TOPKAPI PALACE

Topkapi Palace Opening Hours:

Summer Season: From April 1st to October 1st | Museum, Harem and Hagia Irene: 9 AM to 6 PM

Winter Season: From October 1st to April 1st | Museum, Harem and Hagia Irene: 9 AM to 4:45 PM

Closing Days: Topkapı Palace is closed every Tuesday, as well as on 1 May, the first day of Ramadan, and the first day of Sacrifice Feast.

Topkapi Palace is located on the historical peninsula in the Sultanahmet quarter of the Fatih district and is easily accessible by public transportation. Read how best to get to the palace.

On Foot:
If you are already at Sultanahmet Square, it's easy to reach Topkapi Palace on foot. It's only an 8-minute walk from Hagia Sophia and an 11-minute walk from Blue Mosque.

By Tram: 

From Taksim: Take the funicular TF1 from the B-level of Taksim Metro Station to Kabatas. Transfer to tram T1 towards Bagcilar and travel seven stops to Sultanahmet station. From there, it's a 13-minute walk to the entrance of the palace. Total travel time from Taksim without transition times is approximately 30 minutes.

(Google Maps)

By Train:

The nearest train station to Topkapi Palace is Sirkeci Station of the Marmaray line (Turkish only), important for visitors arriving from the Asian side. Opposite the station is the Sirkeci tram stop, where you can take tram T1 towards Bagcilar to Sultanahmet station. This is much more convenient than the 15-minute uphill walk.

By Taxi:

If you're looking for a convenient way to reach Topkapi Palace, you can take a taxi. Taxis in Istanbul are relatively inexpensive compared to those in European or American cities. A ride from Taksim to Sultanahmet Square should not cost more than €6 if the driver takes the shortest route, which is likely to be the case. There is always a residual risk, in any city around the world. However, keep in mind that traffic can be slow, and the journey may take longer than expected. Make sure the taximeter is always turned on.

>> More transport options: Getting to Topkapi Palace

There are three lavatories available to visitors in Topkapi Palace. One is in the first courtyard in the museum shop. The other two are in the second courtyard, near the palace kitchens, one at the beginning of the building and the other at the end.

In addition, you’ll find restrooms in the two Konyali restaurants. Topkapi Palace also has wheelchair accessible toilets.

Most of Topkapi Palace and its four courtyards are wheelchair accessible. There is a ramp at the main entrance for easier access. There are also ramps at most doors to overcome the marble thresholds. Unfortunately, wheelchairs cannot be rented.

Please note: The paths, some of which are cobbled, may pose a problem for visitors with limited mobility.

Topkapi Palace has disabled-accessible toilets.

Good to know: Entry is free for visitors with physical disabilities and an accompanying person, who must be a first-degree relative, upon presentation of appropriate ID.

Mobile internet reception is generally available throughout the palace grounds. However, due to the solid masonry, there may be poor or no reception within exhibition spaces. 

Therefore, we strongly recommend downloading and installing the audio guide on your smartphone before entering the site and then setting it to offline mode. This way, you can use it even without an internet connection.

>> More Information about the Topkapi Palace Audio Guide

The Topkapi Palace Museum Shop is located just before the ticket offices on the right side of the path that leads to the large “Gate of Salutation” flanked by two towers. Here you can buy postcards, replicas and other souvenirs.

>> Check it on Google Maps 

Within the palace complex, there are several restaurants and cafes, allowing you to take a break and enjoy food and drinks during your exploration.

A small café is located at the museum shop. As you enter the palace complex through the "Gate of Salutation," you will find, to your left, next to the Hagia Irene Church, the restaurant Konyali 1897. Here, you can taste typical Ottoman cuisine.

Another Konyali restaurant is situated below the fourth courtyard, which you can reach by descending a staircase. Here, you can not only dine and refresh with drinks but also enjoy a great view of Istanbul.

While the Topkapi Palace offers many exciting opportunities for children to banish boredom, ultimately, it’s up to you to turn a simple visit into a grand adventure for the little ones. Here are some suggestions on how to make the visit to the Seraglio enjoyable for children:

Topkapi Palace Model: Right after the security check, you'll come across a scale model of the Seraglio. Here, your little ones can get an impression of the immense size of the palace complex, and you can show them where your route will lead.

Make it Interactive: Engage your children by asking questions about the Topkapi Palace. Bring paper and colored pencils so that the kids can draw their own interpretation of the place.

Choose a Theme: To make the Topkapi Palace adventure exciting for your child, choose a specific theme and let your imagination run wild when explaining. Tell stories about sultans, harem ladies, intrigues, diamonds, scimitars, prophets, and other things you encounter during your tour.

A City, Two Continents: From the terrace at the Mediciye Pavilion, you can overlook the Bosphorus, which divides Istanbul into European and Asian parts. A fascinating story!

Leander's Tower: Leander's Tower is located off the Asian coast, surrounded by fairy-tale legends. Kids love such stories.

The Gardens: Allow your children to roam the gardens and have fun. They will discover things that spark their curiosity. Tell them that the tulip, the national flower of Turkey does not come from Holland at all, but originally from Kazakhstan, which was then part of the Ottoman Empire belonged to the empire.

Economic: Kybele Hotel, Address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. No:23, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul

Midrange: Sultanahmet Palace Hotel, Address: Sultan Ahmet, Torun Sk. No:19, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul

Luxurious: Sura Design Hotel and Suites, Address: Alemdar, Ticarethane Sk. No: 13, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul

Check Topkapi Palace Hotels =>

Hagia Sophia: One of Istanbul's most popular tourist attractions, Hagia Sophia was once a Christian cathedral before being converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire, and then a museum. Today, it's an awe-inspiring mosque again with tons of history to explore. >> Find the most recommended Hagia Sophia Tickets here.

Basilica Cistern: This underground cistern was built in the 6th century, and it's a fascinating place to visit. It's located just a few minutes' walk from Topkapi Palace.  >> Compare the most popular Basilica Cistern tickets and pick the best one for you here.

Hamam visit: One of the most popular authentic activities in Turkey is a visit to a Turkish bath. There are several historic hamams in Istanbul's old town where the Ottoman elite once bathed. >> Click here for an overview of the best hamams in Istanbul, plus tickets!

Bosphorus Cruise: A cruise down the Bosphorus is a great way to see Istanbul from a different perspective. You'll get to see all the sights along the famous waterway, including the city's skyline and the many bridges that span it. >> Find the best Bosphorus Dinner Cruises in Istanbul, compared for you, here.

Interested in palaces in Istanbul? Don't miss the magnififcent Dolmabahce Palace. You can find recommended Dolmabahce Palace tickets and tours here.

You can find all the other National Palaces of Istanbul in below with the official website;

>> Check All National Palaces