Explore Topkapi Palace and its Harem on a 3-hour guided tour. Marvel at its opulence and mystery and learn about this period in Istanbul's history.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Mobile ticketing: Use your phone or print your voucher
Duration 3 - 4 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Skip the ticket line
Instant confirmation
Live tour guide: English, German
Wheelchair accessible
Private group available

Highlights

Experience the glory of the Ottoman Era on a tour of Topkapi Palace
See the treasury, holy relics, and imperial kitchens
Explore the harem, the private quarters, and the home of the sultans
Enjoy views of the Golden Horn from the outer terraces
Benefit from priority access and a small-group tour for a more interactive and personalized experience
Get tips from your local guide at the end of the tour

Full description

Immerse yourself in Istanbul’s best sight on this exceptionally well-led guided tour. Discover Ottoman history in the Palace and the life of Sultan's family in the harem. Meet your dedicated guide at a hot spot for traditional Turkish delicacies, where there are restroom facilities and you can purchase water or snacks. Then let your guide take you to Topkapi Palace. Enjoy a 3-hour tour of Topkapi Palace, the heart of the Ottoman Empire. The complex of low buildings, pavilions, and courtyards was a self-contained city, which most inhabitants rarely left. Explore the outer-terraced gardens and admire the view over the Golden Horn. Visit the harem, ruled by the Queen Mother who wielded domestic and political power. The harem housed hundreds of women and family members as well as hundreds of eunuchs, who performed a wide range of duties. Admire cupboard doors inlaid with mother of pearl and tortoise shell and stunning Iznik tiles with verses from the Quran. The tour ends with a visit to the holy relics and the imperial kitchens.

Includes

Admission ticket for Topkapi Palace
Admission ticket for the harem
Licensed tour guide
Skip-the-line access
3-hour guided tour of Topkapi Palace and the Harem
Small-group tour (maximum 12 people) or a private walking tour (depending on option chosen)
Meeting point with toilet facilities and Turkish delicacies

Lunch and personal expenses
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Optional gratuities

Covid-19 precautions

Safety measures in place

All required protective equipment is provided
All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds

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Meeting point

House of Medusa Restaurant in Sultanahmet, Alemdar Mh., Yerebatan Cd. No:9, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey.

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Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 165 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.9/5
Value for money
4.6/5
Service
4.8/5
Organization
4.7/5

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Arrive in time. It was easy to locate the meeting point. They treated us very well, we were just the two of us with the guide and it was very easy to follow the path. the history of the palace and sultans is a lot but from each place, Julia stopped to tell us the history and relationship of society at that time

February 27, 2020

It was an Amazing experience. Our guide was well informed n patient throughout. No rushing so it was good. Topkapi palace is a huge place n it requires atleast 4hrs or maybe 5hrs depending on how much time u spend in the relic room and the herem. But all in all its totally 100% worth it. U cant miss it. I wud recommend this tour highly.

December 16, 2019

We suggest the specific tour. In the start we have a lot of details that was.not very helpful maybe boring but after when the tour start everything was interesting and nice. Ourbguide help us a lot of that.the most important for me is that we visit all the open and available room in the palace(i say thay because in some tours the guides say not this not that and you skip all the area). We visit all the available rooms and beliveme was necessary the tour in order to understand what we see. Alone we for sure not understand what is each room. This tour ia fantastic to see topkapi and beliveme you muat to it. Also we appreciate that when topkapi exporation finish does not lead ua to the exit he suggest us to visir 6 more areas outeside the library nice fantastic balcony..that beliveme was necessary if the view to visit!i am sorry i do not remeber his name of the guide but was a winderful person!thanks for everything

December 14, 2019

Topkapi Palace and Harem: Guided Tour with Admission Ticket

Topkapi Palace and Harem: Guided Tour with Admission Ticket

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