- The Topkapı Palace was the home of the Ottoman Sultan and his harem, 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.
- 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.
- Important: Please note that while you cannot enter the Topkapi Palace without a representative, this ticket is not for a guided tour. After your representative takes you to the entrance of the palace, you can visit the palace by yourself.
- Keep in mind that 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.
- 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 representative.
Note:
- There is limited internet at the museum/pier so please download the app prior to your visit.
- The app does not require internet once it has been downloaded (ensure you have activated GPS).
- Do not forget to bring your headphones.
- Get a full refund on canceling this ticket 24 hours before the schedule.
- 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.
- The palace was built by Mehmet the Conquerer and was home to Sultans for almost 4 centuries since.
- Explore the palace's opulent pavilions, courtyards, and many smaller buildings.
- An expert local guide will be alongside you, giving you insight into the history of the monument.
- 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.
- Get a full refund on canceling this ticket at any time within 24h of your schedule.
Skip the Line Guided Tour of Topkapi Palace
- 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.
- Children aged 3-7yrs enjoy reduced ticket pricing (carry a valid photo ID).
- Get a full refund on canceling this ticket 24h before the schedule.
Topkapi Palace VIP Tickets with Audio Guide (Includes Harem Ticket & Intro Tour)
- 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.
- The Ottoman Sultans and their female entourage lived at the palace for almost 400 years.
- 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.
- 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.
- Get a full refund on canceling this ticket 24 hours before your schedule.
- Enjoy skip-the-line admission to top attractions like Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, and more.
- Uncover hidden gems and get insider knowledge with the help of an English-speaking guide.
- Take the hassle out of travel by simply displaying your pass to the guide, and begin your tour.
- With a 5-day validity, you will have enough time to explore and discover at your own pace.
- Click herehttps://cdn-imgix.headout.com/miscellaneous/image/6cddaafecbd2858fd4d5126cf5af6599-11956_Istanbul%20New%20Schedule.jpg to view the list of included guided tours and departure points.
- Note: The Basilica Cistern is currently closed.
- As the Blue Mosque is still a working mosque, it is closed to tourists during prayer time. In general, the opening hours of the Blue Mosque are from 8:30 AM until one hour before dusk each day, excluding 90 minutes each prayer time, and 2 hours during Friday noon prayers.
- Entrance fees
- English-speaking guide
- Skip-the-line access
- Sights included in this pass: Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Turkish & Islamic Arts Museum, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Hagia Irene, and Dolmabahce Palace
- Get a full refund on canceling this ticket up to 24 hours before the schedule.
- Take your time to explore the Turkish metropolis with a 7-day validity from first use.
- Enjoy free rides on the public transportation system across Istanbul.
- Float on the magnificent Bosphorous on a cruise and view Istanbul from a different perspective.
- Enjoy English-guided/audio-guided tours of ancient sights like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern, depending on the option chosen.
- At the time of booking, add the date of arrival along with your accommodation details so that that pass can be delivered to you.
- Simply display your card in order to use it and exercise hassle-free redemption.
- The Museum Pass included with the card is valid for 5 days from first use. Only one-time entry is allowed at each museum.
- Click here for information on the Istanbul Welcome Card.
- Premium Welcome Card
- Public transportation card with 5 credits (can be used for metro, tram, bus, ferry, funicular, and metrobus)
- Fast-track entry to 12 museums
- Bosphorous Cruise
- English-speaking guide
- Digital guide book and city map
- Get a full refund on canceling this ticket up to 24 hours before the schedule
- Visit top attractions like Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and more.
- Enjoy perks like skip the line access, guided tours, cruises, and a hop-on-hop-off bus tour.
- Save up to 75% on attraction ticket prices.
- Get a special discount on one-way private airport transfers.
- Choose between 3, 5, or 7 days and explore over 35 sights and attractions.
- Simply display the pass at the entrance and enjoy a hassle-free experience.
- Your pass will expire in one year's time allowing flexibility in planning.
- Find the list of attractions included in the pass here.
- After booking your pass, please click here and here for more information about the guided tours timetable.
- 3/5/7-Day Tourist Pass
- Skip the line entry and guided tours
- Unlimited Wi-Fi
- Discounted one-way private airport transfer
- Free pick-up and drop-off from selected areas for the dinner cruise
- Get a full refund on canceling this ticket up to 24 hours before the schedule.
Istanbul Day Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Cruise & More
- For first-timers in Istanbul on a time crunch, this full-day guided tour is ideal.
- Enjoy fast-track entry into all the old town’s sights, including Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque.
- Listen intently to your tour guide who will fill you in on details about the visited attractions
- Take a short lunch break at a lovely local restaurant .
- End your trip on a high note by hopping aboard a luxury yacht for a sunset cruise.
- Channel through the waters and notice the Dolmabahçe palace, the Çamlıca Mosque, and Maiden's Tower pass along the route.
- Savor snacks like baklava and fresh seasonal fruits along with soft drinks on the yacht.
- Enjoy round-trip hotel transfers, adding to the convenience of your trip.
- Timings: 9 AM- 7 PM.
- Ages 0-3yrs go free. Ages 4-15yrs enjoy reduced ticket pricing (carry a valid photo ID).
- Get a full refund on canceling this ticket up to 24hrs before the schedule.
Combo Tour: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace Garden
- Your trip to Istanbul is incomplete if you do not visit the city's top landmarks - the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque.
- Meet your guide at the entrance of the Hagia Sophia, and learn about the building's tumultuous history.
- Located across is the Blue Mosque, where you'll come across the most beautiful handpainted blue tiles that are a combination of the Turkish (Ottoman) and Byzantine empires, as well as traditional Islamic architecture.
- Visit the free-of-charge areas at Topkapi Palace and learn about the history of the Ottoman Empire and what you can expect to find inside this museum.
- Children aged 0-7 enjoy reduced ticket pricing (carry a valid photo ID).
- Get a full refund on canceling this ticket up to 24 hours before the schedule.
Topkapi Palace Reopens After Covid-19
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.
Covid-19 Safety Measures at Topkapi Palace
- All the visitors and staff members are expected to wear masks at all times.
- Deep-cleaning is undertaken on a regular basis throughout the Topkapi Palace, in accordance with international hygiene standards.
- When touring Topkapi Palace, visitors are advised to wash their hands frequently.
- The museum's capacity has been lowered.
- All visitors to the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul are advised to follow social distancing rules.
- Upon entering the Topkapi Palace, all visitors and employees are subjected to a thermal scan.
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.
Learn More About Topkapi PalaceAll Your Topkapi Palace Tickets Explained
Topkapi Palace Tickets: Skip the Line
These 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 Ticket
Topkapi Palace Tickets with Highlights Tour
This 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.
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Skip the Line Guided Tour of Topkapi Palace
With 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 Ticket
Topkapi Palace VIP Tickets with Audio Guide (Includes Harem Ticket & Intro Tour)
Gain 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 Ticket
Small Group Tour of Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace
This 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 Ticket
Small Group Guided Tour of Topkapi Palace and Harem
This 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.
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Istanbul Museum Pass: Guided Tour + Skip the Line
This 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 Ticket
Istanbul Welcome Card
This 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 Ticket
Istanbul Tourist Pass: All Top Attractions & Services
Get 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.
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Istanbul Day Tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Cruise & More
Perfect 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 TicketWhat is the Best Way to Book Topkapi Palace Tickets? Book Online Tickets!
Buying 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.
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
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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.
Visitor Tips & Guidelines
- Secure your Topkapi Palace tickets well in advance if possible as this will make the entry procedure shorter.
- Arrive at the Topkapi Palace at least 10 minutes in advance.
- Don't forget to bring your and your child’s ID proof, especially if you have bought discounted tickets or are to get free entry.
- Topkapi Palace Harem tickets are available separately. Make sure to book them as well if you need to explore the Harem.
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, 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.