Istanbul, the cultural and historic hub of Turkey, is a place full of wonders waiting to be discovered for free. There are plenty of hidden gems scattered throughout Istanbul that will make your travel experience even more memorable. With such a variety of cultural attractions, it’s no wonder why Istanbul is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. So is there anything free?
Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Sirkeci Train Station (TCDD) Museum, İşbank Museum (Bank), Atatürk Museum, The Bank of Ottomans Museum, Pera Museum, Sakıp Sabancı Museum and the golden tip for free attractions in Istanbul.
There’re plenty of free places and museums in Istanbul. Without having no expenditure at all, you can possibly fill your days in Istanbul. Here’s the details by @atourguideinconstantinople.
The List Of Free Attractions In Istanbul
1- Hagia Sophia
The building is entirely free now. It’s open for visits between 10.00-22.00.
2- Blue Mosque
The 17th century mosque is highly known with its blue tiles and just across Hagia Sophia.
3- Sirkeci Train Station (TCDD) Museum
The museum is located in Sirkeci Train Station (Marmaray) and it has massive collections about railroads, phones etc. Warning: it can ultimately be nostalgic. Its working full week except Mondays between 09.30-17.00.
4- İşbank Museum (Bank)
Documents and photographs reflecting the social and economic life of the bank’s rich archive, banking instruments such as typewriters and calculators from different periods, piggy banks, promotional materials and commercial films are on display. It’s working from 10.00-18.00 except Mondays.
5- Atatürk Museum
In the museum, photographs of Atatürk’s life from his birth to his death, his clothes, the items he used, documents related to Atatürk and reforms, the War of Independence and Atatürk’s paintings are exhibited. The museum works between 09.00-17.00 except Mondays.
6- The Bank of Ottomans Museum
The bank served as the official bank and treasurer of the Ottoman Empire for many years. Supporting many infrastructure investments throughout the empire, the Bank gained an important place in commercial banking by increasing its relations with the market thanks to its widespread branch network. You can visit it between 11.00-19.00 except Mondays.
7- Pera Museum
The museum includes art collections, current exhibits and virtual reality experiences. Definitely recommended. You can visit the museum for free on Fridays only after 18.00.
8- Sakıp Sabancı Museum
The museum contains a rich collection of calligraphy and paintings. It’s free on every Wednesday between 10.00-18.00.
Do You Need Tour Guide?
As a tour guide, sharing fascinating anecdotes and insider tips, taking my guests on a journey beyond the surface-level attractions and most importantly while having fun, I keep them accompanied along the way. With my guidance, you can discover hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations that you may have otherwise missed.
I have always cared for the needs of my guests. Therefore it’s my duty to defend your interests. Being actively on the field for many years brought me above a certain level of knowledge. I have already faced and dealt with the issues you can possibly come across with. I also did absorb the history of the sites to create and prove my difference. The travellers who trusted me, received my full support and hospitality. In addition to setting their goals in the city where I was born, I did also shed light to show the ways of managing their time in the most efficient ways. Use my experience in order to feel confident as if it’s your own city!
All you have to do is texting these words;
“I need a tour guide”
Oğulcan ÖZDİL, Founder & Professional Tour Guide