Rumeli Fortress Museum Entrance

Normal ticket value: €7

Walk In
Free with Istanbul E-pass

Istanbul E-pass includes a Rumeli Fortress Museum entrance ticket. Simply scan your QR code at the entrance and get in.

Rumeli Fortress is partially under restoration, You can visit the courtyard only.

A Detailed Picture of Magnificent Rumeli Fortress Museum

Rumeli Fortress is a 500 years old building that's known as the fortress that cut the Bosphorus. Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II built Rumeli Fortress Istanbul (Rumeli Hisari) in the 14th century. Located on the shore of Bosphorus, It is just opposite Anadolu, another Ottoman fortress built in 1394 by Bayezid I. The fortress was repaired during the reign of Selim after it got damaged by an earthquake.

Rumeli Fortress was a symbol of the dominance of the Ottoman Empire on the Bosphorus. Named after the neighborhood, the fortress is worth visiting as it offers a beautiful Istanbul view.

Sultans built these two fortresses to provide great military support to the empire. Moreover, for economic aid, the Turkish empire needed a connecting hub in between the Sea. Inconsideration to the connection between the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea, it was built near the shore of the Bosphorus.

There are so many towers in this huge fortress. However, Rumeli Fortress Istanbul has these towers in good condition despite being hundreds of years old. Three of them are larger towers, one small tower, and the other thirteen towers, which are not that giant.

What Happened After the Conquest of Constantinople?

  • However, after the conquest of Constantinople, the fortress' military worth came to an end.
  • In the 17th century, the Rumeli Fortress was a customs checkpoint, and later it was used as a prison during the 19th century.
  • In the 1950s, the fortress was surrounded by a market full of people, and houses were later destroyed. At present, the Rumeli Fortress Museum is officially open to the public and a worth visiting place to wander in Istanbul.

What's So Special About the Rumeli Fortress Museum?

  • The Rumeli Fortress in Istanbul offers one of the most wonderful views in the entire world.
  • If you are visiting Turkey, you can book a ticket to this fortress and have the most scrumptious breakfast there. The romanticism created by these restaurants enhanced by the surrounding views makes your day beautiful.
  • Being surrounded by the sea makes it even more special. The towers are higher than 20 meters and people love to climb the stairs and get to see the best views.
  • The unique building, which has survived a lot of destruction but still serves as a museum for the public, is exceptional in architecture and green. The beautiful gardens are all covered by the typical flora of Bosphorus. The pine nuts and redbud trees make the environment much fresher once you enter the fortress' main gate.

Cafes Surrounding the Rumeli Museum

  • There are numerous cafes at the fortress that serve the best package of breakfast, including eggs, bread, honey, yogurt, cheese, fresh fruit, and vegetables. In addition, some of these cafes offer vegetarian dishes and some sausages.
  • Kale Cafe is one of the most renowned cafes there. The cafe is open in the early morning and serves the best food.
  • Turkish cuisine is so delicious that you would want to try it again.

Reaching the Rumeli Fortress

You can reach the fortress by bus or car easily as the way is clear.

By Bus: There are so many buses on the streets available, and also they don't make you wait. The drivers are very helpful in guiding you about the place if you are a tourist. They make you reach the destination safely.

By Car: Of course, you can take your car to the museum. All you need to do is to turn on the GPS and get the guidelines about the location.

By Ferry: There are public ferries that depart from Eminonu port to Emirgan. From Emirgan port it is around 7-8 minutes walking distance. Ferry company is called IBB Sehir Hatlari.

The Final Word

Rumeli Fortress Museum in Istanbul turns out to be a major tourist attraction in Istanbul. People come to explore the place and get a peaceful vibe while walking through the gardens of Rumeli Fortress. Istanbul E-pass holders will get free entry to the museum.

Rumeli Fortress Museum Hours of Operation

Rumeli Fortress Museum is open every day except Mondays.
It is open between 09:00-18:30
The last entrance is at 17:30

The museum is partially under renovation currently. Only the garden area is open to visitors.

Rumeli Fortress Museum  Location

Rumeli Fortress Museum is located on Bosphorus Shore.
Yahya Kemal Caddesi
No:42 34470 Sariyer / Istanbul

Important Notes:

  • Simply scan your QR code at the entrance and get in.
  • Rumeli Fortress Museum visits can take around 1 hour. 
  • Photo ID will be asked from Child Istanbul E-pass holders.
  • Only garden area is open to visit, due to partial renovation.
Know before you go

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