Topkapi Palace Tickets & Tours

Gill

Oct 2024Verified booking

4/5

I booked a combi tour Topkapi Palace and Cistern Basilica. The day before I received a WhatsApp message providing details of where to meet the guide and optional times to visit the Basilica which helped to plan our day. Our guide for the Palace did not have a strong voice so having to compete against other visitors and guides did make audio difficult. The guide at the Cistern Basilica did not stay with our small group very long and again it was difficult to hear what he was saying over other guides. The skip the queue concept proved to be invaluable though as all attractions had very long ticket and entry queues and we jumped the lot. In hindsight I would just pay for audio guide and not a physical person.

Jo

Oct 2024Verified booking

4/5

Skipping the queue was really handy and having the guide was great. Just to manage expectations he got us through the security areas and then told us a bit about the history of the palace and surrounds. That was great. He pointed out significant collections to go to but didn't take us there himself. That makes sense given it's only a one hour tour. It's a big complex and a lot to see. There were no audio headsets either so you really had to get close to listen which was a bit difficult in a big group.

Peter

Oct 2024Verified booking

3/5

The tour was fine. The moderate review is because of the poor meeting place (Topikapi Cafe). Our plan was to have breakfast there (between 9:00-10:00 am), as our tour would start at 10:00 am. However, there was no breakfast option. The staff told us to wait for 15 minutes, but after 15 minutes it turned out there was still no breakfast option. Moreover, the cappuccinos were obscenely expensive (7 euros per cup). I would do something about this, because it reflects on the tour.

View original review in Dutch

Fulvio

Oct 2024Verified booking

5/5

Among the greatest experiences I've ever witnessed! Nice contribute from the guide with helpful informations about the complex and insights!

fabio

Oct 2024Verified booking

3/5

The guide at St. Sophia was very hurried, there were other groups around us with whom the guides spent much more time giving more explanations. The Topkaki Palace guide fully met our expectations, he was nice, friendly and very professional

View original review in Italian

Juan

Sep 2024Verified booking

3/5

We booked the tour with a guide in Spanish and there were only English speaking guides. The solution they gave us was an audio guide that did not work very well.

View original review in Spanish

ZIKRY

Sep 2024Verified booking

3/5

Unclear instructions on where to collect the audio guide. Asked a security personnel inside on where to get them and by then it was not possible to get them. FYI, it's at the ticket office near the entrance. The audio probably makes up half the experience for those interested in history.

Anne

Sep 2024Verified booking

3/5

The tour guide was the worst ever. He was brief and short couldn't remember what was to be said. He was talking with another tour person all the time and had no interest in having a pleasant experience. A waste of money and a bad experience on what could been an important part our trip as this castle is so important. We paid to get information and didn't have it.

Diana

Aug 2024Verified booking

5/5

I booked a combo guided tour Hagia Sofia and Topkapi palace, few days before arrival. Booking was incredibly easy and the payment quickly. We was about to miss our trip because of a bunch of airplanes delayed, but finally we did it safely. First tour was to Hagia Sofia, at 10.00 am, with a great girl guide named Buse. On time, great organized, pleasant people. We was more than thankful for it. The second tour, with another guide, Denis, also a great guy, at Topkapi, 12.00 am, needed more than 2 hours. We definitely recommend headout in Turkey, easy to access and trustful!! Enjoy it!

Shreyash

Jul 2024Verified booking

3/5

it was very well organized with good explanation about the palace. The group was just too big for one guide to handle. there were almost 30 people which is too much for the guide to handle. the guide let us enter in the harem section and then disappeared without saying good bye which is very unprofessional.

Alison

Jul 2024Verified booking

5/5

It was really easy to find the meeting point and our guide was excellent! He gave just the right amount of information and answered any questions we had.

Robert

Jul 2024Verified booking

4/5

Guide was great although would have liked more guidance inside the palace. Extremely disappointing that location to start tour was not correct in email or Google maps. Guides indicated they had alerted home office 2 months ago.

Daniel

Jul 2024Verified booking

5/5

Great coverage of the sight. Friendly and informative guide. Full access to the property and good balance of guided and non-guided time

Frances

Jul 2024Verified booking

4/5

Tourgood. Ticketing troublesome. Hard to download the app. Also confusion about need for headphones. But instead we had a live guide who was very informative.

Sofia

Jun 2024Verified booking

5/5

Our tour guide Cem was so knowledgeable and friendly and he made the tour even better! He answered all our questions and was gave us guidance on other landmarks as well!

Devora

Jun 2024Verified booking

5/5

Easy booking and the meeting spot was convenient. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable. This was our second trip to Istanbul and I learned things I'd not known from him.

Perry

Jun 2024Verified booking

4/5

Informative guide with a friendly attitude and ready to answer any question -- or say he didn't know the answer when true !!

Rasib

Jun 2024Verified booking

5/5

Seamless experience. Make sure you go into the cafe, which is the initial meeting point. The two locations have separate tickets. So, you can take your time for the Basilica Cistern and then have a break before you head for the Topkapi Palace tour. Worth the money, especially with the skip-the-line entry.

Victoria

Jun 2024Verified booking

5/5

Lovely experience. I wish there was a cafe with Turkish coffee and Turkish sweets. I liked that there were many small museums inside instead of one large one. Many places in a shade. I wish that there were more furniture and accessories inside the palace rooms. It would convey the grandeur of Ottoman Empire better

Goran

Jun 2024Verified booking

5/5

Our guide (Doruk Sanbay) was very knowledgeable and patient to answer all our questions. His precise and interesting information elevated the whole experience to another level.

Francis

Jun 2024Verified booking

5/5

Guide was well informed and efficient. 1 hour was perfect for getting an overview, then we decided where to go after. It took us 4 hours and we didn't get to see everything, we were too tired to stay. But we were satisfied with the whole trip

ABDUL

Jun 2024Verified booking

4/5

Nice and comfortable guide Very well explained each and everything Would be great if guide accompany in the harem section also. But explained well about the harem section as a whole

Maria

Jun 2024Verified booking

5/5

The tour was well organized and the meeting point was easy to find. We were told interesting facts, questions were answered, we were given information and then had time to walk around on our own.

View original review in German

Amândio

Jun 2024Verified booking

3/5

After more than an hour we were still in the main entrance/garden area, hearing nothing special. He made several (at least three) identifications of those present. Some of the audio guides didn't work, and another person tested some of the audio guides. Everyone was staring at each other because of the delay and, above all, with terrible English (many people like me chose to turn off the audio) without any English pronunciation or intonation, in other words in the same Turkish tone, in my case when the guide saw my disappointed expression, I even replied: I don't know if you're speaking in English or Turkish, which in this case I don't!?

View original review in Portuguese

Jelena

May 2024Verified booking

3/5

We got in very quickly, it was skipping the lines. The guide was very nice and shared stories with us, however 1 hours is very fast-forward through everything, and he never asked if we had any questions, which wasn't his fault, as he was paid to guide us through in one hour, which he did. Information he shared was available on the info tables around the Palace anyway. Only valuable information was about Harem if you paid for the Harem tour option. Apart from that you don't need the guide except to take you in the Palace as part of skip the line ticket.

Gill

Oct 2024Verified booking

4/5

I booked a combi tour Topkapi Palace and Cistern Basilica. The day before I received a WhatsApp message providing details of where to meet the guide and optional times to visit the Basilica which helped to plan our day. Our guide for the Palace did not have a strong voice so having to compete against other visitors and guides did make audio difficult. The guide at the Cistern Basilica did not stay with our small group very long and again it was difficult to hear what he was saying over other guides. The skip the queue concept proved to be invaluable though as all attractions had very long ticket and entry queues and we jumped the lot. In hindsight I would just pay for audio guide and not a physical person.

Robert

Jul 2024Verified booking

4/5

Guide was great although would have liked more guidance inside the palace. Extremely disappointing that location to start tour was not correct in email or Google maps. Guides indicated they had alerted home office 2 months ago.

Rasib

Jun 2024Verified booking

5/5

Seamless experience. Make sure you go into the cafe, which is the initial meeting point. The two locations have separate tickets. So, you can take your time for the Basilica Cistern and then have a break before you head for the Topkapi Palace tour. Worth the money, especially with the skip-the-line entry.

Gregory

May 2024Verified booking

5/5

Topkapi Paula's was our 3rd booking through Headout. The process went very smoothly. Any glitches were quickly and easily resolved. The tour guides are extremely nice, helpful, and informed. Topkapi Palace is very big and extensive. We pooped out without getting through everything but that's ok. We loved what we saw. I point out that these days you may have people who behave entitled. The guards and ushers in the museum are quick to correct those who break the rules. As it should be.

Daniela

Aug 2024Verified booking

5/5

The team of guides very well organized, kind and knowledgeable

View original review in Italian

Georgios

May 2024Verified booking

4/5

Very friendly guide, knowledgeable and accurate.

Anna

Dec 2023Verified booking

4/5

We had an audioguide for the Basilica and the palace but were not able to use it in the basilica for there is no mobile network connection there. That is of course a shame when one downloads an audioguide in advance and pays for it. In the palace, however, the live guide was very good and knowledgeable. The tickets really were skip-the-line which worked very well.

Miroslav

Nov 2023Verified booking

5/5

Excellent tour guide, detailed information, the ability to make the tour at comfortable speed

PAOLA

Oct 2023Verified booking

4/5

Unfortunately, I couldn't get into St. Sophia. Endless queue. The rest beautiful.

View original review in Italian

DEVENDRAN

Dec 2024Verified booking

5/5

It's covered 3 places with discounted rate.. & I really love It, only one small issue.. There is no line inside basilica cistern and I couldn't play the audio guide completely..

MARÍA

Dec 2024Verified booking

5/5

A fabulous place, one of my favorites in Istanbul, it is the second time I visit it and I still find it spectacular. I went in without waiting or queuing

View original review in Spanish

Kathrine

Dec 2024Verified booking

5/5

Speed of entry. Less than a minute! We were there when it opened. Apart from this purely practical aspect, the place is magnificent!

View original review in French

Maria

Dec 2024Verified booking

5/5

Topkapi is a place worth visiting all day because it is huge and has different rooms and exhibitions to see in its 4 gardens. I liked to know the harem and not only the visit that the tour offered me.

View original review in Spanish

Cherese

Nov 2024Verified booking

5/5

It is really worth it. I highly suggest getting your tickets online to skip the long wait at Hagia Sophia and the Basilica cistern. Beautiful Mosque and nice structure at the cistern.

Joëlle

Nov 2024Verified booking

4/5

The tickets were very good. The museum staff was very competent. The audio guide didn't work or didn't work well, especially in Hagia Sophia. Very nice visits and having the queue-cutting tickets is great.

View original review in French

Rachel

Nov 2024Verified booking

5/5

Both the Hagia Sofia and Basilica Cisterne were well worth a visit. The queues for both were huge even early on a Sunday so I have no idea why people didn't get these! You can just walk on past all those people trying to buy the ticket in person and get in and enjoy the places. I would go early as it is so busy.

Richard

Nov 2024Verified booking

4/5

Enjoyed both places and they're both close together. Definitely liked not waiting in line as they ticket line was very long.

Roberto

Nov 2024Verified booking

3/5

With the "skip the line" ticket, we were forced to wait more than half an hour for the person in charge, while at the ticket office there was no line at all. In essence, instead of "skipping" the line we waited for a long time.

View original review in Italian

Alejandra

Nov 2024Verified booking

5/5

The Harem is beautiful, it takes you back to that time. The kitchen is impressive, the utensils and pots are preserved. The clothing room shows the elegance with which they dressed. The gardens are very beautiful, the whole palace is amazing. It is the best museum in Istanbul.

View original review in Spanish

Dominique

Nov 2024Verified booking

3/5

The audio guide didn't download until 4 hours into the visit... so a bit late.... The download icon moves, but no download would take place. It should be made clearer that you have to download in advance. It should also be made clearer that there are no tickets (no souvenir trace), it's the guide who lets you in, so don't miss the meeting point. For people who don't understand English well, a brochure would be welcome to explain what the guide is saying as he accompanies us. It would be more effective if the numbers on the audio guide map corresponded with the numbers on the physical information terminals on the site.

View original review in French

Holly

Nov 2024Verified booking

5/5

The cistern alone is astounding and well worth the price of admission. The walkways that have been engineered so people can wander through the entire cistern are impressive. The skip the line ticket process is simple and worth the small extra cost. The audio guide was easy to use and interesting without being overly informative. One thing that I did not enjoy was the pop art style modern sculptures and colorful lighting. I would have preferred simple white or gold lighting. Nevertheless the cistern is a must see and is one of the most interesting places I've ever visited.

Nancy

Nov 2024Verified booking

5/5

We were very disappointed and felt discriminated against that we were separated from the Muslims and only allowed upstairs in the Hagia but not downstairs even after prayer times, in my opinion not worth the money! Sultan ahmet opposite is free.

View original review in German

Montluet

Nov 2024Verified booking

5/5

Must-see tours Audioguide on the cell phone, great, it allows us to cut ourselves off from the ambient noise and immerse ourselves totally in the visit to the site.

View original review in French

Marcelle

Nov 2024Verified booking

4/5

Very picturesque site. Difficult to access my ticket without WIFI. Finally, I was able to listen to the audio guide after the tour.

View original review in French

Maruša

Nov 2024Verified booking

5/5

.All the sights are very nice and the skip the line went smoothly. The only thing that is a minus in my opinion is the price. We are a 4 member familly and the price was very expensive.

Lyndel

Nov 2024Verified booking

4/5

Once I worked out the Headout site I was able to download the audios for the 3 sites I was visiting, though the instructions could have been easier to use. I did find the audio did not correspond with the layout of the Palace and the photos on the audio also did not correspond so I gave up listening. It would be helpful if the Headout audio corresponded with the same numbers that the Palace site uses.

PEDRO

Nov 2024Verified booking

3/5

I don't think it's worth the trouble to visit with an audio guide. The only good thing is that you don't have to wait in line. But I think it is more interesting to look for another option that guarantees a personal guide in Spanish.

View original review in Spanish

Favio

Nov 2024Verified booking

3/5

The place and the planning of the visit is fine, but nothing is explained about the audio guide which was not possible to download or listen to, so much information is lost in relation to the visit.

View original review in Spanish

Barbara

Nov 2024Verified booking

4/5

The fast-track entry worked well, the explanations in the audio guide were easy to understand and not too long, so that you had enough information but were not overloaded.

View original review in German

Teresita

Nov 2024Verified booking

5/5

It was easy to buy and very good attention when we got there, they also explained it to us clearly by listening to the audio. All good, thank you very much Teresita from Chile

View original review in Spanish

Reezwan

Nov 2024Verified booking

4/5

The experience was good. Booking procedure was easy and also location direction was clearly explained. Upon arrival at the meeting point, we were asked wait for a while. The guide came after 10-15 minutes and called the group. He explained everything to us about entry and his length of stay with us and guided us to the entrance and Harem area. Although they say that early morning is the best time to visit however there was literally no queue in the afternoon at 3 pm. We heard from the guide that morning was so crowded. So, I think late afternoon is the best time to go and visit the Topkapi palace.

Sandra

Nov 2024Verified booking

5/5

Highly recommended! We did not queue and having an audio guide in our language made it easier to understand the tour. Safe and fast online purchase. Affordable price

View original review in Spanish

Lorenza

Oct 2024Verified booking

3/5

Complicated - it would be easier to be able to have access with the ticket in app, without having to collect it prime and queue.

View original review in Italian

ELVIR

Oct 2024Verified booking

5/5

A very stable way to buy a ticket. I would like to give you a more detailed insight into the history of the hundred years of better life of this unique material.

This review is translated. Show original review.

KARMANN

Nov 2024Verified booking

3/5

The fike-cutters are very practical for St Sophia and the Cistern Basilica, but not very efficient for Topkapi. The cruise is very pleasant and the sightseeing buses always interesting for a first visit to the city.

View original review in French

Clemencia

Nov 2024Verified booking

5/5

Instructions were clear and easy to follow. Very convenient. The customer service is superb and very helpful!

Ashley

Oct 2024Verified booking

5/5

Loved how you could choose which attractions to visit and loved how you could visit on your own schedule!!

Kőrösi

Oct 2024Verified booking

5/5

Skip the line really did work! Great!

Pierre

Oct 2024Verified booking

4/5

Buying the megacard was a god proposition

View original review in Dutch

SHAMIDAH

Oct 2024Verified booking

4/5

Very convenient, well organised and a lot of time saved by booking events online

Edis

Oct 2024Verified booking

5/5

Everything is fine, you just have to make sure that you read your emails! It took us a while to find the checkpoint!

View original review in German

Deep

Oct 2024Verified booking

5/5

Value and customer service was great!

TANJIL

Oct 2024Verified booking

5/5

Well organized, everything went Very smooth. Highly recommend. Customer service(whats app) is excellent.