Topkapi Palace Tickets

Topkapi Palace Tickets

Discover the legacy of the Ottoman Empire

Skip the ticket lines. Book with confidence.

TOPKAPI PALACE

Step Into Centuries of Imperial History

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

Main Entrance Gate of Topkapi Palace

Discover the Heart of the Ottoman Empire

Discover Topkapi Palace, the political and ceremonial heart of the Ottoman Empire for nearly four centuries. From grand courtyards and pavilions to treasure rooms and royal kitchens, this vast palace complex showcases imperial power, sacred relics, and refined court life.

Explore the Residence of the Ottoman Sultans Walk through the First and Second Courtyards, where soldiers, diplomats, and scholars once gathered. See the Divan (Imperial Council), stables, and the famous kitchens that house one of the world’s most valuable Chinese porcelain collections.

Visit the Legendary Harem Your ticket includes access to the Harem Museum, the private quarters of the Ottoman dynasty. With intricate tiles, secluded chambers, and richly decorated halls, it offers a rare glimpse into the hidden side of palace life.

Book Topkapi Palace Tickets Online Enjoy skip-the-line entry, host assistance at the meeting point, and an audio guide in 6 languages so you can explore at your own pace. Secure your Topkapi Palace tickets with instant mobile confirmation and experience one of Istanbul’s most significant cultural monuments.

BOOK MY TICKETS NOW
Icon: What’s Included

What’s Included

Topkapi Palace Ticket

✅ Skip-the-line entry to Topkapi Palace
✅ Access to the Harem section
✅ Audio guide in 6 languages (English, German, French, Russian, Italian, Spanish)
✅ Assistance from a representative at the meeting point (Chimney Bistro)

What’s Not Included

❌ Earphones/headphones
❌ Guided tour with a live guide
❌ Hotel transfers
❌ Meals and drinks

Icon: Opening Hours

Opening Hours

Topkapi Palace (Hosted Entry Slots)

  • Daily except Tuesdays
  • Entry times: 09:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00
  • Last assisted entry with host: 16:00 (4:00 PM)
  • Once inside, you may stay until closing time (around 17:00).
  • Re-entry is not permitted, so plan your visit accordingly.
Icon: Important Information

Important Information

  • Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.
  • Children under 5 years old receive free admission (passport or age document required).
  • All visitors must stay with the host until they have entered the palace and Harem, if you leave or miss the host, you may lose access to the Harem.
  • Audio guide must be downloaded in advance; internet connectivity may be limited on-site.
  • Tickets are valid only for the selected date and time.
  • Tickets can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before your visit; non-refundable within the last 24 hours.
Ornamental Dome of the Topkapi Palace

Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit

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

Download the audio guide app in advance and bring your own headphones.

Plan 1.5–2 hours to explore Topkapi Palace and the Harem at a comfortable pace.

Wear comfortable shoes, the palace grounds and courtyards are extensive.

Avoid Tuesdays, Topkapi Palace is closed.

Aim for morning slots to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

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

Visit Topkapi Palace in Istanbul: Tickets, Hours, Harem Access & Tips

Book your Topkapi Palace tickets online and explore one of Istanbul’s most important historical landmarks. Once the political and ceremonial heart of the Ottoman Empire, Topkapi Palace housed sultans, their families, and key members of the imperial court for nearly four centuries. Today, it stands as a major Istanbul attraction and an essential stop for anyone visiting the Sultanahmet district.

With Topkapi Palace skip-the-line tickets, you can avoid the main ticket queues and enter the site with host assistance from the meeting point at Chimney Bistro. Your ticket includes access to the Harem Museum and an audio guide in 6 languages (English, German, French, Russian, Italian, and Spanish), allowing you to explore the palace at your own pace. Wander through its courtyards, visit the historic kitchens, and see one of the world’s most valuable Chinese porcelain collections, along with sacred relics and imperial treasures.

Before you visit, make sure to check Topkapi Palace opening hours and note that the palace is closed on Tuesdays. Hosted entry times run from 09:30 to 16:00, and once inside, you can stay until closing time. Children under 5 enter free with age verification, making Topkapi a great choice for families, couples, and history enthusiasts.

Book your Topkapi Palace tickets with a verified partner for instant confirmation, secure mobile entry, and a smooth experience at one of Istanbul’s most iconic sites.

Access and behavior rules

    • Tickets are valid only for the selected date and time slot.
    • Hosted entry times run from 09:30 to 16:00 (except Tuesdays).
    • Re-entry is not permitted once you exit the palace grounds.
    • You must meet your host at Chimney Bistro and stay with them until you have entered Topkapi Palace and the Harem.
    • Children under 5 enter free but must have age verification (passport or ID).
    • Respect quiet areas, especially near relic rooms and museum sections.
    • Follow any photography restrictions; flash may be prohibited in certain rooms.
    • Large bags may be restricted and can slow down security checks.
    • Follow all instructions from palace staff, security, and your host.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Topkapi Palace is closed every Tuesday. On all other days, hosted entry operates between 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM, with the last assisted entry at 4:00 PM. Re-entry is not permitted, so plan accordingly.

  • Yes. All tickets sold include Harem access, and entry is only possible with the host who meets you at Chimney Bistro. If you leave the host before entering the Harem, you will not be allowed inside.

  • Your ticket includes skip-the-ticket-line entry, which saves significant time at the entrance. However, security screening is mandatory for all visitors and cannot be skipped.

  • Yes. Children under 5 years old enter for free, but a passport or age-verifying document must be presented at the meeting point before entry.

  • Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours exploring Topkapi Palace and the Harem using the audio guide. Arrive at least 10–15 minutes early to meet your host and ensure a smooth start.