The average time spent by a visitor is 90 minutes. But if you want to see a group of most famous collections and impressive locations, you easily need 2 hours. This entire time should not be with the guide. The optimal guiding service takes between 45 to 60 minutes and then leaves you at your own pace.

In this case, you will choose the galleries and rooms to see as you wish. Meanwhile, you will be knowing where to go and what the objects are about.

This issue is mostly related to your level of interest. There are regular services by official guides of the museum that provides a nice orientation about the deep history of the Topkapi Palace and Ottoman Dynasty while taking you through the courtyards. At this moment, you will be introduced the exact locations inside the gardens one after another.

Some of our guests prefer to have a more educated tours from a expert guides. These guests usually prefer a private one or a more rare small group tours where the guide has more time and flexibility to tell a wider context from architecture to the stories of the Topkapi Palace.

How much does it cost to hire a guide for a tour at the Topkapi Palace? – There is a wide range of rates as there are many choices from basic services to The prices for the regular tours by official museum guides start from 9 or 10 euros, in addition to the tickets cost.

The private tours from expert historians and senior guides cost between 90 to 250 euros according to the duration and coverage. In this case, the groups could be 1 to 8 people. Regarding the number of the group, the ticket prices are going to be added to the check.

The small group tours (up to 15 people) might be also a good option. Usually including the ticket price, these tours are charging around 69 and 80 euros for each guest above the age of 6.

The most crowded times are between 11:00 and 13:30. So, early morning hours are always the best time to see the Topkapi Palace in a most spacious sense. During the weekdays, afternoon hours are turning to be less crowded too. Please try to leave out national holidays or religious holidays that are like 12 days in a calendar year.