City: Istanbul
Top Things to do in Istanbul
Top 10 Museums in Istanbul, Turkey
The mosques, bazaars, and Turkish baths of Istanbul could keep you happily occupied for your entire trip: an eyeful of breathtaking architecture here, a good-natured haggle over a carpet there. Kick your trip off at the awe-inspiring Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), which is visible from many points of the city. Stroll the Galata Bridge and stop by the Miniaturk Park to see its tiny artifacts. The Grand Bazaar has thousands of shops to browse, while the Egyptian Bazaar is a fragrant trove of spices and fruits.
Restaurants in Istanbul
1. Rahmi M. Koc Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,568 reviews
The Rahmi M Koç Museum is the first major museum in Turkey dedicated to the history of Transport, Industry and Communications. Housed in magnificent buildings - themselves prime examples of industrial archaeology - on the shore of the historic Golden Horn, the collection contains thousands of items from gramophone needles to full size ships and aircraft.
Reviewed By Da-ndy1989 - Guildford, United Kingdom
So pleased with visited this mostly transport museum which has so much more on display. Everything is beautifully presented and well kept in this old Shipyard and it's very easy to spend quite a few hours here for a very cheap entry fee. It's a MUST visit when in Istanbul but a little out of the way from the centre, there's also a delicious bakery nearby for lovely treats. We loved that you could enter the fantastic old airplanes. There's English translations too for a wealth of knowledge about most on display. Very educational and incredibly interesting.
2. Ural Ataman Classic Car Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 635 reviews
Classic car museum in an retro environment with 70 cars on display.
Reviewed By O8585UMkatiep
A must see for the classic car enthusiasts. Cheap entrance tickets and very friendly and helpful staffs.
3. Topkapi Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27,196 reviews
This enormous palace was the Imperial residence of Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years. Although much of the palace is not accessible, the daily tours of the Harem are of great interest to tourists.
Reviewed By fatemat2014 - Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
You must visit this to see how the Ottomans use to live... it has a lot of historical artifacts from the time of Prophet Moses and Propher Mohammed PBUH... definitely take the audio guide and make sure you ask how to use it properly
4. Istanbul Archaeological Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,359 reviews
Besides its importance as the first Turkish museum, it remains one of the world's largest museums with over one million works. Opened to the public in 1891, it houses a collection of Greek, Roman and Byzantine artifacts.
Reviewed By apricot44 - Turkey, null
Istanbul Archaeological Museum, with more than a million artifacts belonging to various civilizations and periods, is among the largest museums in the world. It is the oldest museum building in Turkey built as a museum. it was founded by painter , museologist and archaeologist Osman Hamdi Bey at the end of the 19 century. the museum contains artifacts from about 30 different countries that were once part of the Ottoman Empire.the museum consists of 3 sections.Archaeological Museum, Tiled Kiosk Museum (Çinili Köşk Müzesi) and Museum of ancient oriental artifacts. for me, the most important work of the museum is the Alexander sarcophagus.There are marble sarcophagi made with incredible craftsmanship in the museum.Sidemara Sarcophagus belonging to a Roman family exhibited in the Classic Building of the Istanbul Archeology Museum was discovered by Osman Hamdi Bey in the excavations near Ambar Village of Konya in the late 19th century.Alexander's sarcophagus, which is considered a masterpiece all over the world, was again found by osman bey during excavations in Sayda, Lebanon at the end of the 19th century.the sarcophagus actually belongs to Abdalonymos, King of Sidon.it was named Alexander because the depictions on it describe Alexander the great's war with the Persians. in the museum, the 5000-year-old statue of Lugal dalu, the priest in esar temple made for Inanna, the goddess of fertility of Sumerians, greets you incredibly.the tablet where you can see the text of the Kadesh peace treaty, the oldest known international treaty in the world, is located in the museum.these are just a few artifacts in the museum .you must visit the museum.
5. Chora Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,989 reviews
The Chora Church (Turkish Kariye Müzesi, Camii yahut Kilisesi — variously the Chora Museum, Mosque or Church) is considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of a Byzantine church. The church is situated in the western, Erdinekapı district of İstanbul. In the 16th century, the church was converted into a mosque by the Ottomon rulers, and it became a secularised museum in 1948. The interior of the building is covered with fine mosaics and frescoes.
Reviewed By CHMbM
Chora, restored by Metochites, the ‘prime minister’ of the time, contains the most outstanding and beautiful mosaics ever executed, most especially those in the narthex, including an inspired and unusual Deesis.
6. Rumeli Fortress
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 864 reviews
This three-towered fortress was built in 1452 on the Bosphorus to protect the narrow waterway from advancing ships.
Reviewed By shellbee44 - Istanbul, Turkey
This site is definitely worth visiting! Located right on the water with views of Faith Sultan Mehmet Köprüsü bridge, this fortress stands out amongst the surrounding modern architecture. We spent about 1 hour walking around the inside. Cool views from inside the fortress looking out at the water (can see in attached photos). Also lovely to see from outside the fortress!
7. Naval Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 188 reviews
This museum, located in Dolmabahce Palace, contains over 4000 items relating to Turkish naval history.
Reviewed By EvieL261
This place is huge so be prepared for a long but interesting walk throughout the Turkish naval history and heritage. Those interested in ottoman navy, naval uniforms, Ataturk & his love for sea and history of scuba diving equipment should check this place out.
8. Galata Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,629 reviews
Built in 500 A.D., Galata Tower is one of the dominating landmarks of Istanbul. It was used as a watchtower to help defend the city.
Reviewed By 951luisy - Ashland, United States
The Galata Tower can be seen from almost every corner of Istanbul; particularly, from the Golden Horn. The security guards and the ticket seller were smiling all the time and showed a very compassionate effort to welcome visitors of different abilities. The elevator was fast and modern and at the very top you can even buy a meal or a refreshment to enjoy the 360 degree view at 260 feet high or just walk outside imagining Ahmet Celebi jumping from the tower and crossing the Bosphorus river with his mechanical wings. A tip for photographers: tripods and monopods are not permitted.
9. Askeri Muze ve Kultur Sitesi KomutanlIgI
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 378 reviews
Reviewed By asifahmadkhan
Awesome experience of viewing history military campaigns encompassing conquest of Constantinople (present Istanbul) by the Muslims, the military campaign by Kamal Ata Turk for revival of Turkey after the WW-I, and then listen to the gallant tunes of the Mehtar Band along with the performance. An experience worth watching and remembering!!
10. Istanbul Modern
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,748 reviews
Temporary and permanent exhibition halls, photography gallery, cinema make up the platform that presents diverse forms of art that can be experienced at Istanbul Modern in addition to an arts library, a shop that combines design with art and its cafe that offers its visitors a fantastic view of Istanbul
Reviewed By nevinsalman - Turkey, null
Yaşsız is İstanbul’s first and best museum. Mantı excellent exibitions take plase all över The Year. Aksi you can enjoy Good food or coffee food in the excellent Restaurant inside.
