- Plan Your Visit
- Skip the Line Tours
- Guided Tours
- Timings
- Directions
- Topkapi Palace Harem
- Topkapi Palace Museum
Topkapi Palace Tickets and Tours
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Skip-the-Line Tickets to Topkapi Palace
- The Topkapı Palace was the home of the Ottoman Sultan, as well as the center for administration. It has survived four centuries and the rule of 25 sultans.
- Enter the Palace led by a representative, and explore the opulent interiors by yourself at your own pace, assisted by an audio guide available in 10 languages.
- The First Courtyard consisted of a hospital, a bakery, an arsenal, the mint, storage places, and some dormitories.
- Fun Fact: The Byzantine Church of Hagia Eirene was located in the first courtyard but was converted into an armory.
- The Second Courtyard was the seat of the Divan, and also hosted the privy stables and the kitchens.
- The kitchen has on display a collection of Chinese porcelain, which is said to be the third most valuable in the world.
- Upgrade your ticket to include entry to Basilica Cistern and a guided tour of Hagia Sophia to your tour.
Inclusions
- Skip-the-line entry into Topkapı Palace
- Audio guide in 10 languages
- The services of a representative who will lead you to the entrance
- Guided tour at Hagia Sophia (optional)
- Skip-the-line entry to Basilica Cistern (optional)
Exclusions
- Entrance to the Harem
- The audio guide app is available in English, German, French, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Arabic, Chinese, and Turkish. Instructions in voucher.
- You will get your ticket at the meeting point. Please arrive 15 mins before your time slot, further details will be in your voucher.
- There is limited internet at the museum/pier so download the app prior to your visit.
- The app does not require internet once it has been downloaded (ensure your GPS is activated). Please carry your own headphones.
- Entry to the Palace is only possible at the time slot selected during booking. Once inside, you can stay as long as you want until the closing time of 5pm.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Guided Tour of Topkapi Palace with Skip-the-Line Tickets
- Topkapı Palace was the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans for nearly 400 years.
- Enjoy the convenience of the skip-the-line entry (less queuing, more viewing!) as well as the company of an expert guide.
- Your expert guide will narrate the fascinating history of the palace and all that you see around you.
- Marvel at the weapons of the Ottoman Army, the beautiful fabrics, jewels, and art.
- In the Palace kitchen, discover an astonishing collection of Chinese and Japanese porcelain too.
- The Holy Relics Chamber contains items associated with legendary historical figures such as Prophet Muhammad, Moses, and David.
- Note: If you would like to visit the Harem, you can purchase a separate ticket at the ticket booth outside the Harem, once your guided tour has finished.
Inclusions
- Guided Tour of Topkapi Palace
- English, or Spanish-speaking guide
- Audio App for IOS & Android in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish & Turkish
- Skip the line service with a representative who will lead you to the entrance
- Entrance fees
Exclusions
- Entry to Harem
- Transportation
- Lunch
- Tip: Monday mornings and the winters are the best time to experience the beauty of the palace properly in peace as it is the least crowded.
- This tour is available in the following languages: English & Spanish.
- Audio App for IOS & Android is available in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish & Turkish.
- Children will be asked to present their valid passports at the entrance of the museums in order to validate their age.
- Your ticket does not include access to the harem.
- Please note that this attraction cannot be accessed directly by presenting the digital Pass at the museum. You need to enter with the tour guide.
- It is mandatory for guests to use a headset during the tour. For this reason, be sure to bring your ID card with you when you come to the Topkapi Palace Tour. ID cards will be taken during the use of the headset and will be returned at the end of the tour.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Combo: Hagia Sophia + Topkapi Palace + Basilica Cistern Guided Tours Tickets
- Save time and money with this combo ticket valid for 3 days, and enjoy hassle-free access to the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Basilica Cistern.
- Skip the lines at Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern (Hagia Sophia does not have fast-track entry tickets) and enter all the 3 museums to start your guided tour.
- Get the most important information and orientation tips from an official tour guide and benefit from an audio guide app available for Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace in 9 languages.
- Following this, feel free to explore the museums at your own pace and listen to the interesting commentary on your audio guides.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of Hagia Sophia
- Skip the line entry to Topkapi Palace & guided tour (optional)
- Skip the line entry to Basilica Cistern & guided tour (optional)
- Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace audio guide (English, German, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Arabic, Chinese, Turkish)
Exclusions
- Harem section in Topkapi Palace
- Headsets
- Hotel transfers
- Meal inclusions
- Entry to Hagia Sophia is free. This experience offers a guided tour of Hagia Sophia.
- Please download the audioguide app in your smartphone prior to your tour.
- The audio guide is available for Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace in the following languages: English, German, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Arabic, Chinese, and Turkish.
- This ticket is valid for 3 days. You may come at the available times, to the meeting points and visit these with your Istanbul Welcome Card guide. You can visit all 3 museums in 1 day or on different days.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Guided Tour of Topkapi Palace with Entry to Ottoman Imperial Harem
- Discover one of Istanbul’s prized UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Topkapi Palace.
- Enjoy skip-the-line entry to the attraction with your exclusive VIP tickets.
- Inside the harem, explore the passageways, the Queen Mother's Apartments, and the Courtyard of the Eunuchs.
- An expert local historian guide will be alongside you, giving you insight into the history of the monument.
- Additionally, you can enjoy engaging commentary from an audio guide as you explore the Palace.
Inclusions
- Topkapi Palace VIP tickets
- Skip-the-line entry
- Expert English-speaking historian guide
- 90-minute intro tour
- Access to Harem
- Audio guide
- Step 1: Go to Apple or Play Store and search for ''YourMobileGuide''.
- Step 2: Download ''YourMobileGuide''.
- Step 3: Open the App and select ''All Audio Tours''.
- Step 4: Select Turkey and then Istanbul and search for "Topkapi Palace".
- Step 5: You will receive your redeem code from the tour guide.
Note:
- There is limited internet at the museum/pier so please download the app prior to the tour.
- The app does not require internet once it has been downloaded (ensure you have activated GPS).
- Do not forget to bring your headphones.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Combo: Blue Mosque + Topkapi Palace + Basilica Cistern Guided Tour
- Save big with this combo to Istanbul’s finest sites – the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern – with an expert English-speaking guide.
- Visit the newly-renovated Blue Mosque, admire the blue Iznik tiles of the interior and its exterior domes, and tour the surrounding Old City.
- With skip-the-line tickets, avoid the long queues as you make your way into the Basilica Cistern. Admire the structure and the head of Medusa that lies within.
- Jump right to the start of the ticket line at the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans, and get deeper insights into the Ottoman Empire.
- With a flexible itinerary, you can stay back to explore each attraction over 1, 2, or 3 days, and even explore the site on your own after your tour.
Inclusions
Blue Mosque
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Entry to Blue Mosque
Topkapi Palace
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Skip-the-line entry to Topkapi Palace
Basilica Cistern
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Skip-the-line entry to Basilica Cistern
Exclusions
- Admission to Harem section of Topkapi Palace
- Tip: The best time to visit Istanbul is during the spring and autumn months, i.e., Dec to Mar and Sep to Dec since the weather then is ideal and tourists are fewer.
Blue Mosque
- Please note that the security line can take up to 60 minutes in the high season.
- If you do not have a scarf or body cover, you can buy them at the entrance (a scarf is 1€ and a body cover is 3€).
- Photography and outside food and drinks are allowed.
- Strict Dress Code: Women are required to cover their knees, shoulders, and chest. Hair should be partially covered with a scarf. Men are required to cover their knees and shoulders.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Istanbul Pass with Access to Top Attractions
- Valid for 7 days, the Istanbul Tourist Card lets you explore the Turkish metropolis as you skip the line to key attractions and cruise along the Bosphorus strait on a boat ride.
- Enjoy live guided tours and audio-guided tours of ancient sights like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern.
- See the underground pillars and learn about Byzantine architecture at the Basilica Cistern, and learn about the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople at Hagia Sophia.
- Get up to 10 free rides on the public transportation system across Istanbul including metro, tram, ferry, funicular, bus, and Metrobus.
- Set sail on the Bosphorus strait on a 90 min cruise and enjoy a 20% discount on Turkish baths, luxury yacht tours, the Whirling Dervish show, and more!
Inclusions
- Skip-the-line access and entry tickets to attractions
- 30 min Hagia Sophia highlights tour
- 30 min Topkapi Palace highlights tour
- 30 min Basilica Cistern highlights tour
- Unlimited stay inside each museum
- Audio guide app in 9 languages
- 90 min Bosphorus Cruise
- 10 rides with public transportation
- Digital guide book & map
Exclusions
- Skip-the-line service for Hagia Sophia
- Entrance into Harem of Topkapi
- Tip: Research and plan out your itinerary beforehand so that you can make the best use of your Istanbul Tourist Card!
- Your card will be valid for 7 days (in hours) after first use and only one-time entry is allowed at each attraction.
- Audio guide app is available in English, German, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Arabic, Chinese, and Turkish. The app can be downloaded on your smartphone prior to the visit.
- Skip-the-line line tickets let you skip ticket lines, not the security line.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Why Visit the Topkapi Palace?
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.
More About Topkapi PalaceAll Your Topkapi Palace Tickets Explained
Skip the Line Tickets
Topkapi Palace attracts millions of visitors every year, owing to long waiting lines at the entrance to buy tickets. The Topkapi Palace Skip-the-Line tickets allow you to save the time you’d rather spend in the lines. You can simply display your mobile voucher and gain entry access, giving you a lot more time to spend exploring the palace.
Guided Tour Tickets
Topkapi Palace is a massive attraction that has many stories and secrets to uncover. With a guided tour ticket, you can ensure that you discover the rich history and culture of the palace. Also, you will only be allowed access into the Imperial Harem when accompanied by an expert guide. You will also get access to free audio-guides available in multiple languages.
Access to the Imperial Harem
With a Guided Tour Ticket ticket, not only will you be able to skip waiting lines but also get priority access to Topkapi Palace. This will include a 90-minute tour along with access to the Imperial Harem. An expert English-speaking guide will give you a low down on the role Topkapi Palace played in Istanbul’s history. There is also an immersive audio-guide available on a free mobile app.
Istanbul Passes
Discover Istanbul’s top attractions like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hagia Irene, and many other incredible monuments of Istanbul along with Topkapi Palace. With this pass, you can enjoy skip-the-line access to every attraction and also explore the places with an expert English-speaking guide. With a 5-day validity, explore the city of Istanbul at your own pace.
Combo Guided Tours & Tickets
Skip ahead of long lines at Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern with these combo-guided tours. These tours seamlessly blend multiple attractions into a single package, optimizing time and value. You can visit a variety of cultural hotspots under professional guides, who will share interesting anecdotes and accompany you to explore hidden gems within these historical landmarks. You can also explore these attractions by yourself with an audio guide, available in 9 languages, included in these tours.
Combo: Hagia Sophia + Topkapi Palace + Basilica Cistern Guided Tour Tickets
Cancellation Policy
Cancel any of these tickets up to 24 hours before the scheduled time and get a full refund.
Topkapi Palace Highlights
Ottoman Imperial Palace
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.
First Court
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.
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Second Court
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.
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Harem
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.
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Third Court
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.
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Imperial Treasury
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.
Fourth Court
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.
European Porcelains
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.
Arms and Weapons
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.
Plan Your Visit to Topkapi Palace
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!
Book Topkapi Palace Tickets
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 6 PM
Closed Dates: Topkapı Palace is closed on Tuesdays, 1 May, the first day of Ramadan, and the first day of Sacrifice.
Topkapi Palace Hours
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.
Get Directions to Topkapi 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Topkapi Palace Tickets
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, 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.
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