What Is the Istanbul Museum Pass, and Should I Get One?

Is the Museum Pass Istanbul something I should apply for? I get this question a lot from people planning to visit the Turkish metropolitan. Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer to this question.

It all depends on what you plan to visit and/or whether you mind standing (for a long time) in a queue or not. So let me explain what the Istanbul Museum Pass is, what you can (not) do with it, whether it’s right for you, and how you can get one.

What Is the Istanbul Museum Pass?

The Museum Pass is a one-time payment card that provides you access to historical museums and cultural points of interest in Istanbul. There are two types (see below). Both are valid for a certain amount of days, starting from the moment you first use it (not the moment you bought it).

Is the MüzeKart+ the same as the Museum Pass?

No. The Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry introduced the MüzeKart+ in 2008. It was, and still is, a huge success among Turkish citizens. It also drew the attention of tourists, but they were not allowed to buy one. This outcry resulted in the creation of a separate card, the Museum Pass Istanbul.

The MüzeKart is valid for 300+ museums nationwide. Only Turkish nationals and foreigners with a residence permit can obtain it, although now there is also a version for tourists called Museum Pass Turkey.

The Museum Pass Istanbul is for tourists visiting the metropolitan, hence providing access to a limited amount of venues. So, as a tourist to Istanbul, the Museum Pass Istanbul is the one and only card you should apply for!

What Sightseeing Spots Can You Visit with the Museum Pass?

The Museum Pass includes free access to the following areas of interest:

• Topkapi Palace (including the Harem)

• Istanbul Archaeological Museums

• Galata Tower Museum

• Great Palace Mosaic Museum

• Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts

• Galata Mevlevi Lodge Museum

• Rumeli Fortress Museum

• Fethiye Museum

• Hagia Irene Museum

Not included: Hagia Sophia (a working mosque with its own separate entrance fee), Kariye Mosque (also a working mosque since 2024, with its own separate entrance fee of 20 EUR), the Basilica Cistern, and Dolmabahçe Palace. Also note that the Great Palace Mosaic Museum is closed for restoration with no announced reopening date, and Fethiye Museum has been closed since April 2018, so do not count on visiting either of them.

Do have a look at the opening hours of the top Istanbul tourist attractions to make sure you can visit your preferred venues.

What Are the Advantages of the Museum Pass?

The most important advantage is the ease of use. You no longer need to stand in line to buy your tickets and/or queue to get in. Please note that you cannot skip the security line and need to queue there just like anybody else.

Also, if you plan to visit all of the above-mentioned places, you spend less money. Alternatively, for only a bit more money, you can get access to a lot more attractions and other services with the Istanbul E-pass. I’ve written a detailed review of the Istanbul E-pass.

How Much Does the Istanbul Museum Pass Cost?

The Museum Pass Istanbul costs around 105 EUR per person. The Ministry of Culture no longer publishes the price on its own site; you only see it once you start the purchase flow, and with Turkish inflation you should expect it to keep rising. The card is valid for 1 year from purchase, but once you use it at your first museum it runs for 5 consecutive days. However, you can only visit each museum included in the museum pass once. Every card has the applicant’s name on it, and you may be asked to provide identification when entering.

Children under the age of 12 years enter for free in the included venues, so no need to buy a card for them.

How Can I Get a Museum Pass?

You can buy the card in the following places:

• Topkapi Palace Museum

• Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts

• Istanbul Archaeological Museums

• Mobile sales units