Planning a visit to Topkapi Palace in Istanbul? This travel guide covers everything you need to know!
Maybe you’ve watched one too many episodes of Magnificent Century… or ended up in a historical rabbit hole on Wikipedia and now want to see where the real sultans lived, ruled, and stirred palace drama.
Luckily, you don’t have to look too far: at Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace, you’ll find orante courtyards, beautiful mosaics, royal chambers, and centuries of secrets and scandals (ooh!)
This palace served as the residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years, and during that time, it was the political and cultural center of an empire — complete with royal ceremonies, political intrigue, and the private lives of generations of rulers.
But with confusing ticket options, long tickets (especially in the summer!), and sections spread across a sprawling complex, planning a visit to Topkapi Palace can get quite overwhelming.
No worries, that’s where this guide comes in. We’ve explored Topkapi Palace multiple times (both as tourists and locals 😉), and we’re here to share the must-see sections inside Topkapi, what you can skip, and how to make the most of your time (without getting palace fatigue!).
Best of all, you don’t have to be a history buff (or watch nearly 140 episodes of Magnificent Century *ahem*) to appreciate the palace.
If you’re looking for an all-in-one, beginner-friendly, stress-free guide to Topkapi Palace, you’ve come to the right place!
Grab your ticket, make a list of things to see in Topkapi Palace, walk through the Imperial Gate, and let’s go back in time to the Ottoman Empire — at least for a few hours. 🙂
“The most beautiful and best-known of all Istanbul’s sights, Topkapi is the palace overlooking the Bosphorus where the sultans made their homes… It’s here more than anywhere else in the city that you will feel the ghosts of the imperial past brushing against you.”
Topkapi Palace Basic Information
📍 Topkapi Palace Opening Hours: Topkapi Palace is open from 9 AM to 6 PM all year round. However, keep in mind that the ticket office closes one hour before (so, at 5 PM).
It’s best to check the official website before your visit, as working hours can shift seasonally or during holidays!
📍 Topkapi Palace Closed Days: Unlike most other museums in Istanbul (which are closed on Mondays), Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays! Be sure to keep this in mind when planning your visit to Topkapi. 🙂
📍 Holidays & Other Closures: Topkapi Palace’s visiting hours may be changed during Turkish national holidays. For example, Topkapi Palace is usually closed on the first day of Ramadan Bayram (Eid Al-Fitr). You can check the full list of national holidays in Turkey in our blog post here.
📍 Topkapi Palace Free Days: Unfortunately, there are no free days for the Topkapi Palace.
📍 Dress Code: There’s no strict dress code for Topkapi Palace in general, except for the Holy Relics Chamber. If you plan to visit this section (which houses sacred Islamic relics once collected by the Ottoman sultans), make sure to dress modestly: no shorts, short skirts, or exposed shoulders.
Topkapi Palace Ticket Prices
As of June 2025, the ticket price for Topkapi Palace is 2,400 Turkish Liras per person. This is called the “Topkapi Palace Combination Ticket” and includes entry to the following:
- The Topkapi Palace (the main courtyards, rooms, and halls)
- The Harem (the private living area of the sultan’s family, ladies, and eunuchs)
- The Hagia Irene (a Byzantine-era church on the palace grounds that’s often overlooked but worth a peek)
❗️Please note that prices are subject to change at any time (ahem, inflation), so always double-check the official website or the signboard at the palace entrance for up-to-date info before your visit! We also post the latest updates on our Let’s Travel to Türkiye Facebook group (including ticket prices), so join us there if you want to stay in the loop. 🙂
Likewise, you can also purchase tickets to just the Harem (ticket price – 900 TL) or just Hagia Irene (ticket price – also 900 TL), but most travelers pick the combo ticket to make the most of their visit.
Topkapi Palace Online Tickets
Topkapı Palace welcomes more than 3 million visitors each year (honestly, the number is likely higher, since that statistic is from 2022), so buying tickets in advance is a must — especially during the summer, peak tourist season, and holiday weekends.
If you’re short on time or have a packed Istanbul itinerary, we highly recommend buying your Topkapi Palace tickets online — those marked with a “skip the line” ticket will let you breeze past the long ticket lines. 🙂
We recommend this top-rated Topkapi Palace and Harem Guided Tour with Ticket, which has a 4.8 out of 5 rating and more than 1,300 happy customers.
❗️Wait, how does the skip-the-line thing actually work at Topkapi?
In Türkiye, visitors accompanied by a licensed guide are allowed to use a separate entrance — which means guided tour guests often skip past the general line altogether. Even if you’re not normally a “tour person,” this little loophole alone makes it worth booking one (plus you’ll get to learn some interesting history facts and harem gossip :)).
You can also check Topkapi skip the line ticket tours here:
Are there discounts for Topkapi Palace tickets?
Unlike other museums in Istanbul, there are no discounts or free days at Topkapi Palace (sorry!)
Topkapi Palace Travel Tips
How much time do I need to see Topkapi Palace? — If you’re short on time, we recommend spending at least 2 to 3 hours at Topkapi Palace. It’s such a historical and cultural treasure that’s well worth the time!
If you’re in Istanbul for a longer period of time (i.e. at least 3 days), you could even spend the whole day just walking around, reading all of the plaques, listening to the audio guide, and exploring the little courtyards and side streets.
For reference, we spent about 4 hours the last time we were at Topkapi (Ms. Kedi’s Magnificent Century-obsessed mom was visiting 😉) but we could have easily spent the whole day.
The best time to visit Topkapi Palace is right when it opens (around 9 AM) — especially on weekends or during peak tourist season. As a nice bonus, the morning light is gorgeous for photos, the lines are shorter, and you’ll get to enjoy the palace grounds before they get packed with tour groups. 🙂
Don’t visit Topkapi on Tuesdays, since that’s the only day when it’s closed!
In terms of seasons, here’s what you can expect:
☀️ Summer (June–August): Expect crowds, high temps, and strong sun. The outer courtyards offer little shade, so bring a hat, wear sunscreen, and be sure to stock up on water.
🌸 Spring (April–May) and Autumn (Sept–Oct): These are the ideal times to visit thanks to mild weather, fewer crowds, and blooming or golden gardens. If we had to plan a trip to Topkapi, we would visit in these two seasons.
☃️Winter (Nov–March): Quiet and peaceful, though some sections may be chilly or closed for maintenance. Still a great time for photographers and those who want to avoid crowds. 🙂
Security Checks & Photography Rules — All visitors go through a security screening at the entrance, including a metal detector and bag checks. Tripods, drones, and overly-large camera gear may be restricted, so stick to handhelds or phones.
Can you take photos inside Topkapi? Unlike Dolmabahçe Palace (check out our guide here), photography is allowed at Topkapi! Just be respectful and turn off your flash in dimly lit areas.
The only places where you cannot take photos in Topkapi are within the Sacred Relics chambers, which are exhibitions of Topkapi Palace’s religious artifacts. Usually there will be a museum attendant stationed in each room, so when in doubt, feel free to ask them.
A Short History of Topkapi Palace
Before we go on our little tour of Topkapi Palace, let’s learn more about its history!
The official name of Topkapi Palace is Topkapı Sarayı (“Cannongate Palace”) and was derived from a seaside gate that once stood near the complex. However, that wasn’t the original name! In fact, the palace was originally called “the New Palace” for centuries, and was only renamed to Topkapi sometime in the 19th century.
If you look at a map of Topkapi Palace, you’ll notice that its location was no accident. The palace is located right where the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus, and the Sea of Marmara meet — a strategic vantage point that offers both a commanding view of the waterways and immediate proximity to the religious and administrative heart of the city. This placement allowed the Ottoman court to symbolically and physically dominate the newly conquered capital of Constantinople.
Interestingly, Topkapi Palace is almost as old as Istanbul itself! Well, sort of. 🙂 Just like Ağa Hamam, which was built as a private bath house for Sultan Mehmed II around the same time, the palace dates back to the earliest years of Ottoman Constantinople.
After the aforementioned Sultan Mehmet II (also known as Fatih Sultan Mehmet) conquered Istanbul in 1453, he knew he needed somewhere to live — so in 1459, he ordered the construction of Topkapi Palace. The construction took place from 1460 to around 1467 (historians aren’t too sure about the exact completion date).
Interestingly, the layout of Topkapi Palace was unique and quite ahead of its time. Unlike European palaces, it didn’t revolve around one grand hall or throne room. And even compared to earlier Islamic palaces, it was different.
The structure was designed to reflect clear divisions between the sultan’s public and private life — hence why there were four courtyards. The first two courtyards focused on the administrative duties of the Ottoman Empire, while the latter courtyards and harem were secluded and made for the sultan and his family. He was basically doing work-life balance before it was cool. 😉
Anyway, back to the story. As one historian noted, Sultan Mehmet II “took care to summon the very best workmen from everywhere – masons and stonecutters and carpenters … [because] he was constructing great edifices which were to be worth seeing and should [compete] with the greatest and best of the past.” — and indeed he did!
Fun fact: While Topkapi Palace was being built, the sultan and his family resided in the Old Palace (near today’s Istanbul University). Even when Topkapi was complete and everyone moved there, the Old Palace was used as a residence for the wives and concubines of deceased sultans and princes — hence its more heartbreaking nickname, “The Palace of Tears.”
While Mehmet II initially ordered the palace to be built with multiple pavilions and courtyards, much of what you see today isn’t the original plan.
That’s because over centuries, sultans added and changed the palace to their liking. For example, Suleiman the Magnificent added the Baghdad Kiosk in the Fourth Courtyard to celebrate his military victories; Ahmed III built a gorgeous library in the Third Courtyard (aptly named the Ahmed III Library); and one of the last major additions came from Abdülmecid I, who built the Mecidiye Pavilion to overlook the Marmara Sea — just a few years before moving.
All in all, Topkapı Palace served as the main residence of about 30 sultans over nearly 400 years — from the late 1400s until the mid-1800s.
The palace officially “retired” in 1856, when Sultan Abdülmecid moved the entire imperial court to the newly built Dolmabahçe Palace on the Bosphorus (another must-visit palace — check out our guide here!). This was part of a bigger shift, since the sultans wanted to embrace a more European style of life, and Topkapı just didn’t cut it anymore.
However, Topkapi’s story was far from over. After the fall of the Ottoman Empire in the 1920s, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (founder of the modern-day Turkish Republic) ordered Topkapi to be a museum. It opened to the public in April 1924, and has been welcoming visitors ever since. 🙂
Visiting Topkapi Palace
Ready to explore Topkapi Palace? Let’s check it out!
As you make your way to Topkapi Palace, you’ll notice the Ahmet III fountain near the entrance, which is arguably the largest and most beautiful of Istanbul’s public fountains (and there are more than 1,000 of them around the city!)
Just behind it is the Imperial Gate (Bab-ı Hümayun), which is the first gate that marks the official entrance to Topkapi.
It’s most notable for its gold calligraphy, which has a quote from the Quran, as well as a plaque that commemorates the building of the palace by Sultan Mehmed II. The inscription translates to, “The sultan of two continents and the emperor of two seas.” Not a bad title, right?
The easiest way to get around Topkapi Palace is to break it down into 4 courtyards — and the further into the palace you go, the more private things become. Each courtyard had a specific purpose, with access gradually narrowing from public ceremonies to the sultan’s innermost domain. We’ll talk about each below, but here’s a quick primer:
First Courtyard: The only courtyard open to the public during Ottoman times, as it was used for parades, official ceremonies, and palace service buildings. Now it functions as the entry point to Topkapi Palace and includes the ticket offices, Hagia Irene, and a small garden.
Second Courtyard: This was the administrative heart of the Ottoman Empire — AKA where everyone got down to business! This courtyard includes the palace kitchens, Imperial Council Chamber (where viziers met), and entry to the Harem.
Third Courtyard: The sultan’s private domain where only trusted officials and palace insiders were allowed in. Here you’ll find the Audience Hall (where sultans met foreign ambassadors), the Imperial Treasure (home to the most priceless artifacts of the empire), and the Holy Relics Room (full of important religious artifacts).
Fourth Courtyard: The sultan’s personal “relax zone” thanks to the number of gardens, pavilions, kiosks, and beautiful views.
First Courtyard: Alay Meydanı (Courtyard of Processions)
Once you cross the threshold, you’ll find yourself in the first courtyard — the Courtyard of Processions (Alay Meydanı). As you might guess from the name, Ottoman sultans would pass through this courtyard when going off to war or returning in triumph. It was also used during ceremonies and, on certain days of the week, as a place where the public could submit their petitions.
The Courtyard of Processions looks more like a small park than part of a palace — and that’s intentional. Visiting the first courtyard is free (you’ll buy your actual ticket here :)), and in many ways, it still serves its original purpose as a transitional space between the outside world and the inner private areas of the palace.
This courtyard includes the former Mint Administration building (Darphane-i Amire) and the Hagia Irene, a Byzantine-era church that you can visit if you buy the combination ticket.
After going to the ticket kiosk and buying your ticket, you’ll continue onward and enter the actual palace through the Gate of Salutation (Bab-üs Selam), one of the most famous symbols of Topkapi Palace. These two conical towers often left ambassadors and foreign dignitaries speechless (and still do to this day! ;))
Second Courtyard: Divan Meydanı (Imperial Council Courtyard)
The second courtyard, Divan Meydanı (Imperial Council Courtyard) is the largest of the four and served as the administrative and ceremonial heart of Topkapi Palace.
It’s a spacious area filled with lush cypress trees and acts as a central thoroughfare for many of the palace’s sections, including the kitchens, stable complex, the entrance to the harem section, the council hall, the Tower of Justice, and so on.
Let’s take a quick look at each section (going clockwise):
📍 The Stable Complex: Where horses and carriages were kept.
📍 The Council Hall: This is where the most important state business was conducted. All of the ministers (viziers) would sit along the wall, while the Grand Vizier (a position akin to today’s prime minister) would sit in the middle, facing the entrance. Connected to this space was the Public Records Office, which made it easier to immediately archive or finalize documents after council decisions.
Fun fact: in earlier times, the sultan would attend these meetings. Later, though, he preferred to listen in secretly from a hidden window above the Grand Vizier’s seat (behind a gilded grille). 🤫
📍 The Tower of Justice: The most noticeable building in the entire Topkapi complex — literally, because it’s also the tallest! Aptly-named, the Tower of Justice was a symbol of the sultan’s watchful eye over his empire. As mentioned above, this was where the sultan entered his little eavesdrop room and listened in on conversations happening in the Council Hall.
📍 The Harem: We have an entire section talking about the Harem below, but in short, this sprawling complex was the private residence of the sultan’s family, including his mother (the Valide Sultan / Queen Mother), concubines, their children, and hundreds of workers that looked after them all.
📍 Topkapi Palace Kitchens: Built during the original construction of the palace and later expanded during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, the Topkapi kitchens were massive — in fact, up to 300 people worked here at any given time!
The kitchen was also divided into smaller sections, such as the kiler (pantries), the Helvahane (where helva, a desert, was prepared), and the Şerbethane (where sherbet, a type of cold fruity drink, was made). Nowadays, the kitchen buildings contain displays of European and Turkish porcelain from the 10th to 18th centuries, silverware, platters, serving pieces used in the imperial court, and so on.
If you take a ferry to the Asian side, look back towards the historic peninsula and you’ll see the tops of the kitchen roofs as part of Istanbul’s skyline! 🙂
At its peak, more than 4,000 people lived and worked in Topkapi Palace — it was like a little city-state, complete with its own rules, roles, and routines!
The Harem
The entrance to the Harem is quietly tucked away in the Second Courtyard — fitting, given how private and secluded this section of the palace was. Once you pass through the doorway, however, the beautiful tilework and intricate details will pull you into the world of the powerful women who shaped the empire.
At its peak, the Harem included more than 300 rooms, 9 baths, 2 mosques, a hospital, laundry room, and countless hidden passageways. It was a full-fledged “palace within a palace” and home to the Valide Sultan (Queen Mother), the sultan’s wives and concubines, their children, and hundreds of eunuchs and attendants who kept it all running smoothly.
Perhaps the most impressive space in the Harem is the Imperial Hall, also known as the Sultan’s Hall or Hünkâr Sofası.
This huge lavish room was where official celebrations, family gatherings, and private performances took place. The sultan would chill on his cushioned throne and watch musicians and dancers perform. Look closely, and you’ll notice a small gallery off to the side — this is where musicians once played, often blindfolded so they couldn’t lay eyes on the women of the harem. (Yes, really.)
One of the unique design details here is the blue-and-white tiles, which weren’t made in Iznik (like many others in Topkapi), but actually imported all the way from Holland!
Another interesting area in the Harem is the Apartment of the Queen Mother (Valide Sultan Odası). As the most powerful woman in the empire, the Valide Sultan had lavish quarters near the center of the Harem. She essentially ran the household and had enormous political power — sometimes even influencing the sultan himself. This room is richly decorated with intricate tilework, calligraphy, and gilded furnishings.
Further down, The Crown Prince’s Room (Şehzade Odası) belonged to the heir to the throne, typically the oldest surviving son of the sultan. It was located deeper in the Harem because princes were often raised in semi-isolation to keep them “safe” from court politics (which, unfortunately, sometimes didn’t work out).
Let’s move onto the rest of the palace…
Third Courtyard: Enderun Meydanı (Enderun Square)
Once you pass through the Gate of Felicity (Bab-üs Saade), you’ll step into the Third Courtyard, also known as Enderun Square (Enderun Meydanı). Only the sultan, his family, and their closest assistants could pass through this gate — so consider yourself among the ✨ elite few ✨ deemed worthy of witnessing the sultan’s private world. 😉
This courtyard was considered the heart of the palace, both physically and politically. It marked the shift from public and administrative life into the most private, inner world of the empire: where the sultan lived, made decisions, and kept his most sacred possessions.
Interestingly, the third courtyard also functioned as an elite school. The Enderun School was one of the most prestigious institutions in the empire and trained gifted boys to become high-ranking officials, scholars, military leaders (Janissaries), or even viziers. Only those hand-selected could study here (think of it as the Harvard of the Ottoman court!)
On important occasions, a ceremonial throne would be brought out and placed in front of the gate so that the sultan could address his court or receive his subjects.
Going clockwise from the left, the third courtyard includes the Agalar Mosque, the Sacred Relics Chamber, the Imperial Treasury, the Dormitory of the Expeditionary Force (which now houses clothes worn by the royal family), and the former Enderun School.
Fun Fact: Ever wondered why the sultan’s clothes are still in such amazing condition (some of those kaftans date back to Mehmed II in the 1400s!)? That’s because it was tradition to carefully store a sultan’s garments in a box after his death — which is exactly why they’ve survived to this day!
One of the most must-see places in Topkapi’s third courtyard is the Imperial Treasury, which houses some of the most stunning collections of jewelry in the world (including the Spoonmaker’s Diamond, one of the largest in the world!), as well as various thrones, gold, accessories, artifacts, and more.
Across the Treasury is another treasury (surprise) — the Sacred Relics Chamber! This is a place where many Muslim and Christian relics are held, including a piece of Prophet Muhammed’s beard, the holy standard, swords of the first four caliphs, staff of Moses, sword of David, and pieces of the skull of St. John the Baptist.
The Sacred Relics Chamber is the only place in the entire Topkapi Palace where photos aren’t allowed. Another interesting detail is that the Quran is recited continuously (yes, 24/7!) in this room.
Fourth Courtyard
Towards the back of the Third Courtyard, you’ll notice a small ramp — take it, and you’ll arrive at the Fourth Courtyard.
This final section of the palace was the most secluded and peaceful part of Topkapi, designed as a place for the sultan to relax and entertain in privacy. In a sense, this was the “backyard” of Topkapi Palace. 😉
Here, you’ll find beautiful gardens, shaded kiosks, elegant pavilions, and fountains — ideal for escaping the heat and the pressure of palace politics. While less packed with exhibits, the Fourth Courtyard is ideal for those who want to enjoy the atmosphere and see how the sultans spent their more private moments.
Travel tip: Go between the Baghdad and Mecidiye Kiosks to see one of the best views of the Marmara Sea.
Topkapi got you dreaming of palace life? Book a stay at Daru Sultan Galata, where every room is decorated in Ottoman-style design —channel your inner sultan with velvet fabrics, gold accents, and hand-carved wood details. Some rooms even come with dreamy views of the Old Town, Galata Tower, or the Bosphorus! Click here to check prices and book →
If you’re after the full Ottoman fantasy, the 5-star AJWA Sultanahmet is just 15 minutes from Topkapi and perfect for a special occasion — or treating yourself like royalty. 😉 Handwoven silk carpets, mother-of-pearl inlay furniture, and even handmade tiles from İznik — every corner is pure palace chic. And yes, there’s an indoor pool and hammam too. Click here to check prices and book →
Amenities at Topkapi Palace
While Topkapi may be an old palace, that doesn’t mean it’s stuck in the past — you’ll find plenty of modern comforts here! 😉
Here are the amenities available at Topkapi Palace:
📍Restrooms: There are a few toilet facilities inside the palace complex, including near the entrance and between courtyard areas. Do note that they’re very basic, though, and there are often queues to get inside.
📍Cafes & Snack Stands: There are three cafes at Topkapi: one in the first courtyard (near the ticket office), and two in the second courtyard (one near the kitchen and another cart near the Gate of Felicity/third courtyard entrance). The prices are surprisingly reasonable despite being inside a tourist attraction!
📍Restaurant: There used to be a restaurant inside Topkapi Palace (called Konyali Restaurant), although it appears closed at the moment. We’ll update this section if it reopens or a new dining spot takes its place.
📍Benches & Shade: Not an “amenity” per se, but worth mentioning. 🙂 There are a few shaded areas and benches, but they can be limited on crowded days, so don’t count on always finding an empty seat.
📍Gift Shop: There is a Topkapi museum gift shop where you can buy books, postcards, tableware, jewelry, and Ottoman-inspired souvenirs (like a replica of the famous Topkapi dagger!)
📍Baby Room: There is a baby care room (Bebek Bakım Odası) inside the palace, but it’s quite minimal and may not be the cleanest or most well-equipped. If you’re visiting with little ones, we’d recommend coming prepared with your own essentials, just in case.
Where to go After Topkapi Palace
Just finished your royal stroll through Topkapi Palace? Great! But now you’re probably wondering, where to next?
Thankfully, Topkapi Palace’s location right in the heart of Istanbul’s Old Town (Sultanahmet) makes it perfect for exploring nearby places. Here are some easy and fun ideas for what to do next:
🕌 Visit Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque (1–5 mins walk): You’re literally steps away from two of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks — Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. If you haven’t already visited one (or both) earlier in the day, this is the perfect follow-up. Please note that the Blue Mosque is free to enter, while Hagia Sofia requires a ticket.
🌳 Relax in Gülhane Park (1 min walk): Need a breather? Exit through the gate near Gülhane Park and enjoy a tea break under the trees — there are a few relaxed cafes in and around the park (such as Beltur).
Interestingly, Gülhane Park was actually part of the Topkapi Palace complex up until 1912, when control was handed over to the city of Istanbul and it opened to the public. If you’re visiting during April, you can also enjoy the free Tulip Festival!
🏛️ Visit the Istanbul Archaeological Museums (2 mins walk): If you’ve still got energy, check out the Istanbul Archaeological Museums (right behind Topkapı). Unlike Topkapi, the artifacts here go way beyond the Ottoman era, including ancient Greek, Roman, and Mesopotamian treasures.
🛁 Treat yourself at Hürrem Sultan Hamamı (2–3 mins walk): On the other hand, if you walked 10,000+ steps through four courtyards and have no energy left, it’s time to reward yourself with a hamam session!
Just across Hagia Sophia is the stunning Hürrem Sultan Hamamı, built by Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan for — you guessed it — Hürrem Sultan (aka Roxelana, aka one of the most legendary residents of Topkapi Palace).
This is one of Istanbul’s most luxurious and historic Turkish baths — and yes, it’s still operating today, so you can actually book a session and experience it for yourself! Click here to check prices and availability → or check out our guide to the best hamams in Istanbul →
🌅 Catch golden hour on the Galata Bridge (20–25 mins walk or tram): Trying to figure out what to do during the second half of your day? We recommend a leisurely stroll (or tram ride) toward the Galata Bridge and watch the ferries glide across the Bosphorus.
On the other side, you’ll find the charming hipster neighborhood of Karaköy (we wrote an entire local’s guide to Karaköy here!), complete with restaurants, street art, and the newly-opened Galataport. It’s a *chef’s kiss* way to end your day.
How to Get to Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace is located in the Sultanahmet district and is easily accessible from most parts of Istanbul. Here’s how to get to Topkapi from popular tourist areas:
From Sultanahmet (Istanbul Old Town)
As mentioned above, Topkapi Palace is located practically in the heart of Sultanahmet! It’s less than a 10-minute walk from most hotels and accommodations in the area.
From Galata or Karaköy
If you’re staying in Galata, Tünel, or Karaköy, get on the T1 Tram at Karaköy station (heading toward Bağcılar) and get off at the Gülhane or Sultanahmet station. From either one, it’s an 8-minute walk to Topkapi Palace.
If you’re staying near the Galata Bridge, it’s about a 30-minute walk across the bridge and to Topkapi Palace (but very scenic!)
From the Asian Side (Kadıköy or Üsküdar)
From either Kadıköy or Üsküdar, take the ferry to Eminönü (ferries are very frequent and leave every 15 ~ 20 minutes from either location!). From Eminönü pier, it’s a 15-minute walk to Topkapi Palace.
The main entrance to Topkapi Palace is right across Hagia Sophia — you can enter the palace via the Imperial Gate (📍 click here for Google Maps coordinate).
Topkapi Palace FAQs
Is Topkapı Palace open every day?
No — Topkapı Palace is closed on Tuesdays. Double-check the opening hours before your visit, as they may vary by season.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Yes, we highly recommend it! Topkapı sees millions of visitors a year, and lines can get long (especially in summer!) We recommend either this skip-the-line ticket or this top-rated guided tour for a smooth experience.
What time should I go to Topkapi Palace?
The earlier, the better. Arriving close to opening time (usually 9:00 AM) means smaller crowds, softer light for photos, and cooler temperatures (especially if you’re visiting during the peak of summer).
Can I bring a bag or backpack to Topkapi?
Small bags are fine, but all visitors go through a security check. Large backpacks or luggage aren’t allowed inside. Since there’s no official cloakroom, we recommend you to pack light.
Can I take photos inside Topkapi Palace?
Yes! Photography is allowed in most areas of Topkapı Palace (unlike Dolmabahçe Palace), but no flash or tripods, please. Likewise, the only place where photos are prohibited is inside the Sacred Relics chamber (due to the nature of the artifacts inside).
Is the Topkapi Harem worth it?
Absolutely. It’s one of the most atmospheric and beautifully preserved parts of the palace — full of tilework, private chambers, and stories from court life. Because of this, we recommend buying a combination ticket (which includes access to the main areas of Topkapi + the Harem + Hagia Irene church).
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