Ertugrul and Osman Ghazi Movie Set Tour from Istanbul

An Osman set day beats most museum plans. This Ertuğrul and Osman Ghazi Movie Set Tour turns Taksim Square into a road-trip across Istanbul’s European-to-Asian divide, then sends you into the Kuruluş Osman filming areas with real set time and short live-show moments.

I love that the day is built around included value: lunch plus entrance fees to the movie-set areas, and you’re not left guessing what you’ll have to pay once you arrive. I also like the balance of pacing—there’s a big chunk at the actual Kuruluş Osman filming location, mixed with additional set walks so the story feels visual, not just talked about.

One consideration: there’s no hotel transfer, so you need to get yourself to the meeting point at Atatürk Kültür Merkezi in Taksim. Also, popular add-ons—like professional photos and horse riding—cost extra, so go in knowing those are optional.

Key things I’d note before you book

• Taksim start + easy end: you meet at Atatürk Kültür Merkezi and return there, so you don’t need to plan a second pickup.
• Long set time: the day includes about 5 hours at the Kuruluş Osman filming location.
• Included live shows: live performances are part of the plateau experience (15–20 minutes is specifically called out).
• Value bundle: lunch, entrance fees to movie-set areas, and transport in an air-conditioned vehicle are included.
• Group stays small-ish: capped at 28 people, which helps the experience feel organized.
• Extra experiences cost more: horse riding and professional photography start at set prices.

From Taksim Square to the Asian Side: Why the drive is part of the point

This tour starts in Taksim Square, meeting in front of the main door of Atatürk Kültür Merkezi. The start time is 10:00 am, and you’ll end back at the same meeting point. Because the meeting area is near public transportation, you’re not locked into a specific hotel shuttle plan—just get yourself there.

The early part of the day is designed to set the mood. You move from the European side toward the Asian side, and the tour description makes it clear you’ll reach the movie set after about 1.5 hours. That sounds like a simple transfer, but it actually helps: you’re not dropped straight into a rush of information. You have time to settle in, and the day feels like an event, not a quick photo stop.

Practical tip: since you’ll be traveling and then standing around during set viewing, wear shoes that work on uneven outdoor surfaces. The filming areas are outdoor, and comfort matters more than style here.

Open areas for filming: the quick stops that set context

Before you settle into the main filming location, you’ll have a shorter stop (about 15 minutes) at open areas where movies are made. This part is brief, but it’s useful. It gives you a sense of how the production likely uses wider outdoor space—routes, sightlines, and positioning—before you’re absorbed into the more detailed set structures.

Think of this as your orientation. You’ll see areas used for filming rather than just read about them. If you’re a series fan, this short segment also helps you connect what you remember on screen with what you’re seeing in real life.

This is also a good moment for a quick reset: bathroom break if needed, water sip if you brought one, and a glance at what kind of photos you’ll want later. The big set time comes next.

Kuruluş Osman filming location: your 5-hour anchor

The heart of the day is the Kuruluş Osman filming location, listed as 5 hours with entrance fees included. This is where the tour shifts from “look around” into real time on the production grounds.

What makes this valuable for you:

• You get a long visit window, so you’re not constantly waiting for the next minute.
• You’re spending time at the place where filming is happening or represented as a filming environment, which makes everything feel more grounded than a themed walkthrough.
• You can focus on details without feeling like you only got a passing glance.

A good way to approach this section is to pace yourself. Spend a bit of time scanning the overall layout, then return your attention to smaller details—set walls, room fronts, castle-like structures, and how the areas connect visually. That slow approach tends to make the story come alive better than sprinting for the best photo.

Also, if you’re traveling with someone who’s less interested in TV details, this long filming-location segment can still feel rewarding because it’s visually “real.” You’re exploring physical structures designed for production, not just browsing replicas.

Castle and house set areas: turning scenes into places

After the main filming location, you’ll move into additional Kuruluş Osman set areas, including castle/house locations. This segment is listed as 1 hour and includes admission.

This is the part that helps your brain connect scenes to spaces. Castles and houses in a story usually become iconic through small repeated angles on screen. On the set, those angles translate into actual corners, edges, doorways, and vantage points. You start to understand why certain moments look dramatic in the show: the blocking and the architecture are doing some of the heavy lifting.

Drawback to keep in mind: because this is a working-style set environment, you may find that some viewing spots feel more comfortable than others depending on crowd flow and where staff guide people. If you’re someone who hates tight foot traffic, plan to pause frequently and give yourself room.

Live performances on the plateau: how the show timing fits

The tour description includes live performances on the film plateau for 15–20 minutes, and another portion notes about 45 minutes tied to Kuruluş Osman sets and live shows. Translation: you should expect a concentrated performance window, with extra time around it for set atmosphere and viewing.

This is one of the biggest “fan rewards.” Even if you don’t know every plot beat, live performance elements add energy that pure sightseeing doesn’t. You’re not just looking at structures—you’re watching story moments created in front of you, set against the same kind of filming backdrop.

If you care about photos, this is the time to think ahead. Professional photography services exist as an add-on, but regular camera use is part of the experience. Just be aware that the best photo positions during performance time may be limited.

This is also a good time to check your energy level. After the long filming-location segment, live shows can be a pleasant change of pace—more “watch” than “walk”—but it’s still part of a full day.

Lunch and transport: where the $120.16 price feels justified

At $120.16 per person, this tour isn’t a “budget snack” outing—it’s closer to a packaged day experience. The value comes from what’s actually included:

• Lunch is included.
• Air-conditioned vehicle transport is included.
• Entrance fees for the movie-set areas are included.
• Live shows on the plateau are included (15–20 minutes specifically mentioned).
• Pick up and drop off from the meeting point are included.
• You’ll handle the rest of your day around a structured visit, rather than building your own route.

Where the money likely goes: Istanbul transport is not free, the movie-set entry is not free, and you’re getting a full day of guided movement with a performance component. Also, the group size is capped at 28, which tends to improve organization compared to larger tours.

Now for the part that matters: what you don’t get for free.

• Professional photography is extra (starting at 15 euro).
• Horse riding is extra: 20 minutes for 20 euro.
• Souvenirs and personal expenses are extra, and the general vibe you should expect is that some in-plateau items may be priced at “tour experience” levels.

So if you’re the type who’ll buy photos or do horse riding, budget for those. If you’re strictly there for set time, lunch, and the live show, it’s easier to feel like you got your money’s worth.

Who should book this tour—and who might skip it

This fits best if you’re:

• A series fan who wants actual time at filming locations and set structures, not just a themed stop.
• Someone who enjoys a structured day with a clear meeting point and a return to the same place.
• A person who appreciates a pace that doesn’t feel frantic. The most positive feedback vibe tied to this tour is that it doesn’t feel rushed, including for older visitors who want to enjoy the experience without constant speed.

You might want a different option if:

• You need hotel transfers. This tour explicitly does not include hotel pickup beyond the meeting point.
• You want to control every minute. This is a planned experience with fixed viewing windows and included segments.

Group size also shapes the feel. With up to 28 people, it’s large enough to have energy, but small enough to keep things organized. If you hate crowds, you’ll still be in a crowd at the set plateau—just not a massive one.

Before you go: weather, extras, and how to plan your camera time

One key detail: the tour requires good weather. If weather cancels the experience, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That means you should watch the forecast and be ready for date shifting.

Here’s how I’d plan your day to avoid surprises:

• Decide in advance if you want horse riding. It’s listed as an add-on and costs extra.
• If you care about professional photos, know the starting price is 15 euro. If you don’t, stick to your own camera so you don’t feel tempted mid-day.
• Bring your attention to the included performance window. The live shows are part of what you’re paying for, and the timing is fixed as part of the plateau experience.
• Expect souvenirs to be pricey. That’s not unusual at filming-set areas, and it’s smart to set a small budget so it stays fun.

For practical comfort: this is an outdoor set day with multiple walking segments. Wear something you can stand and walk in for hours.

Should you book the Ertuğrul and Osman Ghazi Movie Set Tour?

If your goal is to see the real production environment behind Ertuğrul and Osman storytelling, this tour makes sense. The main reason I’d recommend it is the combination of long set time, included lunch, and included access to movie-set areas plus live performances. At $120.16, it’s not just a bus ride with a quick photo—it’s structured around the places you came for.

Book it if:

• You like the idea of spending hours inside the filming environment.
• You can meet at Atatürk Kültür Merkezi in Taksim and don’t need hotel pickup.
• You’re happy to handle optional add-ons like photos and horse riding only if you want them.

Skip it if:

• You strongly prefer hotel transfers.
• You want total freedom to wander at your own speed with no performance/segment timing.
• You’re traveling on a week when weather could be unreliable and you can’t shift plans.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour start time is 10:00 am.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet in front of the main door at Atatürk Culture Center (Atatürk Kültür Merkezi) in Taksim Square.

Does the tour include lunch?

Yes. Lunch is included.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 8 hours.

Is there a hotel transfer included?

No. Hotel transfers are not included. You need to come to the meeting point yourself.

Are entrance fees for the movie set included?

Yes. Entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary for the movie set are included.

What’s included for the live performances?

Watching the live shows on the film plateau is included, and the tour information notes 15–20 minutes for the plateau live show.

What extra activities cost money?

Professional photography service starts at 15 euro, and horse riding is 20 minutes for 20 euro.

If you want, tell me which day you’re aiming to visit (and whether you care about horse riding or professional photos), and I’ll help you decide if the included segments match your style of day in Istanbul.