Experienced travelers know that the prices for museum visits in Istanbul rise almost daily. For example, in 2018, the entrance fee for the Galata Tower was 25 Turkish lira, but by 2023 it had increased to 350 lira. As of autumn 2024, a ticket now costs 1,100 lira (30 euros).
However, there are still places in the city that can be visited for free, one of which is the Pavilion of the Sultan, located next to the New Mosque. I recently wrote about the history of this iconic building.
Visiting the Pavilion
The New Mosque in Istanbul was constructed between 1597 and 1663. The pavilion was built around the same time and served as a resting place for the sultan and his family. The space included a living room, bedroom, and restroom for the ruler's convenience.
Visitors begin their exploration of the pavilion with a wide staircase. Nowadays, this area is used for temporary exhibitions organized by the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, with over 40 events held here each year. On the day of my visit, the pavilion featured an exhibition dedicated to traditional art.
If you go upstairs, you can enter the pavilion's rooms, but you'll need to wear shoe covers first. The halls are adorned with ceramic tiles featuring mother-of-pearl inlays, creating a beautiful appearance. Guests can also see tiled stoves, elegant wooden furniture, and vibrant stained glass windows.
The exhibits in the former pavilion's halls are very well-maintained, likely due to recent restoration work. As a result, the pavilion received the Europa Nostra Awards. The organizers' website states that the Turkish government approached the restoration with meticulous precision.
How to Get There
The mosque and pavilion are located in Istanbul's tourist center. Nearby, there are tram and ferry stops, both named Eminönü. The Sirkeci metro station, where two lines intersect, is just a five-minute walk away.
You can plan your routes in the city using online maps, and it's more convenient to check transport schedules through the Moovit app.
The Pavilion of the Sultan is located behind the mosque itself. If you stand with your back to its eastern facade, the entrance to the building will be directly in front of you, recognizable by its sloping covered gallery.
According to social media, the Pavilion of the Sultan is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 7 PM. It's noted online that art exhibitions usually open on the second Thursday of each month, lasting about two weeks.
When planning your walking route in this area, you might also include a visit to the Sirkeci station, known for being the arrival point of the famous Orient Express.
Have a nice trip!
