Things to do in Topkapi Palace
The Topkapi Palace is a large museum located in the Fatih district of Istanbul and has a history that dates back to the 15th century. Construction started on the palace in 1459 by the conqueror, Sultan Mehmet II and continued to be renovated and expanded throughout the centuries. The palace was used as a residence and administrative headquarters to the Ottoman Empire for four centuries.
The palace opened as a museum in 1924 and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul. The museum is not only notable for its beautiful architecture and art collections but also for its history of the Ottoman Empire.
Topkapi Palace is situated on the top of a hill in a small peninsula, with views of the Golden Horn to the north, the Marmara Sea on the south and the Bosphorus to the northeast. The palace is made up of four different courtyards and features many exhibitions such as the treasury, weapons, religious relics, Ottoman clothing and portraits.
Our recommendations in Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace Fast Track Ticket, Highlights Tour and Audio Guide
Get a fast-track ticket for Topkapi and enjoy a guided tour with family and friends. Discover the history of Istanbul and make the most of your stay.
en, it, fr, es, ar, +4 de, ru, pl, zh
Topkapi Palace & Harem Fast Track Ticket and Guided Tour
Enjoy the Topkapi Palace tour with a historian guide, save queueing with a fast track ticket and learn the history of the Ottoman empire.
en
Skip the line Topkapi Palace and Süleymaniye Mosque
Discover Istanbul with a combo guided tour of Topkapi Palace and nearby Süleymaniye mosque. Learn all about the history and culture of Istanbul.
en
Istanbul mosaics and Blue Mosque 1-day small group tour
Visit the most important sites in Istanbul. Book your tour online and discover the marvelous Hagia Sophia, the impressive Blue Mosque and much more!
en
Istanbul highlights afternoon tour
Experience the rich cultural and religious history of Istanbul with this afternoon tour of the city.
en
Topkapi Palace Fast Track Ticket, Highlights Tour and Audio Guide
Get a fast-track ticket for Topkapi and enjoy a guided tour with family and friends. Discover the history of Istanbul and make the most of your stay.
en, it, fr, es, ar, +4 de, ru, pl, zh
All-in-one Istanbul tour with sunset yacht cruise
Make the most of your limited time in Istanbul with this all-in-one Istanbul tour featuring a sunset cruise on a yacht.
en
Experience cruising the Golden Horn, Bosphorus and more
Book Experience cruising the Golden Horn, Bosphorus and more to learn with an audio app, cruise along the 32 km Bosporus, and enjoy seeing Istanbul's main attractions including Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Maiden Tower, Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress, Beylerbeyi Palace and many more.
en
Istanbul mosaics and Blue Mosque 1-day small group tour
Visit the most important sites in Istanbul. Book your tour online and discover the marvelous Hagia Sophia, the impressive Blue Mosque and much more!
en
Istanbul Ottoman Relics half-day afternoon tour
Book this afternoon tour of Istanbul to learn about the importance of the Ottoman Empire and its legacy, visiting St. Sofia, Topkapi Palace and more.
en
Skip the line Topkapi Palace and Süleymaniye Mosque
Discover Istanbul with a combo guided tour of Topkapi Palace and nearby Süleymaniye mosque. Learn all about the history and culture of Istanbul.
en
Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern Istanbul tour
Discover Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern Istanbul with an English guide and an audio app provided in 9 languages. Admire the Hagia Sophia architecture and learn about the glorious Topkapi Palace and Fatih Sultan Mehmet.
en
Topkapi Palace & Harem Fast Track Ticket and Guided Tour
Enjoy the Topkapi Palace tour with a historian guide, save queueing with a fast track ticket and learn the history of the Ottoman empire.
en
How to get there
Topkapi Palace
Istanbul
Turkey
Reviews Topkapi Palace
“150€ sind zu teuer, Dolmabahce Palast und Eintritt Hagia Sofia nicht einmal inkludiert. Meeting points teils schwer zu finden, Führungen finden zum Teil nur sehr selten statt Touren starteten immer später weil das Überprüfen der Buchungen aller Touristen sehr umständlich erfolgt ist per WhatsApp etc. Kopfhörer gab es nur bei einer einzigen Führung ansonsten musste man zusehen möglichst nahe beim Guide zu bleiben um etwas hören zu können”
“Explication seulement en turque.”
“I am glad that I bought the tourist pass as I was able to plan ahead even before arriving in istanbul. If you are in the city for 2 or 3 days, it may not be worth it but for a week you get the best package worth the cost.”
“Molto buona”