Miniatürk is an open-air miniature park on the northern shore of the Golden Horn in Sütlüce, Beyoğlu. Across a 60,000 m² site, it displays around 139 scale models of landmarks from Istanbul, Anatolia and former Ottoman lands, from Hagia Sophia and the Galata Tower to Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys and ancient wonders such as the Temple of Artemis.
It is an easy, family-friendly way to preview the country’s highlights in a couple of hours.
Plan your visit to Miniatürk
- Entry: TRY 900 for foreign visitors (check for increases)
- Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00, closed Mondays
- Time needed: 1.5–2 hours
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History of Miniatürk
Miniatürk was created by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and opened on 2 May 2003. Most models are built at a 1:25 scale by craftspeople who recreate details such as tiles, domes and stonework.
The collection has grown over the years with new models of Turkish and Ottoman-era buildings, and the park is now run by the municipality’s culture company, Kültür AŞ.
Attractions at Miniatürk
- Istanbul landmarks: models of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı and Dolmabahçe palaces, the Galata Tower, the Maiden’s Tower and the Bosphorus bridges.
- Anatolian sites: highlights from across Türkiye, including Cappadocia, Ephesus, Sumela Monastery and Mount Nemrut.
- Ancient wonders: reconstructions of lost monuments such as the Temple of Artemis and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus.
- Former Ottoman lands: buildings from beyond today’s borders, such as the Mostar Bridge.
- Family extras: a children’s playground, café and gift shop.
Things to Do at Miniatürk
- Follow the route: a signposted path loops past all the models, each with an information panel.
- Plan your trip: use the models to pick which real sites to visit in Türkiye.
- Take photos: the models are photogenic, especially in soft afternoon light.
- Combine with the Golden Horn: visit the Rahmi M. Koç Museum or Eyüp and Pierre Loti Hill on the same day.
Miniatürk – Entry Eligibility and Open Timings
- Hours: daily except Mondays, 10:00–18:00 (check the official site for seasonal changes and holiday closures).
- Tickets: foreign visitors TRY 900 (check for increases); a combination ticket is also sold on site.
- Suitability: good for all ages; the paths are flat and mostly accessible.
Tickets and tours for Miniatürk
- Entry ticket: Miniatürk park admission on Klook
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How Long to Spend at Miniatürk
Allow 1.5–2 hours to see all the models at a relaxed pace, a little more with children.
How to Get There
Miniatürk is at İmrahor Caddesi 7, Sütlüce, Beyoğlu.
- Ferry: the Golden Horn (Haliç) ferry line stops at Sütlüce pier, a short walk away.
- Bus: buses run along the Golden Horn shore road from Eminönü, Karaköy and Taksim; check current lines in the Moovit or İETT apps.
- Taxi: about 15–25 minutes from Sultanahmet or Taksim, depending on traffic.
Arriving at Istanbul Airport? Book a fixed-price airport transfer straight to your hotel.
Eateries Nearby Miniatürk
Miniatürk has its own café and restaurant on site. For more choice, head to the waterfront cafés of the Golden Horn, or continue to Eyüp, where restaurants around the Eyüp Sultan Mosque serve traditional Turkish food.
Other Attractions Nearby Miniatürk
- Rahmi M. Koç Museum: a large industrial and transport museum in Hasköy, a short ride along the Golden Horn.
- Eyüp Sultan Mosque and Pierre Loti Hill: further up the Golden Horn, with a cable car to the viewpoint.
- Balat: the colourful historic neighbourhood on the opposite shore.
- Panorama 1453 History Museum: a panoramic painting of the 1453 conquest, near Topkapı (the city-wall gate).
Before your trip
- Find hotels in Istanbul: Sultanahmet, Karaköy and Beyoğlu are the most convenient bases for sightseeing.
- Get a Turkey eSIM before you land, for maps and ride-hailing apps.
Miniatürk is Istanbul’s open-air miniature park on the Golden Horn, with around 139 detailed scale models of Türkiye’s greatest landmarks. It’s a fun, easy outing for families and a good way to plan the rest of your trip.
See the real things afterwards: start with Hagia Sophia, then explore the colourful streets of Balat across the water.
