The Istanbul Archaeological Museums are a group of three major museums: The Museum of the Ancient Orient, The Archaeology Museum, and The Tiled Kiosk Museum.
All three museums are in the same garden and house the palace collections formed by Osman Hamdi Bey in the late 19th century.
The museums hold over one million objects from different periods and civilizations in world history.
This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets for the Archaeological Museums in Istanbul.
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What to expect
The Archeological Museums are one of the largest in the world and a beautiful example of neo-classical architecture.
Visitors can explore objects from the pre-Islamic periods of Greece, Egypt, the Arabian Peninsula, Anatolia, and Mesopotamia.
At the Museum of the Ancient Orient, you can see unique pre-Greek artifacts from Anatolia and Mesopotamia and pre-Islamic artifacts from Egypt and the Arabian Peninsula.
Explore exhibits of Pre-Islamic Arabian, Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Anatolian, and Urartian artifacts, as well as cuneiform documents like the Stele of the Akkadian King Naramsi, the Treaty of Kadesh, the Ishtar Gate, and the Tablet Archive.
The Tiled Kiosk Museum is the oldest building in the complex. Its facade boasts a typical Persian design, with polygonal pillars and stone-framed bricks.
Visitors can admire various examples of Turkish tiles and ceramics from the Ottoman and Seljuk eras.
The entrance is adorned with mosaic tiles and features a 14-column marble arcade.
Buy This TicketWhere to book tickets
You can purchase Istanbul Archaeological Museum tickets online in advance or at the attraction.
Online prices tend to be cheaper than those at the venue.
When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the counters.
Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, they may sell out during peak days. Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.
How do online tickets work
Go to the Archaeological Museums Istanbul booking page, select your preferred date and the number of tickets you wish to purchase, and buy right away.
After the purchase, you will receive the tickets via email.
You don’t need to take any printouts.
On the day of the visit, show the e-ticket on your smartphone to the tour guide and join the group.
Ticket price
Adult tickets for the Archaeological Museums Istanbul are priced at ₺703 for visitors aged nine and above.
Children between three and eight years of age pay a discounted price of ₺335 for admission.
Infants up to two years of age can join for free.
Archaeological Museums tickets
Buy this skip-the-line ticket and get access to all three Archaeological Museums in Istanbul.
An experienced and professional guide will l provide you with all the information about the attraction.
This will be a 30-minute guided highlight tour.
After the highlight tour, visitors can explore the entire building at leisure.
Ticket Prices
Adult (9+ years): ₺703
Child (3 to 8 years): ₺335
Infant (up to 2 years): Free
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How to reach
The Archaeological Museums are located near Gülhane Park and Topkapı Palace in the Eminönü district, Istanbul.
Address: Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye. Get Directions
You can reach the museums by public or private transport.
By Bus
Take bus number 121CS and get down at the Sultanahmet bus stop to reach the museum. It takes 7 to 10 minutes to reach the destination on foot.
By Subway
Take the M2 subway line to the Veznecıler – İstanbul Ünıversıtesı station, which is at a distance of 1.3 miles (2.1 km) from the museum.
By Tram
Take the T1 tram to the Gülhane stop.
The museums are a short 5-minute walk from the stop.
By Car
If you are driving by car, turn on Google Maps and get started!
Choose between parking options around the attraction.
Opening hours
The Istanbul Archaeology Museums are open between 9 am to 8 pm from 1 April to 31 October.
Between 30 October and 31 March, they are open from 9 am to 6.30 pm.
The last entry is 30 minutes before the closing time.
How long does the tour take
The guided highlight tour of the Istanbul Archaeological Museums lasts around 30 minutes.
After the tour, visitors are free to explore on their own.
The ticket is not timed, and you can spend the whole day at the attraction.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the Istanbul Archaeological Museums is when it opens at 9 am.
The crowd is less, and you can have an enjoyable visit.
Late afternoons also have fewer visitors, and you can visit peacefully.
Weekends and public holidays are the most crowded at the attraction.
Reviews
Archaeological Museums Istanbul is a highly-rated tourist attraction.
Check out two reviews we selected from Tripadvisor, which give you an idea of what to expect at this attraction.
Absolutely amazing place
Absolutely amazing, galleries full of statues, death, masks, and every kind of artefact you can think of. They’re kind enough to provide explanations in English. I’ve always been a history buff. It was very exciting to see some of the objects that are only experiences or books or documentaries.
Worth the time to visit if you can
I adored this Museum. It is a traditional museum packed full of information and an amazing collection. They have not yet fallen the way of other museums that have ‘Disneyfied’ themselves with interactive paraphernalia to entertain people bored with real data. Spent 2.5 hours there – super well done. Hats off to the museum director and staff.
Archaeological Museums Istanbul map
The museums are spread over an expansive area.
Having a map with you is better for reaching the exhibits easily, especially if you visit with kids, who tend to tire easily.
FAQs
Here are some questions visitors usually ask before visiting the Archaeological Museums in Istanbul.
Should I pre-book tickets for the Istanbul Archaeological Museums?
It is best to book online in advance to ensure availability and have a hassle-free experience.
What can I see at the Archaeological Museum in Istanbul?
Visitors can see a huge collection of artifacts from ancient civilizations, including Greek, Roman, and Byzantine.
What are the collections available at the Museum of the Ancient Orient?
Visitors can see a collection of artifacts from ancient civilizations in the Near East, including Assyrian, Babylonian, and Hittite.
What can I see at the Tiled Kiosk Museum?
As part of the Archaeological Museums tour, you get an opportunity to witness a collection of Ottoman tiles, ceramics, and other decorative objects and a display of Islamic calligraphy.
Is photography allowed inside the Istanbul Archaeological Museums?
Yes, photography is allowed inside the museum, but without flash.
Is there a restaurant or café inside the Archaeological Museums?
Yes, there is a restaurant and a café called The Museum Cafe, inside the Istanbul Archaeological Museums, where you can enjoy a meal or a drink.
Is the Archaeological Museums Istanbul accessible to people with disabilities?
Yes, it is accessible to people with disabilities, with ramps and elevators available.
Is there a gift shop at the Archaeological Museums Istanbul?
Yes, there is a gift shop at the museum, where you can buy souvenirs and books related to the exhibits.
