Landmarks

Skip-the-Line Tickets to Topkapi Palace Museum & Harem with Audio Guide

Guide with visitors inside topkapi palace

Avoid long waiting lines and enter the 15th-century palace of Topkapı at ease with this skip-the-line ticket. Spend time exploring Istanbul’s most celebrated attraction, and explore the lavish collections of Ottoman Turkey’s famed sultans.

Highlights

Skip the lines and fall in love with the incredible history of the 15th-century Topkapı Palace.
Stroll through the palace complex and marvel at the expensive tastes of the Ottoman sultans.
See priceless jewels, rich living quarters, and beautiful architecture. Learn more with the audio guide app available in 10 languages.
Explore the peaceful gardens, pavilions, hidden sanctuaries, kitchens, and more.
Elevate your experience by upgrading your ticket to enjoy a guided tour of Blue Mosque and the Topkapı Palace with an English-speaking guide.

Inclusions

Skip-the-line entry into Topkapı Palace
Access to Harem Museum
Audio guide in English, German, French, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Arabic, Chinese, and Turkish
The services of a representative who will lead you to the entrance
Entry to Blue Mosque (optional)
1-hr guided tour of Topkapi Palace & Blue Mosque (optional)
English-speaking guide (optional)

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

4.2

5.9K ratings

5/5

3.8K

4/5

753

3/5

443

2/5

364

1/5

526

Anne

3/5

Sep, 2024

The tour guide was the worst ever. He was brief and short couldn't remember what was to be said. He was talking with another tour person all the time and had no interest in having a pleasant experience. A waste of money and a bad experience on what could been an important part our trip as this castle is so important. We paid to get information and didn't have it.

Racliu

5/5

Sep, 2024

The Topkapi Palace is extraordinary, for a history buff it's something breathtaking, and the fact that we had a guide and didn't have to stand in queues (which are indeed endless) was a big plus. Without the app, the palace visit would probably have taken us all day. Thank you so much, it is a very helpful app! I will use it in other locations.

This review is translated. Show original review.

Frank

3/5

Sep, 2024

It may depend on the time of year, but for our part, we had to wait longer in line to get in with our "coupe file" tickets than people who bought their tickets on the spot. It was all very long... you have to collect your ticket from a guide and then wait until there are enough people to form a group to head for the château. And then you walk without explanation to the entrance of the palace. Since a "large group" had been formed, we also had to queue. Not a great advantage.

View original review in French

Teodora

5/5

Sep, 2024

Very precise information. Everything was on time (sharp). Very nice guides and overall an easy to book & use experience.

Elisa

5/5

Sep, 2024

Before entering Topkapi go to the café just outside on the left (the one with the turquoise arch) to get paper tickets. A guide will take you inside explaining the details and history of the place. I really liked the palace, it takes almost a full day to visit because it is huge

View original review in Italian

Your Experience

As the Turkish sultanate's home for centuries, Topkapı Palace offers a crash course in the history of the once-mighty Ottoman Empire. Visiting this landmark is considered to be an absolute must, and one of the best things to do in Istanbul. The best part? With this handy ticket, you get to skip the lines (and the heat) outside the palace and learn about the monumental structure in the language of your choice with the audio guide, which is available in ten languages.

The Topkapı Palace was once the crown jewel of the Ottoman Empire. You can see its lavishness reflected in its opulent architecture - something you would only associate with the sultans of history's most powerful empires. Today, it is Turkey's most important cultural icon and an awe-inspiring monument.

The Combo: Topkapi Palace & Blue Mosque Guided Tour

Embark on a guided tour of the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, starting with the iconic Blue Mosque, also known as Sultan Ahmet Mosque. Marvel at its six majestic minarets and the stunning dome adorned with 20,000 Iznik tiles. Then, explore Topkapi Palace, the world's largest and oldest palace, once the heart of the Ottoman Empire. Discover its treasury and exotic buildings while enjoying panoramic views of the Golden Horn.

Operating hours

Topkapi Palace

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

Basilica Cistern

Monday	09:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 06:30 PM
Tuesday	09:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 06:30 PM
Wednesday	09:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 06:30 PM
Thursday	09:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 06:30 PM
Friday	09:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 06:30 PM
Saturday	09:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 06:30 PM
Sunday	09:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 06:30 PM

Topkapi Palace Harem

Monday	09:00 AM - 06:00 PM	last entry 05:30 PM
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	09:00 AM - 06:00 PM	last entry 05:30 PM
Thursday	09:00 AM - 06:00 PM	last entry 05:30 PM
Friday	09:00 AM - 06:00 PM	last entry 05:30 PM
Saturday	09:00 AM - 06:00 PM	last entry 05:30 PM
Sunday	09:00 AM - 06:00 PM	last entry 05:30 PM

Know Before You Go

What to bring

The app does not require internet once it has been downloaded (ensure your GPS is activated). Please carry your headphones.

Additional information

Note that you will be able to enter the Topkapi Palace only with a representative. Meet your guide at the meeting point, who will then take you to the palace.
You may join one of the following timed entry slots for your chosen date at Topkapi Palace: 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm.
Be sure to arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before your entry time.'

-- Download the audioguide app on your smartphone before your tour.

There is limited internet at the museum/pier so download the app before your visit.
Entry to the Palace is only possible at the time slot selected during booking. Once inside, you can stay as long as you want until the closing time of 5pm.

My tickets

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
Please display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID to your representative.
Please note you cannot go directly to the Topkapi Palace. A representative will take you to the palace after you meet them and redeem your voucher.
Kindly arrive at least 15 minutes before the start time of your tour to avoid any delays.

Meeting Point

Meet your Tour Guide at the "Topkapi Cafe / Meeting Hub" OUTSIDE Topkapi Palace, across the Carpet Museum.
Please note you cannot go directly to the Topkapi Palace. Meet your guide at the meeting point, who will then take you to the palace

Get Directions to the Meeting Point