Can there be a better combination? A museum, permanent collections, exhibitions, a quality restaurant, a peaceful garden, a great looking building and an even better Bosphorus view. So it is easy to see why Sabancı Museum is the first thing I would do if I only had time to do one thing in Istanbul (after the old town square of course).
The museum is named after the most famous businessman of Turkey, Sakıp Sabancı. The Sabancı family invested in the cultural development of Turkey with this museum and a top notch university. The location of the museum is convenient and beautiful: drive up north, passing under the second Bosphorus bridge. It is by the sea, with a great garden that you can relax in.
There are permanent art exhibitions owned by the Sabancı family, like historic handwritten Qurans and books, paintings of world famous Turkish painters like Osman Hamdi Bey and İbrahim Çallı. Also, there are archaeological collections in the garden.
In addition to permanent exhibitions, there are seasonal exhibitions. They are announced on their website. Free to parents who visit with their kids. What a great attitude.
On summer Sunday mornings, there is brunch in the garden with jazz concerts presented by famous local jazz bands. Other than that, it is always relaxing to be in the garden and enjoy the view.
Recently a culinary school opened a "kitchen" in the garden which presents good food for decent prices.
Sakıp Sabancı Caddesi 42
Fee (Wed=free):
TL
15
2122772200
Find your way with 241 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
The "Chandeliers in Istanbul's Hagia Sophia" have their own little recent story which is good to remember whenever you pay a visit... Lighting is key!
by
With it large garden and lovely ambience, "Primitif Birahane" in Istanbul resembles 'biergartens' in Germany, though here you will find plenty of cats...
by
Lil Bake is a small, lovely spot in the heart of Moda, Istanbul. My favorite used to be the pistachio Paris breast, until I tasted their croissants...
by
"Banyan" is my bar/restaurant of choice in Istanbul's Ortaköy for a drink or dinner after work. In their terrace you'll feel as if you're on a ship's deck.
by
"Vogue Restaurant Bar" is one of Istanbul's higher end spots. The food is great, but I would recommend the signature (molecular) cocktails. How about...
by
"Grand Bazaar" is my place to buy the best Istanbul souvenir: round, fat evil eyes! Just don't forget to bargain...
by
"Norm Coffee" Istanbul makes me feel as if I'm in a spaceship travelling to a coffee planet every time! It's just one of my favorite spots in the city.
by
"Forno Balat" in Istanbul has amazing breakfast -- the best scrambled eggs and open-buffet and homemade jams I've tasted in Turkey.
by
"Groove" is my suggestion for music lovers who're in Istanbul looking for record shops! Sami, "the music doctor", will guide you through this journey...
by
"The Letter Opener" is one of the best souvenirs to get for friends back home when you're in Istanbul and I recommend you get them from Grand Bazaar.
by
The "Tortoise Trainer" is one of my favorite paintings to be found in Istanbul. You can see it in the contemporary/orientalist Istanbul Pera museum.
by
Turkish Tea is had after each meal, and it's a reflection of hospitality. When in Istanbul, have it at small local tea houses in Sultanahmet.
by
241 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 241 Insider Tips