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One of the popular attractions to see with Topkapi Palace tickets is the Harem. It was the private living quarters of the Ottoman Sultan, his wives and his concubines in Topkapi Palace. You can see more than 300 rooms, courtyards, two mosques and gardens in this complex which is completely secluded from other sections of the palace. The major highlights of Topkapi Palace harem include the Hamam, the private apartments of the Sultan and the Queen Mother.
Book Now: Harem Tour of Topkapi Palace
Buy Topkapi Palace tickets to admire the intricate architecture and ornamental designs of the First Courtyard of this magnificent palace. Also called the "Court of Janissaries" or the "Parade Court", it was utilised to host large public ceremonies. It also served as a waiting area for the horses and helpers of various dignitaries visiting the Sultan. This is the largest courtyard of Topkapi Palace where you can see lush green open lawns and the Church of Hagia Irene.
With Tickets to Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, you can catch a glimpse of the Second Courtyard, the administrative centre and hub for social activities. In its tranquil environs, you can cherish a lovely stroll in the gardens after entering from the Gate of Salutation. The Second Court boasts notable attractions like palace kitchens, the Imperial Council and the Tower of Justice. You can also see a collection of more than 400 weapons and armour in the Weapons Room.
Must Read: Topkapi Palace Facts
After entering the Third Court of Topkapi Palace from the Gate of Felicity, you can see the area which served as the private court of the Sultans. This courtyard has prominent attractions like the Audience Chamber and Privy Chamber. You can also admire the 16th and 17th-century Iznik tiles on the walls of the Library of Ahmet III with Topkapi Palace Tickets. If you are a history fan, see the assortment of more than 2500 garments which were worn by the Sultans at the Imperial Wardrobe Collection.
The fourth court of Topkapi Palace is known for its beautiful Tulip Gardens with various terraces and pavilions. Other attractions you can explore with Topkapi Palace Tickets include the Bagdhad Pavilion, Sofa Mosque Circumcision Room and Mecidiye Pavilion here. Rest your legs in the Fourth Court amidst the colourful gardens with cool breezes from the Bosphorus Strait. If you feel hungry, head to the restaurant which offers great views of the Sea of Marmara.
Also Read: Istanbul Day Tours
Topkapi Palace Tickets offer you an opportunity to discover the rarest art, jewellery and precious stones in the three rooms forming the Imperial Treasury of the palace. In the first room, you can see the armours of Sultan Mustafa III along with the ebony throne of Sultan Murat IV and a golden Indian music box. The second room enchants you with the famous Topkapi dagger while the third room houses the Spoonmaker's Diamond and the gold-plated Bayram throne of Sultan Murat III.
Tickets to Topkapi Palace in Istanbul take you back in time to the Ottoman rule in Turkey after the conquest of Constantinople in 1453. This gorgeous palace was originally called Zeytinlik and traces its roots back to 1459. It was conceptualised by Sultan Mehmud II and brought to life by a team of talented labourers, brilliant stonecutters and skilled architects. The design of the palace included four primary courtyards which were later expanded by Sultan Suleiman I between 1520 and 1560. He added many beautiful pavilions, royal baths and the harem into the architecture of this palace which coincided with the increasing dominance of Ottoman rule.
After the destructive fire of 1574, the palace was rebuilt to preserve its original layout. Towards the end of the 16th century, the palace had undergone significant additions and renovations which rendered its current shape. It continued to be the residence and administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire from the 1460s to 1856. By the end of the 19th century, subsequent Ottoman Sultans shifted from Topkapi Palace to their European-style palaces on the banks of the Bosphorus.
After the end of the Ottoman Empire and the abolishment of the Caliphate, the palace was converted into a museum in 1924. It is currently under the aegis of Turkey's Ministry of Culture and Tourism and houses a collection of artefacts that enthrals more than 3 million visitors every year. Some of the popular artefacts which you can see here are the Holy Relics of Prophet Muhammad, ancient manuscripts, and the renowned Topkapi Dagger. Serving as a glorious reminder of the heritage of the Ottoman Empire, it was also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
Know More About History of Topkapi Palace
Sprawling over an area of 350,000 square metres, the Topkapi Palace boasts beautiful Ottoman-style architecture with European Baroque and Rococo influences. It was built between 1460 to 1478 AD and was the former residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Buy Topkapi Palace Tickets to explore the brilliant architecture of this palace which comprises four main courtyards that serve different purposes. The first court acts as the entrance to the palace and is the largest courtyard of this palace with widespread green lawns. It has a symmetrical layout and the buildings are located around the central courtyard. You are then led to the second court from the Gate of Salutation to admire the magnificent kitchens that are equipped with specialised chimneys and ventilators. Here you can cherish a serene ambience as it is decked up with many fountains and gardens.
You can then proceed to the third court which was the private residence of the Sultan. It houses the majestic throne room, also called the "The Hunkar Sofasi" along with the notable library of Sultan Ahmet III. While you walk through the chambers and pavilions, you can admire the Rococo decorations. Continue your exploration to the Harem, one of the most private quarters of the palace. Here, you can see artistic grandeur with intricate tilework, calligraphy and Islamic designs that adorn its walls. In the fourth courtyard, you can see the Tulip Garden and try to imagine how the royals spent their time relaxing and entertaining. The garden also features 16th-century Iznik blue and white tiles on the "Sunnet Odasi" pavilion.
You can wonder how Topkapi Palace was designed uniquely as a decentralised building instead of being a single block of building. Across the palace complex, you get to see how the royals led their daily lives with all important activities happening under one roof. Showcasing an amalgamation of Ottoman, Byzantine, and Islamic influences, Topkapi Palace has been known as one of the best places in Istanbul to admire brilliant architecture.
Suggested Read: Topkapi Palace Guided Tours
Address: Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Timing: Topkapi Palace operates at different times during the year. In winter, from October 30th to April 15th, the Museum, Harem, and Hagia Irene are open from 9 am to 4.45 pm. During the summer season, from April 16th to October 29th, the timings are extended, and these sections remain open from 9 am to 6 pm. However, the palace remains closed on Tuesdays, 1st May, the first day of Ramadan, and the first day of Sacrifice.
Accessibility: Topkapi Palace has limited accessibility to wheelchair users and strollers. While some areas are wheelchair accessible, certain sections have elevated pebbles and stairs, making them challenging to navigate.
Must Read: Plan Your Visit To Topkapi Palace
Here is the list of the best ways to reach Topkapi Palace:
Checkout: Topkapi Palace Facts
Nearby Restaurants:
Discover delightful dining options near Topkapi Palace. From traditional Turkish cuisine to international flavours, Sultanahmet Square offers various restaurants. Enjoy a meal with a Bosphorus view at Matbah Ottoman Palace Cuisine or savour local dishes at Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi. These culinary gems near Topkapi Palace complement your cultural journey in Istanbul.
Nearby Stays:
Indulge in comfort with nearby accommodations around Topkapi Palace. Options like the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet or the Armagrandi Spina Hotel provide a blend of luxury and proximity. Enjoy the convenience of staying close to Istanbul’s historic heart, enhancing your overall experience in this vibrant city.
Are Topkapi Palace Tickets available online?
Yes, tickets for Topkapi Palace are available, and they can be booked online.
Yes, Topkapi Palace Museum tickets are readily available, and you can conveniently book them online. From Skip the Line and Guided Tour tickets to VIP options and Combo Deals, there are various ticket choices to suit different preferences, ensuring an enriching and hassle-free experience exploring this historic and cultural gem.
Booking Topkapi Palace online tickets offers a range of benefits, making your visit more enjoyable and convenient. You can skip long lines, access exclusive deals, and make advanced reservations, ensuring hassle-free entry to the palace. Online booking facility also provides discounts, combo tour options, and flexible cancellation, allowing you to plan and customize your visit with ease.
Yes, you can book Istanbul Topkapi Palace tickets in advance online. It allows you to plan your visit efficiently, letting you avoid the long queues at the ticket counter and ensuring a seamless entry to the palace. The added advantage of flexibility enables you to reschedule or cancel your booking if needed..
Yes, you can find various deals and discounts on Topkapi Palace and Harem tickets. These offers may include combo deals with other attractions, skip-the-line options, or reduced prices during specific times or for certain groups. It is advisable to check the official website or authorized ticket vendors for the latest promotions and offers.
Yes, guided tours are available for Topkapi Palace. These tickets let you delve into the rich history and cultural significance of the palace. Through this ticket, you will grant access to the Imperial Harem through an expert guide, and free audio guides are also available in multiple languages to further enrich your experience.
The Topkapi Palace ticket price is 750 Turkish Lira for general admission to the museum. For access to the Harem Section, you need to pay an additional fee of 350 Turkish Lira. Visitors with an E-pass can enter the palace for free.
Who lived in Topkapi Palace?
For 400 years, the Topkapi Palace has been home to the Ottoman Sultans, and their wives, mothers, children, consorts, concubines, page boys, eunuchs, and other officials.
What does Topkapi mean?
In the Turkish language, the word Topaki means “Cannon Gate” and this place was named as such because huge cannons were placed outside the gate in different conquests, marking the valor of the magnificent centuries.
When should I visit Topkapi Palace?
You can visit the Topkapi Palace istanbul any day except Tuesdays and for half day on the first day of Ramadan. The operational hours are from 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM in the winter and from 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM in the summer.
Will I need a guide at Topkapı Palace?
You can plan a solo trip to Topkapi Palace museum but a guided tour will give you easy exploration and more insights into the history associated.
You should allocate a minimum of two to three hours for a visit to Topkapi Palace. This timeframe allows ample time to explore the rich history, diverse collections, and captivating ambiance of the palace fully. It ensures a rewarding experience without feeling rushed and provides the opportunity to appreciate the historical significance of this iconic site.
Yes, Topkapi Palace is accessible to people with disabilities, but not all areas in the palace are fully accessible. People may bring their own wheelchairs, and the palace provides ramps at most locations. While wheelchair-accessible toilets are available, some parts of the palace may have limited accessibility for wheelchair users.
The tickets for Topkapi Palace are valid for three days, allowing you to explore the various sections and collections within the palace at your own pace. This extended validity period offers flexibility to immerse into the historical and cultural significance of this iconic landmark.
The best time to visit Topkapi Palace is during the months of March to May and September to November. During this time, the weather remains pleasant, and it is not the peak tourist season, making it ideal for exploring without overwhelming crowds. To avoid long queues, you can plan to arrive early on Monday or Thursday morning or visit in the late afternoon.
Absolutely, visiting the Topkapi Palace is a must-do experience in Istanbul. This historic and opulent palace offers a captivating glimpse into the Ottoman Empire's grandeur with its stunning architecture, intricate decorations, and impressive collections of artifacts. From the Harem section to the Imperial Treasury, each corner holds a piece of rich history. The panoramic views of the Bosphorus from the palace grounds are also breathtaking. The Topkapi Palace is an enriching journey through time and culture, making it well worth the visit.