Istanbul Archaeological Museum

The museum is open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Seasonal hours may vary, with longer hours in the summer. Hours vary according to Turkish and religious holidays, so check ahead of time online. You may visit the museum all year round, however, the best time to visit Istanbul Archaeological Museum is early in the morning to avoid crowds on Turkey Tours.

After your museum tour, go through Gulhane Park, which was previously the gardens of the Ottoman Sultan. With groomed rose and tulip beds, shaded trees, and wonderful views over the Golden Horn, the gardens provide a tranquil pocket of greenery right in the middle of the ancient city.There are also a few lesser-known things to do in Turkey here. If you have some spare time, the Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam and the Ahmet HamdiTanpnar Literary Museum are also worthwhile stops. Once you've had your fill of history for the day, travel to the tea garden, which is located at the park's highest point, to unwind with a cup of tea or a cool drink while admiring the panoramic views.

Here is a list of some other things to do in Turkey inside and around the Istanbul Archaeological Museum that you must explore:

• The Lycian Sarcophagus displays Greek mythological images as well as griffons, centaurs, and sphinxes.
• The Alexander Sarcophagus is decorated with depictions of Alexander the Great, however, it is thought to house Abdalonymus, King of Sidon.
• The Istanbul Through the Centuries museum provides a fair summary of the city's history. During Byzantine times, a part of the chain was utilized to obstruct access to the Golden Horn.
• The Anatolia Troy Museum in Istanbul and the Troy Over the Centuries collections are also worth viewing because they contain numerous artifacts unearthed at the famed locations.