If you're officially a resident in Turkey, you can purchase a Müzekart (museum card), which is a money-saving tool for expats interested in visiting museums and historical sites. The Müzekart provides entry to more than 300 attractions across the country that are managed by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. With the card, you can avoid lines at larger sites by using the group entrance and get discounts at other museums, cafes, and other places.
The Müzekart+ offers one year of unlimited access to nominated attractions, except for those with electronic turnstile systems, which allow two visits within the year. Students above 18 years of age and teachers at Ministry of Education-approved private primary and secondary schools are entitled to a discounted card. The card expires one year after the date of issue.
Before purchasing the card, check the list of entry fees available on the DÖSIMM website to see if it's worth buying. If you plan to visit several cultural attractions within the year, the Müzekart is an excellent option, especially if you're going on a trip to another part of Turkey or if you'll be a tour guide to visiting friends or family. Sometimes, the cost of a single visit to one of the more popular sites is more than the cost of the card!
The full list of sites where the Müzekart is valid can be found on the Turkish museums website, but some major attractions like Dolmabahçe Palace and the Basilica Cistern are managed by other bodies and are not included.
You can purchase the Müzekart from ticket offices at various sites in Istanbul, such as the Istanbul Archaeology Museums, Great Palace Mosaic Museum, and the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum. Remember to bring your residence or work permit along with the card fee. Students and teachers should also bring official proof of enrollment/employment from their institution to obtain their discount.
Although it usually takes only about five minutes to have your card issued, ticket lines can be long. To avoid inordinately long queues, go outside of peak visiting hours or to a less-frequented attraction, such as the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum.
A more convenient option may be to purchase online for delivery to your address or opt for the digital version via the official Museum Card app.
For visitors to Turkey, there are also museum passes available that allow entry to multiple attractions at a discounted rate. With multi-day passes available for Istanbul, Cappadocia, the Aegean and Mediterranean regions, as well as the whole of Turkey, remember to let your visiting friends and relatives know about the options available. Both tourists and residents can save considerable amounts, all the better to spend on yet another Turkish tea, coffee, or beverage of choice. Cheers!
