Topkapi Palace Tickets

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TOPKAPI PALACE

Step Into Centuries of Imperial History

Explore Istanbul’s most iconic palace and its hidden world of sultans, relics, and stories.

Discover the timeless grandeur of Topkapi Palace

Walk through the gates of Topkapi Palace, the seat of Ottoman power for nearly 400 years. From grand courtyards and royal pavilions to the legendary Harem, every corner reveals the opulence, diplomacy, and intrigue that shaped an empire.

Experience Istanbul’s Top Landmark Discover sacred relics, intricate tiles, ceremonial halls, and one of the world’s finest collections of porcelain and jewels. Enjoy skip-the-line entry and an audio guide that brings centuries of history to life.

Upgrade to the Topkapi Palace & Basilica Cistern Combo Explore two of the city’s most famous sites with one seamless ticket. After Topkapi, descend into the Basilica Cistern’s atmospheric, column-lined chamber—an underground masterpiece filled with myth, mystery, and the iconic Medusa heads.

Book your Topkapi tickets online today for easy access, verified entry, and a smooth, stress-free visit to Istanbul’s most treasured landmarks.

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What’s Included

Topkapi Palace Ticket

✅ Skip-the-line entry to Topkapi Palace
✅ Access to the Harem section
✅ Audio guide in 6 languages
✅ Host assistance at the meeting point

Combo: Topkapi Palace + Basilica Cistern

✅ Entry to Topkapi Palace (with Harem)
✅ Entry to the Basilica Cistern
✅ Skip-the-ticket-line access for both attractions
✅ Audio guide for Topkapi Palace
✅ Host-led entry to Topkapi Palace
✅ Self-entry QR access for Basilica Cistern

Opening Hours

Topkapi Palace

Daily (except Tuesdays): 09:30 – 16:00
Last hosted entry: 16:00
Re-entry not allowed

Basilica Cistern

Daily: 09:00 – 18:30
Last entry: 18:15

Important Information

Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays
All visitors must stay with the host until entering the Harem
Audio guide must be downloaded before arrival; mobile data may be limited
Basilica Cistern does not offer an audio guide
Oversized bags and luggage are not allowed inside the Cistern
Children under 5 enter for free with valid age verification

Discover What Awaits You

A world of emperors, hidden chambers, and ancient legends.

Explore Topkapi’s opulent courtyards, sacred relics, and the famed Harem. Then descend into the Basilica Cistern’s glowing columns and mysterious Medusa heads. Two historic worlds, one unforgettable Istanbul journey.

Imperial Hall of the Topkapi Palace Harem

Columns Reflected in the Basilica Cistern Waters

Medusa Head Base in the Basilica Cistern

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Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit

Download your audio guide before arriving- signal can be limited inside the palace.

Arrive 10–15 minutes early to meet your host at Chimney Bistro.

Visit Basilica Cistern earlier in the day for quieter photos.

Allow at least 2–2.5 hours to enjoy both attractions comfortably.

The meeting point is at Chimney Bistro

Line: T1 (Kabataş – Bağcılar)

Destination stop: Gülhane or Sultanahmet

Gülhane is the most convenient stop for this destination, as it’s very close to Soğuk Çeşme Sokak.

Walking route from Gülhane Stop:
- Get off the tram at Gülhane station.
- Walk about 5 minutes toward the main entrance of Topkapi Palace (next to Gülhane Park).
- Chimney Bistro is located on the small street Soğuk Çeşme Sokak, which runs parallel to the palace walls, very close to the first gate of Topkapi.
If you can reach any point along the T1 line (such as Eminönü or Kabataş) directly, this will be the easiest option, as it takes you straight to Gülhane Station with no Metro transfers needed.

Destination stop on T1: Gülhane.

Chimney Bistro is just a few meters’ walk from the Gülhane tram stop.
Most direct option: BN1 line to Akbıyık

There is a local bus line that drops you very close to the destination:

Bus BN1 (Langa Davutpaşa – Akbıyık)
- Look for the BN1 stop closest to your location. This is one of the few lines that enters the area.
- Get off Akbıyık Durağı. This is the closest stop to the Topkapi Palace area.
- Walk from Akbıyık Durağı to Chimney Bistro. It’s about a 14-minute walk (approximately 850 meters).
The Marmaray line takes you to the station closest to Sultanahmet, making the final walk very short.

Marmaray Train Route
- Train Marmaray (rail line). Board at the station closest to your location. Toward Sirkeci if coming from the European side, or Yenikapı if coming from the Asian side.
- Get off Marmaray Sirkeci Station.
- Walk from Sirkeci Station to Chimney Bistro.
Chimney Bistro is located on the small street Soğuk Çeşme Sokak, a pedestrian area just behind the walls of Topkapi Palace and Gülhane Park. It is very central and easy to find once you arrive in the historic district.

Imperial Chamber of the Topkapi Palace Harem

Topkapi Palace: Plan Your Visit Today

Book your Topkapi Palace tickets online and explore one of Istanbul’s most important historical landmarks. As the former residence of Ottoman sultans, Topkapi Palace offers visitors a deep look into imperial power, sacred relics, royal archives, and the famous Harem. This iconic Istanbul palace is located in the heart of the historic Sultanahmet district, making it a must-see stop for anyone searching for the top things to do in Istanbul. Choose verified Topkapi Palace skip-the-line tickets with host-assisted entry and an audio guide available in multiple languages for a smooth and immersive experience.

Upgrade to the Topkapi Palace & Basilica Cistern combo ticket to see two of Istanbul’s most famous attractions in one visit. The Basilica Cistern, located just minutes from Topkapi, is one of the city’s most atmospheric underground sites, known for its forest of marble columns, reflective waters, and the legendary Medusa heads. With skip-the-ticket-line entry, you can explore both attractions with ease and avoid long queues during peak hours.

Use our Istanbul travel guide to learn the best time to visit Topkapi Palace, how to get to Sultanahmet, and which Istanbul attractions pair best with your itinerary. Whether you’re planning a short city break or a full day of sightseeing, our platform offers instant mobile confirmation, secure entry, and verified partner tickets. Discover why Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern are essential Istanbul attractions for families, couples, and history lovers.

Access and behavior rules

- Tickets are valid only for the selected date and time.
- Re-entry is not allowed once you exit.
- Meet your host at Chimney Bistro; do not leave the host before entering the Harem.
- Respect quiet zones inside the palace and Cistern.
- No flash photography where indicated.
- Large bags and luggage are not permitted inside the Basilica Cistern.
- Follow security instructions at all times; security screening is mandatory.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Yes. The palace is closed every Tuesday.
Yes, both the solo ticket and combo include Harem access with host assistance.
Yes, you skip the ticket line at both attractions. Security screening is still required.
Children under 5 enter free with verified age documentation.
Yes, download it before your visit. Internet may not be available at the palace.
Plan 2 to 2.5 hours for the combo.