Combos

Combo (Save 13%): Topkapi Palace & Harem Skip-the-Line Tickets + Bosphorus 4-Course Dinner Cruise

Gate of Felicity entrance at Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, with visitors exploring the historic site.

Tour group with guide at Topkapi Palace Museum, Istanbul, near ornate tiled wall.

Cruise ship AMOR on Bosphorus strait during evening dinner tour.

Guests toasting wine on Bosphorus 4-Course Dinner Cruise.

Explore at your pace

Choose your entry time, stay as long as you like

Free cancellation

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

Audio guide

Enhance your experience with multilingual audio guide

Meals included

Indulge in a sumptuous meal as a part of your experience

4.2/5

(5,519)

Nazia

Oct 2025

Verified booking

4/5

The actual cruise was really good and fun. But as a disabled person I booked the cruise confirming with the cruise people if it was wheelchair accessible which they said it was but it wasn't. I have mobility issues and climbing stairs. There was stairs to go down and also a step to go up which was very scary due to me being unbalanced as it is. All the staff were very helpful and we made it on. Coming off I was so nervous nearly fell down but we did it with all the help of everyone and my husband. I would advise please get some secure stairs or a ramp which connects to the ship. It was a very scary experience me getting on and off. The cruise was amazing food was lovely. Lovely ambience overall had a great time after over coming the fear of getting on :)

Giulia

Oct 2025

Verified booking

5/5

Excellent solution for Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern tickets. For the palace, there is an escorted entrance up to the Harem: in our case, everything was handled well, we entered at 9:30 so we did not find too much of a line. The visit to the palace, following the audio guide's description, is very nice. The outside gardens are very impressive. For the Cistern basilica we found a bit of a line to get in (12:30): the visit went well, the light effects in the water and between the columns of the cistern are beautiful. Super recommended activity.

Chambault

Oct 2025

Verified booking

5/5

Entry to both sites was very easy, thanks to HEADOUT's booking system. In particular, entry to the cathedral cistern was immediate, even though there was a long queue of visitors without tickets. The only criticism is that the explanations for obtaining the audio guides were not clear enough. We thought we'd be given a device, but the application on the phone is simple and doesn't require special headphones. Overall, a good experience

Experience Istanbul’s best with skip-the-line access to Topkapi Palace and a Bosphorus dinner cruise, saving time and money while enjoying the city’s top attractions.

Explore the lavish world of Ottoman sultans; view royal jewels, private quarters, and serene palace gardens at this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Relish a 4-course Turkish dinner while cruising the Bosphorus at your own private table, accompanied by vibrant live performances.

Enjoy stunning views of Istanbul’s skyline, passing landmarks like Galata Tower, Dolmabahce Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and more.

Audio guides in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish enhance your palace experience with rich historical context.

Topkapi Palace

Skip-the-line entry

Access to Topkapi Palace Harem

Access to Topkapi Palace Museum (Treasury & Sacred Relics Room)

Digital audio guide in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish

Note: A service representative will lead you to the entrance

Bosphorus cruise

3-hour Bosphorus cruise

4-course Turkish dinner (menu here)

Live entertainment, including Turkish folk dance, Whirling Dervish shows, sword performances, and a DJ

Unlimited soft drinks

Private & reserved table

Free Wi-Fi on board

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

4.2
5,519 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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What our guests say
Muhammad
Jan 2026
Verified booking
3/5
Starting with good things, Venue was great, food was okay but served cold entertainment was full on but I supposed to get a private table as it was mentioned in my booking summary but I have to share it with 2 more people which they should inform us at the time of booking. Secondly the most irritating part was when they came and captured our pictures without telling the cost of them and straight away coming with a phonto album and asking 7500 TL for 15 pictures and an album, literally are you guys serious 7500 TL for 15 pictures that too captured before any agreement and then during the whole event they tried to bargain and finally we paid them out of embarrassment. This part was so irritating which make my experience very bad. Finally, they supposed to leave the dock at 20.30 hr as mentioned but started journey at 21.00 hr and came back to dock at 23.00 hr which is 2 hrs of journey which supposed to be of 3 hrs, unfortunately. Best of luck readers for your bookings.
Carlos
Jan 2026
Verified booking
5/5
All was great! Upon arrival, we checked in with the reservation made, food was good, entertainment was great, and also the views along the river.
Elīna
Jan 2026
Verified booking
5/5
I enjoyed the atmosphere. They really showed traditions of Turkish culture.
Sajeel
Jan 2026
Verified booking
5/5
Wonderful Expereince for life time, great shows and views of Istanbul city
Armando
Jan 2026
Verified booking
5/5
The queue jumpers, well organized and friendly guys

Discover Istanbul’s imperial history and vibrant nightlife with skip-the-line access to Topkapi Palace, followed by a Bosphorus cruise with live entertainment.

Getting started

The journey begins at Topkapi Palace, where you’ll meet your host outside the main entrance. Arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled entry time to ensure a smooth start. After exploring the palace, your host will guide you to the nearby pier, which is just a short walk from the palace (approximately 10 minutes). Once at the pier, you'll board the Bosphorus dinner cruise, where you’ll settle into your reserved private table and prepare for an evening of stunning views, entertainment, and gourmet dining.

A journey through Ottoman royalty

Topkapi Palace, once the residence of Ottoman sultans, is a treasure trove of history and opulence. As you walk through its courtyards and rooms, you’ll get a glimpse into the extravagant lives of the sultans, with a chance to see the Imperial Harem and the Palace Museum’s collection of sacred relics and treasures.

Your expert guide will share captivating stories of the sultans' reign, palace intrigue, and the empire’s rise to power, bringing the palace’s history to life. Marvel at the intricately decorated rooms, ornate furnishings, and the beautiful gardens with stunning views of the Bosphorus.

A scenic feast with live shows

After exploring Topkapi Palace, head to the Bosphorus for a relaxing and scenic 3-hour dinner cruise. As you glide along the strait, enjoy uninterrupted views of Istanbul’s iconic skyline, including historical landmarks, palaces, and vibrant neighborhoods.

The cruise offers a 4-course Turkish dinner with traditional dishes, and the evening is enhanced by live entertainment, including Turkish folk dances, Whirling Dervish performances, sword shows, and a DJ. Enjoy unlimited soft drinks and relax in the comfort of your reserved private table.

What to bring

Topkapi Palace

Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes as you'll be walking and exploring the palace's vast grounds.

Wired earphones are recommended for the audio guide, as Bluetooth may not work well in some parts of the palace.

Bosphorus dinner cruise

Make sure to bring a valid ID card, as it is required for boarding the cruise, and foreign guests must present their passports and visa details upon arrival.

Bring long-sleeved clothing or a shawl, as the cruise can get chilly and windy, particularly in the evening.

What’s not allowed

Topkapi Palace

Large bags, backpacks, food, and drinks are not permitted inside.

Flash photography, tripods, and selfie sticks are prohibited within the palace.

Shoes must be removed before entering the Harem and some other rooms.

Bosphorus dinner cruise

Smoking is prohibited during the cruise for the comfort of all guests.

Pets are not allowed on board due to venue restrictions.

Outside food or drinks are not allowed on the boat.

Accessibility

Topkapi Palace

The palace is not fully wheelchair accessible due to uneven flooring and steps in certain areas.

Bosphorus dinner cruise

This experience is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible, with ramps available for easy boarding.

If you have specific accessibility needs, please notify the staff in advance to ensure the best experience.

Additional information

Topkapi Palace

While skip-the-line entry is available, security checks are still required and can take up to 60 minutes during peak seasons (June to August).

Arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled entry time outside the palace.

The audio guide app is available in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Detailed instructions on how to use the app will be provided in your ticket voucher.

Please download the audio guide app before your visit, as internet access is limited at the palace. The app works offline once downloaded (ensure GPS is activated).

Bosphorus dinner cruise

Guests must bring an ID to board. Foreign guests are required to show their passports and visa details upon arrival.

Dietary preferences such as vegetarian, pescatarian, and halal options can be accommodated upon request.

Onboard languages include English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Dutch, and Russian, ensuring clear communication for all guests.

The cruise is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather conditions, guests can reschedule or receive a full refund.