Best City Pass Istanbul 2024: Compare Prices & Inclusions
Istanbul is a city brimming with historical landmarks, cultural treasures, and vibrant experiences. Whether you're visiting for a few days or planning a longer stay, choosing the right city pass can save you both time and money.
Travelers have several Istanbul city pass options, each tailored to different travel needs and budgets. This guide will help you choose the ideal city pass for Istanbul for your trip. We'll start with a quick comparison, followed by a detailed overview of the top city pass Istanbul options.
Best City Pass Istanbul: Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Explore the comparison table below for a quick overview of the best-value Istanbul city pass options, highlighting their price, validity, and key inclusions:
MEGAPASS | MEGAPASS | MEGAPASS | ISTANBUL E-PASS | ISTANBUL TOURIST PASS | ISTANBUL MUSEUM PASS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CITY PASSES | 
| 
| 
|  |  |  |
TOPKAPI INCLUDED/ SELECTABLE | ||||||
A CATEGORY ATTRACTIONS | ||||||
B CATEGORY ATTRACTIONS | ||||||
C CATEGORY ATTRACTIONS | ||||||
VALIDITY PERIOD | 7 Days | 7 Days | 7 Days | Between 2-7 Days | 7 Different Options | 5 Days |
DELIVERY METHOD | Digital Pass | Digital Pass | Digital Pass | Digital Pass | Digital Pass | Pick Up |
PUBLIC TRANSPORT | ||||||
PRICE FOR ADULTS | From 98 € | From 148 € | From 249 € | From 145 € | From 144 € | From 105 € |
Detailed Breakdown of the Top City Pass Istanbul Options
Let’s take a closer look at the most recommended Istanbul city pass options, detailing their features and benefits to guide you in selecting the right one for your trip.
1. Megapass Istanbul Classic - €98
The Megapass Istanbul Classic is an affordable option that allows visitors to explore the city's top attractions with the flexibility of choosing two from a variety of iconic sites. This digital pass also includes essential tours and transportation perks, such as a Bosphorus Cruise and a public transportation card, making it an excellent option for those looking to discover the best of Istanbul without a high price tag.
What is included in the Megapass Istanbul Classic?
Travelers can choose 2 from the following attractions:
- Hagia Sophia
- Topkapi Palace
- Basilica Cistern
- Dolmabahce Palace
- Asian Side Walking Tour
- Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour
- Turkish Bath / Hamam
- Dervish Ceremony
- Dinner Cruise on Bosphorus with Turkish Night, Food & Drinks
Always included in Megapass Istanbul Classic:
- Public Transportation Card with 5 Rides
- Bosphorus Cruise
- Blue Mosque Tour
- Digital Guide Book
- City, Tram & Metro Map
- 24/7 Customer Support
→ Price: €98
→ Validity: 7 days
→ Good to know: This is a completely digital pass, and no additional reservations are required. Simply scan your ticket at the selected venue entrance.
Where can I buy the Megapass Istanbul Classic?
The Megapass Istanbul Classic is only available online. You can buy it directly from the official Megapass website here.
2. Megapass Istanbul Premium - €148
The Megapass Istanbul Premium builds on the Classic pass by allowing you to select 4 attractions, offering more flexibility and variety. Whether you’re drawn to historical landmarks like Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace or want to indulge in unique experiences like a Dinner Cruise or a rejuvenating Hamam visit, the Premium pass gives you the freedom to customize your itinerary. Plus, you can change your selected attractions at any time during your trip.
What is included in the Megapass Istanbul Premium?
Travelers can choose 4 from the following attractions:
- Hagia Sophia
- Topkapi Palace
- Basilica Cistern
- Dolmabahce Palace
- Asian Side Walking Tour
- Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour
- Turkish Bath / Hamam
- Dervish Ceremony
- Dinner Cruise on Bosphorus with Turkish Night, Food & Drinks
Always included in Megapass Istanbul Premium:
- Public Transportation Card with 5 Rides
- Bosphorus Cruise
- Blue Mosque Tour
- Digital Guide Book
- City, Tram & Metro Map
- 24/7 Customer Support
→ Price: €148
→ Validity: 7 Days
Where can I buy the Megapass Istanbul Premium?
The Megapass Istanbul Premium is available for purchase online. You can buy the pass through this link: Megapass Istanbul Premium
3. Megapass Istanbul Deluxe - €249
The Megapass Istanbul Deluxe is the ultimate, all-inclusive Istanbul City Pass for those who want to experience the best Istanbul has to offer. With access to all major attractions, including Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Dolmabahce Palace, this pass leaves nothing out. Alongside must-see landmarks, enjoy cultural experiences like a Turkish Bath, a Dervish Ceremony, and a Dinner Cruise on the Bosphorus. This makes it perfect for travelers seeking the complete Istanbul experience.
What is included in the Megapass Istanbul Deluxe?
The Megapass Istanbul Deluxe is an all-tickets-inclusive pass, granting entry to the following attractions:
- Hagia Sophia
- Topkapi Palace
- Basilica Cistern
- Dolmabahce Palace
- Asian Side Walking Tour
- Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour
- Turkish Bath / Hamam
- Dervish Ceremony
- Dinner Cruise on Bosphorus with Turkish Night, Food & Drinks
Also included in this pass:
- Public Transportation Card with 5 Rides
- Bosphorus Cruise
- Blue Mosque Tour
- Digital Guide Book
- City, Tram & Metro Map
- 24/7 Customer Support
→ Price: €249
→ Validity: 7 Days
Where can I buy the Megapass Istanbul Deluxe?
The Megapass Istanbul Deluxe is only available online. You can buy it directly from the official Megapass website here.
4. Istanbul E-Pass - From €145 - €225
The Istanbul E-Pass is a digital city pass offering entry to over 50 attractions, some of them with skip-the-line privileges. Like the Megapass versions, it requires no physical card—you can simply use your smartphone for access. The E-Pass includes popular landmarks such as Topkapi Palace and some guided tours. With different duration options (from 2 to 7 days), it caters to both short-term visitors and those staying longer.
What is included in the Istanbul E-Pass?
- Access to 60+ attractions, incl. Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Dolmabahce
- Activities and day drips (Bursa,
- Guided tours to select museums and sites (Basilica Cistern, etc.)
- Discounts at selected attractions and restaurant
- One-way airport shuttle
- Guidebook in 6 languages
- Customer service via WhatsApp
→ Price: From €175 - €225
→ Validity: 2, 3, 5, or 7 days
Where can I buy the Istanbul E-Pass?
You can buy the Istanbul E-Pass online via this link: Istanbul E-Pass
5. Istanbul Tourist Pass - From €144 - €364.50
The Istanbul Tourist Pass is a comprehensive city card that offers access to over 100 attractions and experiences across Istanbul. While Hagia Sophia is not included, this digital pass provides an array of options such as day trips, guided tours of landmarks like Topkapi Palace, and family-friendly attractions like Madame Tussauds, Vialand, Legoland and Sea Life. You can also enjoy immersive experiences like Turkish bath sessions. A convenient extra is the included eSIM, providing travelers with easy connectivity during their trip.
What is included in the Istanbul Tourist Pass?
- Entry to 100+ attractions, such as Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce, Basilica Cistern
- e-SIM
- Guided tours (e.g Sultanahmet Old City Highlights, Blue Mosque)
- Day trips from Istanbul, incl. Princes’ Islands, Sapanca Lake, Bursa
- Cultural experiences, e.g. Whirling Dervish Show & Bosphorus Cruise
- Shuttle airport transfer (reservation required)
- Selected discounts throughout the city
→ Price: From €144 - €364.50
→ Validity: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 or 10 days
Where can I buy the Istanbul Tourist Pass?
You can easily buy the Istanbul Tourist Pass online through this link.
6. Istanbul Museum Pass - €105
For museum enthusiasts, the Istanbul Museum Pass offers great value. This pass provides access to the top museums and historical sites in the city, with skip-the-line privileges at many locations. However, it doesn't include key attractions like Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, or Dolmabahce Palace, nor does it offer extras like guided tours or cultural activities. That’s why it is a good option for those who want to focus solely on exploring Istanbul’s museums.
What is included in the Istanbul Museum Pass?
- Topkapi Palace Museum + Harem
- Galata Tower Museum
- Hagia Irene Museum
- Istanbul Archaeology Museums
- Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
- Great Palace Mosaics Museum
- Rumeli Fortress Museum
- Maiden’s Tower (Kiz Kulesi)
- Museum of History of Science and Technology in Islam
- Galata Mevlevi Lodge Museum
- Adam Mickiewics Museum
- Chora Museum
→ Price: From €105
→ Validity: 5 days
Where can I buy the Istanbul Museum Pass?
The Istanbul Museum Pass can be easily purchased online through following link: Istanbul Museum Pass
Conclusion: Which City Pass Istanbul is Right for You?
Choosing the right Istanbul City Pass depends on your travel style, budget, and the type of experience you're looking for. Here’s a quick overview to help you decide:
Whichever pass you choose, each offers a unique way to discover the best of Istanbul according to your preferences.
FAQs - City Pass Istanbul
Yes, Topkapi Palace is included in several Istanbul city passes, such as the Megapass Istanbul Classic, Premium, Deluxe, the Istanbul Museum Pass, the Istanbul E-Pass, and the Istanbul Tourist Pass.
The best city pass depends on your preferences:
For budget-friendly options: Megapass Istanbul Classic
For best value: Megapass Istanbul Premium
For an all-inclusive experience: Megapass Istanbul Deluxe
The Megapass Istanbul Classic is the most affordable option, with prices starting around €98.
For most visitors, the Megapass Istanbul Premium offers great value, allowing you to choose your preferred attractions and avoid paying for sites you're not interested in. This flexibility ensures you get the most out of your pass without wasting money. If you're looking for a more comprehensive experience, the Megapass Istanbul Deluxe or Istanbul Tourist Pass are also excellent options, depending on how many sites and experiences you want to explore.
The Istanbulkart is the public transport card used by locals and long-term visitors for buses, trams, ferries, and metros. On the other hand, Istanbul City Cards are specifically designed for tourists, offering access to top attractions along with other perks, making them the ideal choice for short-term visitors.
The Istanbul Museum Pass is valid at the Topkapi Palace Museum (including the Harem), Galata Tower Museum, Hagia Irene Museum, Istanbul Archaeology Museums, Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, Great Palace Mosaics Museum, Rumeli Fortress Museum, Maiden’s Tower (Kiz Kulesi), Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam, Galata Mevlevi Lodge Museum, Adam Mickiewicz Museum, and Chora Museum.
Now that you have the information to make an informed decision, you are ready to choose the best city pass for Istanbul for your needs
