Museums – Istanbul.com Blog https://istanbul.com/blog/ Sun, 02 Nov 2025 16:25:33 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://istanbul.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/cropped-web-app-manifest-512x512-1-32x32.png Museums – Istanbul.com Blog https://istanbul.com/blog/ 32 32 Where Is Dolmabahçe Palace and How to Visit? https://istanbul.com/blog/where-is-dolmabahce-palace-and-how-to-visit/ https://istanbul.com/blog/where-is-dolmabahce-palace-and-how-to-visit/#respond Sun, 02 Nov 2025 14:46:31 +0000 https://istanbul.com/blog/?p=14377 If you are asking “where is Dolmabahce Palace,” the answer is simple: it sits on the European shore of the Bosphorus in Beşiktaş, between Kabataş and Maçka parks, facing Üsküdar across the water. From the tram at Kabataş, it is a short seaside walk north; from Beşiktaş Square, it is a gentle stroll south along Dolmabahçe Avenue. This guide gathers everything you need; location, entrances, tickets, opening hours, how long to visit, tours, and easy tips so your time inside feels calm and rewarding.

Want a quick history primer before you go? Read the western palace of istanbul dolmabahce for context. For inspiration beyond the palace day, save this list of the best touristic places in istanbul.

Getting to Dolmabahce Palace

Arrivals are easy by tram, metro, ferry, or on foot along the Bosphorus. If you are mapping “where is Dolmabahce Palace” for the first time, pin “Dolmabahçe Sarayı” in Beşiktaş and look for the waterfront walls and grand gates facing the sea.

By Public Transportation

Tram T1 to Kabataş: walk 10–12 minutes north along the seaside promenade to the main Dolmabahce Palace gate.
Metro M2 to Taksim: descend via the F1 funicular to Kabataş, then walk the promenade.
Ferries: from Kadıköy or Üsküdar to Kabataş/Beşiktaş, then a short walk.
Buses: frequent lines run along Dolmabahçe Cd. and stop near the complex.

By Car

Traffic along the Bosphorus can be busy, especially at rush hours and around holidays. If you must drive, aim for early morning slots and nearby paid lots around Beşiktaş; street parking is limited. Walking the last 5–10 minutes keeps arrival stress-free.

Dolmabahçe Palace Entrance Fee and Tickets

Tickets typically cover the Selamlık (state rooms), the Harem, and the Palace Collections / Painting Museum. Prices for foreign visitors have changed several times in 2024–2025 due to inflation and operational updates. Recent public listings show foreign-visitor prices in the TL 1,500–1,800 range for the combined areas, while Turkish-citizen and student prices differ. Check the official National Palaces e-ticket page on the day you visit for the current figure and availability. We recommend arriving early or booking ahead for busy weekends and holiday periods.

  • Where to buy: Official ticket windows at the entrance, or the National Palaces online e-ticket portal.
  • What’s included: Selamlık + Harem + museum areas (in most combined tickets). Verify the exact inclusions when you purchase.
  • Audio guide: Available and very helpful for pacing—see “Dolmabahce Palace audio guide” notes when booking.
  • Payment: Cards widely accepted; keep a small amount of cash for incidentals.

Tip: If a third-party combo includes a Bosphorus cruise, compare the route and timing with your plan so you do not rush the interiors.

Dolmabahçe Palace Tours

Guided and hosted entries help you move smoothly through security, understand highlights in the grand halls, and not miss details in the Harem. A well-timed tour can also balance indoor time with a Bosphorus walk or ferry ride later in the day. For dinner cruises on another day, read this overview: about Bosphorus dinner cruise.

Visit Dolmabahce Palace: Our Tips

How long to visit Dolmabahce Palace: plan 1.5–2 hours for the Selamlık alone, and 45–60 minutes more for the Harem and museum areas. If you enjoy photography in the courtyards and gardens, add another 30 minutes. The interiors follow a fixed route; keep a steady, relaxed pace.

  • Dress code: No special dress code is required (it is a museum, not a mosque), but modest, comfortable clothing and quiet soles are kind to the historic floors.
  • Photography: Rules can change; non-flash photography is often restricted inside certain halls. Outdoors and courtyards are fine—collect your best Dolmabahce Palace photos there.
  • Facilities: Cloakroom and security checks at the entrance. Large items may need to be deposited.
  • Accessibility: Surfaces vary; ask staff for the most step-light routing.

Best Time to Visit Dolmabahce Palace

Mornings on weekdays are the calmest. Summer brings more crowds and longer lines; winter is quieter but days are shorter. Around national and religious holidays (important days) lines can form early. Aim for the first hour after opening or mid-afternoon after the tour groups pass.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul

What are the Dolmabahce Palace opening hours?

Typical posted hours are 09:00–17:00, with last ticket / entry cutoff earlier in the afternoon, and closed on Mondays. Hours can shift on holidays and special events. Always confirm the schedule the day you go.

What is the best time to visit Dolmabahce Palace?

First entry on a weekday is ideal. The light is soft, and rooms feel calmer. Avoid peak late morning in high season if possible.

Can I enter Dolmabahce Palace at any time during operating hours?

Entry is controlled; the last admission is earlier than closing. Arrive well before the cutoff to enjoy the route without rushing.

How much time does it take to visit Dolmabahce Palace?

Allow 2.5–3 hours for Selamlık, Harem, museum, and garden photos at an easy pace.

Are group visits allowed at Dolmabahce Palace?

Yes, but groups should check current policies and book ahead in peak months.

Where is Dolmabahce Palace located in Istanbul?

On the European Bosphorus shore in Beşiktaş, along Dolmabahçe Cd., between Kabataş and Beşiktaş piers—search “Dolmabahçe Sarayı.” If a friend asks “where is Dolmabahce Palace,” point north of Kabataş, right on the water.

What is the best way to get to Dolmabahce Palace?

Tram T1 to Kabataş + waterfront walk is simplest. Ferries to Kabataş/Beşiktaş also work beautifully, especially if you love sea air.

How many entrances are there at Dolmabahce Palace?

Visitors commonly use the seaside gate complex facing the Bosphorus. Follow the signs and staff directions for ticketing, security, and the start of the museum route.

Is there a dress code to be followed at Dolmabahce Palace?

No special dress code, but comfortable, respectful clothing is recommended. Backpacks may be inspected.

Are prams allowed inside Dolmabahce Palace?

Policies can vary by hall due to floor protection and crowding. Ask staff at the entrance; a cloakroom is available.

Is photography permitted in the Dolmabahce Palace?

Often limited or not allowed in main halls; outdoors and courtyards are fine. Check posted signs and staff guidance on the day.

Is there a cloakroom at Dolmabahce Palace?

Yes, for large items and restricted objects.

Can I see everything in one visit to Dolmabahce Palace?

Yes, if you allow enough time. If you linger in the Harem and museum, consider a break on the seaside path and then continue.

Is Dolmabahce Palace worth visiting?

Absolutely. The crystal staircase, ceremonial halls, Bosphorus-side façades, and the Harem sequence create one of Istanbul’s most memorable interiors.

Light Extras: After Your Visit

Walk the waterfront toward Beşiktaş for tea and views, or to Kabataş for a ferry—perfect if you want to add a gentle Bosphorus cruise. For broader planning in the area, see dolmabahce palace.


Istanbul Tourist Pass®

Prefer hosted entries and tidy logistics? The Istanbul Tourist Pass® bundles guided access, skip-the-line experiences, and cruise options into one digital pass you manage on your phone. It is a helpful way to connect Dolmabahçe with nearby highlights and a Bosphorus sail without juggling multiple confirmations.

Choose the experiences that fit your day and let the Istanbul Tourist Pass® keep tickets and support in one place while you focus on the waterfront, photos, and calm transfers.

Before You Go

Check current hours and the day’s ticket price just before you set out, especially around holidays. If you are planning a bigger Istanbul week, save the important days calendar to steer around peak times, and keep the best touristic places in istanbul list for nearby add-ons.

FAQ: Visiting Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul

Dolmabahçe Palace is one of Istanbul’s most elegant landmarks on the European shore of the Bosphorus. Below are the most asked questions about its location, opening hours, entrance fees, tours, and best visiting tips.

Where is Dolmabahçe Palace located?

Dolmabahçe Palace sits in Beşiktaş, on the European side of the Bosphorus, between Kabataş and Maçka parks. It faces Üsküdar across the water. From the Kabataş tram stop, walk about 10–12 minutes north along the waterfront; from Beşiktaş Square, it’s a short stroll south on Dolmabahçe Avenue.

What are the opening hours of Dolmabahçe Palace?

Typical visiting hours are 09:00–17:00, with the last admission usually an hour before closing. The palace is closed on Mondays and during some public holidays. Always verify current hours before your visit.

How much is the Dolmabahçe Palace entrance fee?

Ticket prices for foreign visitors generally range between TL 1,500–1,800 for the combined areas (Selamlık, Harem, and museum sections). Prices may vary with updates or currency changes. Check the official National Palaces e-ticket page on your visit day for the latest figure.

What does the ticket include?

Most standard tickets include access to the Selamlık (official state rooms), the Harem, and the Palace Collections / Painting Museum. Combined tickets provide the complete interior experience. Always confirm inclusions when purchasing.

Where can I buy tickets for Dolmabahçe Palace?

You can buy tickets at the official ticket windows at the main gate or through the National Palaces online e-ticket portal. Booking in advance is recommended on weekends or holidays to avoid long lines.

What is the best way to reach Dolmabahçe Palace?

The easiest route is via Tram T1 to Kabataş, then a 10-minute walk north along the seaside. Alternatively, take Metro M2 to Taksim, descend by the F1 funicular to Kabataş, or use ferries from Kadıköy or Üsküdar to Kabataş/Beşiktaş. Several bus lines also stop nearby.

Can I drive to Dolmabahçe Palace?

Yes, but traffic along the Bosphorus can be heavy. Paid parking areas are available around Beşiktaş, though limited. It’s often easier to park a bit farther and walk the last few minutes along the waterfront.

How long should I spend at Dolmabahçe Palace?

Plan about 1.5–2 hours for the Selamlık section and 45–60 minutes for the Harem and museum. If you enjoy the gardens and photography, allow up to 3 hours total for a relaxed visit.

Is there a dress code at Dolmabahçe Palace?

No special dress code is required since it functions as a museum, not a mosque. Still, modest and comfortable clothing is advised. Backpacks and large bags may be inspected or checked at the cloakroom.

Are photography and prams allowed inside?

Photography is often restricted inside certain halls but allowed outdoors and in courtyards. Flash and tripods are prohibited. Pram access may vary by hall; ask at the entrance for guidance, as a cloakroom is available for storage.

When is the best time to visit Dolmabahçe Palace?

Morning on a weekday is ideal for a quieter visit. Avoid late mornings during peak season and national holidays when tour groups arrive. Winter is calmer but days are shorter.

Is Dolmabahçe Palace worth visiting?

Absolutely. Its crystal staircase, ceremonial halls, chandeliers, and Bosphorus-side façade make it one of Istanbul’s most remarkable and beautiful attractions, rich in Ottoman and European influences.

Can I take a guided or hosted tour?

Yes. Guided and hosted tours help you navigate security, understand highlights in the grand halls, and enjoy insights into history and design. Some combo tours also include a Bosphorus cruise—ideal for extending your day.

Are group visits allowed?

Yes. Group tours are permitted but must be booked in advance, especially during high season, to ensure smooth entry.

What facilities are available for visitors?

Facilities include security checks, cloakrooms for large items, rest areas, and accessible paths where possible. Surfaces can vary, so ask staff for the easiest route if needed.

What can I do nearby after visiting Dolmabahçe Palace?

You can walk the waterfront toward Beşiktaş for tea and sea views, continue to Kabataş for a ferry, or join a short Bosphorus cruise. The area also connects easily to Taksim and Nişantaşı for cafés and shopping.

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Museum of Illusions https://istanbul.com/blog/museum-of-illusions/ Wed, 16 Apr 2025 08:57:46 +0000 https://istanbul.com/blog/museum-of-illusions/ Where your creativity rules and reality bends…  Welcome to the Istanbul Museum of Illusions!

Located just in the center of Istanbul, this unique edutainment venue guarantees a memorable encounter as enjoyable as it is mind-boggling! The Museum of Illusions is a museum yes, but actually it is a museum of human brain’s nature. Yet the museum provides a great escape into the realm of perception, science, and creativity whether you are a thrill-seeker, a curious traveller, or just someone searching for an interesting indoor attraction in Istanbul.

Inside this specially curated museum, you must rethink what you see and what you believe you know with more than 50 captivating displays featuring holograms, stereograms, optical illusions, and interactive installations.  You will have so much fun but you keep asking questions yourself about your perception of reality. In the Tilted Room you may defy gravity, stroll through a whirling Vortex Tunnel, or sit at the Beuchet Chair and decrease in size just before your own eyes.

The museum is perfect for families, groups, and even lone explorers, this fun museum mixes knowledge with fun, reminding us that occasionally, seeing isn’t believing.  As istanbul.com we would reccommend to visit the museum especially if you are traveling with your children. Buy your Museum of Illusions tickets online easily here. In our digitized world, challenging your perception and see the limits of it is particularly important for young ones. So, if you prepared to have your viewpoint turned upside down and your mind deceived, let’s have a sneak peak inside of the Museum of Illusions.

Inside the Museum of Illusions

Enter a reality-bending universe where your senses are tested, your brain gets a workout, and your viewpoint on life could just change somewhat.  Looking at great images at the Museum of Illusions Istanbul is not all; you are entering a mind-expanding adventure.  Although the illusions will make you chuckle, gasp, and marvel at their impossibility, they also challenge you to consider how we see and interpret reality.

The human brain still battles and finds joy in illusions in a time when artificial intelligence views the world with binary accuracy.  That is what distinguishes this location.  It’s a rare reminder that the brain is as interesting as it is defective.  And that is something to investigate.

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Whether you are seven or seventy, this museum is full with aha-moments and profound ideas lurking behind a great deal of enjoyment.  Take a look at the three key areas within waiting for you:

Illusion Rooms: Where Fantasy Meets Physics

Step inside environments that utterly distort your sense of balance, space, and size.  These engaging places change your real-time perspective, not only for photographs.

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  • Enter the Tilted Room and see gravity vanish.  Suddenly, going straight seems like an adventure by itself and you start to question whether is up or down.
  • Inside the Reversed Room, the reality turns upside-down – literally!  Walk on the ceiling and snap a photo to baffle everyone who views it.
  • One of the most bizarre museum experiences is the Vortex Tunnel.  It spins, your senses go crazy, but the earth is constant.  Is your brain trustworthy?

Every area is designed to test your natural impulses, deceiving your brain into perceiving movement, changes, and viewpoints that do not exist.  It’s an exciting, brain-tingling reminder that we are more influenced than we realize.

Smart Installations: The Brain Teasers You Can Walk Into

Some illusions are meant to be lived, not all in this museum is only for viewing.

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  • The Beuchet Chair Illusion: Sit down, shrink, and see the magic of context.  This illusion is one of the most classic ones and shows you how readily your surroundings deceive your brain. Classics are timeless, see for yourself why.
  • Clone Table: Want to be able to replicate yourself?  You can now and it is more immersive than you could imagine!  Sit at this unique table and discover your clones all around you – no artificial intelligence, only great design.
  • Head on the Platter: Just pure perception-bending wizardry, no horror film techniques here.  One minute you are full-bodied; the next your head is served on a plate.

These installations are not only enjoyable; they also teach us how delicate and malleable our reality is and how much our perspective can be molded by straightforward, smart design.

Mind-Bending Images: Doubt All You Observe

Optical illusions, holograms, and visual paradoxes pushing your mind to its boundaries are featured in this part.

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  • Holograms: See flat images pop into 3D, people appear and disappear, and faces change.  They’re not only amazing; they make you wonder how light and shadow distort your perception.
  • Op Art & Optical Illusions: Is a static image moving?  Is a circle square?  These pieces of art claim yes; your vision will concur.
  • Illusory Images: These aren’t just photographs; they’re puzzles challenging your mind to match what it sees with what it knows should be reality.  Spoiler alert: your head doesn’t always prevail.

Every look in this section of the museum becomes a challenge of attention, curiosity, and endurance.  Here, you pause and truly see in a society ruled by rapid scrolling and hasty glances.

Reasons to Go to the Museum of Illusions

Often we forget one basic truth in a society where information is only a click away and artificial intelligence can analyze data with total clarity: the human brain is wonderfully imperfect.  That’s not a defect; rather, it’s a blessing.

Though you’ll get lots of those, the Museum of Illusions Istanbul is not only a site to snap amazing pictures.  You may chuckle at how readily your mind is fooled, be humbled by how little you really “see,” and leave with a greater respect of your own awareness in this location.

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Because your mind grows as a result of bending your perception

Stepping into an illusion chamber confuses your mind—and that is precisely the goal.  Like a kid discovering how the world works for the first time, it’s a unique opportunity to experience awe once more.  The moment of “wait, what just happened?” is strong.  It disrupts habit.  It shatters presumptions.  It rekindles your curiosity.

In the quick, logical world of today, we also require more of such times.

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Because challenging your mind is equally as vital as resting it

Many people view museums as passive activities.  You observe, you study, you depart.  But what about here?  Your mind is working.  You are included in the display.  You participate, challenge, and play rather than just watch.

This museum shows that learning can be fun.  That science and perception aren’t only for textbooks, right?  And so even the most basic illusion might lead to serious doubts: might I believe what I see?  What other unstable ground-based “truths” exist? Just only for experiencing this mind-bend is a reason to visit.

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Because it’s one of the few sites where all generations participate equally.

Kids are amazed.  Teenagers strike poses and chuckle.  Grownups reconsider.  Grandparents become nostalgic about visual puzzles.  It’s a communal experience that seems relevant and new to everyone, not only enjoyable.

Every guest leaves a little bit more conscious, often without knowing it.  More there.  More in touch with their senses.  And a bit more mindful of how the brain—though strong—is not infallible.

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Visit the Museum of Illusions since it is enjoyable, vibrant, and interesting.  But also come since your brain merits astonishment.  Perhaps the greatest thing we can do is go into a place—on purpose—where nothing makes sense at all given our ongoing effort to understand the universe.

Museum of Illusions Visiting Information

Get ready to step into the world of illusions in this amazing museum!  Here’s everything you need to plan your visit:

Address: Museum of Illusions Istanbul is in Narmanlı Han on Istiklal Caddesi No:180, near Taksim Square in Beyoglu on the European side of Istanbul.

Opening Hours

Sunday – Thursday: 11.00 AM – 8.00 PM

Friday – Saturday: 11.00 AM – 9.00 PM

The museum is open every day and makes a perfect midday or evening stop during your exploration of vibrant Beyoglu!

How to Get There

Located right in the heart of Istanbul’s cultural hub, Istiklal Street, the Museum of Illusions is incredibly easy to reach by public transportation or on foot if you’re already exploring Taksim, Galata, or Karaköy. Here are some of the most convenient ways to get there:

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By Metro:

Take the M2 Metro Line to Taksim Station.

From Taksim Square, it’s about a 7-minute walk along Istiklal Street.

By Tram:

Ride the nostalgic Taksim-Tünel tram along Istiklal Street and get off at the Galatasaray stop. The museum is just a few steps away inside Narmanlı Han, one of the city’s historic buildings.

On Foot:

If you’re already in Beyoğlu, Galata, or Cihangir, it’s a short and scenic walk to the museum. Just follow Istiklal Street’s buzzing atmosphere; you’ll find the entrance tucked inside the beautifully restored Narmanlı Han, a historic passage full of charm and character.

Accessibility

The Museum of Illusion is open and accessible to the whole community, with the design promoting equality for the elderly, people with prams, and people living with a disability.

Explore the Museum of Illusions with Istanbul Tourist Pass®

The Istanbul Tourist Pass® is the ideal travel companion if you want to see Istanbul in the most clever and easiest way; indeed, admission to the Museum of Illusions Istanbul is totally FREE with the Pass!

Just present your digital pass and go straight inside the mind-bending universe of optical illusions, immersive chambers, and visual trickery that will make you doubt everything you see: no long ticket lines, no additional costs, no hassle!

Why choose the Istanbul Tourist Pass®?

  • Free admission to the Museum of Illusions Istanbul – and it is only one of the 100+ attractions!
  • No need to print or stand in ticket queues; instant QR code access
  • With the same pass, discover additional top museums and attractions close by.
  • Great for families, couples, or lone travelers wishing to maximize their time in Istanbul.

The Istanbul Tourist Pass® enables you easily open the city’s greatest attractions whether your trip is a fast one-day excursion or a full five-day discovery; the Museum of Illusions is a genuine highlight that gives your schedule a fun spin.

Aren’t you ready to be amazed?  Get your Istanbul Tourist Pass® and see the Museum of Illusions the smart way to add some enchantment to your Istanbul vacation.

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Istanbul Underground City https://istanbul.com/blog/istanbul-underground-city/ https://istanbul.com/blog/istanbul-underground-city/#respond Mon, 28 Nov 2022 10:32:01 +0000 https://istanbul.com/blog/istanbul-underground-city/ Through thousands of years, Istanbul city was the capital of the three most powerful empires the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. This fact has made Istanbul city one of the richest cities in history and cultures and everyone can actually see it in all istanbul’s streets, a beautiful scene of old architecture combined with new modern buildings and facilities but, this scene cannot be compared to what sits under it. An astonishing ancient underground city that was built thousands of years ago, still standing to show all of us the creativity and sophisticated engineering of ancient civilizations.

Let’s deep in ..

Manguara Palace

Located in SultanAhmet behind Hagia Sophia, a part of this palace was unearthed by a carpet seller long time ago and was used in the beginning as senate building but later on changed to be a philosophical school.

Manguara Palace is one of what last in Turkey to tell stories about Beyzantune Empire.it was built in 425, and served as one of the early universities in Europe. Its name is derived from a Latin phrase “Magna Aula” which mean the place that holds a large number of people.
When you enter Manguara Palace you will be amazed by its great and sophisticated structure and architecture, a very huge hall sits under a city full of people.

Once you get down, you will find a small door that leads to scary mysterious shadows. Do not feel nervous but the tour guide will tell you that the tourism company is not responsible for any injuries. Still, you will be asking for more of this palace. While walking, you will reach a brick chambre with what look alike domes and more doors lead to darkness. The rugged conditions of the palace will definitely add excitement and feeling of being lost in an old civilization.

You can reach Manguara Palace from Hagia Sophia, right behind for seasons hotel and it is open for visitors all days from 11 am to 1 am.

The Underground Mosque

Some of the Byzantine Empire's structure here reused by the Ottomans. The underground mosque or kurşunlu mahzen camii (Gunpowder Store Mosque) can tell by its name that it was used as an armory. In fact, once you enter this mosque you will understand that because of it low ceiling and the columns which create narrow spaces.
At Beyzantin Empire’s era, this place where used to hold the giant chains that stopped and blocked enemies from entering the Golden Horn, while at Ottoman Empire’s era it was and is still used as a mosque for people.
This mosque is located in Karakoy district and can be reached through kemankeş street and it open for visitors outside the praying times. It is unknown what makes this mosque soothing to the nerves, but you must visit it.

The Ottoman Bank Museum

Back in time, what was a British venture in istanbul soon became an official bank of Ottoman Empire, and as the Ottoman empire’s economy grew fast the bank needed a safer and bigger location. For this, the imperial ottoman bank was moved to the bank street in 1892.

The building is now used by SALT are foundation but the basement and ground floor are still as the Ottoman Bank Museum.
Once you start walking in banks street you will notice how Ottoman architecture was changed, buildings there look like it was designed by british architects. In fact, the imperial ottoman bank was designed be a French-Turkish architect called Alexander Valluary.

Inside the bank, you will find a steel chamber with steps leading down to the basement where another steel chamber that looks like a prison is built to hold the gold reserve. You can also have a look on Ottoman old banknotes written in Turkish, French, Greek, and English.
It is an amazing place that takes you a hundred year.

You can reach the imperial bank from Galata Tower and it opens from Tuesday to Saturday from 12 pm to 8 pm.

The Mosaic Museum

Located within the Blue Mosque complex, this museum contains on the most gorgeous mosaic in the entire world. This mosaic was made during the Roman period by artists from different regions of the country, and it actually covers 1870 square meters but was covered with marble when paints were forbidden. Later, during the Ottoman period, a district was established on this mosaic without knowing about it and after a big fire on this district the mosaic finally showed up.
You should visit the Mosaic museum because it has the most beautiful mosaic in the world.

Like what is mentioned above, Istanbul has a lot of fabulous architecture under it. You just have to dig deep in this city.

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Beylerbeyi Palace Museum https://istanbul.com/blog/beylerbeyi-palace-museum/ Fri, 25 Nov 2022 23:48:27 +0000 https://istanbul.com/blog/beylerbeyi-palace-museum/ Located just beneath the pedestal on the Asian side of the Bosphorus Bridge, the Beylerbeyi district has long been one of Istanbul’s most privileged. Today, the Beylerbeyi Palace is located here. The palace was constructed under the edict of Sultan Abdülaziz between 1861 and 1865 in place of an outdated wooden coastal palace.

The architects Agop and Sarkis Balyan under the edict of the Sultan constructed the palace, which is considered to be one of the masterpieces of the glorious Ottoman era. Beylerbeyi impressed many visiting dignitaries, including the French Empress Eugenie. She had the windows in the guest room duplicated for her bedroom based on the Tuileries Palace in France.

One of the most striking features of the palace is the facade and internal decorations. Eastern and Turkish motives are employed in combination with the ornamental elements of the West. In the three-story palace, there are 26 rooms and six halls. Ornate chairs, ornaments, carpets, and curtains from the palace have survived to this date. One of the halls, located in the middle of the palace, is equipped with a pool. Behind the palace are a large pool, terraces, and stables.

Buy your skip-the-ticket-line online tickets for Beylerbeyi Palace Museum with specially crafted audio guides. 

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Hodjapasha Culture Center https://istanbul.com/blog/hodjapasha-culture-center/ Fri, 25 Nov 2022 16:51:23 +0000 https://istanbul.com/blog/hodjapasha-culture-center/ That area is made lighter by a dome-shaped opening in the roof. In order to distinguish the entrance of the women, the women’s part is distinct, has a smaller dome, and its main door opens directly to the street. A while back, this area of the hammam was converted into a storage space, while the area for males was transformed into a marketplace. Small shop windows were created out of the doors and walls.

The dome’s area was repaired in 2008 in order to preserve it as a center for art and culture. The culture center’s performance area now includes a circular glass dance floor and a musician’s stage beneath the tall dome ceiling to display some of the best regional customs. There are 220 seats available for the audience around the elliptical glass dance floor. This makes the historic location ideal for illustrating a very unique tradition.

What Events Can We Attend There?

The Whirling Dervishes Live Show is the first important event; it is a spiritual quest for heavenly love. The Sema ceremony is an incredible experience of music and movement that explores man’s spiritual rise to “perfection” through thought and love. Books, informational displays on dervishes and their rituals, and items from their world, including clothes, musical instruments, and personal tools, are all included in the exhibition.

This one-of-a-kind display also includes interactive Rumi poems and Sufi music samples, dervish statues in a hyperrealist style, and video performances. There is a free multilingual pamphlet available, and it is important to be aware that children younger than 6 years old are not permitted, that photography is not permitted and that it is best to arrive at least 30 minutes before the show to prepare and enjoy a complimentary beverage. The show lasted around an hour and cost adults 22 dollars and kids 16 dollars. It is offered every day.

The second major event at Hodjapasha is the Rhythm of the Show Dance, which is presented on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. It is a fun ethnic dance that combines belly dance and Turkish dance with 360-degree visual elements. Since 2010, it has been broadcast more than 1200 times. The performance lasts for almost 65 minutes and features unusual belly dances as well as attractive traditional dances. The rhythm is also followed by the fire effects and presentations, which is really fun. Additionally, the price—$28 for adults and $19 for kids—is reasonable. Before the performance, there are free refreshments available, and flash photography is permitted.

Last but not least, The White Rose Dance Show is a dramatic dance performance that combines Ottoman and contemporary dances with breathtaking 360-degree effects. The moniker White Rose refers to the emancipated Ottoman concubine who had a remarkable love affair with the Dutch Consul in the 18th century. Private viewings of this performance can be arranged

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A General View To Museum Of Illusions Istanbul – Anatolia https://istanbul.com/blog/a-general-view-to-museum-of-illusions-istanbul-anatolia/ Fri, 25 Nov 2022 16:49:20 +0000 https://istanbul.com/blog/a-general-view-to-museum-of-illusions-istanbul-anatolia/ Exhibits In The Museum 

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This museum, which is a tourist attraction in Istanbul that you don’t want to miss with no doubt, has 4 separate rooms and 9 different facilities. Here are the exhibitions at the Museum of Illusions Istanbul that will blow your mind with their diversity:

Rooms: The moment you enter the rooms, it will make you feel like you have been teleported to a different world like Alice. The spaces that look like ordinary rooms from the outside, together with masterfully designed mind games, offer pleasant moments to their visitors. 

  1. Rotated Room: A room that you can and have to stand bent 90 degrees.
  2. The Vortex Tunel: You may find it difficult to walk in this unique room, but actually everything is in your imagination.
  3. Infinity Room: A room that resembles a wonderland which you can’t figure out where it begins and ends, created with optical illusion.
  4. Ames Room: Every kid wanted to grow up as soon as possible once. You can grow or shrink in a short time in this room.

Installations: The regional facilities wherein the museum offers you funny images while confusing you. It will also make you question what you see in the real world.

  1. Tricky Stick: This area, which plays with your perception of space, offers an enjoyable view to watch.
  2. Turntables: It will take some time to get out of the hypnotic effect with black and white patterns and endless rings.
  3. Hollow Face Illusion: No matter how we look at it, the thought of being in a place where there are faces following us may seem frightening, but it is also an interesting fact.
  4. Rubin’s Vase: You can discover many faces hidden in this model, which consists of complex or bi-state shapes, developed by Danish psychologist Edgar Rubin in 1915.
  5. Head on the platter: As the name suggests, this region, where you will see ahead on the plate, will surprise you.
  6. Clone Table: You may have wished you had a twin who took your exams instead of you. There will be many of you at this table.
  7. Kaleidoscope: This region, created by visitors thanks to numerous mirrors, offers a colorful and continuously changing world of kaleidoscopes to its audience.
  8. Stereogram: Get ready to be surprised at this point where you'll be looking for a picture within a picture. If you can view correctly, inside each image is a hidden object which appears in 3D. 
  9. The Beuchet Chair Illusion: All you have to do to be a different person is to sit on this chair. By the chair which is first introduced by Psychologist Jean Beuchet in 1963, you will explore how a person’s size can change on the context by the surrounding objects, due to the laws of perception.

Holograms: In here you can get ready to get to know the holograms we encounter every day even more closely. Holograms are amazing images which create 3D illusions as you may know. In the collection of the museum, you will find holographic portraits, horror-grams, and other images which are constantly transforming, appearing and disappearing before your eyes.

Optical Illusions: You won't believe what you see with the tricks used in the optical illusion collection, where there are many Op art examples.

–  Photo Illusions: Background games created with cameras will make you feel like you are in a different world.

About The Smart Playroom and The Smart Shop

Museum of Illusions Istanbul aims to offer you, areas where you can have fun with the facilities it has in it. The museum also includes a room equipped with games that will make you think while having fun with your loved ones. In addition, there is a store with smart gifts that you can take with you as a souvenir or give to your friends when you leave the museum.

Museum of Illusions Istanbul allows you to take unlimited, quirky, and interesting photos, unlike the other museums. At the end of this adventure, you can take your fun moments with you. So as a recommendation, you shouldn’t forget to take your camera with you when you go the Museum of Illusions Istanbul – Anatolia. Also, if you want to visit another interesting and fun place in Istanbul, you can check Madame Tussauds Istanbul

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Istanbul Modern & Museum Of Modern Art https://istanbul.com/blog/istanbul-modern-museum-of-modern-art/ Fri, 25 Nov 2022 16:45:48 +0000 https://istanbul.com/blog/istanbul-modern-museum-of-modern-art/ The Istanbul Museum of Modern Art has a global goal for collecting, preserving, displaying, and documenting modern and contemporary art, photography, design, architecture, new media, and cinema. It serves as a conduit for the exchange of Turkey's cultural identity with the international art world. It aids artists in their works as well as their endeavors to develop worldwide collaborations. Istanbul Modern offers education programs to art enthusiasts of all ages in order to make art more accessible to the general public.

Since its foundation in 2004, Istanbul Modern has hosted seven collection exhibitions that showcase the progression and transition of modern and contemporary art in Turkey, as well as the museum's worldwide focus. These shows revealed both the shifting dynamics of today's art world and the conceptual parallels of current approaches from diverse geographies through their chronological and thematic approaches. They also wanted to show how art has a universal essence that transcends borders, bringing together both historical and current works.

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“In Pursuit Of The Present”

Istanbul Modern's collection show “In Pursuit of the Present” focuses on contemporary human problems. In historical, social, and personal contexts, the exhibit comprises works that investigate the interaction between humans and cities, nature, and their own selves and their physical environment. Furthermore, it reflects how new visual and aural stimuli that have evolved in the world today influence human emotions.

An Incredible Library

The Istanbul Museum of Modern Art Library provides tourists and researchers with resources on modern and contemporary art. There are now 11,500 books in Turkish and foreign languages in the library, as well as subscriptions to 24 monthly titles. The library keeps its collection currently by obtaining books and catalogs issued by Turkish and international museums, art institutions, and galleries. Donations, exchanges, and collaboration are all used to make these purchases.

The Museum of Modern Art in Istanbul strives to develop a love of the arts in visitors from all walks of life and encourage active participation in the arts through its collections, exhibitions, and educational programs. Istanbul Modern has temporary exhibition rooms, photography galleries, educational and social program spaces, library, cinema, café, and store and all offer a variety of cultural events.

Istanbul Modern and Museum of Modern art is one of the most beautiful and interesting place you could visit in Istanbul. If you are tired of visiting the historical and natural attractions in Istanbul, there are various alternatives for you to entertain yourself via art. There are tours of contemporary art places in Istanbul. If you are an art lover, this is not a chance to miss

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Museum of Selfies https://istanbul.com/blog/museum-of-selfies/ Fri, 25 Nov 2022 16:39:31 +0000 https://istanbul.com/blog/museum-of-selfies/ Take The Coolest Selfies In The Museum Of Selfies

Swim in the emoji pool, swing from the ceiling, soak in a bathtub of gold coins, and pose with Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa. In Istanbul's coolest museum, socializing with friends has never been more entertaining!

What To Do At The Museum Of Selfies?

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Aside from takinf cool selfies on classic photography sites that will draw a lot of attention on your social media accounts, you could also learn about the history and culture of the selfie, at the Museum of Selfies. You might take a photo in front of Michelangelo's iconic Statue of David, which took him three years to build.

Although many people are unfamiliar with the selfie museum, the concept of taking a selfie has long been popular. It is a more convenient method to capture a moment in time, and the selfie museum is designed to elevate your photos to the next level. For some people, the prospect of being on a photography set is terrifying. So here are some tips:

  • Because the selfie experience can run anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour, we recommend bringing a change of clothes to make the most of your money and time. Various sets have distinct feelings, such as punk rock, edgy, royalty, and so on.
  • Despite the name's inclusion of the term “selfie,” visitors are encouraged to be creative and take photographs. So enlist the help of a friend as your photographer and strike your best poses. As an add-on service, some places have in-house photographers. 

All of the best selfies are shot at the Museum of Selfies! The Museum of Selfies offers a variety of activities, including dangling from the ceiling, soaking in a pool of gold coins, and swimming in an emoji pool. The Istanbul Tourist Pass will accompany you on this unforgettable vacation. This fascinating and interactive museum will take you on a thrilling adventure. You will be able to take jaw-dropping pictures that will impress everyone, have a day full of fun, and accumulate memories that you will not be able to get anyplace else

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Pera Museum https://istanbul.com/blog/pera-museum/ Fri, 25 Nov 2022 16:31:11 +0000 https://istanbul.com/blog/pera-museum/ What Is There To See At The Pera Museum?

Pera Museum serves as a house to so many artworks, from photographs to ancient tools. It is a collection of Anatolian culture and Modern art. At Pera Museum, there are always different exhibitions. However, there are three permanent exhibitions at the Pera Museum that are now identified with it.

  • Orientalist Paintings: Essential works and paintings inspired by the Ottoman culture and community by European artists are permanent pieces of the Pera Museum.
  • Anatolian Weight and Measures: The lower floor of the building displays an interesting collection of numerous pieces of measuring instruments that were used in Anatolia in different time periods. 
  • Kütahya Tiles and Ceramics: Kutahya is a city in Turkey that is known for its great selection of talented tiles and ceramic artists. This exhibition of Kütahya tiles and ceramics displays how incredible these artists are in craftsmanship. This section also represents Turkish art.

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Pera Film

The Pera Museum hosts monthly screenings of a diverse range of films, including classic and experimental cinema, animation, documentaries, and short films. The films are being shown in the Pera Museum Auditorium. A discounted museum admission is required to attend the screenings. The films are accompanied by Turkish subtitles.

Temporary Exhibitions

The Pera Museum also hold numerous temporary exhibitions. You could see the current and upcoming exhibitions on their website. Some exhibitions are paintings of modern art, some are photographs, and some are completely unexpected!

Pera Café

The Pera Museum also has a cafe. You could take a break from your artistic visit and drink some coffee or have lunch with your friends as you discuss which exhibitions you liked best! There are a lot of cafés around the Pera Museum as well if you want to get out of the museum and have some fresh air.

Pera Museum is a collection of modern art and Turkish traditions displayed together. It is incredibly satisfying to wander inside the museum not knowing what to expect and be amazed each time. If you want to buy a Pera Museum entrance ticket, click the link and choose whenever you want to visit the fascinating Pera Museum. You will not regret this trip to art

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The Museum of the Ancient Orient https://istanbul.com/blog/the-museum-of-the-ancient-orient/ Fri, 25 Nov 2022 16:28:58 +0000 https://istanbul.com/blog/the-museum-of-the-ancient-orient/ Inside The Museum Of The Ancient Orient

For its time, the Ancient Orient Museum was one of the most uncommon examples of a structure constructed specifically as a museum, together with the Istanbul Archeology Museums as a whole. Asar-i Atika Muzesi (Ancient Artifacts Museum) is written in Ottoman Turkish above the pediment of the structure bearing Sultan Abdulhamid II's tughra.

When you enter, you will be greeted by a number of impressive historical relics from Anatolia and the surrounding areas. The following are a few artifacts that require particular attention:

Shalmaneser III: The large statue of the Assyrian king Shalmaneser is definitely a standout. He ruled his country between 858 – 824 BCE and the inscriptions on the statue tell about his titles, wars, and characteristics.

Egyptian Grave: Exhibited in a large glass box, this Egyptian grave has many contents: 2 coffins, mummies, canopic jars (which stored the organs of the mummified bodies in Ancient Egypt), and the head part of a coffin, baskets, and a chest.

Where Is The Museum Of The Ancient Orient?the-museum-of-the-ancient-orient

In Istanbul's Fatih neighborhood, close to Gulhane Park, is where you'll find the Museum of the Ancient Orient. Taking the Kabatas – Bagcilar tramway line and getting out at the Gulhane station would be the simplest method of traveling. The museum is a 5-minute walk from there.

The museum is roughly a 10-minute walk from Sultanahmet square, next to the Topkapi Palace, if you're in the Sultanahmet region.

You can board a ferry to Eminonu from either Uskudar or Kadikoy to go to the Museum of the Ancient Orient from the Asian side of Istanbul. You can then board the Kabatas – Bagcilar tramway line and disembark at the Gulhane station from there. You can also utilize Marmaray to get to the Sirkeci station from whence you can walk or take the Kabatas – Bagcilar tramway route to Gulhane.

Visiting The Museum Of The Ancient Orient

Depending on the season you visit, the Museum of the Ancient Orient has varying hours. The museum is open from 9 AM to 8 PM from 1 April to 1 October during the summer. It is open from 9 AM to 6 PM from 1 October to 1 April throughout the winter season. On Mondays, the museum is closed.

The Museum of the Ancient Orient is temporarily closed. 

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