Best City Pass Istanbul including Topkapi Palace: Compare Prices & Inclusions
Istanbul is a city brimming with historical landmarks, cultural treasures, and vibrant experiences. Iconic sites like Topkapi Palace make it a must-visit destination. 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, many of which include access to Topkapi Palace. 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—such as entry to Topkapi Palace:
MEGAPASS (Essential or Explorer) | ISTANBUL TOURIST PASS | ISTANBUL MUSEUM PASS | |
|---|---|---|---|
CITY PASS |  |  |  |
TOPKAPI INCLUDED/ SELECTABLE | |||
RATINGS/ REVIEWS | 4.9/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.1 /5 (180+ reviews) |
TOP INCLUSIONS | Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace (optional), Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque Guided Tour, Bosphorus Cruise, and more | Basilica Cistern, Dolmabahce Palace, Topkapi Palace, Whirling Dervish Show, Bosphorus Cruise, and more | Topkapi Palace, Galata Tower, Maiden’s Tower, Rumeli Fortress, Hagia Irene, and more |
VALIDITY PERIOD | 7 Days | 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 Days | 5 Days |
DELIVERY METHOD | Digital Pass | Digital Pass | Digital Pass |
PUBLIC TRANSPORT | |||
AUDIO GUIDE | |||
PRICE FOR ADULTS | From €79 | From €139.00 | 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 Essential - €79
The Megapass Istanbul Essential offers a straightforward and affordable way to experience Istanbul’s core landmarks and guided experiences within a single digital pass. 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 Essential?
Included attractions & experiences:
- Blue Mosque guided tour
- Hagia Sophia
- Basilica Cistern
- Bosphorus Cruise
- Istiklal Street to Grand Bazaar self-guided walking tour
Addtionally included in Megapass Istanbul Essential:
- Digital guidebook
- Audio guides for included sites
- 3 GB internet data (eSIM)
- City, tram, and metro map
- Public transportation card with 5 rides
- 15% discount on additional Istanbul attractions and experiences
- 24/7 customer support
→ Price: €79
→ 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.
→ Note: Topkapi Palace & Harem entry is only included with the Megapass Istanbul Explorer.
Where can I buy the Megapass Istanbul Essential?
The Megapass Istanbul Essential is only available online. You can buy it directly from the official Megapass website here.
2. Megapass Istanbul Explorer - €129
The Megapass Istanbul Explorer is designed for travelers who want full access to Istanbul’s most important historic landmarks and guided experiences in one complete pass. It brings together the city’s essential sights, including Topkapi Palace & Harem, along with sightseeing tours and practical travel services, all valid over a 7-day period.
What is included in the Megapass Istanbul Explorer?
Included attractions & experiences:
- Topkapi Palace & Harem
- Blue Mosque guided tour
- Hagia Sophia
- Basilica Cistern
- Bosphorus Cruise
- Istiklal Street to Grand Bazaar self-guided walking tour
Addtionally included in Megapass Istanbul Explorer:
- Digital guidebook
- Audio guides for included sites
- 3 GB internet data (eSIM)
- City, tram, and metro map
- Public transportation card with 5 rides
- 15% discount on additional Istanbul attractions and experiences
- 24/7 customer support
→ Price: €129
→ Validity: 7 Days
Where can I buy the Megapass Istanbul Explorer?
The Megapass Istanbul Explorer is available for purchase online. You can buy the pass through this link: Megapass Istanbul Explorer
3. Istanbul Tourist Pass - From €139 - €239
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 €139 - €239
→ Validity: 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days
Where can I buy the Istanbul Tourist Pass?
You can easily buy the Istanbul Tourist Pass online through this link.
4. 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 Explorer, the Istanbul Museum Pass, and the Istanbul Tourist Pass.
The best city pass depends on your preferences:
- For budget-friendly options: Megapass Istanbul Essential
- For best value: Megapass Istanbul Explorer
- For a wide variety of attractions: Istanbul Tourist Pass
The Megapass Istanbul Essential is the most affordable option, with prices starting around €89.
For many visitors, the Megapass Istanbul Essential provides solid value by covering the city’s key landmarks and guided experiences within a single, easy-to-use pass. It allows you to plan your visits freely during the 7-day validity without committing to every attraction. Travelers who also plan to visit Topkapi Palace & Harem may prefer the Megapass Istanbul Explorer, which includes all Essential highlights plus this major site. The Istanbul Tourist Pass is another alternative for those looking to access a wider range of attractions over a shorter, fixed number of days.
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