Turkey is a proud nation that lies as the gateway between Europe and Asia. Its capital, Istanbul, has had a rich history that brought about a colorful culture in the present day. Because of this, many tourists come to Istanbul wanting to get a glimpse of their past through the city’s many museums and historical sites. One of the best ones to go to is Topkapi Palace. It was historically built as a grand palace for the sultans of the Ottoman Empire after the conquest of Constantinople in the 15th century and was the official residence of the sultans until the fall of the empire in the early 19th century. The vast palace grounds that were once the dwelling of the royalty now stands as a national museum showcasing pieces from the Ottoman Empire. The palace is one of the places listed in the Historic Areas of Istanbul, which are officially listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. To know more about it check out our guide to Topkapi Palace in Istanbul.
Things to do / highlights
Four courtyards
Topkapi Palace is known to have vast grounds, each one with a specific purpose. The first courtyard is known as the Outer Courtyard, which is open to the public, and back then it was the venue for many parades and vendors. Similarly today, you can visit the first courtyard for free, and you can also check out the Byzantine church Hagia Eirene, an archaeological museum, and the gift shop here.
To get to the second courtyard, you will have to purchase tickets just before entering and then go through the Gate of Salutation. This was where the official administrative meetings were held, but today you can see the Tower of Justice and Palace Kitchens where exhibits of arms and porcelains are displayed respectively.
The third courtyard can be reached through the Gate of Felicity. This is where the sultan used to celebrate important events and where he received viziers and ambassadors. Today it houses the collection of the sultans’ costumes and some religious relics.
The fourth and last courtyard used to be the sultan’s private courtyard and garden, but today it houses a restaurant and self-service cafeteria. You can also see splendid views of Bosphorus from the garden.
Harem
The Harem is an independent yet interesting building within Topkapi Palace. Located under the Tower of Justice on the western side of the second courtyard, you will need to purchase a separate ticket to enter. The Harem used to be the residence of all female members of the sultan’s court. This included the sultan’s mother, known as valide sultan or the Queen Mother, the wives, concubines, and children of the sultan. The Harem has several rooms, with the Queen Mother having her own. There are six floors in the building although only one is open to the public.
Travelers tips
Visiting hours
Tourists should note that the usual visiting hours to Topkapi Palace is from 9am to 6pm everyday except Tuesdays. However, there are periods during the summer monthswhen they may extend an hour. It’s best to call and check their schedule as it may change during special occasions. It may also depend on the volume and demand of the tourists visiting. Visitors should also note that during the morning of the first day of religious holidays, the museum is closed to the public, so keep track of the days of your visit.
Photography
Topkapi Palace is quite an architectural wonder and the courtyards are maintained beautifully. Therefore, it’s expected that a lot of people will be taking photographs wherever and whenever they can. But take note that there are some areas in the palace that do not permit photography. Some of these include the Treasury, the room with the sultans’ costumes, and the Holly Relics. Also, as with any museum, proper decorum should be observed at all times.
Take your time
When visiting Topkapi Palace, it’s best to reserve the whole day if you can. The palace is a grand structure with four vast courtyards and several buildings within them, so you will need lots of time if you want to see each one. Don’t forget to go early, as the queue can get long towards midday. Wear comfortable shoes too as this will require a lot of walking. You won’t regret it though, because going through the different areas inside Topkapi Palace and learning about the history of Istanbul during the Ottoman Empire will surely transport you to another time.
How to get there
Metro
There are several metro lines that go through Istanbul so getting around is pretty easy. The best way to get to Topkapi Palace is by taking the metro, specifically T1 Tram Line. You can then get off at Sultanahmet Station. This is a very touristy place with many of the museums and historical sites found around this area so Topkapi Palace won’t be hard to find. The palace is located by the Sultanahmet Square, near Hagia Sophia Museum.
Cab
You can also hail a taxi or an Uber to take you to the site directly.
How to book tickets (from USD 59.0)
Since it is a top tourist destination, there are several groups and websites that offer guided tours to Topkapi Palace. Tickets would range around 72 TRY (12 USD). Check around for the best offers and inclusions. However, these tickets usually exclude entrance to Harem, which offers separate admission. Tickets to enter Harem usually cost around 42 TRY (7 USD). There is also an option of getting a Museum Pass, which offers admission to Topkapi Palace, and several other historic sites in Istanbul. This is more ideal if you’re planning to stay longer in the country.
Topkapi Palace Highlights Tour with Audio Guide App
Duration: 1 day
Topkapi Palace information
Topkapi Palace
Address: Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Official website: Topkapi Palace
Department of tourism: Turkey Tourism
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 9am - 6pm (closed on Tue)
Price: From 12 USD
Topkapi Palace Skip-The-Line Entry with Guided Tour
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
In light of the February 2023 earthquake that devastated Turkey and Syria, Trip101 urges you to be apprised of the latest news if you have any plans to travel to Eastern Turkey. Other parts of the country remain open to travelers.
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