Istanbul Biennial 2025 Guided Tours: Karakoy & Beyoglu

The Istanbul Biennial 2025 is one of the most anticipated cultural events of the year. Held for the 18th time, the biennial transforms the city into a living museum where international artists present their works in historic spaces. This year’s edition not only showcases cutting-edge art but also offers guided tours, special programs, and family-friendly activities that bring contemporary art closer to every visitor.

What Are The Guided Tours?

The guided tour programme is supported by Koç Holding, sponsor of the biennial between 2007 and 2036. Expert guides, trained especially for this event, lead visitors through the exhibitions, explaining the themes and stories behind the works. Tours are limited to 20 people, and each participant receives a headset for better sound quality.

There are two options:

• Single-venue tours at Galata Greek School or Zihni Han (60–70 minutes).
• Multiple-venue walking tours following either the Beyoglu or Karakoy route, each covering four different venues.

Tours are designed for participants aged 16 and above. Children under 7 cannot join for safety reasons.

What Is The Beyoglu Route?

The Beyoglu Route takes you through the heart of Istanbul’s cultural life:

• Elhamra Han – An elegant early 20th-century building in Beyoglu with a unique interior, providing a refined backdrop for art.
• Garden of the Former French Orphanage – A calm outdoor setting where art connects with history and nature.
• Meclis-i Mebusan 35 – A raw, industrial-style venue reflecting the contrast between Istanbul’s layered history and modern creativity.
• Galata Greek School – A former school that now serves as a main biennial hub, perfect for large-scale works.

What Is The Karakoy Route?

The Karakoy Route reveals the city’s artistic and industrial side:

• Galeri 77 – A contemporary art gallery known for showcasing both Turkish and international talents.
• Muradiye Han – An Ottoman-era han with authentic architecture, now reimagined for exhibitions.
• Cone Factory (Külah Factory) – A former industrial site with rugged walls, transformed into a creative playground for installations.
• Zihni Han – A historical han in Karakoy, connecting Istanbul’s trade history with today’s contemporary art.

Tour times

• Tours in Turkish daily at 11:00, 14:00, and 16:00 (except Mondays).
• Tours in English on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11:00. Duration is about 2.5 hours.

Ticket Prices

• General Admission: ₺3.000
• Student Ticket: ₺1.500
• Biennial Plus Ticket: ₺5.000

Visitors are asked to arrive 10 minutes before the start time. Large bags are not permitted, and there are no cloakroom services.

When Are Venues Open?

All venues open on 22 September 2025, the Monday following the grand opening. They will also remain open on the national holiday, 29 October 2025.

What Is Included In The Public Programme?

The opening week features live performances, screenings, and events:

• Selma Selman – Motherboards (Istanbul Modern): A performance about recycling electronics and family memory.
• Alex Baczyński-Jenkins – Untitled (Holding Horizon) at Arter: A durational dance exploring queer intimacy and collective rhythm.
• Ahmad Ghossein – So your heart aches, huh?: A personal monologue about resilience in Lebanon’s economic and political crisis.

Film Screenings: Works by Maxime Hourani, Samar Al Summary, Lawrence Abu Hamdan, and Suneil Sanzgiri addressing history, borders, and identity.

What Is Offered For Children And Families?

With the support of Koç Holding and PACE Children’s Art Centre, young visitors can explore art in special workshops held at the Galata Greek School.

School groups: Tuesday to Thursday, with sessions for all grades.

Individual groups on Sundays:

• Ages 4–6 (with parents) 10:00–11:30
• Ages 7–9 12:00–13:30
• Ages 10–12 14:00–15:30

Children are encouraged to bring everyday items and transform them into creative works through upcycling.

Special Family Activities

• Children’s Book – Optigull & Pesigull: The biennial’s seagull mascots return in a new storybook available for free in Turkish and English.
• Stroller Mornings: Relaxed guided visits for parents with babies aged 0–36 months, every Friday at Galata Greek School.

Why Should You Join A Guided Route?

Many visitors ask: Is a guided tour really worth it? The answer is yes. A guided route not only helps you understand the artworks but also brings the hidden layers of Karakoy and Beyoglu to life.

To enrich your trip further, you can also combine the biennial with cultural tours such as:

• Private Modern Art Walks Tour in Istanbul
• Small Group: Best of Istanbul Tour with Hagia Sophia Tickets
• Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour
• Sunset Bosphorus Luxury Yacht Cruise

The Istanbul Biennial 2025 is more than an exhibition—it is a journey into Istanbul’s artistic heart. From historic venues to modern performances and family workshops, the event welcomes everyone who wants to discover the city in a new way.

If you would like to book a guided biennial tour or add cultural highlights to your Istanbul visit, contact us today and let us help you plan the perfect experience.