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Note:
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All of Istanbul’s National Museums, including Topkapi Palace, were closed during the Covid-19 outbreak. However, after implementing several safety protocols, Topkapi Palace opened its doors to visitors on June 2, 2020.
Topkapi Palace has more colorful stories than the majority of the world’s galleries combined and it is surely one of the best places to visit in Istanbul. The magnificent courtyards, jewel-filled Treasury, and spacious Harem of the estate provide an intriguing peek into the lives of the palace’s renowned occupants of the past. The palace was once the Ottoman sultans’ primary home and administrative center. Soon after the Conquest in 1453, Mehmed the Conqueror began the construction of the first phase of the palace, which he occupied until his death in 1481.
Learn More About Topkapi PalaceThese tickets allow you to skip the long waiting lines waiting for a ticket. You can head straight to the security check and explore the palace at your own leisure. These tickets come in slots to make sure the palace isn’t too crowded at any point as well. Explore the magnificent Topkapi palace as you marvel at the Ottoman’s expensive tastes, beautiful gardens, priceless jewels, hidden sanctuaries, and much more.
Super Flexible Cancellation: Get a full refund on canceling this ticket up to 24 hours before the schedule.
Book This TicketThis ticket also comes with skip-the-line access and includes a free audio guide available in 9 different languages. Explore the monument and discover its rich history along with some untold secrets of the palace with an English-speaking guide.
Discounted Tickets: Children below the age of 6 can enter for free.
Super Flexible Cancellation: Get a full refund on canceling this ticket up to 24 hours before the schedule.
Book This TicketWith the help of an expert local guide, explore the Topkapi Palace for its rich history. Bask in the glory of the Ottoman Era as you discover ancient artifacts, the Ottoman administrative headquarters and residences, and the Imperial Treasury.
Discounted Tickets: Children between the ages of 3 to 7 years can enjoy reduced pricing.
Super Flexible Cancellation: Get a full refund on canceling this ticket up to 24 hours before the schedule.
Book This TicketGain a smooth entry into the Topkapi Palace with these VIP tickets that avoid long queues. With an English-speaking historian guide, discover the home and HQ of the Ottoman Empire, along with getting an entry into the Harem. There is also an audio guide included in the ticket.
Discounted Tickets: Children below the age of 6 can enter for free.
Super Flexible Cancellation: Get a full refund on canceling this ticket up to 24 hours before the schedule.
Book This TicketThis combo ticket allows you to explore not just the Topkapi Palace, but also the famous Hagia Sophia. Explore the highlights of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires as you join a small group of not more than 12 other guests led by an expert guide.
Discounted Tickets: Children aged 3 to 8 can enjoy reduced pricing. Children aged 2 or below can enter for free.
Super Flexible Cancellation: Get a full refund on canceling this ticket up to 24 hours before the schedule.
Book This TicketThis small-group tour has no more than 12 guests at a time to allow you to soak in the rich Ottoman history at your own pace. The tour includes the courtyards, terraced gardens, pavilions, royal residences, the Imperial Treasury, and much more!
Discounted Tickets: Children aged 3 to 12 can enjoy reduced pricing. Children aged 2 or below can enter for free.
Super Flexible Cancellation: Get a full refund on canceling this ticket up to 24 hours before the schedule.
Book This TicketThis museum pass allows you skip-the-line entry into some of the most famous attractions in Istanbul, including Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, and much more! The ticket also includes an expert English-speaking guide.
Discounted Tickets: Children aged 5 to 11 can enjoy reduced pricing. Children aged 2 or below can enter for free.
Super Flexible Cancellation: Get a full refund on canceling this ticket up to 24 hours before the schedule.
Book This TicketThis ticket comes with a 7-day validity that allows you to explore many Istanbul attractions like Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern on English-guided tours. The card also allows you to get around the city on public transport for free!
Discounted Tickets: Children aged between 0 to 5 can go free.
Super Flexible Cancellation: Get a full refund on canceling this ticket up to 24 hours before the schedule.
Book This TicketGet easy access to all the best attractions in Istanbul with this tourist pass! This ticket includes guided tours to Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, and many more. Choose between 3, 5, or 7-day passes to visit over 35 attractions in Istanbul!
Discounted Tickets: Children aged 5 to 11 can enjoy reduced pricing.
Super Flexible Cancellation: Get a full refund on canceling this ticket up to 24 hours before the schedule.
Book This TicketPerfect for those in a time crunch, this ticket allows you to explore some of the best attractions of Istanbul within a single day! The ticket gives you a fast-tracked entry into Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque and also includes an expert English guide. End with a 2.5-hour sunset yacht cruise.
Discounted Tickets: Children aged 4 to 15 can enjoy reduced pricing. Children aged 3 or below can enter for free.
Super Flexible Cancellation: Get a full refund on canceling this ticket up to 24 hours before the schedule.
Book This TicketBuying your Topkapi Palace online tickets is your best option. Not only do you get amazing deals, you can also skip long lines, make advanced bookings and experience hassle-free cancellation.
Convenience: You can skip long waiting lines for the ticket and head straight to the security check into the palace. You also don’t have to carry a physical ticket, just show it on your phone!
Advanced Reservation: You can plan your trip ahead of time to ensure that you explore everything and make the most of your trip.
Discounts: You can avail discounted rates and book combo tours that allow you to visit other historical monuments along with the Topkapi Palace.
Flexible Cancelation: If you change your mind, you can even cancel your ticket and get a full refund.
Shortly after his conquest of Constantinople (the olden name of Istanbul) in 1453, Mehmed the Conqueror started building the first level of the palace. He also lived here until his death in 1481. Sultans stayed at the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul until the nineteenth century. After a huge fire that devastated the royal kitchens in 1574, Sultan Selim II entrusted Mimar Sinan with restoring the damaged section of the palace. The Topkapi Palace remained an Ottoman stronghold throughout this period.
The first courtyard, also known as the First Court, is the palace’s largest and sole public space. Throughout the reign of the Ottoman Empire, the Imperial gates were opened to anyone unarmed. The wide expanse of the courtyard was perfect for celebrations and parades, and it was probably the busiest of the palace's squares.
The Salutation Gate opens up to the Second Court of Topkapi Palace. Known as the Divan Square, the Second Court used to be the administrative center. This area would only be opened to the members of the court and other formal visitors. In the Domed Chamber, also known as Council Hall, members of the Council met many times a week to deliberate imperial concerns.
The harem was really the sultan’s family’s dwelling quarters, and it was rigorously partitioned by gender. In the 16th Century, Murat III got apartments built here, which eventually became the sultan’s palace as well. The harem, like the remainder of the palace, was constantly refurbished and expanded to meet growing demands. The outcome today is a complex plan with a variety of architectural influences.
The Felicity Gate, with its canopied entrance, opens to the Third Court, or innermost square, which accommodated the Sultan’s private home and the internal imperial school. The sultan, his family, his staff, and the infrequent authorized guest were the only ones who could enter. Visitors to the Sultan were limited to the Audience Chamber and were required to conform to a strict protocol.
Situated at the eastern end of the court, the Topkapi Treasury includes priceless riches like silver, gold, emeralds, jades, rubies, pearls and diamond-encrusted artifacts. The Treasury was built in 1460 while Mehmed the Conqueror reigned and was originally used as a reception hall. The jewel-encrusted Sword of Süleyman the Magnificent and the remarkable Throne of Ahmed I, studded with mother-of-pearl and fashioned by Sedefkar Mehmed Agha, builder of the Blue Mosque, are also worth seeing.
The third courtyard connects to the Fourth Court, which features tiered lawns and pavilions. It is home to the Baghdad Pavilion, Circumcision Chamber, and Yerevan Pavilion, all of which are ornamented lavishly. The charming gilt-bronze Iftar Pergola, where sultans often broke their fasts if Ramadan occurred in the summertime, is one of the most distinctive features in the fourth courtyard.
The palace cooks and confectionaries, which currently house the imperial porcelain exhibit, as well as the External Treasury, were all located in the second courtyard. The porcelain collection demonstrates the empire’s global reach, with items acquired from Europe, as well as China and Japan. Celadon from China was treasured as dinnerware because it was thought that if the food served in it was poisoned, it would change color.
The Royal Arms were also kept in the External Treasury. The artifacts in the collections, like other objects at the Topkapi Palace Museum, were either made by workshops on the Sultan’s orders, acquired at markets, received as presents from visiting diplomats, or accumulated from conquered people.
You can reserve tickets for your group in advance using the online ticket booking system. As Topkapi Palace only permits a limited number of guests at a time and in slots, pre-booking your tickets ensures your entry into the palace. You can also plan your trip ahead of schedule and the flexible cancellation policy allows you to get a full refund if your plans change as well!
Topkapi Palace Opening Hours:
Winter: From October 30th to April 15th
Museum, Harem and Hagia Irene: 9 AM to 4:45 PM
Summer: From April 16th to October 29th
Museum, Harem and Hagia Irene: 9 AM to 4:45 PM
Closed Dates: Topkapı Palace is closed on Tuesdays, 1 May, the first day of Ramadan, and the first day of Sacrifice.
Topkapi Palace is located at Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
By Car: Take the Adnan Menderes Boulevard onto Turgut Özal Millet Cd and then on to Alemdar Cd to reach Topkapi palace.
By Train: The closest train station is Marmaray Sirkeci İstasyonu station which is a 15-minute walk from the palace.
By Tram: The closest tram stop is at Gülhane Istasyonu which is a 10-minute walk from Topkapi Palace.
By Bus: The closest bus stop is at Sarayburnu, which is an 18-minute walk from the palace.
Wheelchair Accessibility: Topkapi Palace is mostly accessible by wheelchairs. The main entrance has ramps for easy access. Most of the doors have ramps to get over the marble door frames. All four courtyards can be accessed by differently-abled individuals by the use of wheelchairs. There are also wheelchair accessible toilets in the palace. You can also rent a wheelchair from the entrance.
Audio Guides: You can avail audio guides at the palace to explore the palace by yourself as well. You may be charged extra for it if it isn’t already included in your ticket.
Toilets: There are toilets available throughout the palace.
Topkapi Palace Museum Shop
On the right side of the Topkapi Palace entrance, you will find the Museum Shop which sells merchandise and memorabilia. You can buy postcards, replica attire, and the likes of these from the museum shop.
Address: Museum Shop, Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
While there are no restaurants or eateries within the palace, there are places nearby where you can enjoy a delectable meal.
Roof Mezze 360: This rooftop restaurant offers traditional Turkish food with a global twist.
Turgut Kebab Restaurant: This dine-in and takeaway restaurant is the best place to go if you are craving kebabs.
Fish Home Ahhir Kapi Restaurant: If you love seafood, this is the restaurant that you must head to after your visit.
Şiva barbecue: This is the best place to go for all the barbecue fans visiting the Topkapi Palace.
Budget: Star Holiday Hotel, Sultanahmet Hotel Han, Meddusa Hotel
Mid-range: Zeynep Sultan Hotel, The Million Stone Hotel, Bon Design & Suite
Luxury: White House Hotel Istanbul, Agora Life Hotel, Vogue Hotel Supreme Istanbul
Hagia Sophia: A Byzantine cathedral turned mosque, the Hagia Sophia is an iconic landmark soaked in rich history as a melting pot of a myriad of cultures.
Blue Mosque: Located right opposite Hagia Sophia and built to outrival the Sophia, the Blue Mosque is famously known for its blue tiles.
Madame Tussauds Istanbul: Meet some of your favorite stars and icons at the life-like wax museum at Madame Tussauds Istanbul.
Bosphorus Cruises: Nestled right in the middle of Asia and Europe, the Bosphorus strait allows you to discover the beauty of Turkey from a completely different perspective.
A. Yes, there are tickets available for Topkapi Palace, and they can be booked online as well. Book your tickets online.
A. You can buy your Topkapi Palace tickets online here.
A. Yes, there are great deals and discounts available on Topkapi Palace tickets here.
A. Yes, Topkapi Palace is now open for visits.
A. Yes, it is safe to visit Topkapi Palace. It has many regulations in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19, like sanitisers in most places, social distancing norms, temperature checks, etc.
A. Yes, there are many guided tours available for Topkapi Palace. Check them out here.
A. Topkapi Palace is mostly wheelchair accessible with ramps available at most locations. There are also wheelchair accessible toilets available at the venue.