Istanbul City Pass Comparison including Hagia Sophia
Planning a trip to Istanbul and want to make the most of it? With so many iconic landmarks, such as Hagia Sophia, and unique cultural experiences, choosing the right city pass can be a game-changer. Not only can it save you time and money, but it also ensures you hit all the must-see spots without the hassle of long lines and ticket queues.
This article will help you pick the perfect Istanbul City Pass for your trip, including options that grant entrance or guided tours to Hagia Sophia. Let’s dive into a quick comparison and a detailed breakdown of the best city cards in Istanbul.
Quick Comparison Table of the Best Istanbul City Pass Options
Take a look at the table below for a quick snapshot of the most popular city passes. We’ve highlighted key details like price, validity, and what’s included—such as access to Hagia Sophia—to help you choose the best one for your Istanbul adventure.
MEGAPASS Essential or Explorer | ISTANBUL TOURIST PASS | ISTANBUL MUSEUM PASS | |
|---|---|---|---|
CITY PASSES |  |  |  |
HAGIA SOPHIA INCLUDED/ SELECTABLE | |||
RATINGS/ REVIEWS | 4.9/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.1 /5 (170+ 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, Hagia Sophia 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 | 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 is a practical and affordable way to explore Istanbul’s most iconic sights. The pass combines key landmarks like Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, guided experiences, and useful travel extras into one easy package. It’s all about flexibility without breaking the bank.
What is included in the Megapass Istanbul Essential?
Attractions and experiences:
- Hagia Sophia
- Basilica Cistern
- Blue Mosque tour
- Bosphorus Cruise
- Self-guided walking tour from Istiklal Street to Grand Bazaar
Transport, guides, and other benefits:
- Audio guides for the included attractions
- Public transportation card (with 5 rides included)
- Digital guidebook
- City, tram, and metro map
- 3 GB internet data (E-Sim)
- 15% off other Istanbul attractions and experiences
- 24/7 Customer support
Price: €79
Validity: 7 days
Where to buy?
Buy the Megapass Istanbul Essential securely online through this link: Megapass Istanbul Essential.
2. Megapass Istanbul Explorer - €149
If you want a more comprehensive experience, the Megapass Istanbul Explorer covers Istanbul’s most important landmarks like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace & Harem, and guided experiences in one complete pass. It’s designed for travelers who want deeper access to the city’s history, architecture, and culture without managing separate tickets.
What is included?
Attractions and experiences:
- Hagia Sophia
- Topkapi Palace & Harem
- Basilica Cistern
- Blue Mosque tour
- Bosphorus Cruise
- Istiklal Street to Grand Bazaar self-guided walking tour
Transport, guides, and other benefits:
- Public Transportation Card with 5 rides
- Audio guides for the included attractions
- 3 GB eSIM internet data
- Digital guidebook
- City, tram, and metro map
- 24/7 customer support
- 15% discount on additional Istanbul attractions and experiences
Price: €129
Validity: 7 Days
Where to buy?
Purchase the Megapass Istanbul Explorer easily online through this link: Megapass Istanbul Explorer
3. Istanbul Tourist Pass - From €139 - €239
The Istanbul Tourist Pass offers a broad selection of over 100 attractions, day trips, and family-friendly activities like Madame Tussauds and Sea Life. In addition, you’ll find plenty of other experiences, including guided tours and cultural shows. Plus, it comes with an eSIM for easy connectivity.
What’s included?
Entry to 100+ attractions including:
- Topkapi Palace
- Basilica Cistern
- Hagia Sophia
Extras:
- eSIM for connectivity
- Day trips from Istanbul
- Cultural experiences (e.g., Bosphorus Cruise)
Price: From €139 - €239
Validity: 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days
Where to buy?
Purchase the Istanbul Tourist Pass easily online through this link: Istanbul Tourist Pass
4. Istanbul Museum Pass - €105
For museum lovers, the Istanbul Museum Pass offers excellent value. This pass covers all the top museums and historical sites but doesn’t include major landmarks like Hagia Sophia or cultural experiences like the Bosphorus Cruise. If you’re a history buff, this pass is for you.
What’s included?
Access to:
- Topkapi Palace Museum
- Galata Tower Museum
- Istanbul Archaeology Museums
- Chora Museum
Price: From €105
Validity: 5 days
Where to buy?
The Istanbul Museum Pass is available online.
Conclusion: Which Istanbul City Pass is Right for You?
Choosing the right Istanbul City Pass depends on what you want to see and how long you’re staying. Here’s a quick rundown to help you pick:
No matter which pass you choose, each offers a unique way to experience the magic of Istanbul. Happy exploring!
FAQs - City Pass Istanbul
Yes, Hagia Sophia is included in several passes, such as the Megapass Istanbul Essential and Explorer.
However, it is not part of the Istanbul Museum Pass, or the Istanbul Tourist Pass.
For most visitors, the Megapass Istanbul Essential is the best value, allowing you to visit the attractions that interest you and avoid paying for sites you may not want to visit. This flexibility makes sure you get the most out of your pass. If you're seeking a more comprehensive experience, both the Megapass Istanbul Explorer and the Istanbul Tourist Pass are excellent choices, depending on how many sites and experiences you wish to explore.
The ideal city pass depends on your preferences:
- For budget-friendly options: Megapass Istanbul Essential
- For an all-inclusive experience: Megapass Istanbul Explorer
- For the widest range of attractions: Istanbul Tourist Pass
The Megapass Istanbul Essential is one of the most affordable option, with prices starting at around €89.
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.
The Istanbulkart is a public transport card used by locals and long-term visitors for buses, trams, ferries, and metros. In contrast, Istanbul City Cards are tailored for tourists, offering access to major attractions and additional perks, making them a better choice for short-term visitors who want to explore the city's landmarks.
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.
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