Approximate entrance fees, opening hours, closing days and discounts for Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern and other key Istanbul museums.
Since 2024, museums and archaeological sites in Istanbul have charged foreign visitors on a separate tariff, with prices set in euros. The main fees are currently roughly: Topkapi Palace (excluding the Harem and Hagia Irene) around 2,000 TL, the Harem section an extra 1,000 TL, the Basilica Cistern 1,300 TL, Dolmabahce Palace 1,500 TL and Galata Tower 1,200 TL. These figures are approximate and prices change during the year; our team shares the current list when you book.
Hagia Sophia and the mosques
Hagia Sophia has served as a mosque since 2020, and entry is free for those coming to pray. A separate visitor route covering the upper gallery is open to tourists, and this route is ticketed (about 25 EUR, charged in TL). The Blue Mosque, Suleymaniye, Eyup Sultan and all other mosques are free; visitor entry pauses briefly at prayer times. Mosques are very crowded before and after Friday noon prayer.
Museum passes and validity
The annual Muze Kart sold to Turkish citizens is not available to tourists. For foreigners, the Museum Pass Istanbul (5 days) costs about 165 EUR and covers Topkapi, the Harem, the Archaeology Museums, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts and Galata Tower; it pays off if you visit at least four museums. The Basilica Cistern and Dolmabahce Palace are not included, as they are run by different institutions. Chora (Kariye) now serves as a mosque and is not part of the pass.
Child and student discounts
Children under 12 enter Ministry of Culture and Tourism museums free; at Dolmabahce the limit is under 7. Students under 26 with an ISIC card receive a discount. There is no senior discount for foreigners. Ticket desks accept credit cards; at the big museums (Topkapi, the Cistern), buying online and skipping the queue can save up to an hour in summer.
Closing days and hours
Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and Dolmabahce Palace on Mondays. The Basilica Cistern opens daily 09:00–22:00, and its evening lighting is more atmospheric. Museums generally run 09:00–19:00 in summer and 09:00–17:00 in winter, with last entry an hour before closing. During Ramadan and Eid some museums may close for half a day.
Tickets on Nivo Travel tours
On our group tours, museum entrances are usually included and stated in the tour description (for example, the Byzantine & Ottoman Relics Tour includes Topkapi Palace; check the description for extras such as the Harem). On private tours, tickets are paid on site, and your guide takes you through the guide entrance without queuing at the ticket desk. Since ticket rules change often, feel free to ask us for current prices on WhatsApp a week before your trip.
