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Topkapi Palace
Hagia Sophia
Basilica Cistern
Topkapi Palace
Hagia Sophia
Basilica Cistern
Inclusions
Basilica Cistern
Topkapi Palace
Basilica Cistern
Topkapi Palace
Inclusions
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
Recommended ticket:
Go for: Combo tickets
Guide: English-speaking guide, audio guides in multiple languages
Duration: Flexible
Recommended ticket:
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
Recommended ticket:
Go for: Combo tickets
Guide: English-speaking guide, audio guides in multiple languages
Duration: Flexible
Recommended ticket:
Cancellation policy: You can cancel any of these tickets up to 24 hours before the scheduled time and get a full refund.
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 PalaceThe 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 HaremThe 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 MuseumSituated 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Topkapi Palace Opening Hours:
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 HoursAddress: Topkapi Palace is located at Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
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Getting there:
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.
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 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.
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
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 SophiaLocated right opposite Hagia Sophia and built to outrival it, the Blue Mosque is famously known for its blue tiles.
Explore Blue MosqueNestled 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 CruisesTopkapi Palace tickets are available online, starting from €47
You can book your Topkapi Palace tickets online in advance. Purchasing your tickets online guarantees your entry to the landmark, especially during the peak season.
Standard Topkapi Palace ticket includes skip-the-line access to the palace complex. Depending on the experience you choose, your ticket may include an audio guide or a guided tour. If you want to visit the harem, you will have to purchase tickets that include access.
Yes, you can enjoy reduced prices on Topkapi Palace tickets, including skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and combo tickets.
Yes, you can buy Topkapi Palace tickets online with skip-the-line access and get fast-track entry to the palace.
Yes, Topkapi Palace tours with audio guides are one of the best ways to explore Topkapi Palace and learn about its fascinating history.
You can explore Topkapi Palace Harem with a guided tour, since entry into the harem is only permitted along with a tour guide. Ensure you book tickets or tours that include access to the harem section if you want to visit it.
Typically, Topkapi Palace tickets can be cancelled up to 24 hours before the scheduled time with a full refund. However, the cancellation policy may vary, so ensure that you check your tickets for the specific details.
Topkapi Palace is open from 9 AM to 6 PM from Wednesday to Monday. It is closed on Tuesday.
Topkapi Palace is a vast complex with many buildings, structures, and attractions within it. We recommend that you set aside at least 2-3 hours for your visit.
Topkapi Palace is mostly wheelchair accessible with ramps available at most locations. There are also wheelchair accessible toilets available at the venue.