To which public places can we go to, if we do not want to spend any money at all? At first, it seems like an easy question to answer for all the people that I ask. Of course, there are many public parks in Istanbul where we can sit down to read a book, we can take a walk through the city, or along the shores of the Bosphorus. In summer, it is comparatively easy to find these places, since public life takes places outside. But where can we go to for free, as soon as Winter comes, the weather gets cold, and it rains more frequently? The following list is a collection of free-of-charge places in Istanbul with a cultural, artistic or historical offering. The list is not definite and if you happen to know any other places worthy of being added, please leave a comment and share with all of us.
Museums
- There are several wonderful museums in Istanbul that do not request an admission fee at all, such as SantralIstanbul, based in the Ottoman Empire’s first urban power plant next to Bilgi University. It hosts various changing exhibitions on art, and permanently the Museum of Energy. Opening hours from 09:00 to 17:30 every day.
(SantralIstanbul; Eski Silahtarağa; Elektrik Santralı ;Kazım Karabekir Cad. No: 2; Eyüpsultan 34060) - Furthermore, the Dogancay Museum, Turkey’s first modern art museum, opens its doors to everyone without charging a fee. Their permanent exhibition displays the artwork of Burhan Dogancay, one of Turkey’s leading artists. Opening hours are from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 – 18:00. Closed on Mondays.
(Dogancay Museum; Balo Sokak No: 42, Beyoğlu 34335 İstanbul Turkey) - Elgiz Museum of Contemporary Art, a private collection based in Maslak, inherits a vast collection and hosts different exhibitions throughout the year. It is open Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 17:00 and on Saturdays from 10:00 to 16:00.
(Maslak Mahallesi, Maslak Meydan Sk. Beybi Giz Plaza, 34485 Sarıyer) - MSGSU Painting and Sculpture Museum, located in Beşiktaş next to Dolmabahçe Palace, opens its gates Tuesday to Sunday between 09:00 and 17:00.
(Dolmabahçe Cad. Akatlar Durağı 34357 Beşiktaş Merkez/Istanbul) - Ara Güler Museum (open 10:00 to 18:00 on Tuesday to Saturday; 12:00 to 18:00 on Sunday; closed on Mondays) within bomontiada, Şişli, is always without an admission fee.
(Merkez Mah.,Silahşör Cad., Birahane Sok. Tarihi Bomonti Bira Fabrikası No:1,34384 Şişli/İstanbul) - Pera Museum offers free entrance only on Fridays between 18:00 and 22:00. As one of the most established and popular museums in the city, with a wide variety of changing exhibitions and events, it’s definitely worth making the time to stop by.
(Asmalı Mescit Mahallesi, Meşrutiyet Cd. No:65, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul) - Istanbul Modern is even more limited. They do not charge an admission fee for Turkish residents on Thursdays, as well as offering a “Youth Day” for people between 18 and 25 every Tuesday between 14:00 and 18:00.
(Kılıçali Paşa, Tophane İskele Cd. No:1/1, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul)
Libraries
- SALT Galata is home to a wonderful library, which is furthermore an excellent place to study. From classics of political theory to current journals on art, the library offers public access to print and digital resources. The building itself, with its neoclassical and oriental architecture, is worth a visit. Salt Galata also includes a Museum on the History of the Ottoman Bank. Free of charge. Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday 11:00 – 19:00,
and on Sundays 11:00 – 18:00.
(Bankalar Caddesi 11; Karaköy; 34420 Istanbul, Turkey) - There are several other libraries which are open to the public, including the Istanbul Research Institute, Atatürk Library, Beyazit State Library, and Orhan Kemal Public Library.
Galleries
Istanbul is a vibrantly artistic and creative city. There are numerous art galleries all over town, and usually, they are without any admission fee. So, if you fancy a glimpse of contemporary art of local and foreign artists, visit one of them and enjoy. Several neighborhoods such as Galata, Moda, and Balat are home to so many, you will eventually stumble on one without having to search for it.
Mosques, Churches, Synagogues and Other Sights
Most of Istanbul’s houses of worship, no matter the religion, do not ask for an entrance fee. They are great opportunities to experience Turkey’s cultural, religious, and architectural heritage.
- As for mosques, the Blue Mosque, Kücük Ayasofya, Eyüp Sultan Mosque, Suleymaniye Mosque, Ortaköy Mosque and many more are free of charge. You should keep in mind that the mosques are not accessible during prayer times for those not praying.
- The Jewish Museum of Turkey, based in Galata, is a wonderful place to get to know the history of Sephardic Jews and the ticketing system is based on voluntary donations. They are open Monday to Thursday from 10:00 to 16:00, Fridays from 10:00 to 13:00, and on Sundays between 10:00 and 14:00.
(Bereketzade Mahallesi, Büyük Hendek Cd. No:39, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul) - St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church on Istiklal Street does not have an entrance fee and is open every day between 8:00 and 19:30. Other free churches include the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate and St. Stephan Bulgarian Church.
- The Theodosius Cistern is a miraculous place and free to enter. Located in Cemberlitas and approximately 100 years older than its famous sibling “Basilica Cistern”, this sight is perfect to add to your list when visiting Sultanahmet. It is open every day from 9:00 to 18:30.
(Binbirdirek Mh., Piyer Loti Cd. No:25, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul)
Have any other suggestions that meet the free criteria? Please let us know in the comments.
