Incredible Topkapi Palace Tour 2023
Visit Topkapi Palace and explore the majestic palace that has been the residence of sultans for over 400 years.
Istanbul Topkapi Palace Tour
Tour one of Istanbul’s most significant museums and experience Turkey through a sultan’s eyes while exploring the Topkapi Palace. This palace symbolizes the transformation of Turkey from a feudal society into a mighty empire, with its Ottoman-style architecture blending with Islamic influences.
DESCRIPTION
Topkapi Palace Guided Tour
Book a self-guided tour of the Topkapi Palace Museum and Harem, and find out how life looked back in the day during the reign of Ottoman sultans. For nearly half a century, Sultans walked through the Topkapi Palace, and administrative policies and social events in these rooms shaped Turkish civilization. Visit the Topkapi Museum’s bathhouses, treasury, armory, and harem. Experience the imperial charm of royal chambers and palace halls.
Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Ottoman Empire and discover all that the Topkapi Palace Museum has to offer. Your journey begins by stepping through the grand Imperial Gate and into the beautifully landscaped First Courtyard.
As you explore this magnificent palace, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Turkish pride and culture. It was in this very spot that Sultan Selim III assembled over ceremonial gatherings and state functions, adding to the palace’s significance and splendor.
Abdülmecid I, in the mid-19th century, relocated the imperial court to Dolmabahçe Palace. While some of the Topkapı Palace buildings remained functional, others deteriorated over time. Once it became a museum in 1924, many of the buildings were renovated. Some parts of the Topkapi Palace are occasionally closed for maintenance. The museum now attracts over three million visitors annually.
This is a self-guided experience. A tour representative will provide a brief introduction at the start of the tour, and the audio guide app will provide more in-depth details and history as you continue exploring the Topkapi Palace.
- Skip-the-ticket-line access to Topkapi Palace & Harem
- Brief introduction by a licensed English-speaking local guide
- Audio guide app available in 9 languages
- Unlimited stay in the museum
- Gratuities
- The headphones for the audio guide are not included, so make sure to bring your own.
Tour Meeting Point
You will meet up with your tour representative at the Topkapi cafe, whose address is Cankurtaran, Soğuk Çeşme Sk. No:4.
Book Your Skip the Line Tour of the Topkapi Palace!
Avoid the long queue for tickets and spend a full day exploring the Topkapi Museum & Harem!
Look inside one of Istanbul’s most significant landmarks, the Topkapi Palace, which was converted into a museum.
Explore the Topkapi Museum’s nooks and crannies at your own pace, from the treasury and armory to the harems, while listening to an insightful audio guide.
On this self-guided small group tour, you’ll learn how Turkish civilization developed from modest beginnings into an empire.
Good to know before you go!
- Meet your tour representative at least 20 minutes before your booked time slot to exchange your smartphone voucher for your entrance ticket.
- Your tour representative will be waiting for you at Topkapi Cafe. The cafe is located in front of the palace’s main entrance.
- The representative will be wearing a red shirt or jacket or holding a red umbrella.
- Once you meet up with your representative, they will escort you to the palace and give you a short introduction in English.
- You’ll have to download the ‘YourMobileGuide’ app to listen to the audio guide.
- The headphones are not included, so remember to bring your own.
FAQs
How much does it cost to visit Topkapi Palace?
The cost of a self-guided audio tour at the Topkapi Palace Museum & Harem can vary, but you can trust us to provide you with a comprehensive and unforgettable experience by booking your tour with us. We’ve taken care of every detail so that you won’t miss a thing.Is Topkapi Palace worth visiting?
Definitely! The Topkapi Palace is a stunning building that combines Islamic influences with Ottoman-style architecture. Along with the beautiful halls and royal chambers, the palace also has wonderful gardens surrounding it. If you’re in Istanbul, the Topkapi Palace should certainly be on your list of must-visit attractions!Is Topkapi Palace Harem worth it?
Yes, it is worth it to visit the Harem of Topkapi Palace. This part of the palace boasts beautiful interiors that you’ll enjoy walking through. This is also part of the tour when you’ll learn the most about the lifestyle of sultans and their families. So we advise you not to leave out the Topkapi Harem from your tour.How much time do you need in Topkapi Palace?
We recommend you dedicate at least three to four hours to visiting the Topkapi Palace. Since there are so many courtyards, the palace museums, and the harem, we advise you to take your time and walk around the Topkapi grounds. At least three hours will be enough to see all of the important parts of the palace.Look no further! We’ve found the prefect Topkapi Palace Museum & Harem Tour for you!
You can stop looking elsewhere, we’ve got the best tour for you!
Topkapi Palace Harem
Beneath the Tower of Justice on the western side of the Second Court lies Harem. The Topkapi Harem was the private living quarters of the Ottoman sultans and their families. Throughout the centuries, Harem was home to hundreds of women and children.
Access was strictly limited to the sultan, his wives, their children, and the eunuchs who served them. The sultans supported around 300 concubines in the Harem, although numbers were usually lower than this. Upon entering the Harem, the girls would be schooled in Islam and Turkish culture and language, as well as the arts of make-up, dress, comportment, music, reading, writing, embroidery, and dancing.
The women competed for the sultan’s favor and influence, and the Harem was known for power struggles and intrigues. The word “harem” is derived from Arabic and means “forbidden” or “private.” Only one floor of the six-floor complex is open to tourists.
Combine guided tours with attraction tickets to get the most out of your Istanbul experience!
CITY PASS
Istanbul Tourist Pass
Visit up to fifty of the top Istanbul’s main attractions! The Istanbul Tourist Pass gives you access to all of the must-see attractions in the city. Visit Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, The Bosphorus Cruise, and many other attractions in Istanbul with only one city pass!
Why not save time & money by buying the Istanbul Tourist Pass?
- 2, 3, 5, or 7-day Istanbul Tourist Pass
- Customer support via WhatsApp
- Access to the top 50 attractions of Istanbul
- Guided Tours
- Skip-the-line entries
Awesome Audio Tour!
This was a really fun experience! My family members and I decided to book this self-guided audio tour so we don’t have to follow any schedule, and it was the best decision ever. The audio guide was really insightful, and I actually feel like I’ve learned something new. Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar were my Istanbul highlights, but this tour specifically left a really good impression on me.
Highlight of Istanbul
This tour of Topkapi Palace & Harem, together with Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque, was my favorite part of my trip to Istanbul. I loved exploring the palace museum on my own while listening to its history. I would recommend this tour to anyone who wants to visit Topkapi Palace.
Book Your Topkapi Palace Tour Online Right Away!