Museums to visit with the Müzekart in the Historic Peninsula, and a route
Route summary
| Duration | 2 days |
|---|---|
| Best for | Turkish citizens and residents of Türkiye with a Müzekart |
| Number of stops | 6 |
| Total walking (approx.) | 1.4 km |
What is the Müzekart and who can get it?
The Müzekart lets Turkish citizens and people living in Türkiye with a residence permit enter museums and archaeological sites run by the Ministry for one year; it can be bought at museum ticket offices or online. Foreign visitors can buy the Museum Pass İstanbul, valid for a set number of days. Coverage and prices change from time to time, so check muze.gov.tr before you go. Müzekart coverage for the Harem section of Topkapı Palace can vary from period to period.
Day 1: Topkapı and around
-
About 1 min walk to the next stop (60 m) Directions
-
About 4 min walk to the next stop (310 m) Directions
-
Day 2: Around Sultanahmet Square
-
About 5 min walk to the next stop (370 m) Directions
-
About 10 min walk to the next stop (670 m) Directions
-
Places where the Müzekart is not accepted
- The Basilica Cistern (run by the municipality; discounted tickets for Turkish citizens)
- The Şerefiye Cistern and the Binbirdirek Cistern
- The Panorama 1453 History Museum
- Show venues such as Hodjapasha, and historic hamams
Mosques are free anyway, and Hagia Sophia is free for Turkish citizens.
Our family hotels closest to the start of the route
Walking times are approximate and measured from the hotel door; where the hotel gives its own time, we show that.
-
Emirhan Inn Hotel
Hagia Irene: 20 min walk (1.4 km) Walking route
A budget-friendly hotel with free breakfast in Küçük Ayasofya
-
Seven Roses Apart Hotel
Hagia Irene: 20 min walk (1.4 km) Walking route
Apartments with kitchens in Küçük Ayasofya, with roomy options for larger families
-
Green Life Apart Hotel
Hagia Irene: 20 min walk (1.4 km) Walking route
Family-run apartments with kitchenettes and a sea-view roof terrace in Küçük Ayasofya
-
Sareban Hotel
Hagia Irene: 21 min walk (1.4 km) Walking route
An alcohol-free family hotel in Küçük Ayasofya, looking out to the Marmara
Frequently asked questions
Is the Müzekart accepted at Topkapı Palace?
Yes, Topkapı Palace is run by the Ministry and you can enter with the Müzekart. Coverage for the Harem section can vary from period to period, so check muze.gov.tr.
Is the Müzekart accepted at the Basilica Cistern?
No. The Basilica Cistern is run by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality; Turkish citizens and residents of Istanbul get a discounted ticket.