Archaeological Museum: an extensive collection of ancient Greek, Roman and Anatolian artefacts dating back thousands of years, this museum is one of Istanbul’s largest treasure troves. If you’re a history fanatic, then this museum should not be missed; and even the museum building itself is a masterpiece.
Osman Hamdi Bey Yokusu. Open: 09:30 to 16:30, Tue to Sun.

Ataturk Museum: is housed in the former home of independence hero Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, where he lived before saving Turkey at the beginning of the 20th century. Lots of memorabilia including numerous photos of the man himself and many of his personal belongings are on display here.
Halaskargazi Caddesi. Open: 09:30 to 16:00, Mon to Wed and Fri to Sat; closed Thu and Sun.

Carpet and Kilim Museum: housed in the royal residence where the sultan of the Ottoman Empire would come to relax before heading to pray in the nearby mosque, this collection features carpets from the Ottoman era and kilims, a type of Turkish rug usually with zigzagging patterns. This exhibition is hugely colourful and contains some truly historic pieces.
Eminonu. Open: 09:00 to 16:00, Tue to Sat.

City Museum: this museum is all about the life and times of the Ottoman Empire and includes a huge wealth of artefacts from this era such as porcelain, calligraphy and textiles. Some items here date back more than 300 years and are expertly crafted from the days when the Ottoman Empire was in its pomp.
Barbaros Bulvari. Open: 09:00 to 16:00, Wed to Sun.

Museum of Modern Art: specialising in Turkish works, this exhibition traces artistic trends in the country from the Ottoman period through to the present day. The gallery also shows temporary exhibitions which tend to have a more international flavour.
Meclis-I Mebusan avenue. Open: 10:00 to 18:00, Tue to Sun; 10:00 to 20:00, Thu.

Painting and Sculpture Museum: the first art museum to be set up in the city, this exhibition has been around since the mid-1930s and is still going strong. Turkish and military paintings take up the most part of the museum but there are plenty of other materials on display, including international works and sculpture.
Dolmabahce Sarayi yani. Open: 12:00 to 16:00, Wed to Sun.