Yay or nay?
Discover what the internet is saying about Istanbul Tourist Pass.
Upgraded Reviews scanned the web to find out what real users are saying about Istanbul Tourist Pass.
See the highlights below and decide for yourself!
Table of contents
- ✅ Pros
- ❌ Cons
- ⚖️ Summaries
- 💸 Top Discount
✅ Pros
“Istanbul Tourist Pass obviously gives you access to (most of) the major sightseeing spots.”
“Another thing worth noting about the Istanbul Tourist Pass is that it covers the cost of several outdoor activities for free.”
“It provided me with a discounted way to experience all of the city’s top attractions and sights.”
“It’s more likely that you’ll save closer to 50% off, but it’s definitely possible to save even more.”
“Also included are 24-hour usage of the Hop On Hop Off bus, a discounted private airport shuttle to your hotel, several other Bosphorus tours to choose from, Princes’ Islands round boat trip, and Maiden’s Tower.”
“It’s easy to organise your entire Istanbul itinerary with 1 supplier.”
“This pass also includes deals on special services such as a mobile hotspot and an unlimited public transportation card.”
“Istanbul Tourist Pass is an online/digital pass.”
“On their website, you can compare the prices of tickets.”
“This pass provided me with a mobile Wi-Fi device, power bank, and USB charger cable, which was incredibly convenient for staying connected while exploring the city.”
“You can choose between 2, 3, 5 or 7-day options, depending on your length of stay and itinerary.”
“The card price is relatively low compared to the advertised value of tours and attractions.”
“The accompanying mobile app was easy to use and served as a great city guide book.”
“The slick website has lots of useful info, including attraction opening hours, and tour meeting points.”
“They occasionally share special discounts with their subscribers.”
“You can purchase the Istanbul Tourist Pass online or at one of the pick-up locations in Istanbul.”
“The pass is valid for a set number of days, but you can visit the included attractions at your own pace and choose which ones to visit based on your interests.”
“You can make all tour/attraction bookings within the app (kinda).”
“We got replies right away when we called or wrote them, it made us feel safe.”
“With so many incredible attractions included, like the Bosphorus Boat Tour, Topkapi Palace, the traditional Turkish dance show, and even Madame Tussauds, my mom and I were able to fully immerse yourselves in Istanbul’s rich history, culture, and entertainment.”
“The great thing about the pass is that it allows you to make the most of your time in Istanbul.”
“All of the attractions, sights, and services that I booked from the app worked out perfectly with my digital pass.”
“All support is provided in English.”
“You can also enter other interesting attractions such as Madame Tussauds, Sealife Aquarium, Legoland, Pera Museum, Sakıp Sabancı Museum, as well as some new kids on the block like High Rope Tracks, Beşiktaş and Fenerbahçe Stadium Tours, etc.”
“Since the company behind the pass was an experienced one, they seemed to know our needs and they cared about our wishes.”
“It offers mobile / carry-on Wi-Fi hotspot with unlimited internet access for multiple devices.”
“WhatsApp support is included and is relatively responsive.”
“The Istanbul Tourist Pass provides substantial discounts and free admission to many attractions, which can save you money compared to buying individual tickets.”
“It also includes evening entertainment with a Whirling Dervishes ceremony at Hodjapasha Cultural Center and/or a Bosporus Cruise with dinner and entertainment, among which belly dancing and Turkish folklore dances.”
“The pass allows you to skip ticket lines at many attractions, which can save you time and hassle.”
“This pass covers the cost of admission for over 85 popular attractions, tours, and other services throughout the city.”
“An airport shuttle is provided at no extra cost, but they also offer a concessionary private transfer if you don’t feel like getting on a coach.”
“I found their Whatsapp support team to be quick and helpful when I had questions or needed assistance.”
💸 Top Current Discount
❌ Cons
“Besides the tours to the mosque and palaces, other experiences, such as dinner cruises or day trips, must be booked in advance on the app.”
“Some attractions have a lot of overlap – the Bosphorus Cruise and Hop On Hop Off Cruise are technically different but cover the same territory, so there’s little point in doing both.”
“Some of the attractions are far away from the historic city centre, and you’re not likely to use them. They’re just fluff.”
“Most of the mentioned attractions, like the palaces and the mosque, are offered as a private tour, and the pass is only valid when entering the place with a tour.”
“You can’t use most big attractions (such as Basilica Cistern) whenever you want – you have to go with a guide at pre-determined times.”
“These experiences are not offered every day, so I highly recommend checking the schedule beforehand and creating a specific schedule for your days in Istanbul.”
“Digital delivery was not instant (from Viator) – it only occurred during Turkish office hours. So don’t leave it to the last minute as I did.”
⚖️ Final Say
Read the summaries of what reviewers think about Istanbul Tourist Pass below.
“The Istanbul Tourist Pass is a great value for money if you plan to take advantage of the activities and benefits it offers. For a three day itinerary, the regular price (excluding the ones not included with the pass) would be over €210 instead of €115.”
“Istanbul Tourist Pass takes care of a lot of things for you. In short, it resembles some kind of digital concierge: it reminds you to book certain venues, tells you when you can visit an array of tourist attractions, provides mobile Internet, gives you directions to all these places, and in case you have more questions, you can get assistance via phone or WhatsApp.”
“We’ll be honest: a tourist pass is not going to be the best option for everyone. That said, there are plenty of travelers who would absolutely benefit from using one of these services.”
“In conclusion, the Istanbul Tourist Pass (or the Istanbul Pass museum) is a fantastic option for visitors who want to see and do as much as possible in this vibrant city. From iconic landmarks and historical sites to unique museums and unforgettable experiences, the pass offers something for everyone. And considering the convenience and the memories my mom and I created during those four days, it’s safe to say the Istanbul Tourist Pass was definitely worth it!”
“While The Istanbul Tourist Pass might not be an outright “scam” in that it delivers on most of what it promises (albeit poorly in some cases). It definitely crosses the line into dishonest and shady tactics. It is completely possible that you can have a somewhat ok experience using the Istanbul Tourist Pass, as long as you’re aware of all the caveats upfront and set your expectations exceptionally low. But you should really ask yourself the question… is that how you want to spend your vacation in Istanbul?”
“Overall, the Istanbul Tourist Pass can be a great value for visitors looking to explore Istanbul’s top attractions and save money in the process.”
“We comfortably recommend you to go for it and buy an Istanbul Tourist Pass if you visit this amazing city. You will save time and money, and more importantly, you will feel safe and covered.”