Istanbul Modern
#9 in Best Things To Do in Istanbul
Details
scorecard
- 4.0Value
- 4.0Facilities
- 4.5Atmosphere
A private museum aimed at collecting and exhibiting artwork of contemporary significance, Istanbul Modern appeals to locals and international visitors. Artists represented inside include Sarkis Zabunyan, Richard Wentworth and Yoko Ono.
Tourists find the museum's impressive permanent and temporary exhibits a welcome respite after looking at scores of old structures. What's more, many praise Istanbul Modern Restaurant, the on-site eatery, which dishes up tasty Turkish coffee and meals alongside glorious views of the Bosphorus.
Istanbul Modern is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours on Thursdays. Admission costs 25 Turkish lira ($7) per person, and student and senior discounts are available. In addition to the property's restaurant, visitors have access to restrooms, a gift shop and a fee-based parking lot. For travelers without a car, Istanbul Modern – which sits in Beyoglu – can be reached via bus or tram. Check out the attraction's website to learn more.
More Best Things To Do in Istanbul
#1 Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)
Sultan Ahmed I was determined to build a mosque that rivaled the nearby Hagia Sophia, and most would agree that he accomplished this task – or, at least, came close. Since the early 1600s, the Blue Mosque has been quite the sight to behold, with an array of domes, semidomes and minarets (or narrow towers). It's also one of the biggest tourist draws in Istanbul.
Visitors say this mosque offers "stunning architecture inside and out." It can, however, get busy, so consider arriving early. And remember, the Blue Mosque is an active religious site, so dress conservatively. Women should wear headscarves, as is custom. If you forgot to bring one, you can borrow one from the mosque.
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