The city of Istanbul itself is of course the best architectural and cultural museum but if you can spare time from your city walks, here is a list of options.
Archaeological Museum
The Arkeoloji Muzesi, or Archeological Museum is a must see, not only for those interested in Turkish history itself but also for the former Ottoman empire, which stretched from Algeria to Vienna and comprised half of all countries on the Mediterranean.
The museum is located in the outer yard of Topkapi-Palace.
Tu.-Su. 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Ataturk Museum
The Ataturk Museum is the house where Ataturk lived and worked in before the War of Independence. Ataturk, literally meaning Father of Turks is the founder of the modern Turkish stated and held in great esteem in modern Turkey.
Open daily between 9:30-4:00 p.m. except Thursdays and Sundays.
Tel: (212) 240 63 19
Mosaic Museum
Mosaic Museum has a large collection of Byzantine mosaics. This is the number one place to come to when you are interested in mosaics. Very impressive.
We.-Mo. 9:30 am - 5:00 pm. Address: Kabasakal Caddesi, Sultanahmet.
Museum of Paintings and Sculpture
The Resim-Heykel Museum is dedicated to paintings and sculpture. This Museum houses a good collection of Modern art including impressionism.
We.- Su. 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm Address: Dolmabahce Caddesi, Besiktas.
