Guided Tours

Topkapi Palace & Harem Skip-the-Line Ticket with Free Guided Tour

Visitors entering Topkapi Palace during a guided tour in Istanbul.

Gate of Salutation at Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, with visitors walking nearby.

Tour group exploring Topkapi Palace Museum with guide in Istanbul.

Hagia Irene in the first courtyard of Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, with historic architecture.

Duration

1 hr 30 min

Open today

09:00am - 06:00pm

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

3.4/5

(333)

Popovici

Jul 2025

Verified booking

5/5

Doruk was our guide and presented the information to us professionally, his English was impeccable, it was a successful visit and we learned a lot about the history of the place. We will recommend Doruk, passionate about his job but especially for the respect he shows to us.

Peta

Jun 2025

Verified booking

5/5

ticketing experience was excellent. Our guide, Derek was very informative and extremely responsive to the group. The pace was perfect for a busy hot day. He explained the history of the Palace and his knowledge of the museums was extremely helpful for when we toured later on our own. Overall we would give Derek 10 our of 10 for his knowledge and service to us and the group as a whole.

Erika

May 2025

Verified booking

5/5

We really enjoyed our visit to Topkapi Palace, despite the rain. Our tour guide was very good. The main issue we found was the way the tour had to be conducted. Because it is so busy, all guides had to provide information to visitors outside the venues. This meant that you had to remember everything when you went in and had no one inside to ask questions. Still worth a visit though.

Enjoy fast-track entry with skip-the-line tickets and explore Topkapi Palace on a guided tour that’s completely free.

Dive into Ottoman history as you discover the palace’s living quarters, gardens, kitchens, and hidden sanctuaries with an English-speaking guide.

Stand and admire Topkapi's most precious artifacts — the Topkapi Dagger and the Spoonmaker’s Diamond — both part of the palace’s Imperial Treasury collection.

Take advantage of the guided tour being completely free of charge, with only a tip at the end as a token of your appreciation and satisfaction.

Skip-the-line entry to Topkapi Palace

Skip-the-line entry to Harem Museum

Headset

1-hour free guided tour with English speaking guide

Transfers/transportation to the meeting point

Souvenirs/ personal expenses

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

How do we collect reviews?
3.4
333 ratings
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Guests from United States, United Kingdom, Australia and over 29 countries have loved this experience
Radu
Jun, 2025Verified booking
5/5
An enjoyable experience all round. The Topkapi Palace with its harem and beautiful gardens, beautiful view of the Bosphorus and outstanding collections. A pleasant time of the day with a guide who provided the necessary information, superlative appreciation.
Adil
May, 2025Verified booking
5/5
Quickly came in without queues, the guide was good very clearly tells everything, half a day were in the palace
Popovici
Jul, 2025Verified booking
5/5
Doruk was our guide and presented the information to us professionally, his English was impeccable, it was a successful visit and we learned a lot about the history of the place. We will recommend Doruk, passionate about his job but especially for the respect he shows to us.
Cherie
Jun, 2025Verified booking
5/5
Doruk our Guide was friendly & knowledgable with great English speaking skills. Topkapi palace is beautiful and there is so much to see. Information boards are informative and make sure you download audio guide before the tour. Set aside 3 to 4 hours at least.
Sarah
Jun, 2025Verified booking
4/5
We had a great experience with our guide Salah. He spoke excellent English and took his time with the group. He also knew much more than just the standard tour script. Even some historical questions from other guests didn’t throw him off. A fantastic experience! Two Belgian sisters – best regards!

Enjoy seamless entry to Topkapi palace with skip-the-line tickets and a free English-guided tour.

This tour operates on a 'pay-what-you-want' basis, with no set charge for the guided tour. Just tip your guide at the end based on how rewarding you found the experience.

Getting started

Meet your guide at the palace entrance for a quick ticket check, then pass through security and begin your visit to Topkapi Palace.

What to expect

Topkapi Palace

Built in the 15th century, Topkapi Palace served as the political and cultural heart of the Ottoman Empire for nearly 400 years. Today, it stands as Turkey’s most important historical monument and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Features

Harem Museum: Step inside the private quarters of Ottoman sultans, where royal intrigue and daily life unfolded behind ornate doors.

Imperial Treasury: View jewels, artifacts, ceremonial weapons and gifts that once belonged to the empire’s rulers.

Courtyards and Pavilions: Wander through gardens, grand halls, and pavilions that showcase Ottoman architecture and artistry.

Hagia Irene: Discover the former Byzantine church in the first courtyard, later used as an armory during Ottoman times.

Topkapi Palace

Monday	09:00am - 06:00pm	last entry 05:00pm
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	09:00am - 06:00pm	last entry 05:00pm
Thursday	09:00am - 06:00pm	last entry 05:00pm
Friday	09:00am - 06:00pm	last entry 05:00pm
Saturday	09:00am - 06:00pm	last entry 05:00pm
Sunday	09:00am - 06:00pm	last entry 05:00pm

What to bring

Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at the meeting point.

What’s not allowed

Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed inside the palace for security reasons.

Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.

Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited on the premises.

Flash photography, tripods, and filming equipment are not allowed inside the exhibition spaces.

Accessibility

This experience may not be fully accessible for wheelchair users or guests with limited mobility. Please check in advance if you require special assistance.

Additional information

The entry ticket is the only payment you make. The guided tour comes at no extra cost.

Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.

Dress modestly, and avoid wearing clothes that expose shoulders and knees.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet your guide at Dsign Cafe.

Address: Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:10, 34093 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye.

Landmark: Please find your guide holding the 'Megapass' flag and show them your Headout voucher at Dsign Cafe.

Get directions to the meeting point