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Topkapı Palace
(Topkapı Sarayı Müzesi)
History Museum and Palace
Cankurtaran, İstanbul
The experts at The Telegraph and AFAR Media recommend this place
"The Harem is definitely worth it."(37 Tips)
"Sultans inner sanctum (fourth chamber) has amazing view"(22 Tips)
"Wonderfully lavish interiors and great views across the Bosphorus."(12 Tips)
"Amazing view and so many interesting artifacts from Ottoman Empire."(9 Tips)
298 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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- harem
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Majestic IstanbulOctober 6, 2014The Palace kitchens are open for visit. They are in the second courtyard of the palace, you can easily spot them with their huge chimneys.
Şerif YenenFebruary 11, 2012Personal belongings of the prophets, especially of Prophet Mohammed (a mantle, sword, seal, tooth and beard) and the Caliphs are on display here. Among these are Koran scripts and framed inscriptions.
Asif KMarch 28, 2013Topkapi palace was the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans and the center of state administration about 380 years until the construction of Dolmabahce Palace in 1856 by Sultan Abdulmecit.
Always give yourself a short coffee break at Konyali ! Don't forget to tip Mrs.Aisha who takes very clean care of the restrooms ! Treasury & holy relicques are the musts! Enjoy the palace !
Vlad CDecember 4, 2017It’s not so great for visiting in December. No flowers in the gardens, half of it under construction. P.S. If you plan to visit Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia Musem, buy the museum card.
Saied BadatApril 15, 2015Most magical site in Istanbul to see. This is a must see for anyone who comes to Istanbul .
InterContinental Hotels & ResortsFebruary 26, 2013Stroll through the lavish Ottoman halls of Topkapi Palace, a glorious testimony to the extent of the Ottoman Empire's power. The reigns of the Sultans were centred here for almost 4 centuries. Read more
Salma MSeptember 16, 2020Make sure to see the Islamic history, artefacts and relics. Will leave you with goosebumps. Absolutely worth visiting
🇸🇦 Mohammed l'italiano 🇮🇹April 10, 2019I bet it’s in the best place in Istanbul. Where else it could be. Amazing palace since the old times of The Ottomans !
Museum Pass Istanbul DistributorMay 7, 2012The Museum Pass is on sale at many Istanbul hotels. It allows you to save time & money by offering admission to 6 must-see museums, including free admission to the Harem, without having to queue up.
Martin CopelandAugust 27, 2022The furthest pavilion in courtyard 4 is stunning. Incredibly beautiful but quite expensive for a large family visit
sarah || aïs™September 22, 2012Open: daily from 09.00 – 17.00 Closed: Tuesday, and until 12.00 on the first day of religious holidays, BEST!!! You can see the Museum Jade of Prophet Mohammad SAW. and Many more (but forbid for pic)
S AAugust 19, 2014The Sacred Trusts are the highlight of this place. It is also very crowded, so expect to stand in a queue for a while. Prioritize it and plan ahead.
Burak KanSeptember 18, 2013you can visit HAREM when you give extra 15 TL in Topkapi Palace. There is about 300 rooms in HAREM but you can only see 7-8 of them. HAREM is likely emperor's private house
Steven AndrophyAugust 23, 2013Make sure to get there early, and definitely buy tickets for the Harem. It's only 15 lira extra, but was the best part of the palace (besides the view).
Notika StetsynaJanuary 14, 2016Great palace! We were in Nov, it was cold and not so nice. Of course better to go there in spring-summer when all gardens are blooming.
NuhaDecember 21, 2022Visiting the palace was enjoyable and very nice to see what the Ottoman Empire left behind in of civilization and architecture
Alia AlsharifNovember 21, 2015It's under construction the issue you need full day to visit and every time I visit I see new place don't take tour to visit try to visit in morning
Nick van MierloDecember 20, 2015Very nice and well preserved palace. Make sure to either get a guide or audio tour for the best experience.
Mohair&Angora Sales Point - Exclusive Luxury From AnkaraNovember 14, 2013Would you like to buy a luxurious shawl made of mohair special to Turkey?Visit Mohair&Angora Kiosk at Topkapı Palace Gift Shop.
✨#IamRomdelacrème✨September 28, 2013Great museum with great and detailed architectural designs, extensive display of refined jewelry, costumes and weapons used by the sultans.
OmarMay 19, 2015It is worth visiting. I have a doubt about the thruth of the islamic relics. No pics are allowed! Organization is not so good. Some pple skip the long line while you are waiting.
abduusheJanuary 15, 2013An Audio headphones which cost extra 9 TL meaningless as with every picture there's enough informations.
- HeyTripsterJuly 24, 2019This complex of stalls and pavilions with four flourishing green squares where generations of sultans have been their main residence for almost half a century. Read more
- HeyTripsterJuly 18, 2019This complex of stalls and pavilions with four flourishing green squares where generations of sultans have been their main residence for almost half a century.
- Asif KMarch 27, 2013A must-visit place is in the third garden in the far right corner. A lot of Islamic relics. e.g Prophet Musa's staff, Prophet Muhammad's drinking bowl etc.
Arie MulyahatiSeptember 17, 2013Breathtaking!!..a must see place when you are here in Istanbul..you can see the Istanbul city from here..- Mike LeottaOctober 27, 2014The Harem is definitely worth it. Consider bringing your own map. The only maps I saw provided came with an audio tour headset purchase.
Kamil OlçaMarch 10, 2015I can say that is the best magneficient and bright of the history shows Ottoman empire is the most of justice on the world.I feel so proud:-)
Jo LOctober 2, 2017A must-visit in Istanbul. A glimpse into the lavish lifestyles of the rulers of the Ottoman Empire.
ManaFebruary 2, 2018Long cue,manage your time ,(some people around cue ,sell u ticket 10 lire extra,which u dont need to stay in cue) i didnt get ,but i think it worth time .
Zachary LongJuly 16, 2013Extra cost to see the Harem but it's a really large place, worth the extra cost! Entrance is just to your left of the main entrance upon entering.
Duaa HaddadAugust 17, 2014Pay your ticket and have tour for 2 hours. The Harem Apartments requires additional fees or another ticket. The Audi Guide is one of the perfect option.
IzAppsSeptember 10, 2012Topkapı is one of the greatest places showing the glory of the Ottomans. If you look for another one, you should see Chora Museum. Here is the Chora application. http://bit.ly/P3nsXi
- Museum Pass Istanbul DistributorMay 7, 2012Additional advantages of Museum Pass Istanbul include discounts at elite private museums, more than twenty arts and entertainment venues, museum shops and GES Shops.
JeanneJuly 4, 2013Get there early in the morning as it gets extremely crowded and stuffy in some of the rooms. Really interesting jewel and muslim relic collection!
Badr SaleemFebruary 19, 2017Full of history. I highly recommend to hire a audio tour. Just for 30 lira 100% worth it.
ace offishApril 2, 2016A must see palace in Istanbul, go early morning as you will be spending 4 or 5 hours at least!
Ersin SaracDecember 26, 2018Maybe the most beatiful located palace in the world with full of history, elegance and pride- Şerif YenenFebruary 17, 2012The 1964 movie “Topkapi” directed by Jules Dassin was shot at the Topkapi Palace. Melina Mercouri, Peter Ustinov, Maximilian Schell and Robert Morley are the starring actors and actresses.
IdiootAugust 19, 2015The sultan's palace is a must visit in Istanbul. Lovely view over the Bosporus included!
Ana Maria ZirogluAugust 2, 2018Overwhelmingly beautiful; room after room of such priceless artifacts. Gorgeous views of the city.
Faisal Al HammadiJuly 10, 2016This is the place for ottoman sultans who lived here for 4 centuries.. You have to spend some time here
19,030 Photos
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The Topkapi Palace in Istanbul is the former imperial residence of the Ottoman sultans. Today it is a museum.
Open until 4:00 PM (Show more)
- October 26–April 15
- Mon, Wed–Sun
- 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
+90 212 512 04 80
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Places inside Topkapı Palace
- 6.7
"Fantastic view! Great food! Great service! Stopped in with my wife during our tour and completely satisfied. Order the Lamm Haxe. Meat peals right off the bone!"
George Cass - 9.3
"Best place in Istanbul."
Mohammad Al-Arfaj - 8.9
"Start with Harem first, as it closes earlier. Get the audio guides here with no queues! Had to wait for half an hour to get one at the entrance! ID is needed. Photos are mostly allowed"
Foodie
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- 9.0
"Liked it, despite heavy reconstructions and Constantine's sarcophagus being closed. Museum of the Ancient Orient was the best start with excellent audio commentary, so do get the audio guide"
Foodie - 8.7
"Very nice arts and crafts exhibited in nice spaces of recently renovated historical building.."
julia - 8.8
"Simply amazing. A must see for sure!"
Stacey Acartürk
Places people like to go after Topkapı Palace
- 9.2
"One of the most awesome places I’ve ever been to. A marvelous example of early Byzantine architecture. Awesome mosaics inside. Be ready to spend several hours inside."
Anya Roxie
- 9.2
"It’s very beautiful both during the day and night! Definitely worth spending some time for a walk here"
Serhii Lutsko - 8.9
"Astonishing view, breathtaking architecture. It is absolutely a must see!"
Bahram Movahed
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