Sirkeci Railway Museum

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Update: As of September 2025 Sirkeci railway station and the museum are closed for restoration works.

Tucked away in an almost overlooked corner of Sirkeci Railway Station in Istanbul, the one room Sirkeci Railway Museum is a ferroequinologist’s (someone who studies trains) delight. In fact, even people like me who see trains simply as a useful form of transport will find lots here to enjoy.

Sirkeci Railway Station was built in 1888 by German architect August Jasmund and opened in 1890. Although the main structure has seen better days, it still has its original round stained glass windows in the Oriental-Gothic façade. This grandeur was fitting for the last stop on the famous Orient Express, which began its journey in Paris.

Inside, the Sirkeci Railway Museum contains furniture and original silver services used on Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Devlet Demiryolları (Turkish Republic Public Railways – or TCDD for short) trains. Sadly they’ve replaced the groovy Thunderbirds Are Go original upholstery on the fixed dining table and chairs with something much plainer, but they still appeal.

The walls are covered in manufacturers’ plates, maps and photographs and there’s even a complete driver’s cabin standing in the middle of the room. Anyone who ever asked Santa for a railway set will see their wish come true here. Unfortunately you can’t take it home with you!

Find out more about the history of the building and the Sirkeci Railway Museum, as well as the opening hours, entry cost and how to get there, on page 135 of Istanbul 50 Unsung Places.

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Here are my helpful tips for planning your trip to Turkey

Before you even buy your plane ticket, check whether you need an EVISA. Here’s my post on everything to know before you take off, including how to buy one from the government website so you don’t pay extra.

Even if I never claim on it, I always take out TRAVEL INSURANCE. I recommend Visitors Coverage.

eSIM are the way to stay connected wherever you travel. I recommend Truely, an eSIM provider working with local telcos. You can buy it before or after you arrive in Turkey, to use for 1 to as many days as you need. Truly eSIM are straightforward to install and activate but if you have any problems their responsive Whatsapp customer service is available 24/7.

Use my code: insideoutinistanbul and get 5% off when you order through the Truely website.

ACCOMMODATION: When I want to find a place to stay I use Booking.com.

For FLIGHTS I like to use Kiwi.com. Once you land the next decision you’ll have to make is how to get to your hotel. I’m a big advocate of public transport, but know it’s not suitable for everyone all the time. When I need to be picked up from or get to Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport, I use one of these GetYourGuide AIRPORT TRANSFERS.

If you’re travelling alone, check out this post on useful solo travel tips Turkey for women (and men).

Now that’s all the practical stuff out of the way, here’s the fun stuff.

CITY TOURS & DAY TRIPS: Let me guide you around Kadikoy with my audio walking tour Stepping back through Chalcedon or venture further afield with Istanbul 50 Unsung Places, my bespoke guidebook. I know you’ll love visiting the lesser-known sites I’ve included. It’s based on using public transport as much as possible so you won’t be adding too much to your carbon footprint. Then read about what you’ve seen and experienced in my three essay collections and memoir about moving to Istanbul permanently.

Browse the GetYourGuide website or Viator to find even more ways to experience Istanbul and Turkey with food tours, visits to the old city, evening Bosphorus cruises and more!

However you travel, stay safe and have fun! Iyi yolculuklar.