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Topkapı Palace

(Topkapı Sarayı Müzesi)

History Museum and Palace

Cankurtaran, İstanbul

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Topkapı Palace

9.4^/10

10,780

ratings

Has a stamp of approval from The Telegraph and AFAR Media
"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)

299 Tips and reviews

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T SJanuary 19, 2017
You can imagine this palace is much bigger than the Vatican state it self. With an amazing views to the golden horn to the phosphorus & maramara sea. The Haremlic is a must to see.
Upvoted Feb 23
Farina LanFebruary 19, 2015
Excellent item displays. Refreshed my knowledge on the life history of the prophets. And at the end of your tour do take a walk around the cafe area that overlooks the bosphorus strait. Breathtaking!
Upvoted 3 days ago
AFAR MediaNovember 25, 2014
This architecture and detailed ceilings are among the most beautiful I've seen. You'll spend your visit looking up. If you go, don't miss the exquisite collection of jewels in the Treasury. Read more
Upvoted 1 week ago
Otel.comJanuary 9, 2014
The Topkapi Palace was formerly the residence of Turkish sultans for over 300 years. Now it is the shining star of the city as a museum.
ReemOJanuary 29, 2015
Very historical place. You should book 2 tickets one for the Harem section and the other for the rest of the museum.
Gozdem UgurJanuary 2, 2015
The Harem is a must see!! It's definetly worth the extra entrance fee. The other exhibitions are nice too. Go on weekday mornings for lesser crowds.
Maria TarasovaDecember 31, 2013
Come as early as you can, that might help you to avoid 200-meter line. No pictires are allowed in most of rooms of palace, so make sure you visit Harem too to take pictures of beautiful walls :)
Bahram MovahedJuly 16, 2017
Beautiful, vast and astonishing structure which you baffle you for hours. It has lots of ground to cover so expect to spend at least 2 or 3 hours in there because it has lots to cover.
Mustafa B.August 28, 2016
You can start your trip from the right side of the entrance "The kitchen of the Palace". In some places you have the great view of Bosphorus and Golden Horn. Beware that there is no lockers available.
Saleh AlhosaniFebruary 14, 2017
i like the historical peace of art and old building the place it self help you go back to ottoman impire but disadvantages that they don't let any one to take picture where in the museum
Halil Kemal Y.February 13, 2015
People who want to learn historical things about ottomans and İstanbul should really go and see this place.Amazing big structure ! I loved it...
Carl GriffinJanuary 1, 2016
Impressive 15th century palace. This thriving royal court would have been filled by sultans, courtiers, eunuchs and concubines. Wonderfully lavish interiors and great views across the Bosphorus.
M. KhalidAugust 8, 2019
A must see in Istanbul however avoid doing so now at least till winter as most rooms/areas in the palace and Hareem are closed for renovations. It’s worth the time
Turkey Travel CentreMarch 3, 2014
The centre of old Constantinople (Istanbul), the Topkapi Palace, harem and museum is a must visit. It is very big so at least a full morning is needed to explore it properly.
Martin AngelettiAugust 11, 2014
Very nice. Even though the weather. So take that into account. If by any chance rains, you can still enjoy very much your history museum pass.
Lucille FisherFebruary 22, 2015
A must see, but go early to avoid the crowds & have lunch in the Ottoman restaurant in the Palace for a taste of authentic Ottoman cuisine.
Bahare IzadiJuly 31, 2015
If you wanna enjoy history,nature and not getting bored this is definitely yours. Reading the history of there before the visit is highly suggested cause if you don't, you gonna miss alot...
Ali LatifiNovember 27, 2014
Been here 5+ times
The architecture is amazing. The collection of museum pieces ranges from the nearly unbelievable to the unbelievably beautiful.
Turkish AirlinesOctober 21, 2011
Topkapi 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.
Otel.comSeptember 22, 2011
No Istanbul trip is complete without this. Learn about the seat of Ottoman Power while exploring its design and structure. Don't miss the Imperial Treasure and make sure to visit all four courts.
Anya RoxieJuly 7, 2019
If you watched ‘Muhtesem Yüzyil’ you should definitely visit this palace. Awesome architecture, marvelous garden and breathtaking Bosphorus views. I advice to come here in late spring or summer.
Lujain AbaHussainMarch 10, 2016
Make sure to hire a tour guide. It really made a difference telling fun facts about the interesting objects and the castle. Children enjoyed. Remember to take a photo at the souvenir shop booth.
Tatjana NikolićApril 4, 2014
Travelling through history... Take time to enjoy in beautiful grounds and gardens. And view over Bosphorus, of course.
M Aldoss ♏January 11, 2015
Highly recommended historical Palace 👍👍 one of the biggest Places in Istanbul !! A lot to see
edna_ellena .November 10, 2017
Amazing place. If you are in Istanbul you must see it. Go early so you will have enough time to see all of it. Words are not enough. Go and sue by yourself. You will not regret! 😊
Manar F.December 16, 2015
Architectural excellence! A must visit! Get the audio guide and enjoy.
Umut ÇakmakJanuary 4, 2015
Site of the largest Ottoman palace and the former site of Justinian's Great Palace. Better see around with a professional guide. Lots and lots to see. With the perfect Bosphorus view.
Bogdan D.October 9, 2014
Great palace; treasury and harem are the highlites; very crowded even in October; tiring visit though;
Thanos Antonis. 🍻🍺😝☕😀November 7, 2015
A very nice place with great view to Bosporus. 2-3 hours required to see all Topkapi area with 45 TL entrance cost for both sarayi and harem.
Walid SassiJanuary 4, 2015
Just in love with this place , every visitor to istanbul need to visit this place , the pass costs 30Turkish Lira
Ali DaylanAugust 4, 2015
Culinary section is awesome. See the extravagance of palace cuisine and how it was affected by European culture after 17th century. You even can know where the kitchen acquired its ingredients from.
Raakin RollSeptember 18, 2016
Here you will see the Prophet Muhammad's live articles such as his tooth, hair and along with the Sahaba's (companions) articles like their swords, etc.. Also you will see Proph. Musas sword. Must see
Raghad AdnanOctober 5, 2018
I loved it, the audio guide is quite helpful and explains it all .. but don’t take the fast-track ticket, it’s a trap !
Majestic IstanbulOctober 6, 2014
The Palace kitchens are open for visit. They are in the second courtyard of the palace, you can easily spot them with their huge chimneys.
Önder BingölNovember 9, 2014
Walk through all the gardens to the north to find out why this hilltop was chosen for the palace. A breathtaking view of marmara, bosphorus and golden horn will greet you.
maramMay 18, 2015
wonderful place in Istanbul make sure to have short break near to fountain
Doniyor IsakhunovApril 28, 2015
The best historical place of istanbul. And harem was also made by eastern style
Turkey TourismMay 9, 2013
Topkapi Palace occupies one of the seven hills of the city at the tip of the historic peninsula overlooking the sea. Read more
Natalia UMarch 8, 2016
A lot of buildings of Sultans' places describe life here hundreds years ago, amazing armoury, treasure house, palace court
OziSeptember 11, 2014
Been here 100+ times
If you visit here in the morning then do it early like 9:00 and directly go to the third garden to visit the exhibition halls to skip the line.
Yudum Macit KarakulakyanOctober 6, 2012
Been here 50+ times
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, 2017
It’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.
Anna KApril 16, 2015
Harem was the best part for me. Do not miss if you like iznic tiles!
Turkish AirlinesFebruary 28, 2015
Take a step back in time, as you walk through history at the incredible Topkapi Palace!
Doğucan BaskınJanuary 9, 2019
For me, the best historical heritage in Istanbul. Amazing view and so many interesting artifacts from Ottoman Empire. Definitely worth to visit.
Adrijana HusićNovember 10, 2013
For many people not impressive as Dolmabahce Palace, still this is the real Ottoman Palace. Be sure to leave some time to enjoy sitting in front of Palace and within gardens inside.
Alireza ZeiniOctober 23, 2023
The ticket was so expensive. But Everyone should see inside the museum once in the life. It has a good historical story
Museum Pass Istanbul DistributorMay 7, 2012
The 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.
The TelegraphNovember 20, 2012
The four courtyards and plethora of buildings and pavilions that make up the Topkapı Palace complex (topkapisarayi.gov.tr ; £8.70, closed Tuesdays in winter) are a whole afternoon’s entertainment.
istanbulMarch 2, 2011
Topkapi is the palace over looking the Bosphorus where the sultas made their homes and supervised government during the glory days of the Ottoman Empire.

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