Included
Topkapı Palace & Harem
Skip-the-line access to the home of the Sultans, including the private Harem chambers many visitors miss — plus a smart audio guide.
Best Deal for Istanbul Classics
Istanbul History Pass
Topkapi Palace & Harem Tickets and Smart Audio Guide
Hagia Sophia Ticket
Bosphorus Cruise Ticket and Smart Audio Tour
Blue Mosque Guided Tour
Whirling Dervishes Ceremony Tickets
Istanbul City Guide App in 9 Languages
Live Assistance by Local Guides
€95 €119
Maximize your time in Istanbul for the best value!
Best Deals for Top Sites while enjoying Live & Digital Support around Old Town
If you want to skip the line entrance to top sites in Istanbul while enjoying a smart guide all around Old-Town Istanbul, this is the best possible package with the best price!
Plus, there are desks around the old town and constant assistance all the way!
Here there is your bundle: Topkapi Palace with its Harem section, Hagia Sophia, a Bosphorus Cruise Tour witness the authentic ritual of dervishes right next to the Hagia Sophia.
Meanwhile, if you wish, you can widen your menu with other fast track entrances like the Basilica Cistern or Dolmabahçe Palace Museum with its harem section. In addition to the smart city guide app, there are live guided tour options at your will.
How Does the Istanbul History Pass Work?
Simple booking. Flexible days. Your own pace.
After booking, two informative emails help you arrange reservations and open the city guide on your phone. Then you go with the flow — organize up to three days in Istanbul as you wish.
01
Book Online: Reserve your package and secure your tickets in Istanbul
02
Immediately receive a link in the confirmation email where you can open your booking menü
03
3 days before your arrival start to decide the days you want to make your visits
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Enjoy online and on-the-field support by a team of local insiders before and after your arrival
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Explore Istanbul's top sites at your own pace with your day-long flexible tickets
Explore Istanbul with a Local Expert in Your Pocket
Travel in your own rhythm. Istanbul City Guide combines expert knowledge, smart technology, and local support to help you explore Istanbul with confidence.
Created by local historians and licensed guides, the app transforms your walk into a guided experience. GPS-triggered audio automatically starts as you reach each location, bringing the city's history to life while helping you navigate with ease.
Download your guides and continue exploring offline, wherever your journey takes you. Available in 9 languages, the app includes premium sections for Topkapı Palace, the Grand Bazaar, the Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Beyoğlu & Taksim, the Bosphorus, and the Princes' Islands, with more than 300 places waiting to be explored.
More than an audio guide, Cogito helps you experience Istanbul like a local. Discover carefully selected restaurants, from traditional backstreet eateries and fresh seafood restaurants to Michelin Guide recommendations. Every suggestion is personally chosen by local experts.
And if you ever need help, our local team is available online and at key locations across Istanbul, ready to assist with the app, your tickets, or your visit.
What's Included in Istanbul History Pass
Included
Hagia Sophia Ticket
Experience one of the world's greatest architectural wonders without the hassle. See stunning mosaics in this sacred space.
Included
Bosphorus Cruise & Audio Tour
Relax on a boat between Europe and Asia while stories of waterfront palaces and fortresses play in your headphones.
Included
Blue Mosque Guided Walking Tour
Join an official guide for Sultanahmet Mosque and an Ancient Istanbul walking experience through the historic peninsula.
Included
Whirling Dervishes Ceremony
Witness an eight-century sacred ritual — a hypnotic ceremony that reveals the soul and culture of Turkey.
App
City Guide App (9 Languages)
A curated map with live location and premium museum audio guides. Available in ENG, FR, ITA, SPA, DE, PT, AR, CN, RU.
Support
Live Assistance by Local Guides
Online and live support from local expert guides and staff whenever you need help planning your day.
Optional skip-the-line add-ons
Optional Extra
Dolmabahçe Palace & Harem
Fast-track tickets with audio guide to the lavish Bosphorus-side palace and its Harem section.
Optional Extra
Basilica Cistern
Skip-the-line entrance and smart audio guide beneath the ancient water palace of Constantinople.
Book with Confidence
Cancellation Policy
Plans change. Cancel up to 72 hours before your visit for a full refund.
Flexible Bookings
Before or after your arrival, choose your days for each visit flexibly as you wish! Your tickets are already reserved. Meanwhile, for the day of your choice your tickets will be day-long flexible regarding the museum and tour timelines.
Constant Assistance
During your visit, you can always get assistance both online and on the field around the top sites when you need. The chat screen on the websites and desks next to the Gates of Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace entrances are at your service when you are in Istanbul.
City-Guide App in Your Pocket
Explore 300+ places in 9 languages with the Cogito City Guide App, plus local restaurant and activity recommendations. Our curated guides by local experts and historians cover Basilica Cistern, Topkapı Palace, Beyoğlu, Princes’ Islands, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, the Bosphorus, and more.
Rate & Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Istanbul History Pass BasicsSkip-the-Line AccessTopkapi Palace & HaremHagia SophiaBosphorus CruiseBlue Mosque Guided TourWhirling Dervishes CeremonyCogito City Guide AppLive AssistancePurchase & Reservations
Istanbul History Pass Basics
Is the €95 price for adults or children?
The €95 price applies to both adults and children. Children under 5 are free.
What does the crossed-out €119 price mean?
€119 is the regular list price of each single activity, if it is booked separately.
How does the 3-day validity work?
The Pass is valid for the first day and the next three days selected during booking date.
How can I add an extra day to my Pass?
You receive an extra day when you purchase one of the available add-ons.
What is the cancellation and refund policy?
You can receive a full refund up to 72 hours before your booking.
Can I change my dates?
Yes. You can change your dates up to 72 hours before your booking.
How does it work?
Right after booking, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to your booking menu. Your reservation options will become available three days before your selected date. Until then, all your tickets are secured.
How does it work?
Right after booking, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to your booking menu. Your reservation options will become available three days before your selected date. Until then, all your tickets are secured.
Skip-the-Line Access
What line can I skip at Topkapi Palace?
You can skip the ticket line. Everyone must still go through the security line.
What line can I skip at Hagia Sophia?
You can skip the ticket line.
Is there fast-track access at the Blue Mosque?
No. The Blue Mosque is free to enter, and fast-track access does not apply. The Pass includes a guided tour.
What does skip-the-line mean for the Bosphorus Cruise?
You can board the boat directly without waiting in the ticket line.
Do I need a reservation for the Whirling Dervishes Ceremony?
Yes. After booking the Pass, you can choose your reservation through the booking panel for any available date within the three-day period.
What line can I skip with the Dolmabahçe Palace and Basilica Cistern add-ons?
You can skip the ticket line.
Topkapi Palace & Harem
Does the Topkapi Palace ticket include the Harem?
Yes. The ticket includes both Topkapi Palace and the Harem.
Which audio guide is included at Topkapi Palace?
Cogito Istanbul app provides a detailed and curated audio guide experience.
Do I need a timed reservation for Topkapi Palace?
You need to enter Topkapi Palace on the day you select in your reservation.
Do I need to go to a meeting point, or can I enter directly with a QR code or e-ticket?
Flexible check-in is available throughout the day, from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm until the end of 2026. The locations and instructions will be sent by email.
Will I receive my Topkapi Palace ticket in advance?
Yes. Your ticket will be sent to you in advance.
What happens if my Pass includes a Tuesday, when Topkapi Palace is closed?
Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. There is no special rule regarding this closure.
Hagia Sophia
Does the Pass include admission to the visitor area of Hagia Sophia?
Yes.
Is an audio guide included?
Yes. Hagia Sophia's own audio guide is included with the admission ticket.
Is the Cogito audio guide included for Hagia Sophia?
The Hagia Sophia has its own audio guide app and it is available in the gallery for every visitor.
Do I need to choose a specific entry time?
No. You have flexibility throughout the day.
How will I receive my Hagia Sophia ticket?
A QR code will be sent to your email address.
What happens if visiting hours are affected by prayer times?
Prayer times change throughout the year. Please ask our support team in advance, either online or at the check-in desk.
Bosphorus Cruise
How long is the Bosphorus Cruise?
The cruise lasts 90 minutes.
Where does the cruise depart from?
It departs from Eminönü Pier, next to Galata Bridge.
Where does the cruise end?
It returns to Eminönü Pier, next to Galata Bridge.
How often do the boats depart?
Boats depart every hour from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Do I need to make a reservation?
You have day-long flexibility with the QR code provided with your booking.
Can I choose which departure I want to take?
Yes.
What type of boat is used?
A sightseeing boat is used for the cruise.
Is there an outdoor deck?
Yes.
Is there a toilet on the boat?
Yes.
Can I buy food and drinks on the boat?
Yes.
How does the audio tour work?
The audio tour uses your GPS location to automatically tell you about the places around you during the cruise.
Which languages are available for the audio tour?
The audio tour is available in nine languages: English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian.
What happens if the cruise is cancelled because of bad weather?
If a service cannot operate during your Pass period because of force majeure, you can receive a refund for that service.
Blue Mosque Guided Tour
How long is the Blue Mosque Guided Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes.
Which languages are available?
The live tour is in English only. Audio guides are available in eight other languages.
Is the tour available every day?
It is available every day except Tuesday and Thursday.
How many tours are there each day?
There are two departures each day: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The exact times change depending on the prayer schedule.
Where is the meeting point?
Your ticket and the meeting-point location will be sent by email.
What places are included in the Blue Mosque + Ancient Istanbul Walking Experience?
The walking tour passes by the Million Stone, the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque with an inside visit, Arasta Bazaar, Hürrem Sultan Hammam, the first courtyard and public gardens of Topkapi Palace, Gülhane Park, and Hagia Sophia.
What happens when the Blue Mosque is closed for prayer?
The tour schedule changes according to prayer times. You will see the updated time on your booking schedule.
Do I need to bring appropriate clothing for the mosque?
The mosque provides covers if necessary.
Whirling Dervishes Ceremony
Where does the Whirling Dervishes Ceremony take place?
The ceremony takes place at Abud Efendi Mansion.
On which days is the ceremony available?
You can select an available date through the booking calendar. The ceremony is held every day except Tuesday and Thursday.
What time do the doors open?
The doors open at 6:15 pm.
What time does the ceremony start, and how long does it last?
At 6:15 pm, there is a detailed introduction to the Sema ceremony. You will learn how someone becomes a dervish, about the makams used during the Sema ceremony, and their relationship with Istanbul's call-to-prayer tradition. The introduction also includes live ney or kanun music.
The ceremony begins at 6:30 pm. At 7:30 pm, guests can ask questions to the dervish and the host in English or French.
The ceremony begins at 6:30 pm. At 7:30 pm, guests can ask questions to the dervish and the host in English or French.
Is seating reserved?
No. Seating is free seating.
Can I take photos or videos during the ceremony?
Yes. Photography and video recording are allowed, but flash photography and tripods are not allowed.
Are children allowed?
Yes. However, we ask guests with children to respect the quiet atmosphere of the ceremony.
Do Pass holders need to make a separate reservation?
Yes. There is a digital and flexible booking screen where you can make your reservation.
Does the program only include the Sema ceremony?
No. Before the ceremony, the host gives a detailed cultural introduction with a live ney or kanun performance. The introduction lasts 15 minutes. The traditional drinks such as Turkish coffee and sherbet are included.
How is the ceremony described?
It is an authentic, sacred, eight-century ritual performed by authentic members of the Sufi community.
Cogito City Guide App
Which languages are available in the Cogito City Guide App?
The app is available in nine languages: English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian.
Does the app currently include more than 300 places?
Yes.
Does the Istanbul History Pass include access to all premium content in the app?
Yes. Pass holders have access to all premium content. Available audio guides include Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar, Beyoğlu/Galata, Blue Mosque, the Bosphorus, and the Princes' Islands.
How long can I use the app?
You have access to the app for seven days.
Do I need to download content before using the app offline?
Yes. You need to download the content in advance to use it offline.
Does GPS-triggered audio work on both iOS and Android?
Yes.
Can I use the City Guide on the web?
No. You need to download the app from Google Play or the App Store.
Are restaurant recommendations included with the Pass?
Yes. You have full access to the restaurant recommendations.
Live Assistance
What hours is live assistance available?
Live assistance is available from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm, Istanbul local time.
How can I contact the support team?
You can contact the team directly through the in-app chat or WhatsApp.
Which language is available for live assistance?
Live assistance is available in English.
Where are your support desks in the Old Town?
There are two support desks within a one-minute walk of the entrances to Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace.
Are the support desks open every day?
Yes, at least of one of the desks is open every day. Plus, there is available online support every day.
Are the people at the desks staff members or licensed guides?
The team includes both staff members and licensed guides.
Can your team help me plan my itinerary?
Yes. A team of guides can arrange an itinerary for bookings made more than one week in advance.
Can you help with emergencies such as lost items, hospital visits, or transportation problems?
We can refer your situation to the Tourism Police and help you reach local and official support.
Purchase & Reservations
What happens after I purchase the Istanbul History Pass?
You will receive a confirmation email after booking. Three days before your selected date, you will be able to make your reservations through the booking calendar.
Can I make all my attraction reservations on one page?
Yes. All reservations can be made through a single calendar page.
Will I receive separate QR codes or tickets for each attraction?
Yes. Each museum and activity has its own QR code.
Can I book the Pass on the same day I want to use it?
Yes.
Is there a minimum advance booking period?
No.
Can any of the included activities sell out after I buy the Pass?
No. All tickets are reserved and secured once you book the Pass.
Can I transfer my Pass to another person? Do you need my name or passport information?
We need each guest's full official name once.
Ready to Unlock Historic Istanbul?
Skip the lines. Keep the stories. Travel smarter.