Are you a real history buff and are you looking for the best history museums to visit in Istanbul? These are the ones:
1Galata Tower
IstanbulThe Galata Tower, also known as the Galata Tower Museum, is a historical Genoese tower located in the Galata neighborhood of the Beyoğlu district in Istanbul, Turkey. This tower is a significant symbol of the city and offers a glimpse into its rich history. 2The Blue Mosque
IstanbulThe Blue Mosque, also known as Sultan Ahmet Mosque, is a significant historical site located in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul. The mosque was completed in 1616 and is a testament to the architectural prowess of the time. It was designed by architect Sedefhar Mehmet Ağa for Sultan Ahmed I. 3Dolmabahce Palace
IstanbulDolmabahçe Palace stands out as the first European-style neobaroque palace in Istanbul. It was constructed during the reign of Sultan Abd-ul-Mejid I between 1842 and 1853. The palace's construction cost was five million Ottoman gold pounds, equivalent to thirty-five tons of gold, with fourteen tons used solely to decorate the interior ceiling. This grandeur and opulence are evident in the palace's architecture and interior design, making it a fascinating site for visitors. 4Basilica Cistern
IstanbulThe Basilica Cistern, also known as Yerebatan Sarnıcı, is a historical site in Istanbul that was constructed during the reign of Emperor Justinian between 526 and 527. This underground water storage was built to meet the city's water needs. It is located southwest of Hagia Sophia, on Soğukçeşme Street. 5Hagia Sophia
IstanbulHagia Sophia, also known as Agia Sophia, is a significant historical monument located in Istanbul, Turkey. It is the largest Byzantine monument in the former capital of the Byzantine Empire, Constantinople. The current building was constructed between 532 and 537, following a fire that destroyed the previous structure. The architects Anthemios of Tralles and Isidor of Milet designed the building, which is renowned for its nearly floating central dome. 6Topkapı Palace
IstanbulTopkapı Palace, also known as the "Cannon Gate Palace", was the residence of the Ottoman sultan in Istanbul for a long time. It is the most famous example of a serail, which is an Eastern palace. This historical site offers a glimpse into the life of the Ottoman sultans and their court. 7Madame Tussauds Istanbul
IstanbulMadame Tussauds Istanbul is situated in the heart of the city, on the bustling Istiklal Street. It is housed within the Grand Pera shopping center, making it easily accessible for tourists who are exploring the city. This location also provides a variety of other entertainment and shopping options for visitors. 8Cistern of Philoxenos
IstanbulThe Philoxenos Cistern, also known as the Binbirdirek Cistern, is a significant historical site in Istanbul. It dates back to the time of Byzantine Constantinople and is the second largest covered cistern in the city. This makes it a fascinating destination for tourists interested in history and architecture. 9Hagia Irene
IstanbulHagia Irene, also known as Saint Irene, is a historical museum situated in the first courtyard of the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. It is located near the Hagia Sophia and is contemporary with it. This makes it a significant site for those interested in the history and architecture of the Byzantine era. 10Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum
IstanbulThe Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, situated in the Sultanahmet Square in the Fatih district of Istanbul, is a historical landmark in itself. The building, which was constructed in 1524, served as the palace of Pargalı Ibrahim Pasha, who was the second grand vizier to Suleiman the Magnificent. This historical significance adds to the rich cultural experience that the museum offers. 11Tiled Kiosk
IstanbulThe Tiled Kiosk, known in Turkish as Çinili Köşk, is a historical pavilion that is part of the Topkapı Palace complex. Dating back to 1472, as indicated by the tile inscription above the main entrance, it was constructed by the Ottoman sultan Mehmed II. The pavilion is located in the outermost parts of the palace, adjacent to Gülhane Park. 12Museum of Turkish Calligraphy Art
IstanbulThe Museum of Turkish Calligraphy Art, also known as Türk Vakıf Hat Sanatları Müzesi, is situated in Beyazıt Square, Istanbul. This location is easily accessible and is a significant cultural hub in the city, making it a convenient and enriching destination for tourists. 13Istanbul Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam
IstanbulThe Istanbul Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam is situated in the former Imperial Stables Building in Gülhane Park. This location adds a historical charm to the museum, making it a unique destination for tourists interested in both history and science. 14İşbank Museum
IstanbulThe İşbank Museum is a unique bank museum situated in the bustling business quarter of Fatih municipality in Istanbul, Turkey. It is conveniently located about 200 metres from the scenic Haliç, also known as the Golden Horn. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists who are exploring the city. 15Istanbul Archaeology Museums
IstanbulThe Istanbul Archaeology Museum, known in Turkish as İstanbul Arkeoloji Müzeleri, is situated in the Eminönü district of Istanbul. It is conveniently located near Gülhane Park and the Topkapı Palace/Museum, making it an accessible destination for tourists exploring the city. 16Grand Bazar
IstanbulThe Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, known as Kapalı çarşı in Turkish, is one of the largest and oldest markets in the world. This historic market is a significant attraction for tourists, offering a unique shopping experience in a setting that dates back centuries. 17Fethiye Museum
IstanbulThe Fethiye Museum, situated in the Fethiye district of Muğla province, began its operations in 1962. It is a significant cultural institution that houses a vast collection of archaeological artifacts and findings from Dalaman, Fethiye, Ortaca, Köyceğiz, and Seydikemer. 18Theodosius Cistern
IstanbulThe Theodosius Cistern, or Şerefiye Sarnıcı as it is known in Turkish, is a significant historical site in Istanbul, Turkey. This covered cistern is a relic from the era of Byzantine Constantinople, offering a glimpse into the city's rich past. It is located in the Binbirdirek neighborhood, within the historic district of Fatih, west of the Philoxenos Cistern, near the town hall of the former Eminönü district. The entrance to the restored building is on Piyer Loti Caddesi (Pierre Loti Street). 19Turkish Journalists Association Press Museum
IstanbulThe Turkish Journalists Association Press Museum is situated in a historic building in the Çemberlitaş district of Istanbul. It is affiliated with the Turkish Journalists Association, adding a layer of authenticity and credibility to its exhibits. The museum's location in a historic building adds to its charm and appeal, making it a worthwhile stop for tourists interested in journalism and history. 20Yahya Kemal Museum
Istanbul 21Yedikule Fortress
IstanbulFor centuries, the Golden Gate served as the entrance for victorious armies. After achieving victories in Europe and the Balkans, the commanders and their armies would make their triumphant entry into the city through this gate, then known as the Porta Aurea. This historical fact adds a layer of significance to the gate, making it a symbol of victory and triumph. 22Rezan Has Museum
IstanbulThe Rezan Has Museum, located in Istanbul, Turkey, is a private institution dedicated to the promotion and preservation of culture and arts. This museum offers a unique blend of historical and contemporary exhibits, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in exploring the rich cultural heritage of Turkey. 23İstanbul Üniversitesi Rıdvan Çelikel Arkeoloji Müzesi
IstanbulThe collection of the Rıdvan Çelikel Archaeology Museum is composed of archaeological artifacts from various regions of Turkey. These artifacts span a wide range of periods, from the Neolithic Age to the Byzantine Period, providing a comprehensive overview of the country's rich archaeological history.- 24
Türk Hamam Müzesi
IstanbulThe Türk Hamam Müzesi, located in the Beypazarı district of Ankara, was established by Sema Demir, an academician at Gazi University who specializes in Turkish culture and museology. This museum is unique in its focus on Turkish bath culture, making it the first of its kind in Turkey. - 25
T. C. Culture and Tourism Ministry, the Hagia Sophia Museum Directorate
Istanbul - 26
Marmara Üniversitesi Cumhuriyet Müzesi
Istanbul - 27
Amcazade Külliyesi
Istanbul - 28
Hodjapasta
Istanbul