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 | MEGAPASS | MEGAPASS | ISTANBUL E-PASS | ISTANBUL TOURIST PASS | ISTANBUL MUSEUM PASS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CITY PASSES |  |  |  |  |  |  |
HAGIA SOPHIA INCLUDED/ SELECTABLE | ||||||
A CATEGORY ATTRACTIONS | ||||||
B CATEGORY ATTRACTIONS | ||||||
C CATEGORY ATTRACTIONS | ||||||
VALIDITY PERIOD | 7 Days | 7 Days | 7 Days | Between 2-7 Days | 7 Different Options | 5 Days |
DELIVERY METHOD | Digital Pass | Digital Pass | Digital Pass | Digital Pass | Digital Pass | Pick Up |
PUBLIC TRANSPORT | ||||||
PRICE FOR ADULTS | From €116 | From €176 | From €284 | From €145 | From €157.50 | 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 Classic - €116
The Megapass Istanbul Classic is the perfect option for travelers on a budget. With this pass, you can choose two of Istanbul’s top attractions and enjoy perks like a Bosphorus Cruise and a transportation card. It’s all about flexibility without breaking the bank.
What is included in the Megapass Istanbul Classic?
Travelers can choose 2 from the following attractions:
- Hagia Sophia
- Topkapi Palace
- Basilica Cistern
- Dolmabahce Palace
- Asian Side Walking Tour
- Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour
- Turkish Bath / Hamam
- Dervish Ceremony
- Dinner Cruise on Bosphorus with Turkish Night, Food & Drinks
Plus, you always get:
- Public Transportation Card with 5 Rides
- Bosphorus Cruise
- Blue Mosque Tour
- Digital Guide Book
- City, Tram & Metro Map
- 24/7 Customer Support
Price: €116
Validity: 7 days
Where to buy?
Buy the Megapass Istanbul Classic securely online through this link: Megapass Istanbul Classic.
2. Megapass Istanbul Premium - €176
If you want more options, the Megapass Istanbul Premium lets you choose 4 attractions from a list of Istanbul’s highlights. Whether you're after historical sights like Topkapi Palace or want to experience a Bosphorus Dinner Cruise, this pass offers more variety while keeping flexibility at its core.
What is included?
Choose 4 from the following attractions:
- Hagia Sophia
- Topkapi Palace
- Basilica Cistern
- Dolmabahce Palace
- Asian Side Walking Tour
- Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour
- Turkish Bath / Hamam
- Dervish Ceremony
- Dinner Cruise on Bosphorus with Turkish Night, Food & Drinks
Plus, always included:
- Public Transportation Card with 5 Rides
- Bosphorus Cruise
- Blue Mosque Tour
- Digital Guide Book
- City, Tram & Metro Map
- 24/7 Customer Support
Price: €176
Validity: 7 Days
Where to buy?
Purchase the Megapass Istanbul Premium easily online through this link: Megapass Istanbul Premium
3. Megapass Istanbul Deluxe - €284
For those who don’t want to miss a thing, the Megapass Istanbul Deluxe is your all-access pass. It includes entry to every major attraction in Istanbul, from the Hagia Sophia to Dolmabahce Palace, along with immersive cultural experiences like a Turkish Bath and a Bosphorus Dinner Cruise. It’s the ultimate pass for travelers seeking a no-compromise Istanbul experience.
What is included?
Access to all attractions below:
- Hagia Sophia
- Topkapi Palace
- Basilica Cistern
- Dolmabahce Palace
- Asian Side Walking Tour
- Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour
- Turkish Bath / Hamam
- Dervish Ceremony
- Dinner Cruise on Bosphorus with Turkish Night, Food & Drinks
Plus:
- Public Transportation Card with 5 Rides
- Bosphorus Cruise
- Blue Mosque Tour
- Digital Guide Book
- City, Tram & Metro Map
- 24/7 Customer Support
Price: €284
Validity: 7 Days
Where to buy?
Buy the Megapass Istanbul Deluxe easily online through this link: Megapass Istanbul Deluxe.
4. Istanbul E-Pass - From €145 - €225
The Istanbul E-Pass is a digital pass that provides access to over 50 attractions, including Topkapi Palace and guided tours. Perfect for tech-savvy travelers, this pass allows you to skip the lines and access your attractions through your smartphone. With options ranging from 2 to 7 days, it's a flexible solution for both short and long stays.
What’s included?
- Access to 60+ attractions, incl. Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Dolmabahce
- Activities and day drips (Bursa)
- Guided tours to select museums and sites (Basilica Cistern, etc.)
- Discounts at selected attractions and restaurant
- One-way airport shuttle
- Guidebook in 6 languages
- Customer service via WhatsApp
Price: From €145 - €225
Validity: 2, 3, 5, or 7 days
Where to buy?
Buy the Istanbul E-Pass securely online through this link: Istanbul E-Pass
5. Istanbul Tourist Pass - From €157.50 - €373.50
The Istanbul Tourist Pass offers a broad selection of over 100 attractions, day trips, and family-friendly activities like Madame Tussauds and Sea Life. Though Hagia Sophia isn’t included, 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
Extras:
- eSIM for connectivity
- Day trips from Istanbul
- Cultural experiences (e.g., Bosphorus Cruise)
Price: From €157.50 - €373.50
Validity: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 or 10 days
Where to buy?
Purchase the Istanbul Tourist Pass easily online through this link: Istanbul Tourist Pass
6. 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?
Available online through the official Museum Pass website.
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 Classic, Premium, Deluxe.
However, it is not part of the Istanbul Museum Pass, the Istanbul Tourist Pass, or the Istanbul E-Pass.
For most visitors, the Megapass Istanbul Premium is the best value, allowing you to choose 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 Deluxe 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 Classic
- For the best value: Megapass Istanbul Premium
- For an all-inclusive experience: Megapass Istanbul Deluxe
- For the widest range of attractions: Istanbul Tourist Pass
The Megapass Istanbul Classic is the most affordable option, with prices starting at around €98.
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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