I don’t see any recommendations in Rick’s book about sites in Istanbul to book in advance. We plan to see the major sites. Any advice?
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
3421 posts
When are you going? Which sites? Some places you cannot book ahead (e.g. Blue Mosque). For others, if you have very limited time, are there on a weekend, or don't want to wait in lines, getting tickets ahead or getting a museum pass can save you time.
Posted by
Singapore
978 posts
We didn't book anything in advance, and indeed as noted, some sites dont accept advance bookings. It was fairly quiet when we were there though.
Posted by
OP
Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada
163 posts
We’ll be in Istanbul Oct. 17 -24 and we hope to tour The Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sofia, the Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern and the Galata Bridge. Should we book tickets in advance for any of these?
Posted by
Singapore
978 posts
Hi Carol
The Blue Mosque doesn't sell tickets - you can just walk in (outside of prayer times).
Hagia Sofia, we just bought tickets when we arrived - as far as I can see from their web site, it's only the guided tour tickets that you can buy online, but someone may correct me on this.
Topkai Palace you can buy online, but we just bought on arrival.
I'd also recommend the Kariye Mosque, which is stunning (again, just but tickets on site).
Re your dates, mosque hours are more restricted on Fridays.