Discover the Topkapi Palace Museum, in Sultanahmet, Istanbul, learn its history, what to expect and see, hours and ticket price, guided tours, and visiting tips with our comprehensive guide. Topkapi Palace, one of world’s richest museums, can be considered as the best and the most visited sights in Istanbul together with the neighboring Hagia Sophia. Situated on a triangular promontory dominating the Bosphorus and Golden Horn, it is a magnificent oriental palace and one of the world’s greatest architectural works.
No Regrets Topkapi Palace Tickets
If you are looking for the best Topkapi Palace skip-the-line tickets and guided tours, trust our recommendations, save time and money, we have you covered. Below are some of best experiences you can find! Feel free to book online in advance (as you’ll get discounts), by choosing the eco-friendly option of online tickets.
- Topkapi Palace Museum & Harem Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide (Instant confirmation, Mobile ticket, cheapest price on net)
- Topkapi Palace Ticket, Tour, Audio App (great one, guide and audio app will lead you for all)
- Topkapi Palace & Harem Tour with Historian Guide (if you want a pro-guide with you inc. Harem)
- Combo Ticket & Tour (all top-3 one – Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace & Basilica Cistern, our favorite, no need to look for else, trust us)
- Istanbul Must See Highlights Tour (another combo with Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque & Bosphorus Cruise)
- Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace Half Day Tour (good one)
- Topkapi Palace & Harem Tour with Entry Ticket (good one)
Fast Facts: Topkapi Palace
Istanbul’s, as well as the World’s one of most visited sights. So what it stands for?
- Built between the years of 1460-1478.
- Once a residence of the Ottoman Sultans.
- One of world’s richest museums.
- Houses the finest samples of seal, book binding, jewelry and box craftsmanship as well as inscriptions.
- Houses the finest collection of Chinese porcelain in the world.
- Converted to a museum in 1924.
History of Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace was the residence of the Ottoman sultans as well as the administrative and educational center of the Empire. The palace was constructed atop the Byzantine acropolis on Sarayburnu at the tip of the historical peninsula, between the years of 1460-1478 with the order of Fatih Sultan Mehmed, conquest of Istanbul in 1453.
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Topkapi Palace continued to be the residence of the Ottoman sultans for about 350 years, until the early 1850s. As the palace has become very inadequate to the needs such as ceremonies and protocol, sultans moved to the Dolmabahce Palace, which is situated in Besiktas, Bosphorus shores.
But despite the move, the many collections such as the royal treasure, the Holy Relics of the Prophet Muhammad and the imperial archives continued to be preserved at the Topkapi Palace. In the year of 1924, as the Republic of Turkey established, Topkapi Palace was converted into a museum with the order of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
What to See at Topkapi Palace?
Covering an area of about 700,000 m2, the palace is surrounded by the Marmara Sea, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. And on the land, it is surrounded by a 1,400-meters city walls known as the “Royal Walls” and with the Byzantine walls on the side facing the sea.
Topkapi Palace complex has a giant design and consists of three main gates that include the Imperial Gate (Bâb-ı Hümâyûn), the Gate of Salutation (Bâbüsselâm) and the Gate of Felicity (Bâbüssaâde), four courtyards, the Harem, the Royal Gardens (also known as Rose Garden (Gülbahçe) and several other gardens.
What’s inside?
Topkapi Palace houses the finest samples of seal, book binding, jewelry and box craftsmanship as well as inscriptions. The former imperial kitchen houses the finest collection of Chinese porcelain in the world.
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The Sultans’ costumes also exhibited there. The Treasury has a breathtaking and excellent collection of jewels such as emeralds, rubies and diamonds adorn turban crests, swords, golden thrones embroidered with seed pearls.
The Baghdad Pavilion, decorated with beautiful blue tiles, houses a sanctuary containing relics of the Prophet Mohammed, as well as exhibitions of paintings and manuscripts.
And than comes the world famous Harem, the private part of the palace where the wives and concubines of the sultans were lived.
Also the famous Hagia Irene Church, now a museum and a center cultural activities and exhibitions, is located at the first court of the palace. Like Harem, you need to buy separate ticket to visit Hagia Irene.
Topkapi Palace Collections
* Arms and Weapons – part of the private collection of Topkapi Palace; the finest samples of craftsmanship and ornamentation of The Ottomans; weaponry owned by Sultan Mehmed II, Bayezid II, Selim the Grim, Suleiman the Magnificent, Selim II, Mehmed II, and Ahmed I and more.
* Chinese and Japanese Porcelains – one of the finest collection of Chinese porcelains in the world, together with Japanese Porcelains are exhibited at the Imperial Kitchens.
* Copper and Goldplate Copper Kitchen Utensils – Copper works are an important part of the kitchenware of the Topkapi Palace; exhibited at the Confectionery House.
* European Porcelains and Glasses – about 5,000 pieces of porcelain ware from various countries in Europe.
* Imperial Treasury – Kasikci (Spoon-maker) Diamond, Topkapi Dagger, Jewelled pendants and plumes, treasury weapons, thrones and gifts for Sultans.
* Istanbul Glassware and Porcelain – about 2,000 pieces of porcelain.
* Pavilion of the Holy Mantle and Holy Relics – holy relics, Holy Mantle of the Prophet Muhammad, the hair from the Prophet Muhammad’s beard, the tray used by Abraham;, the staff of Moses, the sword of David, the robe of Joseph, the swords of the Prophet Muhammad’s companions exhibited at the Privy Room (Has Oda).
* Portraits of Sultans and Paintings – variety of very valuable portraits of 36 different ruling sultans beginning with the foundation of the Ottoman state.
* Silverware – rich collection of about 2,000 works of silverware made up of works from the 16th to the 19th centuries
* Sultan Caftans, Fabrics, Carpets and Sacred Coverings – collection of sultans’ clothing; finest examples of Ottoman textile art.
The Harem
The Harem is a whole different world where the wives and concubines of the sultans were lived. It was the world of love, intrigue and jealousy and has an important value on the administration of the Empire.
The Privy Chamber of Murad III, decorated with blue and red tiles is one of the most beautiful rooms of the Harem that worth a visit and see, as well as the dome with outstanding classical patterns, a built-in marble fountain with three levels, and the best examples of wooden doors. Note that you need to buy separate ticket to visit Harem.
Visiting Topkapi Palace Tips
Visiting Topkapi Palace without buying tickets before and try to buy at the ticket window on location means waiting in the long lines.
You can wait about 2 hours that is crowd dependent to get an entry ticket, so getting there at 09:30 am could mean a 11:30 am entrance.
So, we highly recommend you buy your Topkapi Palace tickets online.
Some insider advice
* Buy your tickets well in advance to avoid the time slots that can tend to sell out even in low season.
* Buying guided tours is recommended because Topkapi Palace has a history coming from 1460s, better to know the each detail and story, and have a detailed look at the story of the museum, and you’ll have a detailed look at the rooms, gardens, galleries, collections and the decoration from the past and today.
* Harem section of Topkapi Palace and Hagia Irene Museum (formely church, inside the 1st courtyard) is visited via separate tickets.
* The palace has four courts, you are free to enter the first court, and there you’ll find a beautiful garden with very old huge trees, the museum souvenir shop and cafe and ticket window. See the Topkapi Palace Plan Map.
* Book your tickets for 09:30 or 15:30, to avoid crowds.
* Plan at least 90 minutes for the visit.
* Plan your day together with Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern as they are within walking distance from Hagia Sophia.
* Keep an eye out for unofficial guides (guides should have official badge on).
* Don’t pay attention, look in the eyes, and talk with beggars, and people coming beside and ask for helping with guidance around or for money.
* Avoid weekends if possible, it can be more crowded with the locals’ visits.
* Try one of the four quality restaurants for lunch situated inside the palace, overlooking the Bosphorus entrance with good views.
* Check the weather forecast and plan your day for the sunniest one if possible.
Why is Topkapi Palace famous?
For more than 400 years, Topkapi Palace was the home of the Ottoman sultans and the political and administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. It is important to history because it was both a royal home and a sign of the empire’s power and grandeur.
There are gardens, kitchens, libraries, and the Harem inside the palace, which show how rich and luxurious life was during the Ottoman era. The Topkapi Palace Museum has a huge collection of artifacts, manuscripts, and jewels that show how the Ottoman rulers lived and their past.
Is Topkapi Palace worth it?
Everyone who is interested in history, art, or the grandeur of past cultures should definitely go see Topkapi Palace. Through its beautiful building, intricate tilework, and impressive collections, the palace takes visitors on an interesting journey through Ottoman history.
As tourists walk around the large grounds, they can imagine what it was like to be an Ottoman ruler or courtier and how the empire worked. If you want to learn more about Turkey’s rich culture history, you have to go to the palace grounds. They have great views of both the Bosphorus and Istanbul.
Is there a dress code for Topkapi Palace?
There isn’t a strict dress code in Istanbul, but it’s polite and religious to dress modestly when you go to religious and historical places like Topkapi Palace. Don’t wear clothes that show too much skin, and if you need to, have a scarf or blanket to cover your shoulders.
How long do you spend at Topkapi Palace?
It depends on their own tastes and hobbies. It might take three to four hours to fully see the palace, including the Harem and different parts of it. If you are really interested in Ottoman history, art, or building, though, you might stay interested for even longer.
How to get tickets for Topkapi Palace?
You can buy tickets for Topkapi Palace either in person or online. When you buy tickets online, you can often skip the line, which saves you time. It might also be worth it to get a museum pass if you want to save money on prices at several sites in Istanbul. See all of your ticket choices below.
What time should I visit Topkapi Palace?
It’s best to go to Topkapı Palace early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds. In general, the mornings are quieter, making them a better time to go exploring.
Do you need a tour guide for Topkapi Palace?
A tour guide is not required, but it can make your time at Topkapi Palace a lot better. A guide can give you historical background and interesting stories, as well as quickly lead you through the huge complex. You should definitely get a guide if you really want to learn about the details and stories behind the exhibits. See guided tours below.
Visiting Hours & Admissions
Opening Hours
Open every day except Tuesdays between 09:00-18:00.
Closed on Tuesdays
Ticket Price
Please check hours and admissions from millisaraylar.gov.tr
What Are The Best Hagia Sophia Guided Tours?
Guided tours enrich your visit to the Topkapi Palace Museum by providing expert insights and fascinating stories about this historical wonder. Here are some popular guided tour options:
- Historical Tour: Learn about the construction, transformations, and historical context of Hagia Sophia from a knowledgeable historian.
- Skip-the-Line Tour: Get exclusive priority access and avoid the hassle of waiting in long queues.
- Combined Tours: These include a visit to the Hagia Sophia, along with other notable landmarks such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Basilica Cistern.
Accessibility Information
- Topkapi Palace Museum is partly wheelchair accessible. However, there is no wheelchair service available on the site. You need to provide your own wheelchair if needed.
- There are some sections and halls that are not accessible for the disabled visitors to enter and pass with wheelchairs. It is because there are steps, as well as you’ll need to pass over elevated marble slabs. Improvements is not possible to due the sight’s being cultural asset.
- Wheelchair accessible sections include; Arms and Weapons, Clock Collections, Courtyards, Sultan Caftans, Fabrics, Carpets and Sacred Coverings, Imperial Treasury, Pavilion of the Holy Mantle and Holy Relics, Harem
- You can find toilet available for disabled use, on the entrance of the 2nd courtyard, on the right.
- The visiting area is designed to be accessible by wheelchair.
- Entrance is FREE of charge for disabled visitors, including one companion.
Where to Buy Topkapi Palace Tickets
You can buy them at ticket windows but it will cost you about at least 1 to 2 hours waiting in the line. And this will effect your future sightseeing calendar.
We recommend you buy your tickets online. This is by far the easiest and cheapest way to get tickets to Topkapi Palace.
We put the links to the official buying channels below. Just pick your date and time and skip the lines.
Topkapi Palace Ticket Options and Prices
There are several options:
- Buy directly at the ticket window on location.
- Buy Topkapi Palace only guided tours.
- Buy Topkapi Palace included combo tickets.
- Buy one of Topkapi Palace included Istanbul discount passes.
Topkapi Palace is a giant complex and you’ll need about at least 1,5 to 2 hours to have a complete tour.
We recommend you to book the Topkapi Palace tickets for 09:30 and 15:30, as it will be less crowded and you can make the most of the Topkapi Palace even better.
General Admission Tickets
The general admission tickets will let you enter the museum and explore on your own. You should know that there is very little explanation of the architecture by signs, plates, etc. If you just want to have quick look inside without need of understand the history behind, and waiting in the queue is not a problem, this is the ticket for you.
The skip the line access tickets with a guide (see below) seems to be some expensive. You should consider on your own would it worth to pay that amount to save yourself from 1 to 2 hours waiting in the line, and have a guide. We guess it would!
Guided Tours
This is the best option we recommend especially for first time visitors. And we always recommend opting for an extended English guided tour offered exclusively by several historian guides of Istanbul.
When you book you’ll get an email confirmation with meeting details (in front of the Fountain of Sultan Selim III, just by the Imperial Gate of the Topkapi Palace) and there your name being checked from the official guide’s list with your confirmation number.
See below the recommended Topkapi Palace guided tours with fast track entry. Here we only suggest the proven ways and top rated ones with travelers’ comments.
Topkapi Palace Museum & Harem Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide
This is offered by Headout and we highly recommend this because it is the cheapest price you can find with instant confirmation and audio guide.
Included:
- Skip-the-line entry into Topkapı Palace
- Access to Harem Museum and Hagia Irene Museum
- Audio guide in English, German, French, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Arabic, Chinese, and Turkish
- The services of a representative who will lead you to the entrance
- Entry to Blue Mosque (optional)
- 1-hr guided tour of Topkapi Palace & Blue Mosque (optional)
- English-speaking guide (optional)
Buy Topkapi Palace & Harem Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide
Topkapi Palace Ticket, Tour, Audio App
This is offered by Istanbul Welcome Card and we highly recommend. You’ll experience the grandeur of Topkapi Palace with personalized service from the moment they meet you at the entrance. Skip the lines and enjoy the fastest access as we bring you inside. Their expert tour guide will enlighten you on the best ways to explore the palace during a captivating 60-minute tour, providing valuable insights into its history and significance.
Following the guided tour, you’ll receive a museum plan, empowering you to navigate and discover the palace at your leisure. Explore the vast grounds at your own pace, delving into its rich history with the included audio guide app on your smartphone.
Included:
- Skip the ticket line admission to Topkapi Palace with your guide
- Entry fees to Topkapi Palace
- 60 min. highlight tour with English speaking guide
- Topkapi Palace Audio App for IOS and Android in 10 languages:
English, German, French, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, Chinese
Buy Topkapi Palace Ticket, Tour, Audio App
Topkapi Palace & Harem Tour with Historian Guide
This is offered by Istanbul Welcome Card and we highly recommend. Discover the expansive 700,000 square meters of Topkapi Palace and its intriguing Harem with one of the esteemed historian guides in Istanbul. Enjoy the convenience of our skip-the-ticket-line service as you gain a profound understanding of the palace’s rich history.
Did you know that Fatih Sultan Mehmet was a mere 21 years old when he conquered Istanbul and spoke six languages? Explore these fascinating details and more about the history of the Ottoman Empire on our Topkapi Palace Tour.
Your adventure will begin at the Square and Fountain in front of Topkapi Palace, where they’ll weave through each of the renowned gates, unraveling captivating stories and surprising details about legendary figures from history. The tour concludes with a visit to the Harem, adorned with its own legends and myths, providing a comprehensive and enriching experience of this iconic palace.
Included:
- Skip the ticket lines and save 2 hours
- Learn 90 minutes from a historian guide
- Get the real sense of the Topkapi Palace
- Learn the story about the Harem
- English speaking guide and entrance fees included
Buy Topkapi Palace & Harem Tour with Historian Guide
Topkapi Palace & Harem Tour with Entry Ticket
This tour, which includes skip-the-line tickets, will take you on an exciting journey through the luxurious and mysterious Topkapi Palace and its Harem. Read about the Ottoman Empire’s long past and learn about how the Sultans and their families lived. Topkapi Palace was once the center of the Ottoman Empire.
You can see how grand it is by walking through its many buildings, pavilions, and grounds. It’s like a self-contained city that the people who lived there rarely left. As you walk through the grounds on the terraces, you can take in the view of the Golden Horn.
You can really feel like you’re in the Ottoman Empire as you walk through the hundreds of rooms that were home to the Sultans, their large families, and their many staff. Go to the Harem, which was run by the Queen Mother and had both political and personal power. Inlaid cabinet doors made of mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell have beautiful, intricate details.
You can also find early Iznik tiles that are very well made and have floral patterns and Quranic verses on them. Finally, pay a visit to the imperial kitchens and the holy relics to finish your tour of this famous palace and learn all about its interesting past.
Included:
- Admission ticket for Topkapi Palace
- Admission ticket for the harem
- Licensed tour guide
- Pre-reserved tickets with priority access
- Guided tour of the Topkapi Palace and the Harem
- Shared group or private walking tour (depending on the option chosen)
- Galata port pickup only if ship details are provided
Buy Topkapi Palace & Harem Tour with Entry Ticket
Combo Tickets
This is also a great option we recommend especially for both first time visitors and budget travelers. Majority of the tourists visit Topkapi Palace on the same day with Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern due to their proximity.
Combo tickets become a good choice if want to get them all with same ticket. You can pick one of the combo tickets.
VIP Combo Ticket: Hagia Sophia + Topkapi Palace + Basilica Cistern
This is offered by Istanbul Welcome Card and we highly recommend. Save both time and money as you enjoy swift access to the city’s TOP 3 attractions: Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and Topkapi Palace.
This special ticket allows you to skip the line and gain priority access to three of the most impressive landmarks in the city, all of which are walking distance apart on the Historical Peninsula.
This is also a great option we recommend especially for both first time visitors and budget travelers. Majority of the tourists visit Topkapi Palace on the same day with Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern due to their proximity. Combo tickets become a good choice if want to get them all with same ticket. You can pick one of the combo tickets.
Why Choose the VIP Combo Ticket? With this ticket, you can save both time and money, as you get to visit three of the most popular attractions in Istanbul at a discounted price. By choosing this ticket, you won’t have to worry about long queues or waiting in line for hours, as you’ll have priority access to all three sites.
And, for the diverse global travelers, language is no barrier – indulge in the experience with our audio app available in 7 different languages.
The ticket includes:
- Skip the ticket lines (except Hagia Sophia)
- 60 min Hagia Sophia Tour
- 60 min Topkapi Palace Tour
- 20 min Basilica Cistern Tour
- All entrance fees
- English speaking tour guide
- Audio app in English, German, Russian, Italian, Spanish, French, Turkish
Istanbul Must See Highlights Tour
Another great combo with Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque & Bosphorus Cruise.
Designed for those on a tight schedule, this guided tour ensures you won’t miss any of the major highlights. Let the knowledgeable guide streamline your journey, providing seamless transitions between landmarks. Say goodbye to the stress of navigating busy streets, allowing you more time to immerse yourself in the beauty of Istanbul.
The ticket includes:
- Your English-speaking guide breaks down the language barrier
- No need to decide where to go next: your itinerary is fully planned
- Boat and public transport fares included: no need to buy a bus card
- Meet in central Fatih, or arrange pickup from another convenient location
Buy Istanbul Must See Highlights Tour
Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace Half Day Tour
A good tour led by an expert guide to enjoy an in-depth exploration of two iconic sites: Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.
This tour is not just about landmarks; it’s also about uncovering the captivating stories and intriguing details that often escape other tours. Your guide will reveal the hidden gems and share fascinating tales, ensuring you gain a comprehensive understanding of the rich history and cultural significance of Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.
- Interact with your guide and enjoy the intimacy of a small-group tour
- Learn the details of two of Istanbul’s most famous attractions
- Save time in Topkapi Palace with priority access
- Learn about the history of these impressive places with an expert guide
Buy Hagia Sophia + Topkapi Palace Half Day Tour
How to Get to Topkapi Palace?
Location
Topkapi Palace is situated in the Sultanahmet neighborhood of Fatih district, along the Sultanahmet Sqaure, just very close to the famous Hagia Sophia. See the location map.
Transportation
The most practical way to get to Sultanahmet is via Bagcilar-Kabatas tram (T1 line).
- The closest tram stop is Sultanahmet.
- Sultanahmet Square and most of the connecting roads are closed for vehicle traffic except tram and tour buses.
- From Taksim, take the funicular to Kabatas (from taksim Square) or funicular to Karakoy (from Tunel square) and than take the tram.
- If you stay at the Sultanahmet hotels, than you easily walk to the museum.
Check our Sultanahmet page to see how to get to Sultanahmet in details.
Contact Details
Address: Sultanahmet, Fatih, Istanbul
Tel: +90 212 512 04 80
Web: millisaraylar.gov.tr