Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts (Türk Islam Eserleri Müzesi Hizmete) Tours and Tickets

Istanbul is like a big cake, with layers and layers of history piled on top of one another. Welcome to the Sultanahmet, the city's historic heart, and an awe-inspiring hotspot for visitors. This self-guided audio walk is an easy introduction to some of the Turkish culture. Get your bearings before you start discovering Istanbul. Walk past tons of bronze-plated history, through an ancient stadium and learn why Kaiser Wilhelm was treated with suspicion by the Sultan... The tour is ready whenever you are. Simply download it onto the VoiceMap app in a wifi zone and then, when you're ready, select the Start Tour option. You can pause the tour whenever you like and when you're ready to get going again, the tour will pick up right where you left off. Your guide is Arzu Altinay who operates a walking tour company in Istanbul. You can find more about her walking tours. She enjoys writing, travelling and storytelling...oh, and good wine.

Uncover Istanbul's rich tapestry of history and culture with our self-guided audio tour app, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace. Begin at the iconic Hagia Sophia, a architectural marvel spanning centuries, then proceed to the impressive Blue Mosque, renowned for its stunning blue tiles. Immerse yourself in Ottoman history at Topkapi Palace, the former residence of sultans, before experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar. Stroll along the bustling Istiklal Street to Galata Tower, offering panoramic views of the city. Savor authentic Turkish flavors at the Spice Bazaar, then marvel at the underground wonder of the Basilica Cistern. Cross the Bosphorus to explore the Asian side, visiting the elegant Beylerbeyi Palace and the lively Kadıköy neighborhood. Continue your tour with a ferry ride on the Bosphorus, taking in views of both continents, before concluding at the opulent Dolmabahçe Palace, embodying the blend of East and West that defines Istanbul.

The museum building used to be the grand vizier Ibrahim Pasa's house, a gift from Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. Over 40,000 artifacts from early Islamic empires (like the Umayyads and Abbasids) through to the Seljuks and Ottomans are displayed in the museum. Quick Tip: Don't forget to go to the museum's second floor terrace cafe for amazing viewpoints of the Blue Mosque and Sultanahmet Square.

Explore the highlights of Istanbul in a day with this small group tour. Delve right into the history and culture of the city with a guide. Start your tour with a visit to the old Hippodrome, then continue to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Museum and the Grand Bazaar amongst other places. Enjoy some delicious Turkish food during your included lunch.

Enjoy a convenient and cost-saving way to discover many of Istanbul’s most in-demand attractions when you book a 2-, 3-, 5-, or 7-day E-Pass. Upon booking, your pass provides entry to over 40 key Istanbul attractions and guided tours (some with bookings or reservations required). Choose from a range of sights, including the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and Blue Mosque, plus experiences like a Grand Bazaar tour and Bosphorus cruise.

Submerge yourself in the religious and historically significant city of Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey and the only city to extend over both Europe and Asia. On this audio tour you will have the chance to explore many of the ancient buildings and mosques . Perfectly suited for discovery on foot, our self-guided audio tour allows you to set the pace and explore at your leisure as you uncover the stories of this amazing city. To discover this fascinating city in your own time and at your own pace just download this self-guided audio tour, pop in your headphones, open the map that comes with your download and start walking. On this tour you will learn ancient secrets of the City of the World’s Desire. You will witness the opulence of Byzantium and the might of Constantinople, and hear stories of the emperors and sultans that shaped an empire spanning two continents. This tour is available in English, French, German, Spanish and Chinese.

Explore Istanbul at your own pace with the Istanbul Tourist Pass, a convenient digital card offering skip-the-line access and free entry to more than 100 top attractions. Choose a Discover Pass for one to five days, which allows you to explore three top landmarks, or opt for the Prime Pass for one to seven days, which allows you to explore seven landmarks. Save up to 50 percent compared to buying tickets separately. From museums to Bosphorus cruises, the pass delivers a flexible and affordable way to experience the city.

Step off the beaten path and discover the secrets of Istanbul with this exclusive private tour. Begin your journey in the mystical Underground Cistern, where centuries-old columns rise from shimmering waters, and continue to the fascinating Binbirdirek Cistern, another underground gem often overlooked by travelers. Wander through the hidden streets of Sultanahmet, where history whispers from every stone, before exploring the Hippodrome. Marvel at the German Fountain and the towering Obelisk of Theodosius. Continue to the charming Arasta Bazaar, a vibrant market tucked away behind the Blue Mosque, and visit the Mosaic Museum, home to Byzantine floor mosaics. Finally, conclude with a cultural highlight at the Cistern Art Gallery, where ancient architecture meets contemporary art. With a knowledgeable private guide leading the way, this tour reveals the hidden treasures and timeless beauty of Istanbul—perfect for travelers seeking a deeper, more authentic connection to the city.

Istanbul Old City Tour Full Day with Lunch, Hotel Pickup and Drop-Off, Licensed Guide & All-Inclusive Tickets Discover the best of Istanbul’s historic heart in one seamless, expertly guided full-day experience. This all-inclusive tour is designed to give you maximum comfort and value, with skip-the-line access, hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional licensed guide, and lunch included.

A day full of Art and Food. On this tour you will visit historical sights of Istanbul as well as have the chance to taste delicious Istanbul street food. The highlights and sites you will get to see are the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum, the Rustem Pasha mosque, and the Spice Market. You will also go to Asian side of Istanbul and have time to explore the Fish Bazaar along with the different kinds of street foods such as doner, midye dolma, kokarec, lahmacun and much more.

Istanbul is one of the oldest cities in the world and has been the cradle of civilizations for millenniums. It didn’t only connect continents but also diverse cultures and traditions. This ancient city offers you more than you can expect. You are going to be fascinated with profound history, legends, myths, and untold stories, stories that connect the past with the present… To learn more about history, cultures, and traditions as well as to discover hidden gems, join our tour. Be like a local.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want to understand the complex historical layers of Istanbul beyond the standard tourist narratives. The Masterclass offers a rare mix of academic depth, architectural analysis, imperial history, and an exploration of elite Ottoman lifestyle. With a 20-year veteran guide, you will explore the intricate details behind Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, and the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, while decoding the architectural secrets of a 300-year-old historical bath and the Grand Bazaar that many visitors simply walk past. Designed especially for history enthusiasts, architecture buffs, lifelong learners, and discerning travelers who demand context, this experience combines expert academic storytelling with some of the city's most significant imperial structures, subterranean wonders, and historical artifacts. A great choice for travelers who prefer intellectual depth and factual history over rehearsed sightseeing scripts.

This full-day tour consists of visiting old markets and discovering some traditional handicrafts in Istanbul. Your time starts with visiting the Turkish Islamic Art Museum, which includes notable examples of Islamic calligraphy, tiles, rugs, and ethnographic displays, particularly for nomad groups. Then you will go to the Cafer Aga Madrasah, built in 1539 by Architect Sinan. It is one of those rare ‘’living historical places," offering art and music exhibitions, workshops, and courses on various traditional Ottoman art forms. From there, you will walk into the Grand Bazaar, a paradise on earth for shopping. There are over 4000 shops in and around the market, from antiques to silver, silk products to gold, handwoven carpets to calligraphy artworks, Iznik tiles to copper, and a wide variety of handicrafts are available at the bazaar. Your next stop is the Spice Bazaar, built-in 1664, which is one of the most colorful bazaars of the city.

EASY ISTANBUL Discover Istanbul’s culture and history with the MUSEUM PASS! Access the city’s top museums and landmarks with one ticket. Enjoy skip-the-line entry, free admission to popular sites, and audio guides that bring each place to life.. With this pass, you can explore Istanbul’s best museums over three consecutive days at your own pace. Use the convenient Show&Go digital tickets to enter directly without waiting in ticket lines. Save time and enjoy the city’s history and culture. For Topkapi Palace, meet your guide 15 minutes early in front of the Archaeological Museum, holding a white flag. Sessions are at 09:30, 10:30, 11:30, 13:30, 14:30, and 15:30. Only Topkapi Palace includes hosted entry; other attractions are direct access. The Maiden's Tower is open daily from 09:30 AM to 06:30 PM. Boats depart from Karaköy at 09:30, 11:00, 12:30, 14:00, 15:30, and 17:00, with returns from the tower at 10:30, 12:00, 13:30, 15:00, 16:30, and the last one at 18:00.

Skip the crowds—this is a private tour for your group only. This private walking tour invites you to explore Istanbul at your own pace. You walk through the historic heart of the city with a professional local guide. Ancient streets reveal layers of Byzantine and Ottoman history. You stand near legendary landmarks shaped by empires. Stories of sultans and sacred traditions come to life. Architectural details reflect centuries of belief and power. You feel the rhythm of daily life around historic squares. Cultural contrasts appear at every corner. Your guide shares local insights and historical context. Time is used efficiently in a compact route. This experience suits travelers who value depth and privacy. You discover iconic sights through engaging storytelling. Each stop offers a new perspective on Istanbul’s past. Please note: The program and attractions may vary based on booking date/time and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.

Led by a 16-year experienced licensed guide — not just a guide, but also a world traveler and adventure enthusiast who brings history to life with real passion and insider knowledge. Enjoy a seamless premium experience with no waiting in lines, priority access, and personalized service throughout the tour. Discover Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks and hidden gems in the company of handpicked, top-tier professional guides — or with me personally. For those interested in shopping, get exclusive recommendations for trusted and high-quality local stores — ensuring an authentic and safe experience. This is not a standard group tour — it’s a bespoke journey, tailored for travelers who value comfort, expertise, and exceptional service.

Revisit the glory days of the Byzantine Empire on this 3-hour tour of historic Istanbul. Witness the architectural marvel of Hagia Sophia and learn how Sultan Ahmet Square was once a Hippodrome, used for chariot racing since Roman times. Admire the Iznik tile work that gave the Blue Mosque its famous nickname, then browse the shops in the atmospheric Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest covered markets in the world.

Avoid the stress of coordinating long-distance travel and logistics across multiple regions and experience Turkey on a fully organized 12-day private journey. Instead of managing transfers, routes, and arrivals yourself, you travel comfortably with a private guide who keeps each stage connected and effortless. It’s a smooth way to explore historic cities and cultural highlights while starting and ending each day without planning pressure.