mosaics, Theodosius Cistern, topkapi palace, turkey, Turkish and Islamic Arts MuseumLeave a comment

1- Topkapı Palace Museum
Location:	Sultanahmet
Closed Days:	Tuesdays
Visiting Hours:	09:00 – 17:00 (9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Valid (Except Harem section)
Entrance Fees:
Topkapı Palace & Hagia Irene & Harem (Combined Ticket)	950 TL

2- Istanbul Archaeological Museums
Location:	Sultanahmet, Gülhane Park
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours:	09:00 – 18:30 (9:00 A.M. – 6:30 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Valid
Entrance Fee:	340 TL

3- Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam
Location:	Sultanahmet, Gülhane Park
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours:	09:00 – 18:30 (9:00 A.M. – 6:30 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Valid
Entrance Fee:	210 TL

4- Basilica Cistern
Location:	Sultanahmet
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours:	09:00 – 18:00 (9:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	450 TL

5- Şerefiye Cistern (Theodosius Cistern)
Location:	Sultanahmet
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours:	09:00 – 18:00 (9:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	440 TL

6- Museum Of Turkish And Islamic Arts
Location:	Sultanahmet Square
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours:	09:00 – 18:30 (9:00 A.M. – 6:30 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Valid
Entrance Fee:	390 TL

7- Great Palace Mosaics Museum
Location:	Sultanahmet, Arasta Bazaar
Closed Days:closed	Museum is closed for restoration
Visiting Hours:	*
Museum Pass Card:	Valid
Entrance Fee:	*