TopkapI PALACE MUSEUM
What is Topkapi Palace?
Topkapi Palace had been the house of the Ottoman Dynasty in Istanbul for 4 centuries. It is consisted of several courtyards in an extensive area that is is surrounded by 5th century walls built during the time of Roman Empire.
Its exceptionally located terraces present most magnificent panoramic views over the famous Bosphorus and Golden Horn too.
Today, the area of this former palace welcomes guests as a unique museum complex, which amazes its visitors with its characteristic architectural and decorative elements. There are several collections scattered around its gardens that amaze their guests.
How to discover Topkapi Palace?
Topkapi Palace Museum is made of gardens covering a total area of 700.000 m2. The gardens are surrounded by collections and galleries. Meanwhile, Topkapi Palace had been the house of administration and royalty for almost 4 centuries. Therefore, its buildings are quite layered in terms of time and taste.
So, everybody needs a plan! Otherwise, it would take a long while to understand “where is which collection?” or “what do all those decorative details mean?” Moreover, all around the Topkapi Palace complex, there are several museums. All in all, you have to be prepared and here is what you need to know!
Frequently Asked Questions about Timing at Topkapi Palace!
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When to see Topkapi Palace?
How long does it take to discover Topkapi Palace?
- The most crowded hours inside Topkapi are 11:00 to 14:30. It is highly recommended to start earlier or coming after 14:30
- As the palace complex covers a large area, even having two selfies and leaving it could take up to 45 minutes. The average time spent inside by visitors is around 90 minutes.
- If you want to see all the collections, every single gallery inside and the terraces of Sultans, you might need around 2 hours.
- Topkapi Palace Museum is open everyday except TUESDAYS.
- In addition to the weekend days, Wednesdays are the most popular days because Tuesdays are off.
How long does Harem Section take inside Topkapi Palace?
- Harem Section, unlike the rest of the Topkapi Palace, could be visited through a certain walking path. Because, the palace complex is consisted of extensive gardens although Harem Section is a series of hallways, dormitories, bath rooms, corridors, bedrooms etc. This walking path takes 25 minutes minimum if you really are in a rush. Otherwise, if you are willing to discover the Harem of Topkapi Palace throughly, you would need 45 minutes at least.
Harem of Topkapi Palace
Harem as the Residential Quarters of the Sultans and Queens of Topkapi Palace reveal the living quarters of Topkapi Palace. The decorative arts make the visits feel like a time-traveling experience.
The visitable part of the Harem covers Imperial Hall, Royal Bedroom, Bath Houses of the Queen Mother and Sultan, Terrace of the Favorites, Concubines Dormitory and many more…
For visiting the Harem Section, there is a second ticket needed in addition to the regular Topkapi Palace tickets. At the ticket windows before the Harem, the official price is 150 TL. There is no separate single ticket for the Harem, because it could be only entered inside the Topkapi Palace Museum.
For the online booking options into the Harem Section of Topkapi Palace, please follow this link!
Topkapi Palace Museum Galleries & Gardens
Topkapi Palace Museum Times, Tickets, Info 