History Museums in Istanbul

THE 10 BEST Istanbul History Museums

History 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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Showing results 1-30 of 33

What travelers are saying

  • swellstyle
    St. Petersburg, FL22 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Not to be missed! Outstanding property. So much to see from holy relics to the amazing collection of clothing. Spending the day and wandering at our own pace.
    Written February 3, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JnVSydney
    Greater Sydney, Australia25,531 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Located on the top of the hill, (that is worth the climb), stands this impressive watch tower that was built in Medieval times, the queue was huge to enter and a little costly for our tastes,
    Written January 29, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Frank M
    Long Beach, CA535 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Back open after restoration - and now a
    Mosque - this is one of two mosques in Istanbul charging admission to enter for non-Muslims (the other being Hagia Sophia). Entrance fee is about $22. However, despite its new status, I highly encourage a visit. Best way to get there is by taxi, but busses get close and an easy walk from nearest stop.

    The mosque is full of tremendous mosaics and paintings depicting the life of Christ. Ever wonder where western art got its idea of how to depict Jesus? Look here. Plan at least a 45 minutes to enjoying the wondrous detail.
    Written February 5, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ibrahim
    Lahore, Pakistan37 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The museum should be a must visit during your trip to Istanbul. Very well maintained with a very decent presentation of the artefacts.

    Also, there is a mini cafe outside the museum which is a really good sitting spot in good weather.
    Written February 1, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • travel master
    Rome, Italy1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fatih Sultan Mehmet had this fortress built to conquer Istanbul. It was an important step in history.

    He succeeded.
    A good mind. He showed how smart he was. He protected the Bosphorus. He controlled the shipments coming to Istanbul.
    It still maintains its magnificence for centuries. Today it stands on the Bosphorus like a monument and a symbol.
    Written December 7, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bokkop
    Ribamar, Portugal135 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A wonderful museum, that wasn't busy at all -- perhaps because we went at 6pm (not deliberately but because we had had a full day. That day it was open until 9!). The comparison with the V&A is irresistable.

    The collection covers a variety of cultural artifacts -- carpets, clothing, room interiors, pottery, jewellery etc. My favourite exhibit was the shadow puppets, which includes a film of a performance including the background to the art. The building is also fascinating.

    If your guidebook says that all government-run museums in the country close on Mondays, well this one doesn't. It is poorly signposted but is right next to the Hagio Sophia History & Experience Museum (not the church!)
    Written October 2, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Meli Roams
    Melbourne, Australia106 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It was interesting to see how well they could dance in sync. The performance lasted about 40 minutes, including live music. The seating was basic wooden chairs, so you would want the performance to last an hour at maximum. I appreciated the explanation for each part of the performance, which was projected onto a screen above the performers, as it helped the audience stay engaged. It's best to plan ahead and build in time to find the venue, as it's slightly hidden away from the main street.
    Written September 13, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • IlyaNJ
    Marlboro, NJ987 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I only briefly stepped into this museum as it was undergoing renovation, but what I managed to see certainly suggested that I would enjoy a full return visit. Very nice selection of mosaics on offer.
    Written November 6, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mf G
    El Paso, TX8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    amazing experience!
    will help you understand Istanbul history ( the fall of Constantinople and the creation of Istanbul)
    the museum is located in a walking of the actual wall
    Written March 16, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JnVSydney
    Greater Sydney, Australia25,531 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We spent an evening walking the quaint shops and pretty streets at the rear of the Blue Mosque. We quite literally tripped over the Nakkas rug store and saw a large picture of a cistern above the entrance. Hmmm…. ? We visited ‘the’ cistern in Istanbul about 13 years ago when it was somewhat unknown, had no queues and a magical experience. Those days are gone. We were, therefore, very interest to see this ‘unknown to us’ cistern in the basement of a rug shop. Wow! What a great experience. We turned up the following day during opening hours and saw that an appointment is required 24 hours in advance - but as it is the quieter season and they were not busy, we were welcomed in by a friendly gentleman called Ramadan and directed immediately to the basement - yes. I use Wow! too much - but I dare you not to when you see this structure. Aside from the soaring vaulted ceiling there is a fascinating and well set out exhibition about the Hippodrome - it really put this historic area into context in our mind’s eye. We returned upstairs and had another chat with Ramadan. We were not pressured to buy anything (though rugs, ceramics and jewellery are well displayed and available to purchase. Also a glorious tabby cat - but she’s not for sale.) By virtue of not doing the ‘hard sell’ routine we will definitely be contacting Nakkas in the future if and when we are in the market for a rug. Highly recommend this place for a peaceful (it was just us!) stroll around a cistern and if you happen to be in the market for a rug - well, Win-Win!
    Written January 31, 2025
    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.
  • Wendell D
    New York City, NY722 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A 15 minute walk from the Chora Church through an vibrant neighborhood, this ancient little church is next to an active madrasa. I made the mistake of arriving during prayers, walked inside the stark interior but felt that continuing into the domed crossing would be intrusive and unwelcome during the services. That said, no man who walked past me to join the prayers looked at me as though I was unwelcome, so I assume I could have walked further inside had I arrived before they began.
    Written October 11, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Betsy P
    109 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Huge Ottoman palace. The palace is massive so plan to spend some time. The palace is preserved not restored so won't see furniture etc in the rooms. There are several fascinating exhibits. The Kitchen exhibit ad the Sultan's clothes exhibit were very cool.
    Written May 25, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • junior1907
    Istanbul, Türkiye195,386 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This very historical art Museum hosts important art exhibitions and you can easily visit free of charge.
    Located in Tophane area and easy to reach by public transportation tram service.At this moment,there is an exhibition of Zurab Tsereteli on 'Heart on the palette'.
    Written July 12, 2015
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • laneypops83
    London133 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice add on to the Hygia Sophia. Follow the wall round to the left and you find it. Free to enter but a notice says women need to cover their hair which they don't have to next door. We couldn't see anywhere to borrow a head covering.
    Written May 27, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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