Specialty Museums in Istanbul

THE 10 BEST Istanbul Specialty Museums

Specialty Museums in Istanbul

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Museums
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Travelers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travelers across the globe.
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  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.


Showing results 1-30 of 76

What travelers are saying

  • Wendy M
    Brisbane, Australia844 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a fabulous museum with lots of different transportation experiences on display. We particularly enjoyed the vintage cars that are in pristine condition. The various planes and their histories also makes for interesting viewing. Being able to board a couple of large boats adds to the experience. We loved our visit but suggest you need a minimum of 4 hours to really enjoy the experience. The entry cost of 600TL is not prohibitive compared to many of Turkeys overpriced monument. A very memorable visit.
    Written October 6, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • David
    San Luis Obispo, CA7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The companion museum to Orhan Pamuk's novel of the same name is a great supplement to the reading experience. If you haven't read the novel, it might just be confusing (though they do have an audio guide) or a peculiar and enigmatic potpourri of nostalgic İstanbul ephemera.
    Written September 1, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sara S
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The museum is definitely worth a visit. Not only the cars are interesting, but the entire museum is designed in such way that it attracts to you.
    Written November 3, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Birol Bali
    Istanbul, Türkiye1,103 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Sakıp Sabancı Museum (SSM) is one of Istanbul's most important cultural institutions, located in the Emirgan neighborhood along the Bosphorus. It is housed in a beautiful mansion, known as the Atlı Köşk, which once belonged to the Sabancı family, one of Turkey's wealthiest and most influential families.

    The museum is renowned for its diverse collection, which spans a variety of art forms, from classical to modern. It is especially known for its collection of Ottoman calligraphy, manuscripts, and decorative arts, as well as its impressive selection of paintings, sculptures, and contemporary art pieces. The museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions featuring both Turkish and international artists, as well as cultural and historical exhibits.

    In addition to its art collections, the museum is surrounded by lush gardens that provide stunning views of the Bosphorus, offering a peaceful environment for visitors to relax. The museum also has a café where guests can enjoy a drink while taking in the scenic surroundings.

    Sakıp Sabancı Museum is a cultural hub that blends history, art, and nature, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and anyone looking to experience the cultural richness of Istanbul.
    Written December 13, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Peter M
    Waterlooville, UK11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Attractive wooden house with well displayed collection of toys, and outstanding coffee shop.

    A bit of a trek to get there via GZ1 or ER1 bus, plus a walk, but it's very well worth it.
    Written October 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Wendy M
    Brisbane, Australia844 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A small museum with various displays that are very well explained in English and Turkish. There are five levels with a variety of displays ranging from paintings and drawings to displays such as coffee cups. There are toilets on each floor that are very clean and modern, a beautiful cafe is available on the ground level, as well as a store. The cost of 200TL entry is very reasonable. I highly recommend a visit followed by a wander around the back streets of Pera.
    Written October 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Fadi Ahmed
    26 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This place is perfect and you will love it. They look so real and you have to visit it. It’s really good experience and it’s not expensive.
    Written October 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • nadacik
    Springfield, MO40 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice historical building. The only interesting part was the old bank vaults. Otherwise not much else to do. It does have a nice view of the Golden Horn from the 3rd floor. There is a cafe but it had no view and over priced so we didnt bother to eat there. It seemed to have an upper level but it was closed off.
    Written January 4, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Cynthia D
    8 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It's nice experience and interesting one of the must do in istanbul.. But should be bigger
    You should visit in the morning because in the afternoon a lot of people so u will have to wait a lot
    Written January 2, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Explore21
    Dubai, United Arab Emirates22 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I like this place, the view is amazing and bridge is something not easy to understand how they made it, I wish to visit again
    Written January 16, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jadranka A
    15 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We came to this museum by chance, and loved it! It is free of charge, not very big, but containing many personal belongings od president Atatürk. Staff was very friendly. There are no explanations in English, but you can take leaphlet in English on the entrance. Last room is lovely small library where you can take a look at books, photos and photoalbums about Kemal Atatürk.
    Definitely worth visiting.
    Written April 6, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JnVSydney
    Greater Sydney, Australia25,620 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a grand building that was once a post office, it was so nice just to walk around looking at all the well presented display's, whats more it is free to visit.
    Written January 29, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Zsuzsa.Guide
    Targu Secuiesc, Romania964 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This nice museum near Dolmabahçe Palace hosts turkish painter's artworks mostly from 19th century- portraits, landscapes, battle sceneries etc. It is nice and well organized, you can admire Osman Hamdi Bey paintings and in small rooms are displayed pencils, brushes, easels. You can also see portraits of the sultans from Ottoman Empire starting from Osman, Orhan till Abdülmecid, Abdul Aziz, Enver Pasa and Atatünk. Combined ticket with Dolmabahçe is 1050 TL, just the Resim Müzesi is 300 TL
    Written July 4, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TubaKoseogluOkcu
    Istanbul, Türkiye6,945 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Though this museum, as content, appeals mainly to those who are familiar with Turkish literature of late 19th century, its unique and breathtaking views of the Bosphorus makes it also a good destination for foreign tourists as well. Furthermore, the museum also sheds light to the domestic life of Ottoman elite as it was the home of Tevfik Fikret, the famous man of letters of the times.

    The entrance to the museum is free. There is audio guide available. Unfortunately it's forbidden to take photos inside. The tomb of Tevfik Fikret is also here, at the gardens of this beautiful house.

    Parking can be problematic as there is no parking lot nearby and walking to the museum is not easy either: there is a very steep road to climb. For those who are walking wise impaired, access to the museum would be impossible.
    Written February 27, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tom L
    Klein, TX196 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Science and math nerds, unite! I knew algebra has its roots in the southeast Mediterranean region. I was not aware of how much else originated in the region. Good explanations of so many practical instruments is very interesting for history buffs. Geometric, trigonometry, astronomy, and dynamics fans (okay, nerds) will enjoy knowledge from the exhibits. There is a constant Islamic narrative to reinforce the true history of many applications developed before European refinement, and worse, failure to cite resources. The museum proudly and rightly credits the somewhat recently "discovered" true masterminds.
    Written November 6, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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