Can I skip the lines at Topkapi Palace?

Yes, book <experience tgid="13473" type="Popup" title="Topkapi Palace and Harem skip-the-line tickets" id="90drIVxv" /> to bypass long ticketing lines and directly access the palace interiors. The tickets also include a multilingual audio guide, available in over 10 languages for your convenience.

Do I need a separate ticket for the Harem Museum?

You don’t have to purchase separate tickets to enter the Topkapi Palace Harem Museum. All our Topkapi Palace tickets offer access to the Harem.

How much do Topkapi Palace entrance tickets cost?

The <experience tgid="13473" type="Popup" title="Topkapi Palace skip-the-line tickets" id="mzytLYnZ" /> start from <price displayProperty="FinalPrice" entity="Collection" entityId="1892" id="zH1OYRx9" />. If you want an expert guide to accompany you on your tour, opt for the guided tours starting from €59.

Are guided tours available for Topkapi Palace?

Yes, you can book <experience tgid="13472" type="Popup" title="Topkapi Palace and Harem guided tours" id="KVvJpFb3" /> for an in-depth experience. The tour includes an expert professional, who takes you through the inner rooms and courtyards, and educates you about the history, architecture, and cultural significance of the palace.

Which combo ticket should I choose?

When booking tickets to visit the Topkapi Palace, there are several combo options you can choose from. The <link linkType="custom" newTab="true" url="https://book.topkapipalace-tickets.com/book/28763/" id="gggoy1lJ" shortCodeType="link" text="Istanbul Super Combo" /> offers exceptional value with skip-the-line access to multiple top attractions, including the Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, Harem Museum, and more. If you are looking to see Istanbul from a fresh perspective, opt for the Istanbul in-a-day combo ticket. It offers a walk-through around the Old Town sites and a scenic yacht cruise with lunch.

What is included in the 3-day Museum Pass?

The 3-day Museum Pass allows you to explore many of the city’s iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern. You can also top it up with a Bosphorus sightseeing cruise and avail yourself of an English-speaking tour guide.

Which ticket is best for a short stay in Istanbul?

If you are planning to spend a week or more in Istanbul, choose the Istanbul Megapass. It offers ultimate flexibility and access to a range of attractions. Depending on your choice, you can visit 2, 4, or 9 attractions, including Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Dolmabahce Palace, and more. The pass even includes a 5-ride transportation card, making it easy for you to hop between attractions and cover more sights in a day.

Book Topkapi Palace Tickets | Skip-the-line Entry

Tickets

4.1(0)

Skip-the-Line Tickets to Topkapi Palace & Harem with Audio Guide

Explore Topkapi Palace, the Ottoman sultans' imperial home for 400+ years, and a UNESCO World Heritage site rich in Turkish history and culture.
Enter the palace led by a representative, and explore the opulent interiors at your own pace, assisted by an audio guide available in 5 languages.
See the First Courtyard that once consisted of a hospital, a bakery, an arsenal, the mint, storage places, and some dormitories.
The Second Courtyard was the seat of the Divan and also hosted the privy stables and the kitchens.
Visit the kitchen to see a stunning display of the Chinese porcelain collection, which is said to be the third most valuable in the world.
Upgrade your ticket to include a guided tour of Topkapı Palace and Basilica Cistern to gain in-depth insights from an expert guide.

Explore Topkapi Palace, the Ottoman sultans' imperial home for 400+ years, and a UNESCO World Heritage site rich in Turkish history and culture.
Enter the palace led by a representative, and explore the opulent interiors at your own pace, assisted by an audio guide available in 5 languages.
See the First Courtyard that once consisted of a hospital, a bakery, an arsenal, the mint, storage places, and some dormitories.
The Second Courtyard was the seat of the Divan and also hosted the privy stables and the kitchens.
Visit the kitchen to see a stunning display of the Chinese porcelain collection, which is said to be the third most valuable in the world.
Upgrade your ticket to include a guided tour of Topkapı Palace and Basilica Cistern to gain in-depth insights from an expert guide.

Inclusions

Skip-the-line entry into Topkapı Palace
Access to Harem Museum
Audio guide in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.
The services of a representative who will lead you to the entrance
2-hour guided tour of Topkapi Palace & Basilica Cistern with entry tickets (optional)
English-speaking guide (optional)

Note that you will be able to enter the Topkapi Palace only with a representative. Meet your guide at the meeting point, who will then take you inside the palace.
Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before your scheduled entry time.
The audio guide app is available in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. You'll find instructions on how to use the audio guide app in your ticket voucher.
There is limited internet at the museum/pier so download the app before your visit. The app does not require internet once it has been downloaded (ensure your GPS is activated).
Please bring your headphones to listen to the audio guide.
Enter the palace and stay as long as you want until its closing time of 5pm.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

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Mobile ticket

Flexible duration

Audio guide

Guided tour

Combos

4.2(0)

Istanbul Super Combo: Topkapi Palace + Hagia Sophia + Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide

Explore Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern with one all-access ticket, complete with audio guides and skip-the-line entry at each.

Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Walk straight into Hagia Sophia with skip-the-line access, gaze up at golden mosaics from the Upper Gallery, and hear the echoes of Byzantine and Ottoman empires in every arch.
Everything you get at Topkapi Palace: Enter Topkapi Palace without the wait and wander through the Harem’s ornate chambers. See treasures like the jewel-studded Topkapi Dagger and relics once guarded by sultans.
Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: Step into the shadowy Basilica Cistern, where flickering light dances across ancient columns, echoing vaults, and Medusa’s icy stare beneath the water.
Why choose this: With the 3-in-1 combo, save money and skip the hassle of separate bookings. All three sites are just a five-minute walk apart—no transfers, no stress. Download the audio guides on your phone and dive into the stories in your own time and your preferred language.

Explore Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern with one all-access ticket, complete with audio guides and skip-the-line entry at each.

Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Walk straight into Hagia Sophia with skip-the-line access, gaze up at golden mosaics from the Upper Gallery, and hear the echoes of Byzantine and Ottoman empires in every arch.
Everything you get at Topkapi Palace: Enter Topkapi Palace without the wait and wander through the Harem’s ornate chambers. See treasures like the jewel-studded Topkapi Dagger and relics once guarded by sultans.
Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: Step into the shadowy Basilica Cistern, where flickering light dances across ancient columns, echoing vaults, and Medusa’s icy stare beneath the water.
Why choose this: With the 3-in-1 combo, save money and skip the hassle of separate bookings. All three sites are just a five-minute walk apart—no transfers, no stress. Download the audio guides on your phone and dive into the stories in your own time and your preferred language.

Inclusions Basilica Cistern

Skip-the-line entry
Audio app for iOS and Android in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, & Turkish

Hagia Sophia

Skip-the-line entry
Access to Hagia Sophia's Upper Gallery visiting area
Audio guide in English, German, French, Italian, & Spanish

Topkapi Palace

Skip-the-line entry
Access to Topkapi Palace Harem, including Royal Apartments & the Imperial Hall
Access to Topkapi Palace Museum, including the Treasury and Sacred Relics Room
Audio guide in English, Arabic, French, German, & Spanish

Basilica Cistern

Tip: Make sure to follow the full path before heading to the exit. The Medusa heads are at the far end.
Skip-the-line access saves time, but all guests must still pass through standard security screening.
For a quieter visit, aim for early morning or late afternoon when crowds are smaller and the space feels more serene.
Surfaces can be slick in spots. Choose footwear that’s stable and slip-resistant.
The lighting is low to preserve the mood; switch to night mode or steady your phone to capture clearer shots.

Hagia Sophia

Tip: Security checks are mandatory for all visitors. During summer, the queue can stretch beyond the courtyard.
Only the upper level is accessible to tourists. The ground floor prayer halls are reserved for worshippers.
You cannot enter the mosque during prayer times, so plan your visit around the daily schedule.
On Fridays, tourist entry is closed from noon to mid-afternoon to accommodate Friday prayers.
Modest attire is a must; scarves are provided at the entrance if you don't bring your own.

Topkapi Palace

Tip: Some of the most beautiful tilework in the palace is housed inside the Harem. Make sure to stop by.
The skip-the-line tickets let you bypass ticketing lines. Security checks are mandatory and take about 30 to 40 minutes between June and August.
Security lines can stretch long in the morning. Visit in the late afternoon hours or right when it opens for a smoother entry.
Photography is not allowed in many of the Harem rooms and the Treasury. Check the signs before taking pictures.
The Spoonmaker’s Diamond, one of the palace’s highlights, is often behind glass in a dim room. Look at the reflection on the wall to view it clearly.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

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Audio guide

Combos

4.1(0)

Combo: Topkapi Palace + Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets

With this combo ticket, save money as you get skip-the-line access to the Basilica Cistern and the Topkapi Palace.
On the Basilica Cistern tour, discover hundreds of ancient cisterns hidden beneath Istanbul's Sunken Palace.
Explore with your guide and see the 336 well-preserved Byzantine columns and the two Medusa heads.
Visit the Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman sultans in the 15th century, and learn more about its history from your tour guide.
Enjoy entry to the Harem, a place that served not only as a private living space for the sultan's wives, and female relatives but also as a center of political and social dynamics.

With this combo ticket, save money as you get skip-the-line access to the Basilica Cistern and the Topkapi Palace.
On the Basilica Cistern tour, discover hundreds of ancient cisterns hidden beneath Istanbul's Sunken Palace.
Explore with your guide and see the 336 well-preserved Byzantine columns and the two Medusa heads.
Visit the Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman sultans in the 15th century, and learn more about its history from your tour guide.
Enjoy entry to the Harem, a place that served not only as a private living space for the sultan's wives, and female relatives but also as a center of political and social dynamics.

Inclusions Basilica Cistern

Skip-the-line entry
Free time to explore more

Topkapi Palace

Skip-the-line entry
Free time to explore more
Topkapi Palace audio guide app
Entry to Harem

Basilica Cistern

Skip-the-line entry
Free time to explore more
English-speaking tour guide

Topkapi Palace

Skip-the-line ticket
Free time to explore more
Topkapi Palace audio guide app
Entry to Harem

Basilica Cistern

Tip: When exploring the underground cistern, you may find yourself feeling a chill due to its dim and moist atmosphere. Bring along a lightweight cardigan for extra warmth.

Topkapi Palace

Tip: During your free time at the palace, use the audio app to the fullest to get an insight into its intriguing past.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

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Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

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Mobile ticket

Flexible duration

Audio guide

Guided Tours

4.2(0)

Guided Tour of Topkapi Palace & Harem with Skip-the-Line Tickets

Visit the imperial residence of Ottoman sultans, a landmark that served as their home for over 400 years. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a captivating journey into Turkish history and culture.
With skip-the-line entry, follow your expert guide to learn about the fascinating history of the palace built as the Ottomans conquered Istanbul and all that you see around you.
Marvel at the Ottoman Army's weapons, beautiful fabrics, jewels, and art, and discover a collection of Chinese and Japanese porcelain in the palace kitchen.
The Holy Relics Chamber includes items associated with legendary historical figures such as Prophet Muhammad, Moses, and David.
You can also visit the Harem section, once the abode of the Sultan and his family, decorated with beautiful Kutahya and Iznik tiles.

Visit the imperial residence of Ottoman sultans, a landmark that served as their home for over 400 years. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a captivating journey into Turkish history and culture.
With skip-the-line entry, follow your expert guide to learn about the fascinating history of the palace built as the Ottomans conquered Istanbul and all that you see around you.
Marvel at the Ottoman Army's weapons, beautiful fabrics, jewels, and art, and discover a collection of Chinese and Japanese porcelain in the palace kitchen.
The Holy Relics Chamber includes items associated with legendary historical figures such as Prophet Muhammad, Moses, and David.
You can also visit the Harem section, once the abode of the Sultan and his family, decorated with beautiful Kutahya and Iznik tiles.

Inclusions

1-hour guided tour
English-speaking guide
Skip-the-ticket-line entry to Topkapi Palace
Access to Harem Section
Audio App for IOS & Android in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish

Tip: Monday mornings and the winter are the best times to experience the beauty of the palace in peace as it is the least crowded.
Audio App for IOS and Android is available in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish.
Children will be asked to present their valid passports at the entrance of the museums to validate their age.
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.

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1 hr. - 2 hr.

City Cards

4.4(0)

Istanbul MegaPass: Skip-the-Line E-Tickets for Top Attractions

Build your perfect Istanbul adventure by picking 2 to 9 attractions, from iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace to cultural gems like a hammam or dervish show.

Everything you get: Access to top landmarks like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Dolmabahçe Palace (choose 2-4 based on your pass), guided tours including the Asian side walking tour and hop-on hop-off bus, cultural experiences like a Turkish bath or Dervish ceremony, a Blue Mosque tour, Bosphorus dinner cruise, a 5-ride transportation card, multilingual audio guides for all attractions, a digital guidebook, and a city map to navigate it all.
Why choose this: Enjoy seamless access with one easy pass that covers guided tours, a Bosphorus cruise, and a 5-ride public transport card for getting around the city. Choose the Premium Pass to visit 4 attractions or go all in with the Deluxe Pass to unlock 9 of the city’s best, with all tickets delivered straight to your inbox.

Build your perfect Istanbul adventure by picking 2 to 9 attractions, from iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace to cultural gems like a hammam or dervish show.

Everything you get: Access to top landmarks like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Dolmabahçe Palace (choose 2-4 based on your pass), guided tours including the Asian side walking tour and hop-on hop-off bus, cultural experiences like a Turkish bath or Dervish ceremony, a Blue Mosque tour, Bosphorus dinner cruise, a 5-ride transportation card, multilingual audio guides for all attractions, a digital guidebook, and a city map to navigate it all.
Why choose this: Enjoy seamless access with one easy pass that covers guided tours, a Bosphorus cruise, and a 5-ride public transport card for getting around the city. Choose the Premium Pass to visit 4 attractions or go all in with the Deluxe Pass to unlock 9 of the city’s best, with all tickets delivered straight to your inbox.

Inclusions

Landmarks & Palaces: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, & Dolmabahce Palace (choose 2/4/0 depending on your pass tier)
Guided tours: Asian side walking tour & hop-on hop-off bus tour (based on your pass tier)
Cultural experiences: Turkish bath or hammam experience & Dervish ceremony (based on your pass tier)
Blue Mosque guided tour
Bosphorus dinner cruise
5-ride Istanbul transportation card
Multilingual audio guides for all attractions
Digital guidebook
City, tram, and metro map

Get the list of included attractions here.
All activities are open-entry with no reservations required; only the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise needs to be booked in advance.
Your pass is valid for 7 consecutive days starting from the first time you use it.
You’re free to visit multiple attractions each day, but each attraction can only be accessed once with your pass.
Skip-the-line access is included, but security checks still apply at all venues.
The multilingual audio guides are available offline, so you don't have to rely on a spotty signal.
The included transport card can be used across trams, ferries, buses, and metros—no need to buy separate tickets, but make sure to validate your card at necessary stops.
The digital guidebook includes curated tips and navigation shortcuts between included attractions, helping you plan smarter and save time.
Access to the main prayer hall on the ground floor of the Hagia Sophia is restricted for tourists. You can only visit the upper floor visiting area.
The Asian side walking tour is one of the best ways to see a non-touristy, authentic side of Istanbul. It's slower-paced and culturally rich.
The upper deck of hop-on-hop-off buses offers the best views across the Bosphorus Bridge.
Choose traditional hammams for a more authentic experience.
Opt for evening Dervish sessions for a quieter, more atmospheric setting, and sit closer to the front for a better view of the whirling ritual.
The window seats fill up fast on cruises; arrive early to grab the best spots.

Your selected attraction tickets will be sent via email. If you’ve chosen the Deluxe Pass, you’ll receive tickets for all included experiences.
Show the PDF tickets on your phone, or print a physical copy if you prefer.
You can edit your chosen list of attractions anytime, and cancel your pass free of charge up to one day before your chosen start date.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

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Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

Flexible duration

Audio guide

Guided tour

Topkapi Palace highlights

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.

About Topkapi Palace

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.

Topkapi Place Harem

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.

About Topkapi Palace Museum

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.

European Porcelain Exhibit

The Topkapi Palace kitchens, 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.

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.

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.

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.

Plan your visit to Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace Opening Hours:

Winter period: From 1st October to 1st April
Open on: Wednesday to Monday
Museum, Harem, and Hagia Irene timings: 9 AM to 6 PM
Summer period: From 1st April to 1st October
Open on: Wednesday to Monday
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

Address: Topkapi Palace is located at Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Find on Map

Getting there:

By Tram: T1
Nearest tram station: Gülhane istasyonu, Sultanahmet
By Bus: 28T, 30D, 46Ç, 47E, 99A, BN1, EM1
Nearest bus stop: Akbıyık
By Metro: M2
Nearest metro station: Vezneciler:
By Train: Marmaray (Atakoy–Pendik) line
Nearest train station: Marmaray Sirkeci İstasyonu
By Car: The distance between Istanbul Airport and Topkapi Palace is about 50 km
Nearest parking: Sports Car Park, Naz Otopark

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

Find on Maps

While there are no eateries within Topkapi Palace, there are many restaurants and cafes nearby where you can enjoy a delectable meal.

Roof Mezze 360: The rooftop Roof Mezze 360 restaurant offers traditional Turkish food with a global twist.

Turgut Kebab Restaurant: If you are craving kebabs, Turgut Kebab Restaurant, which offers both dine-in and takeaway services, is the best place to go.

Fish Home Ahhir Kapi Restaurant: If you love seafood, head to Fish Home Ahhir Kapi Restaurant after you visit Topkapi Palace.

Şiva barbecue: Şiva barbecue is the best place to go for all the barbecue fans visiting the Topkapi Palace.