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Topkapi Palace

  • Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey

Last updated: 29 December, 2024

Built in 1459 to become the 15th and 16th-century home of the Ottoman Sultans, this enormous complex became the centre of the Ottoman world. Now it’s a perfectly preserved time capsule of life at the top in this most exotic of empires. Some parts of the palace, especially the harem and the sultans’ private quarters, rank among the finest works of Turkish architecture and art.

The museum holds Ottoman clothing, weapons, armour, miniatures, religious relics, and illuminated manuscripts such as the Topkapi manuscript. The collections the sultans piled up over the centuries – from glittering jewels to Prophet Muhammad’s tooth – are beyond belief.

Don’t miss

Once the Sultans’ private garden, Gulhane Park is a great place to relax after seeing the palace. There’s also a pleasant café here with views over the Bosphorus.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • Istanbul

This tour is a must in Istanbul with a small group with all the tickets included! You will begin the day with the German Fountain- a gift of Kaiser Wilhelm next to Roman Hippodrome, where the chariot races were organised and take place. Blue Mosque the only mosque with six minarets. Next, you will see the. Hagia Sophia - The Church of Divine Wisdom is the highlight of this day. Following the visits you will be guided to Nakkas Cistern and presented to a presentation of old Istanbul and demonstration of Turkish Handicrafts and Grand Bazaar for thousand of shops. Magnificent Topkapı Museum is the big one, the most important museum of Turkey and Balkan Peninsula. First, second, third and fourth courtyards; the Audience Hall, Treasury, gardens, kiosks. Hagia Irene Church. Your lunch will be served en route in a local and authentic restaurant where you will be able to taste various types of local tastes. To see these things with a great guide. Well, you will never be quite the same again.

Price $175

Min age 1

Rating 4.94 / 5 [557 ratings]

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  • Istanbul

Take a hassle-free tour of Istanbul's most famous attractions with your own private guide to lead the way. You'll enjoy personalized attention on your private tour of magical Istanbul and its signature sights: the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace.

Price $225

Min age 0

Rating 4.41 / 5 [220 ratings]

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  • Istanbul

Experience the captivating history and legends of Ottoman Istanbul on a small-group guided tour. Enjoy priority admission with skip-the-line tickets and an expert local guide. Explore the famed Harem—the sultans’ private quarters—plus the Holy Relics, Imperial Kitchens, Royal Court, and stunning tulip-filled terraced gardens. Take in panoramic Bosphorus views over the city. Your guide will offer personalized tips on what to visit next, and you’ll benefit from convenient pickup at Galata Port or a central meeting point in Sultanahmet.

Price €54

Min age 3

Rating 4.78 / 5 [194 ratings]

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  • Istanbul

Istanbul’s Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace are two of the city’s unmissable cultural and historic sites. Focusing on these two places will allow you to concentrate on their beauty and unique histories at leisure, without rushing on to other sites. Save time by skipping the ticket line in Topkapı Palace with priority access, definitely a bonus whether it’s your first time in Istanbul or you’re a repeat visitor.

Price €30

Min age 7

Rating 4.74 / 5 [82 ratings]

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Logistics

Price from: £17
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Take tram 1 to Sultanahmet and walk from there.

Buy tickets online first, then print them out and take them with you to avoid the worst of the queues. Allow around 2-4 hours to see the whole complex, and wear comfy shoes – there’s quite a bit of walking involved.

The harem (on a separate ticket) is the most beautiful part of the palace, but the number of visitors is limited to 3,000 per day – another reason to turn up early.

When to do it

The museum is open all year round, Wednesday to Monday. Closed Tuesday. This is the most popular site in the city, so turn up early – if you don’t, you could end up standing in queues all day.