Quick update on the Istanbul Museum Pass as of October 2024.
Just returned from Turkey. I bought the museum pass online and its most important asset is that you skip the ticket line. This will become apparent when you visit, those lines can be long, convenience vs money.
Topkapi Palace -remember to visit the clocks and arms section. Great views.
Istanbul Archaeological Museums-Art works that you saw in textbooks are here. First class museum
Galata Tower Museum
Great Palace Mosaic Museum-closed for renovations
Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum-a gem near the Blue Mosque. Includes textiles, calligraphy, part of the hippodrome and a piece of the chain used to stop ships from entering the harbor.
Istanbul Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam-A smaller museum but great demonstrating the accomplishments of Islam in the world of science.
On the Galata side of the bridge is the world class Museum of Modern Art. Not part of the pass but great works by Turkish contemporary artists. Many video rooms. Located near Galataport, where the cruise ships port. Adored this museum.
I saw long lines for Basilica Cistern. Skip this and visit the easily accessible Theodosian Cistern. They include a light show celebrating the 100th anniversary of Turkish Independence. This building has an elevator and costs around 650 Turkish Lira. Check out the light show on YouTube. Walkable from Tram #1 and the Blue Mosque.
If you miss the Blue Mosque try Rustem Pasha, near the Egyptian Spice market. Same blue tiles on a smaller scale. Not many people visit so you can take your time to enjoy this jewel. Stunning.
I did not see all the museums listed on the pass, but the convenience factor, not standing in lines, made it worth the price. There is still security for the larger venues.
Thank you to all the contributors to this Turkey forum who helped me plan my trip. Your advice helped me immensely.
Last note. We stayed at the Ramada Old City on the #1 tram line, stop Findikzade, which was near restaurants, grocery stores, cafeterias, mosques, dental streets ( all things dental) ATM’s, and only four stops from all the tourist locations. Excellent housekeeping. We had a suite for eight days, which cost less than a room in Sultanate. Breakfast buffet, and because we had a suite they kept the mini bar stocked with water, juices , cokes and snacks. Our balcony with table for four, looked out over the great city of Istanbul.