Whirling Dervishes Show Tickets

Experience a mesmerizing traditional Whirling Dervishes show with live Turkish music and a Turkish dinner.

• Everything you get: Attend the authentic Mevlevi Sema ceremony with live music in Istanbul’s Old Town. Enjoy a captivating performance in a central location, immersing yourself in the spiritual Sufi ritual. All venues are wheelchair and stroller accessible, and you can bring your baggage along.
• Why choose this: A rare chance to experience 800-year-old Sufi rituals in a traditional wooden hall.
• Upgrades: Enhance your visit with a Turkish dinner featuring five kebabs, meze, salads, tea, coffee, and künefe.

Inclusions #

• Whirling Dervishes show

• 1 hour Mevlevi Sema ritual

• Authentic Turkish dinner (as per option selected)

• Traditional dessert künefe (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

• Hotel pickup and drop-off

What to bring

• Bring your ticket and arrive at least 20–30 minutes before your scheduled time.
• Comfortable, respectful attire is recommended.

What’s not allowed

• Avoid using flash photography during the ceremony.
• Talking or disruptions during the performance are discouraged.

Accessibility

• The venue is accessible for wheelchair users and strollers.

Additional information

• Choose your preferred upgrade (dinner) while booking.
• The ceremony is a spiritual event and not a theatrical show.

A UNESCO-recognized Sema ceremony blending mystical music, ritual, and spiritual dance.

• Everything you get: Entry to the Sema ceremony, a 5-min intro video, 10-min live Sufi music, and a 45-min whirling ritual, plus access to the exhibition featuring dervish clothing, instruments, books, interactive Rumi poems, and video displays.
• Why choose this: Experience an authentic Mevlevi ritual in a peaceful, traditional setting with rich cultural insight. A must-attend experience for culture vultures and curious travelers alike, offering a deep dive into Istanbul’s rich spiritual heritage.
• Options: Choose between a 5pm or 7pm Prime Time entry slot to best fit your evening plans.

Inclusions #

• 1-hour Whirling Dervish show at 5pm or 7pm (as per option selected)

• Entry to HodjaPasha Culture Center

• Entry to the exhibition with dervish artifacts

Exclusions #

• Children under 7 years

• Wheelchair users

What to bring

• Carry your ticket and arrive at least 30 minutes early.
• Dress modestly to respect the cultural and spiritual setting.

What’s not allowed

• Photography is strictly prohibited during the ceremony.
• Talking, applause, or disruptions are not permitted.
• Children under 7 years are not allowed.

Accessibility

• This venue is not wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

• Seating is allocated on a first-booked, first-served basis.
• Late entry is limited; arrivals after 15 minutes may be denied entry.

What to bring

Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise:

• Carry your own earphones to make the most of the audio guide during the cruise.

Accessibility

Whirling Dervish:

• The venue is accessible for wheelchair users as well as strollers and prams.

Additional information

Whirling Dervish:

• You may bring small bags into the venue. Photography is permitted, but flash and tripods are not allowed.

Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise:

• Click here to download the audio guide app in advance, as internet access may be limited onboard. Once installed, it can be used offline.

Inclusions #

Whirling Dervish

• Whirling Dervishes show next to Hagia Sophia

• Mevlevi Sema ceremony

Bosphorus Cruise

• 90-minute Bosphorus cruise

• Audio guide in 10 languages

• Skip-the-line access at the pier

• Meet and greet with a marine officer

• Bosphorus cruise plan/map

Immerse yourself in Istanbul’s culture with a Whirling Dervish show and an authentic Turkish feast at a 140-year-old restaurant.

• Everything you get: A full cultural evening blending a Sema ritual inside ancient Byzantine walls, followed by a traditional Turkish dinner (2.5 hours). Dinner features. five kebabs, meze, salads, drinks, and künefe. Plus, transfers near major city districts.
• Why choose this: Get a guided intro to Sufism at this Dervish ceremony set against 1650-year-old Byzantine walls. It combines Istanbul’s spiritual heritage with an authentic family-run dining experience in one seamless evening.

Inclusions #

• Whirling Dervish performance

• Authentic Turkish meal at historic restaurant

• Small group experience limited to 10 guests

What to bring

• Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at the entrance.
• Carry a copy of your booking confirmation (digital or printed) for smooth entry.

What’s not allowed

• Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the restaurant.
• Smoking is not allowed within the dining or performance areas.
• Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.

Additional information

• The full experience lasts for about 3.5 hours; 60-min Whirling Dervishes performance & 2.5 hours of Turkish dinner.
• Please inform the restaurant in advance of any dietary restrictions or allergies.
• The host can communicate in English and Turkish.
• The experience is suitable for all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Dress code is smart casual; respectful attire is recommended in line with local customs.

Experience Istanbul’s spiritual and historic wonders in one seamless combo, skip the lines, and dive deep.

• Everything you get at Whirling Dervish & Sufi Dance: Entry to a centuries-old theological school in Sultanahmet, witness the mesmerizing Mevlevi Sema ceremony with live Sufi music. Enjoy tranquil prayer citations and learn about Rumi’s Mevlevi Order.
• Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: Enjoy skip-the-line entry to Istanbul’s ancient underground marvel. Explore at your own pace with a self-guided audio tour in English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian.
• Why choose this combo: Unlock Istanbul’s soulful side and its hidden depths in one booking, save time, skip the lines, and enjoy two iconic experiences for less than booking separately.

Inclusions #

Whirling Dervishes

• Whirling Dervishes show next to Hagia Sophia

• Mevlevi Sema ceremony

Basilica Cistern

• Skip-the-line entry to Basilica Cistern

• Self-guided audio tour in English, Spanish, French, German & Italian

• Instant mobile ticket

What to bring

Whirling Dervish:

• You may carry small bags into the venue.

Basilica Cistern:

• Bring earphones to fully enjoy the audio guide.
• Wear sturdy shoes with good grip, as the floors can be slightly wet and slippery.
• Carry a light jacket, it tends to stay cool inside the cistern.

What’s not allowed

Basilica Cistern:

• Flash photography is prohibited.
• Tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed for safety reasons.
• Food, drinks, and smoking are not permitted inside.

Accessibility

Whirling Dervish:

• Accessible for wheelchair users as well as strollers.

Basilica Cistern:

• Partial accessibility is available; a lift is located near the Alemdar Street exit.
• Pathways inside may be uneven and dimly lit, so assistance might be needed.
• No elevators inside; seating options are limited.

Additional information

Whirling Dervish:

• Photography is allowed, but without flash or tripods.

Basilica Cistern:

• Skip-the-line access is included, but security checks still apply.
• Visit early or later in the day to avoid peak crowds.
• Don’t miss the Medusa head sculptures in the far section.
• The exit is different from the entrance. Note your route before entering.
• Lighting is intentionally low; allow time for your eyes to adjust.

What to bring

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as many included attractions involve uneven paths, stairs, or long distances.
• Modest attire is a must for religious landmarks. Bring a scarf or shawl if you're visiting the Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque.

What's not allowed

• Flash photography, food, and large bags are not allowed inside most museums and historic sites.
• Revealing clothing is not permitted in mosques; shoulders and knees must be covered for entry.

Accessibility

• Most attractions offer partial wheelchair access, but areas like the Upper Gallery at Hagia Sophia and the Harem at Topkapi Palace require you to climb up a flight of stairs.

Additional information

• The pass guarantees 7 essentials, including a public transport card, guided Blue Mosque tour, 90-min Bosphorus cruise, and audio guides.
• Add on landmarks and experiences as per the pass you pick. Get the list of included and optional attractions here.
• All activities are open-entry with no reservations required; only the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise needs to be booked in advance.
• The pass is valid for 7 consecutive days from your selected start date.
• You’re free to visit multiple attractions each day, but each attraction can only be accessed once with your pass.
• Skip-the-line access is included, but security checks still apply at all venues.
• The multilingual audio guides are available offline, so you don't have to rely on a spotty signal.
• The included transport card can be used across trams, ferries, buses, and metros; there is no need to buy separate tickets, but make sure to validate your card at necessary stops.
• The digital guidebook includes curated tips and navigation shortcuts between included attractions, helping you plan smarter and save time.
• Access to the main prayer hall on the ground floor of the Hagia Sophia is restricted for tourists. You can only visit the upper floor visiting area.
• The Asian side walking tour is one of the best ways to see a non-touristy, authentic side of Istanbul. It's slower-paced and culturally rich.
• The upper deck of hop-on-hop-off buses offers the best views across the Bosphorus Bridge.
• Choose traditional hammams for a more authentic experience.
• Opt for evening Whirling Dervish shows for a quieter, more atmospheric setting, and get introduced to the Sufi legacy of Istanbul.
• The window seats fill up fast on cruises; arrive early to grab the best spots.

Inclusions #

• Included with the MegaPass

  • Blue Mosque guided tour

  • Bosphorus sightseeing cruise

  • 5-ride Istanbul transportation card

  • Multilingual audio guides for all attractions

  • Digital guidebook

  • City, tram, and metro map

• Additional inclusions based on the pass option selected

  • Landmarks & Palaces: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, & Dolmabahce Palace

  • Sightseeing tours: Asian side walking tour, hop-on hop-off bus tour, Bosphorus sunset yacht cruise with snacks (based on your pass tier)

  • Cultural experiences: Turkish bath or hammam experience, Whirling Dervish ceremony, & Bosphorus dinner cruise (based on your pass tier)

• Click [here] for full details

Whirling Dervish Show

• Tip: After the show, check out the Sultanahmet neighborhood nearby for traditional Ottoman dishes like "Dolma" (stuffed grape leaves) or "Baklava" for dessert.
• This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

Hagia Sophia

• Tip: For an immersive experience, consider traditional calligraphy workshops in the Sultanahmet or Eminonu neighborhoods, just a short walk from Hagia Sophia.
• This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
• During high season, the security check waiting time for Hagia Sophia is around 1 hour.
• Hagia Sophia may be closed during prayer times as it is a place of religious worship.

Inclusions #

Whirling Dervish Show

• Entry to 1-hour Whirling Dervish show

Hagia Sophia

• Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia

• Entry to Hagia Sophia visiting area

• Audio guide in 23 languages