More about: Tourist Cards in Istanbul
If you're planning a trip to Istanbul, you'll want to make the most of every minute. If you want to avoid the stress of buying individual tickets and wasting time in long queues, a tourist card can be your best ally. With it you can access the main attractions quickly, and you'll get discounts on tickets, transport and other extra benefits.
Depending on the card you choose, you can enjoy discounts on guided tours, museums and much more of what there is to see and do in Istanbul. In this guide I explain the most recommended options, how to use them and what to look out for to get the most out of them.
1. Istanbul E-pass, perfect for a short visit
If you are planning a short trip and want to see as much as possible, both in the city and in the surrounding area, buying the Istanbul E-pass tourist card is a good option, as it allows you to save up to 70% on entrance fees to attractions and gives you priority access to many of them.
There are over 70 attractions and activities that you can visit at your own pace for the number of days you choose, which can be 2, 3, 5 or 7 consecutive days. It also includes excursions to nearby sites, city tours, tickets to shows and many other benefits, such as transportation to and from the airport.
There is no limit to the number of attractions you can visit, only the number you plan to visit in your itinerary. That's why it's important to look at the options in advance so you can choose the attractions you're most interested in seeing. In addition, some attractions require advance booking, which you can conveniently do online. You will also receive a digital guide with complete information on opening times, how to get there and tips on how to make the most of your visit to Istanbul.
Attractions included
Here are some of the top attractions that you can access without booking when you purchase your Istanbul E-pass, many of which usually include a guided tour with an English-speaking professional:
- Guided tour of the Cistern Basilica
- Hagia Sophia Guided Tour (entrance fee not included)
- Topkapi Palace Museum
- Beylerbeyi Palace Museum
- Maiden Tower
- Yildiz Palace
- Dolmabahce Palace Guided Tour
- Miniaturk Museum
- Palace Collections Museum
- Istanbul Blue Mosque Tour
- Istanbul Archaeological Museum
- Museum of Digital Experiences
- Galata Mevlevi Site Museum
- Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art
- Constantinople Hippodrome
- Rumeli Fortress
- Legoland Discovery Center
- Sapphire Tower Observatory
- Museum of the History of Science and Technology
- Grand Bazaar of Istanbul - St. Irene Museum.
- ViaLand Theme Park.
- Sea Life Aquarium
In addition, the Istanbul E-pass includes priority access to several attractions, such as the Maiden Tower or the Yildiz Palace, which will save you time, especially if you travel to Istanbul in summer, when the city receives a greater influx of tourists.
For some popular tours and attractions in the city, such as the guided tour of the Hagia Sophia Mosque or the Galata Tower, the card may include the tour but not the entrance to the monument, so it is important that you read carefully what is included.
Discounts on tours and excursions
In addition to the attractions within the city, the pass includes day trips to nearby places such as Bursa and Safranbolu, allowing you to discover more about Turkey without worrying about arranging transport.
Among the most popular experiences are the Bosphorus tours, which take between 1 and 2 hour cruises. Some of these tours include lunch and/or Turkish entertainment, as well as a guide or audio guide service.
Other benefits
The Istanbul E-pass usually includes transfers to and from the airport to your hotel, allowing you to start your visit with peace of mind. It also offers you the possibility to hire a discounted sightseeing bus to get around the city comfortably and to get public transport at a better price.
It also often offers discounts on unlimited WiFi, workshops, show tickets and discounts for the best Turkish baths in Istanbul.
How to use and activate Istanbul E-pass
The Istanbul E-pass is easy to use and activate as it is completely digital. When purchasing the card you simply select your preferred duration of stay, which can be for 2, 3, 5 or 7 days in Istanbul. Once the purchase is complete, you will receive an email with your pass immediately.
The pass is automatically activated the first time you use it. The validity period starts from that first use and is valid for the number of consecutive days you choose. However, please note that it can only be used on consecutive days. On the other hand, you have a maximum period of 2 years to activate the pass, which is very convenient in case you plan your trip in advance.
Once activated, you can use the pass by displaying a digital QR code that you can carry on your mobile phone . Depending on the attraction, you can either enter directly or you must show this code at the ticket office, although you may also be asked to do so by a tour guide if you have joined a guided tour in Istanbul.
Price of the Istanbul E-pass card
The price of the Istanbul E-pass depends on the number of days you buy the card for, and the savings tend to be greater the more days you choose. The price is around €150 for adults for the 2-day pass (about €75 per day) and €230 for the 7-day pass (about €33 per day).
The interesting thing about the Istanbul E-pass is that it has a fixed cost throughout the year, i.e. the price is usually the same in high summer season as it is in low season during the winter months in Istanbul.
If you are travelling with children, you will be interested to know that the pass is available at a reduced price for children between the ages of 5 and 12. Please note that children under the age of 5 can get free entry to most of the included attractions or benefit from a significant discount, so it is usually not necessary to purchase the pass for them.
What's included in the Istanbul E-pass
- Discounted admission of up to 70% to over 70 attractions.
- Guided tours and cruises at no extra cost.
- Excursions around Istanbul.
- Discounts on tourist transport.
- Tickets to shows.
- Flexible pass that can be activated within a maximum of two years.
- Digital guide with tourist information and travel tips.
- Skip the line at some places, which is useful at the busiest attractions.
- Special offers and discounts.
2. Istanbul Tourist Pass, a complete pass for the whole family
This tourist card is ideal if you are looking for a wider coverage of attractions in Istanbul. By purchasing the Istanbul Tourist Pass you can choose from over 100 attractions and get nearly 70% discount on entrance fees to attractions, as well as guided tours, cruises, sightseeing buses, airport transfers...
In addition to giving you access to historical sites and museums, the Istanbul Tourist Pass includes many activities to do with children in Istanbul or with the family, such as aquariums, theme parks, recreational and adventure activities.
This pass is suitable for different types of trips, as you can hire it for stays of one to 5 days in Istanbul, and if your stay is a little longer, you have the possibility to choose between a 7 or 10 day pass. It also gives you additional services such as portable WiFi, tickets to shows and discounts in shops.
Attractions included
The Istanbul Tourist Pass includes access to a wide range of outdoor attractions and family activities that are perfect for children. Tours of Istanbul 's best neighbourhoods are also available. Some of the most popular attractions are usually included:
- ViaSea Theme Park
- Lion Park Zoo entrance fee
- ViaSea Aquarium
- Zipline Adventure at Sile Lighthouse
- Guided Segway tour of the old town
- Entrance to Nakkastepe Zipline Adventure
- Vialand Zipline Adventure
- Istanbul Sea Life Aquarium
- No-queue entry to Emaar Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
- Extreme Adventures Park
- Xtrem Aventures Theme Park
- Marina Water Park
- Legoland Discovery Center Istanbul
- Flyzone Air Sports
In addition to these attractions, the Istanbul Tourist Pass offers skip-the-line access to Istanbul's best mosques, several museums and historical sites such as the Hagia Sophia Mosque, the Beylerbeyi Palace Museum and the Rumeli Fortress. Here is a list of some of the main ones:
- Topkapı Palace Tour
- Hagia Sophia guided tour including entrance ticket
- Blue Mosque|element
- Sultanahmet
- Dolmabahce Palace
- Grand Bazaar of Istanbul
- Guided tour of the Cistern Basilica
- Camlica Observation Tower Viewpoint
- Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art.
- Rumeli Fortress
- Istanbul Archaeological Museum
- Beylerbeyi Palace Museum
- Maiden Tower
- Sapphire Observation Tower Viewpoint
- Istanbul Grand Bazaar
With the Istanbul Tourist Pass you have access to guided tours and many of the attractions included. These tours are conducted by professional guides who share their knowledge and enrich the experience. It also often includes Bosphorus cruises and excursions to the Princes Islands, among other activities.
Other benefits
Another important advantage is the discount offered on Istanbul's tourist buses, which allow you to move around the city comfortably. In addition, by purchasing the Istanbul Tourist Pass you can buy a discounted card that includes unlimited public transport and can be used on all means of public transport in the city.
It also includes benefits such as unlimited wifi, so you can stay connected throughout your visit, and a special discount for renting a car or hiring a private guide. In addition, the pass offers transfers from the airport to your accommodation, allowing you to start your Istanbul experience hassle-free and in total comfort from the moment you land.
How to use and activate the pass
The Istanbul Tourist Pass is very easy to use and activate. Like the Istanbul E-pass, you can get it online or at designated points of sale. At the time of purchase, you will receive a confirmation email with your digital pass almost immediately.
Once purchased, the pass is activated with the first use. This process is simple and does not require you to print the pass, as you only need to show the QR code from your mobile phone.
The pass is valid for the number of days you selected. They can be between 1 and 5 days, or between 7 and 10 days. During this period, you will be able to access the attractions and activities included in the pass. For some experiences you may have to book in advance, so it is advisable to evaluate the options of attractions and tours included, to get the most out of your pass.
An interesting detail is that the Istanbul Tourist Pass has a mobile application, where you can view your itinerary, check the attractions you have already visited and the ones you still have to explore. You can also book the activities that require prior confirmation online, which is very convenient and easy, as you don't have to do it when you arrive at each site.
Istanbul Tourist Pass Price
The price of the pass depends on the number of days you book. For example, a 4-day pass in Istanbul costs around €287 (€71.75 per adult), while a 10-day pass can cost as much as €415 (€41.5 per day). The price per day is lower if you book for longer, and the discounts are higher.
In terms of promotions, there are special discounts for children between 4 and 7 years old. There are no specific discounts for seniors, but it is important to check for active promotions at the time of purchase, as temporary offers may be available.
You can also buy the Istanbul Tourist Pass well in advance. That is, you can buy it now and use it within the next 24 months, allowing you to plan your trip with peace of mind.
What's included
- Access to over 100 attractions in Istanbul.
- Guided tours to the main sites of interest.
- Guided cruises and excursions.
- Free transfer to and from Istanbul Airport.
- Free App with digital videos and various information.
- Discount on public transport and tourist buses.
- Unlimited Wifi.
- Discount for renting a car or a private guide.
- Maximum period of one year to activate the card.
- Exclusive discounts in shops, shows and activities.