More about: Tourist Cards in Istanbul
If you are planning a trip to Istanbul, you will surely 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 may be your best ally. With it, you can quickly access the main attractions and enjoy 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 you should keep in mind 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 the surrounding area, purchasing the Istanbul E-pass tourist card is a good option, as it allows you to save up to 70% on the price of admission to attractions and offers you priority access to many of them.
There are more than 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 return transport to the airport.
There is no limit to the number of attractions you can visit, only the ones you plan in your itinerary. That's why it's important to look at the options in advance so you can choose the attractions that interest you most. In addition, some require advance booking, which you can do conveniently online. You will also receive a digital guide with complete information on schedules, how to get there and tips for making the most of your visit to Istanbul.
Attractions included
Here are some of the most notable attractions that you can access without prior reservation when you purchase your Istanbul E-pass tourist card, many of which usually include a guided tour with an English-speaking professional:
- Guided tour of the Basilica Cistern
- Guided tour of Hagia Sophia (entrance fee not included)
- Topkapi Palace Museum
- Beylerbeyi Palace Museum
- Maiden's Tower
- Yildiz Palace
- Guided tour of Dolmabahce Palace
- Miniaturk Museum
- Palace Museum of Collections
- Tour of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul
- Istanbul Archaeological Museum
- Digital Experience Museum
- Galata Mevlevi Museum
- Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
- Hippodrome of Constantinople
- Rumeli Fortress
- Legoland Discovery Centre
- Sapphire Tower Viewpoint
- Museum of the History of Science and Technology
- Istanbul Grand Bazaar - Museum of Saint Irene.
- ViaLand Theme Park.
- Sea Life Aquarium
In addition, the Istanbul E-pass includes priority access to several attractions, such as the Maiden's Tower and Yildiz Palace, allowing you to save time, especially if you are travelling to Istanbul in summer, when the city receives a greater influx of tourists.
For some of the city's most popular tours and attractions, such as the guided tour of the Hagia Sophia or the Galata Tower, the card may include the tour but not the entrance to the monument, so it is important to read carefully what is included.
Discounts on tours and excursions
In addition to 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 organising transport.
Among the most notable experiences are the Bosphorus cruises, which last between 1 and 2 hours. Some of these routes include lunch and/or a Turkish show, as well as a guide or audio guide service.
Other benefits
The Istanbul E-pass usually includes return transfers from the airport to your hotel, allowing you to start your visit with greater peace of mind. It also offers you the possibility of hiring a discounted tourist bus to get around the city comfortably and to get public transport at a better price.
It also usually offers discounts on unlimited WiFi, workshops, show tickets and discounts for the best Turkish baths in Istanbul.
How to use and activate the Istanbul E-pass
The Istanbul E-pass is easy to use and activate, as it is completely digital. When purchasing the card, simply select the duration you prefer, which can be for stays of 2, 3, 5 or 7 days in Istanbul. Once the purchase is complete, you will immediately receive an email with your pass.
The pass is automatically activated the first time you use it. The validity period begins 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 of 2 years to activate the pass, which is very convenient if you plan your trip in advance.
Once activated, you can use the pass by showing a digital QR code that you can carry on your mobile phone. Depending on the attraction, you can either access it directly or you must show this code at the ticket office, although a tour guide may also ask for it if you have joined a guided tour in Istanbul.
Price of the Istanbul E-pass
The price of the Istanbul E-pass depends on the number of days for which you purchase the card, and the savings are usually 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; in other words, its price is usually the same in the high summer season as in the 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 5 years old can enter most of the included attractions for free or benefit from a significant discount, so it is not usually necessary to purchase the pass for them.
What's included in the Istanbul E-pass
- Discounted admission of up to 70% to more than 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 period of two years.
- Digital guide with tourist information and travel tips.
- Allows you to skip the queues at some places, which is useful at the busiest attractions.
- Special offers and discounts.
2. Istanbul Tourist Pass, a comprehensive pass for the whole family
This tourist card is ideal if you are looking for more comprehensive coverage of attractions in Istanbul. When you purchase the Istanbul Tourist Pass, you can choose from over 100 attractions and get around 70% off admission to attractions, as well as guided tours, cruises, tourist buses, airport transfers, and more.
In addition to providing 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 purchase it for stays of one to five days in Istanbul, and if your stay is a little longer, you can choose between a seven- or ten-day pass. It also offers additional services, such as portable WiFi, tickets to shows and discounts in shops.
Attractions included
The Istanbul Tourist Pass includes access to a wide variety of outdoor attractions and family activities that are perfect for enjoying with children. It also offers tours of the best neighbourhoods in Istanbul. Some of the most notable attractions that are usually included are:
- ViaSea Theme Park
- Entrance to the Lion Park Zoo
- ViaSea Aquarium
- Zipline adventure at the Sile Lighthouse
- Guided Segway tour of the old city
- Entrance to the Nakkastepe zip line adventure
- Vialand zip line
- Sea Life Aquarium Istanbul
- Skip-the-line entry to Emaar Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
- Extreme Adventure Park
- Xtrem Aventures Theme Park
- Marina Water Park
- Legoland Discovery Centre 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
- Guided tour of Hagia Sophia with admission included
- Blue Mosque|element
- Sultanahmet
- Dolmabahçe Palace
- Istanbul Grand Bazaar
- Guided tour of the Basilica Cistern
- Camlica Observation Tower Viewpoint
- Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts.
- Rumeli Fortress
- Istanbul Archaeological Museum
- Beylerbeyi Palace Museum
- Maiden's 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 led by professional guides who share their knowledge and enrich the experience. It also usually includes cruises on the Bosphorus and excursions to the Prince Islands, among other activities.
Other benefits
Another important advantage is the discount offered on Istanbul's tourist buses, which allow you to get around the city comfortably. In addition, when you purchase the Istanbul Tourist Pass, you can buy a discounted card that includes unlimited public transport and can be used on all public transport in the city.
It also includes benefits such as unlimited Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected throughout your visit, and a special discount on car hire or private guides. In addition, the pass offers transfers from the airport to your accommodation, allowing you to start your Istanbul experience hassle-free and in complete 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 purchase 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 you have purchased the pass, it is activated upon first use. This process is simple and does not require you to print the pass, as you only need to show the QR code on your mobile phone.
The pass is valid for the number of days you selected. This can be between 1 and 5 days, or 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 need to book in advance, so it is advisable to evaluate the options for attractions and tours included in order to get the most out of your pass.
An interesting feature is that the Istanbul Tourist Pass has a mobile app where you can view your itinerary, check the attractions you have already visited and those you still have to explore. You can also book 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.
Price of the Istanbul Tourist Pass
The price of the pass depends on the number of days you purchase. For example, a 4-day pass in Istanbul costs around €287 (€71.75 per adult), while a 10-day pass can cost up to €415 (€41.5 per day). The price per day is lower if you purchase a longer pass, and the discounts are greater.
As for promotions, there are special discounts for children between the ages of 4 and 7. There are no specific discounts for senior citizens, but it is important to check the promotions available at the time of purchase, as temporary offers may be available.
In addition, you can purchase the Istanbul Tourist Pass well in advance. That is, you can purchase 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.
- Cruises and guided excursions.
- Free return transfer to Istanbul Airport.
- Free app with digital videos and various information.
- Discounts on public transport and tourist buses.
- Unlimited Wi-Fi.
- Discount on car hire or private guides.
- Maximum period of one year to activate the card.
- Exclusive discounts at shops, shows and activities.