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Topkapi

Make sure to check out the Harem section; it's a separate ticket but totally worth it. I thought I'd skip it, but it ended up being a highlight.

Don't forget to bring a bottle of water! There are limited places to buy drinks inside, and I found myself super thirsty during the tour.

If you're a fan of photography, visit early in the morning, around 9 AM, when the light is perfect and the crowds are smaller.

I recommend buying your tickets online in advance to skip the long lines. It saved me a ton of time!
Basilica Cistern
Rahmi M. Koch Museum
Panorama 1453

My advice is to take your time with the multimedia displays; they really enhance the experience! I rushed through and missed out on some cool info.

If you're on a budget, I suggest getting the combo ticket that includes other historical sites nearby. It saves you some cash and makes planning easier.
Istanbul Archaeological Museum

I suggest checking the museum's website for ticket prices beforehand. I thought they'd be higher, but they were super affordable! Also, kids under a certain age may get in free. Perfect for families!

Make sure to bring a portable charger. I was snapping pictures and my phone died pretty quick. The museum is huge, and you might want to take tons of pics.

I think you should check out the special exhibits if you can. I stumbled upon one that wasn't in the main display and it was so fascinating! You don’t always know what will pop up.
Maritime Museum in Istanbul
Chora Monastery

I think it's smart to plan an afternoon visit after lunch. The lighting is better for photos, and it gives you a nice calm vibe to explore without the morning rush.

I recommend taking your time to really admire the details in the mosaics. They are incredible and taking pictures is totally okay, just be mindful of other visitors.

Don't forget to bring cash! There were no working card machines when I went, and the small entrance fee is worth it. I suggest carrying some Turkish Lira for snacks too.

I found that the best time to visit is around 9 AM... You beat the crowds and can soak in all the beautiful frescoes without distraction... Trust me, it makes a huge difference!
Toy Museum

My advice is to set aside at least 2 hours to fully appreciate the displays and read about the history. You might even want to grab a snack in the cafe later

Don’t skip the gift shop! I found some unique toys and souvenirs that you won’t see elsewhere. Prices are decent too, so it’s worth a stop.

Bring some change for the small lockers if you have a bag. It’s super convenient and keeps your hands free to fully enjoy the displays.

I recommend checking out the workshop schedule beforehand. You might get a chance to participate in something fun that you wouldn't want to miss.
Sultan Bayezid II Medical Museum

I think you should allocate at least two hours to fully enjoy everything. I rushed through and missed some fascinating details about the history. Take your time!

Check the museum's website for special exhibit days. I stumbled upon a cool temporary exhibition that I probably would have missed otherwise.
Conquest 1326 Panorama Museum

If you can, bring a portable charger. The museum is so photogenic, and you'll likely use your phone a lot for pictures!

I recommend visiting in the morning around 10 AM to avoid the crowds. It really enhances the experience when you can leisurely take in the stunning displays without rushing around.

Don't miss the small corner snacks area! Their local pastries are delicious and won’t break the bank. Grab a bite before heading into the museum for more energy.
I suggest spending some time on the balcony for a panoramic view of Bursa. It’s a great spot for photos and gives a different perspective of the city’s history.