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Topkapi Palace

Gulhane Park, near Sultanahmet Square, Istanbul, Turkey
(0212) 522 44 22
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As featured in 3 days in Istanbul
Ranked #17 of 581 attractions in Istanbul
Type: Architectural Buildings, Historic Sites, History Museums, Art Museums, Museums
Fee: Yes
Recommended length of visit: 2-3 hours
Traveler Description:  Ottoman Relics Tour by Tourqo.com (SAC2) Half Day Afternoon Tour (Walking Tour) Topkapı Palace was the main residence of the sultan and his court.It... more »
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4,720 reviews from our community

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Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 25, 2013 NEW

There is a lot to keep you occupied in the palace but when we arrived it was so busy that it detracted somewhat from the experience. Unlike other places, we had a short wait to buy tickets but found it mobbed on the inside (other spots like the Hagia Sophia has long lines on the outside but felt reasonably spacious... More

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See 8 more reviews by neil7908 for Istanbul
Vienna
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 25, 2013 NEW

Start as early as you can to avoid queues esp in hot summer Make no other plans for half the day - there is so much to see ! View down to Bosporus and over to the Asian site Also get a massage in steam bath - HAMAM and tip your personal coach there min usd5 when entering and shaking... More

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See 7 more reviews by Wienonline for Istanbul
Melbourne, Australia
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
21 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 25, 2013 NEW

There is a number of components to the Topkapi Palace. These had different qualities, for example the display of kaftans was fascinating, the treasures were over-whelming but the palace itself lacked sparkle even though it has a fascinating history. I had recently visited the Alhambra and Topkapi lacked the magical qualities evident there. Nonetheless, this is the focus to Istanbul... More

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See 16 more reviews by John P for Istanbul
Almere, Netherlands
Senior Contributor
42 reviews 42 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 25, 2013 NEW

When you're in Istanbul this site is a true must see. It shows life in the time of the Sultans and the site is full of history. We also used the audio tour which I can recommend as it gives you much more information. Don't forger to also visit the Harem buildings which are part of the complex, but for... More

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See 9 more reviews by FransHeijmans for Istanbul
London
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 25, 2013 NEW

As a palace it is not grand and we kept comparing it to what we have seen in other places like India. But it does show you the lives led by / luxuries enjoyed by sultans in a nice way. Harem is a key part of it - there's an extra ticket for it but don't miss it if you... More

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See 13 more reviews by SGVM for Istanbul
New York City, New York
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 24, 2013 NEW

Be prepared to wait in long lines even to purchase a ticket, get there early because most of the walking tours arrive w ticket in hand so they are in the entrance line first and there are many, many tours. very important, children are free but you still need to get them a pass from the ticket booth. Be ready... More

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Peterborough, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 24, 2013 NEW

This is an impressive place but competing with such as the Blue Mosque it just misses the standard set by others. Take food and drink in and sit on the grass, the cafe/restuarant is exhorbitant. I feel that a lot more could be done here especially considering its historic importance.

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See 7 more reviews by denisallen for Istanbul
Regina, Canada
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
7 attraction reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 23, 2013 NEW

There is no furniture or fixtures left in either the harem or the palace but the displays of treasure and clothing is worth the visit. Plan to visit early in the day after late morning the lines are incredibly long.

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See 7 more reviews by Joanne B for Istanbul
Quito
Top Contributor
79 reviews 79 reviews
19 attraction reviews
Reviews in 33 cities Reviews in 33 cities
24 helpful votes 24 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 23, 2013 NEW

Althought is not the "palace" I thought of is rather a show of the cult to the sultan, and of the many luxuries he enjoyed. In the world specially inEurope, France, Russia, the Kings or ZArs had real palaces, this is rather modest compared to tjhem, althoudht we can imagine the very good life the Sultan had. It is a... More

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See 5 more reviews by ROVP for Istanbul
Austin, Texas
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 23, 2013 NEW

Huge crowds of shoving tourists but worth the effort. Fantastic structure. Skipped some of exhibits due to long lines.

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See 6 more reviews by Alex G for Istanbul

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