English
English
Topkapi Palace Tickets and Tours
4.2(8.4K Ratings)
Headout is a brand trusted by millions of guests worldwide offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
Skip-the-Line Tickets to Topkapi Palace with Audio Guide
- 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
- 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.
- Upgrade your tickets to enjoy a visit to the Harem section decorated with beautiful Kutahya and Iznik tiles.
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
- 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: Topkapi Palace + Basilica Cistern + Blue Mosque + Hagia Sophia Guided Tour Tickets
- 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
Hagia Sophia
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Entry to Hagia Sophia
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.
- These tickets are valid for 2 days from the date of purchase.
Combo: Topkapi Palace + Dolmabahce Palace Guided Tours
- Save big with this combo ticket as you enjoy skip-the-line access and guided tours to Istanbul's Topkapi Palace and Dolmabahce Palace.
- The best part about this ticket is that you can visit both attractions on the same day or choose to visit the next day.
- Delve into the rich history of the Topkapi Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ornate chambers, rooms, and gardens.
- With your guide, explore the outer-terraced gardens and admire the view over the Golden Horn.
- Visit Dolmabahce Palace, the biggest royal residence of the Ottoman sultans, and learn more about the site with your guide and added multilingual audio guide.
- Explore the intricate palace gardens, with its beautiful fountain, that were designed in 1842 for Sultan Abdülmecid.
Inclusions
Topkapi Palace
- 1-hr guided tour of Topkapi Palace
- Skip-the-line entry
- English-speaking guide
Dolmabahce Palace
- Guided tour of Dolmabahce Palace
- English-speaking guide
- Audio guide in 9 languages
- With this combo ticket, you can visit each site once.
Topkapi Palace
- Tip: To avoid crowds, plan a visit during the week.
- Please note that you cannot enter Topkapi Palace without a guide.
- Visitors must pass through security.
Dolmabahce Palace
- Tip: The palace is near the Kabatas Tram station, you can reach it easily from Old Town and Taksim.
- The audio guide is available in English, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, and Chinese.
- Carry your ID to rent the audio guide.
- Note that during the winter season (November 1 to March 31), the palace opens around 9am and closes around 4pm.
- Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Headout Saver: 3-Day Skip-the-Line Tickets to Top Istanbul Attractions
- Avail 3-day, hassle-free access with this super saver tickets to Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque and a Bosphorus Cruise.
- Learn about the illustrious history of each of these landmarks from your expert English-speaking guide.
- Explore each historical site with a highlight tour while listening to interesting stories through an audio guide app available in 8 languages.
- Sail away on a relaxing 90-minute cruise of the Bosphorus Waterway as you admire the architectural beauty of Istanbul from a different perspective.
Inclusions
- 60-min Topkapi Palace tour with skip-the-line entry
- 30-min Basilica Cistern tour with skip-the-line entry
- 60-min Hagia Sophia guided tour
- 90-min Blue Mosque guided tour
- English-speaking guide
- 90-min Bosphorus Cruise
- Audio app in 8 languages
Exclusions
- Harem section Topkapi Palace access
- Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia
- Tip: Topkapi Palace's ground floor has the best Instagram potential. You get to photograph the stunning interiors and beautiful ceilings.
- The audio guide is available in English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish.
- Facilities: Pram/Stroller Accessibility.
- For Hagia Sophia, Women are required to cover their knees, shoulders, and chest. Their hair should be partially covered with a scarf. Men are required to cover their knees and shoulders. If you don't have a scarf or covering, it can be purchased at the entrance, at your own expense.
- With this admission ticket (except for Hagia Sophia), you will skip the ticket line, but not the security line. During high season, the security check could take up to 30 minutes.
- This tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not suitable for pets.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Top things to do in Istanbul
Why visit Topkapi Palace?
Ottoman opulence: Get a taste of royalty and opulence as you pass through the famed Imperial Gate that the Ottoman Sultans used as the main entrance to Topkapi Palace.
Architectural masterpiece: With its rich architectural and cultural beauty, this UNESCO World Heritage site draws more than 3 million people every year.
Historical significance: Venture into the Imperial Treasury that houses prized possessions, the suits of armor of Sultan Mustafa III, and weaponry such as the famous Topkapi Dagger.
Intricate artworks: Marvel at miniature artworks that depict parts of religious texts, court scenes of various Sultans, and the very first map of the world that was made in 1513.
Royal residence: The Topkapi Palace harem was the center of the Sultan’s private life. With more than 400 rooms, it is a colossal structure in itself and deserves the admiration that it receives.
About Topkapi PalaceWhich Topkapi Palace ticket should you buy?
If you are short on time
Go for: Guided tours with skip-the-line access
Guide: Expert English or Spanish-speaking guide, audio guide in 10 languages
Duration: 1 hr 30 mins or flexible, depending on the ticket
- If you have limited time to spend at Topkapi Palace, take one of the many guided tours with either an audio guide or an expert English or Spanish-speaking guide, where you can learn all about the castle’s intriguing history.
- These tickets include skip-the-line access, which allows you to save time by avoiding long ticket queues and directly enter the castle.
Recommended ticket:
If you are on a budget
Go for: Combo tickets
Guide: English-speaking guide, audio guides in multiple languages
Duration: Flexible
- With combo tickets, you can cover many of the top landmarks and experiences in Istanbul with a single ticket, making it easier on your finances.
- Some of these tickets are valid over multiple days, allowing you to visit the attractions according to your convenience, ensuring your trip is comfortable and hassle-free.
Recommended ticket:
If you are a history enthusiast
Go for: Guided tours
Guide: English or Spanish-speaking guide, audio guides in multiple languages
Duration: 1 hr 30 mins or flexible, depending on the ticket
- If you wish to know about Topkapi Palace in depth, opt for one of the guided tours, where an expert guide will take you on an extensive tour and enlighten you about the history of the palace.
- Many of these tickets come with skip-the-line access, giving you direct entry and more time to spend exploring this royal Ottoman residence.
Recommended ticket:
If you want to explore beyond Topkapi Palace
Go for: Combo tickets
Guide: English-speaking guide, audio guides in multiple languages
Duration: Flexible
- Unlock Istanbul’s top experiences and historical landmarks including Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and Dolmabahce Palace with combo tickets.
- With an English-speaking guide or audio guides in more than nine languages, you can comprehensively explore these attractions.
Recommended ticket:
Cancellation policy: Cancel any of these tickets up to 24 hours before the scheduled time and get a full refund.
Highlights of Topkapi Palace
Ottoman Imperial Palace
Shortly after his conquest of Constantinople (the historical name for Istanbul) in 1453, Mehmed the Conqueror started building the first level of Topkapi Palace. He lived here until his death in 1481. Ottoman Sultans stayed at Topkapi Palace in Istanbul until the 19th century. After a huge fire devastated the royal kitchens in 1574, Sultan Selim II entrusted Mimar Sinan with restoring the damaged sections of the palace. 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 open 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.
Second Court
The Salutation Gate opens 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 open to the members of the court and other formal visitors. In the Domed Chamber, also known as Council Hall, members of the imperial council met many times a week to deliberate the empire's administrative concerns.
Topkapi Palace Harem
The Topkapi Palace harem formed the residential quarters of the sultan’s family and was rigorously partitioned by gender. In the 16th century, Sultan Murat III had his apartments built here, eventually making it the sultan’s palace as well. The harem, like all the other structures 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.
.jpg?auto=format&w=468.29999999999995&h=267.59999999999997&q=90&fit=crop&ar=7%3A4)
Third Court
The Felicity Gate, with its canopied entrance, opens to the Third Court, or the innermost square of Topkapi Palace, which accommodated the Sultan’s private home and the internal imperial school. The sultan, his family, his staff, and the rare 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.
Imperial Treasury
Situated at the eastern end of the court, the Topkapi Palace Treasury includes priceless riches like silver, gold, emeralds, jades, rubies, pearls, and diamond-encrusted artifacts. 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 of Topkapi Palace. It is home to the Baghdad Pavilion, Circumcision Chamber, and Yerevan Pavilion, all of which are lavishly ornamented. 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.
European Porcelains
The palace kitchens of Topkapi Palace, which currently house the imperial porcelain exhibit, were located in the second courtyard. The porcelain collection demonstrates the Ottoman 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 and weapons were 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
Pre-book Your Tickets
Timings
Getting There
Accessibility
Facilities
Visitor tips
Shop
Dining
Stay
You can reserve your tickets in advance by booking your Topkapi Palace tickets online. As the palace only permits a limited number of guests at a time and in slots, pre-booking your tickets ensures your entry. 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.
Book Topkapi Palace Tickets
Topkapi Palace Opening Hours:
- Winter period: From 1st October to 1st April
Museum, Harem, and Hagia Irene timings: 9 AM to 6 PM - Summer period: From 1st April to 1st October
Museum, Harem, and Hagia Irene timings: 9 AM to 6 PM
Note: The ticket office closes at 5.30 PM
Closed Dates: Topkapı Palace is closed on Tuesdays, 1 May, the first day of Ramadan, and the first day of Sacrifice.
Topkapi Palace Opening 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.
How to get to Topkapi Palace
Wheelchair Accessibility: Topkapi Palace is mostly accessible by wheelchair. 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 wheelchair users. There are also wheelchair-accessible toilets in the palace.
Audio Guides: You can avail of audio guides at Topkapi Palace to explore it at your own pace. You may be charged extra for it if it isn’t already included in your ticket.
Toilets: There are toilets available throughout the palace.
- Secure your Topkapi Palace tickets well in advance if possible as this will make the entry procedure shorter.
- Arrive at Topkapi Palace at least 10 minutes early to avoid delays.
- Don't forget to carry ID proof for yourself and your children, especially if you have bought discounted tickets or are to get free entry.
- Topkapi Palace Harem tickets are available separately. Ensure that you book them as well if you want to explore the harem.
- Although there is no dress code as such, make sure that you wear clothing that covers your knees and shoulders.
- Topkapi Palace is a massive landmark. Carry a copy of the map to make sure you don't lose your way as you explore it.
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
Explore beyond Topkapi Palace
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.
Explore Hagia SophiaBlue Mosque
Located right opposite Hagia Sophia and built to outrival it, the Blue Mosque is famously known for its blue tiles.
Explore Blue MosqueBosphorus 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.
Explore Bosphorus CruisesFrequently Asked Questions about Topkapi Palace Tickets
Q. Are there tickets available for Topkapi Palace?
A. Yes, tickets are available for Topkapi Palace. You can buy your Topkapi Palace tickets online.
Q. Where can I get Topkapi Palace tickets?
A. You can book your Topkapi Palace tickets online.
Q. Are there any discounts available on Topkapi Palace tickets?
A. Yes, you can enjoy reduced prices on Topkapi Palace tickets, including skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and combo tickets.
Q. Is Topkapi Palace open for visits?
A. Yes, Topkapi Palace is open for visits.
Q. Are there guided tours available to Topkapi Palace?
A. Yes, there are many guided tours available for Topkapi Palace.
Q. Is Topkapi Palace wheelchair accessible?
A. Topkapi Palace is mostly wheelchair accessible with ramps available at most locations. There are also wheelchair accessible toilets available at the venue.
