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10 History Museums in Istanbul That You Shouldn't Miss
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.
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1. Boybeyi Chukur Tower
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Boybeyi is a powerful jewellery brand famous for astonishing craftsmanship which passed through generations since 1881. Boybeyi welcomes guests from all over the world. Chukur Tower being its signature store, is a hot spot for royal members and history lovers whom are guaranteed to experience a unique atmosphere with exclusive service.
2. 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
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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!
6. 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.
7. Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum (Turk ve Islam Eserleri Muzesi)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 639 reviews
The Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum showcases Islamic calligraphy, tiles and rugs and recreates rooms or dwellings from Turkish cultures, particularly nomadic groups.
Reviewed By mamz001 - London, United Kingdom
When I read it's an 'art' museum I thought it would just have art in it, but that's not the case. Wife and I were pleasantly surprised at how interesting this place was, by 'art' they mean clothes and all the expensive style jewelries/rugs etc the Ottoman Empire used to own. We were very pleased to have visited this museum. I would highly recommend it, you could also see the swords and weapons the Ottoman empire used to use in battles. I think it was 70 lira pp which is very reasonable as the lira is weak atm, and you would need about 2 hours or so to see everything at a slow pace.
8. Panorama 1453
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 473 reviews
Reviewed By Delara_Wahid - Baku, Azerbaijan
Worth visiting. We ended there by chance and we enjoyed it. Entrance fees 15 lira and 5 lira for the headset that will translate and guide you through the battle of Istanbul conquering by AlFatih Mohammet. Amazing sounds and display of battle.
9. Galata Mevlevi Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 229 reviews
With its historical Main Door, Galata Mevlevi Lodge awaits you at one end of İstiklal Street of Beyoğlu, and to the left at the beginning of Galip Dede Street. This lodge would be referred to as Galata or Kulekapısı Mevlevi Lodge or Galip Dede Tekke, during the Ottoman era. It was established in 1491 and represents the most important Ottoman works in Beyoğlu along with Galata Palace School. In 1975, it was opened to visitors as Divan Literature Museum before it was reorganized as Galata Mevlevi Lodge Museum in 2011.
Reviewed By A2KLAU - London, United Kingdom
Sadly we didn’t visit the museum on a day when they have a dervish demonstration (which is Sunday, I believe), but we still got to visit the rooms which exhibit artefacts and costumes. There is lots of information describing the daily life and history of the followers of Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi. The Istanbul Museum Pass includes entry to this museum, which is a bonus.
10. Yahya Kemal Museum
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