We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
Free Newsletter

Interested in Istanbul?

We'll send you updates with the latest deals, reviews and articles for Istanbul each week.

  • Save Topkapi Palace
  • E-mail this page

Topkapi Palace


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.0 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #9 of 148 attractions in Istanbul
Traveler Description: Topkapi Palace is an amazing place to see. It is not only immense in size and structure but also full of history and tales to tell. Building was first more »
Know about Topkapi Palace? Share your expertise with other travelers. Add to this description now.
Attraction type: Architectural building, Historic home, Museum complex, History museum, Art museum, Historic site
Address: Gulhane Park, near Sultanahmet Square Istanbul
Turkey
Tel: (0212) 522 44 22
Fax: (0212) 528 59 91

Reviews you can trust

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
Save Review
5 of 5 stars
Citygirl-on-tour   10 contributions
London
Nov 6, 2009
1/1 found this review helpful

I loved this place, there palace is divided into a number of areas including the kitchens, treasury, religious artifcates and the famous harem (which you have a pay more for getting around). This can be a long afternoon and walk around, so take water and maybe a snack, plus comfortable shoes. There are guides there, but it is worth doing... more

Save Review
3 of 5 stars
LindyLouLincoln   2 contributions
Lincoln
Nov 4, 2009

The size of the building and grounds were impressive however all contents had been stripped bare, therefore you had to use a lot of immagination on how it looked when in use. Had a few cushions,beds,drapes been in place it would have come alive. It had so much promise but we left feeling deflated. I would still recommend it however... more

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
annaleiseandsiobhan   2 contributions
Sydney
Oct 24, 2009

Topkapi Palace was one of the first places we visited in Istanbul. This place is filled with a lot of Turkish history. It's a must see. Plan to spend a few hours there. more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
mkuo   2 contributions
Seattle, WA
Oct 16, 2009

Unless you are more aural than visual, no need to get the audioguide since much of it is re-hash of the signage and guidebook. You can get more info from guidebooks. We spent 3+ hours in the palace and it was not enough... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
cancnt   3 contributions
Istanbul
Aug 26, 2009

Hmm ! My pencil is not enough to write for Topkapi Palace ! Thats excellent :) Especially you must go to " Harem ". I want to show you some part of Harem ; this video [url=http://www.tlinkpara.com/l/MTA5ODE=]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xa3cve_abed-tiginy-ab3ed-tiginy_music[/url] First scenes from Harem . more

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
countmc   75 contributions
Mission Viejo, California
Aug 26, 2009
0/1 found this review helpful

I had high expectations which were not met, so I was somewhat disappointed. The building and rooms were nice, but not that special, at least not to me. With respect to the items on display, I was much more impressed with the Istanbul Archaeology Museum. Nevertheless, I am glad I was able to visit Topkapi Palace, it just wasn't a... more

Save Review
3 of 5 stars
CanadianIslanders   18 contributions
Cayman Islands
Aug 23, 2009
2/2 found this review helpful

We visited the palace today and felt that the TL 20 entrance gee was reasonable (approx. USD$13 each). We did not visit the harem. We took the advisc of one of the contributors and tried to go early. It was about 10AM by the time we got there, even tough we were staying very close by, and the tours had... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
brutalbrat   18 contributions
Cape Town, South Africa
Jul 13, 2009
2/2 found this review helpful

This is truely a manificent site absolutely submerged in the rich heritage of Turkey. A must for any visitor to Istanbul. The Ottoman architecture is breathtakingly beautiful. It is SO different from anything that you see in Europe that it has to make an impression. Few tips: 1. go early so that you at least experience something unhindered before the... more

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
george2997   14 contributions
Belfast, United Kingdom
Jul 10, 2009
5/6 found this review helpful

I went to Topkapi with my family of teenagers yesterday and enyoyed it a lot. The entry price (jul09) is 20TL (UD$13) and there is no reduction for students. There is a reduction for young children but you must bring proof of age (eg passport). My strongest recommendation is to eat before you go, you can easily spend 4 hours... more

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
Nickknock   9 contributions
Dublin, Ireland
Apr 13, 2009
1/1 found this review helpful

The Topkapi is a nice palace and well worth the visit. However, when visiting the Palace avoid the cafe. This is one of the most expensive cafes in all of Turkey. It cost 20 Euro for two coffees and two pastries. The usual price is around 5 euro or less at any where else. more

Travelers Who Viewed This Attraction Also Viewed
Price not available
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Price not available
No photo provided
Price not available
Write Your Own Attraction Review

Been to Topkapi Palace? Share your experiences!

Write a Review
Add Photos
Add Videos

Topkapi Palace: Management Resources

TripAdvisor has free and easy resources to help you enhance your listing and promote your property.

  • Start Here - Visit Your Owners' Center
  • Add Photo
  • Add Video

Topkapi Palace Address

Gulhane Park, near Sultanahmet Square, Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: (0212) 522 44 22 Fax: (0212) 528 59 91