Guided tour

Istanbul: Topkapi Palace & Harem Tour with Entry Ticket

Activity provider:Walks In Europe
Guided tour

Istanbul: Topkapi Palace & Harem Tour with Entry Ticket

Activity provider:Walks In Europe
Likely to sell out

From US$ 85.09 per person

Likely to sell out
Certified

Explore Topkapi Palace and its Harem on a guided tour with skip-the-line tickets. 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 for a full refund
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Duration 3 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Skip the ticket line
Live tour guide
English, German
Wheelchair accessible
Private group available

Experience

Highlights
  • Experience the glory of the Ottoman Era on a tour of Topkapi Palace
  • See the treasury, holy relics, and imperial kitchens on a guided tour
  • 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 for a more interactive and personalized experience
Full description

Discover the Topkapi Palace on a guided tour with skip-the-line tickets. Learn about Ottoman history in the Palace and the life of Sultan's family in the harem.

Explore the splendor of Topkapi Palace, the heart of the Ottoman Empire. Discover how the complex of 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.

Immerse yourself in the heart of the great Ottoman Empire. Stroll through the palace, and imagine the ruling Sultans who lived in its hundreds of rooms with their vast families and countless servants. 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. Take a moment to spot the cupboard doors inlaid with mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell. Walk through the Harem is also the only way to see the very early, exceptionally-crafted Iznik tiles decorated with floral designs and 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
  • Pre-reserved tickets with priority access
  • Guided tour of the Topkapi Palace and the Harem
  • Shared group or private walking tour (depending on the option chosen)
  • Galata port pickup only if ship details are provided
  • Lunch and personal expenses
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Optional gratuities

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.

Important information

Know before you go

  • All visitors must pass through airport-style security
  • Topkapi Palace may close without prior notice for high-level state visits
  • Topkapi Palace is a vast complex with multiple sections open for visit
  • During our tour, we'll visit the most magnificent masterpieces
  • However, if you wish to explore all sections at your leisure, we recommend booking a morning tour and allocating the afternoon to explore the Palace grounds
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 333 reviews

Review summary

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

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Star rating:

We loved the Topkapi Palace. We feel we could have had time to see more of it if our guide had not spent so much time talking about religion and politics. He seemed to be a very nice guy with a good sense of humor though - he just misread what American tourists are looking for?

May 15, 2023

Really nice tour. The guide was knowledgeable however it felt really rushed at times and didn't cover the kitchens, treasure room etc. Was a bit disappointing that the guide kept stopping to text family members considering how much I spent. At least you could stay after the tour to explore however that is self guided.

May 14, 2023

Our guide was very knowledgeable and nice and answered all our questions. We were lucky - there were only 7 people in the group and it was quite easy to follow. Topkapi palace grounds are huge, so it was really nice to have somebody to guide you and explain all details. We really enjoyed the tour - highly recommended.

May 12, 2023

Product ID: 127010