English
English
Topkapi Palace Tickets & Tours
Headout is a brand trusted by millions of guests worldwide offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
0
Tours found
Clear Filter
Top things to do in Istanbul
Why visit Topkapi Palace?
- Ottoman opulence: Get a taste of royalty and opulence as you pass through the famed Imperial Gate that the Ottoman Sultans used as the main entrance to Topkapi Palace.
- Architectural masterpiece: With its rich architectural and cultural beauty, this UNESCO World Heritage site draws more than 3 million people every year.
- Historical significance: Venture into the Imperial Treasury that houses prized possessions, the suits of armor of Sultan Mustafa III, and weaponry such as the famous Topkapi Dagger.
- Intricate artworks: Marvel at miniature artworks that depict parts of religious texts, court scenes of various Sultans, and the very first map of the world that was made in 1513.
- Royal residence: The Topkapi Palace harem was the center of the Sultan’s private life. With more than 400 rooms, it is a colossal structure in itself and deserves the admiration that it receives.
Topkapi Palace ticket types and options
Skip-the-line tickets
Best for: Visitors with a packed itinerary looking to avoid long lines and independent travelers
Guide:
Audio guide in 10 languages
- With these tickets, you can bypass the long ticketing lines and directly access the palace interiors. Take advantage of the included multilingual audio guide and explore at your own pace.
Recommended tours:
- Skip-the-line tickets to Topkapi Palace and Harem with audio guide
- Istanbul Super Combo: Topkapi Palace + Hagia Sophia + Basilica Cistern skip-the-line tickets with audio guide
Guided tours
Best for: First-time visitors looking to learn about Istanbul’s rich history, history buffs, and culture enthusiasts
Guide:
English-speaking guide and audio guide app in around 7 to 10 languages
- With an expert guide leading the day, you will learn fascinating details about the Ottoman Empire, from the lives of the Sultans to the secrets of the Harem, and more.
Recommended tours:
- Topkapi Palace and Harem guided tour with skip-the-line tickets
- Combo: Guided tour of Topkapi Palace + Basilica Cistern with skip-the-line tickets
Combo tickets
Best for: Travelers on a budget looking to cover multiple attractions in one package, families or groups with diverse interests, and those looking to stay in the city for a while
Guide:
Expert English-speaking guide and audio app in over 10 languages
- With a one-time combo ticket purchase, you can tick off multiple attractions from your Istanbul wishlist. Enjoy premium add-ons like a Bosphorus cruise, a Blue Mosque tour, an Old City walking tour, and more.
Recommended tours:
- Istanbul in a day tour: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Cruise, & more
- Istanbul top museums 3-day pass: Guided tour + entry tickets & free Bosphorus cruise
Cancellation policy: You can cancel any of these tickets up to 24 hours before the scheduled time and get a full refund.
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.
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.
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.
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
Timings
Location
Accessibility
Facilities
Visitor tips
Shop
Dining
Stay
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.
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
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
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
Explore beyond Topkapi Palace
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.
Explore Hagia Sophia
Blue Mosque
Located right opposite Hagia Sophia and built to outrival it, the Blue Mosque is famously known for its blue tiles.
Explore Blue Mosque
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.
Explore Bosphorus CruisesFrequently asked questions about Topkapi Palace tickets
Can I skip the lines at Topkapi Palace?
Yes, book Topkapi Palace and Harem skip-the-line tickets 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?
Are guided tours available for Topkapi 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 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.