In Turkey, for the third time this year, the cost of visiting museums and historical sites has increased starting from March 1st.
“Besides the price hike, the cost of tickets for foreign guests will now be determined in euros, with payment based on the daily exchange rate. A 20% discount for tourist groups will be retained,” the statement says.
The price increase will be particularly noticeable for independent tourists visiting Turkey.
The most visited attractions in Turkey are the Topkapi Palace, the main palace of the Ottoman Empire, and the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, as well as the ancient city of Ephesus located in the western part of the country near Izmir. Since last year, the cost of visiting Topkapi has increased from 27 to 48 euros, the Galata Tower from 17 to 30, Ephesus from 20 to 40, and the ancient city of Hierapolis (Pamukkale) from 20 to 30. Goreme in Cappadocia has increased from 15 to 20 euros, and the entrance ticket to the ruins of Troy will now cost 27 euros instead of 10, almost three times more. Entrance to the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is no longer free starting this year – foreign tourists now have to pay 25 euros for entry.
According to the research, Turkey experienced the most significant price increase among destinations, averaging 35%, or plus $31, in 2023 compared to 2019. This is based on data up to the middle of 2023, excluding the latest increase.
