Istanbul, Topkapi Palace Guided Tour and Skip The Line

Istanbul Tourist Pass®

Skip the lines and enter the most important museum of Turkey and the Balkan Peninsula on a guided tour of Topkapi Palace. See the four main courtyards, Audience Hall, the high court and the treasury.

Hagia Irene

❮ ❯

See more photos

In the 1600s, Evliya Çelebi, a famous Ottoman author and traveler, said of Topkapı Palace: "Never hath a more delightful residence been erected by the art of man."

See it for yourself and get the most out of your visit to Topkapı Palace, the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans for nearly 400 years.

Topkapı Palace has many unique collections on display including weapons of the Ottoman Army, beautiful fabrics, jewels, and art, as well as an amazing collection of Chinese and Japanese porcelain.

There is even a Holy Relics Chamber which contains personal items of the Prophet Muhammad, the staff of Moses, and the sword of David, to name only a few. What a collection!

The Harem at Topkapi Palace served as the private residence for Ottoman Dynasty members and elite women for centuries. Access was restricted to Sultans, their families, and select personnel. With over 300 rooms, nine baths, and two mosques adorned with exquisite tiles, the Harem showcases Ottoman opulence from the 16th to the 19th century. Key structures include the Privy Chamber of Murad III and the Twin Kiosk/Apartments of the Crown Prince. The Main Entrance, Court of the Concubines, and Imperial Hall are also notable.