This is a massive complex and will need at least half a day to do it justice. We could not get into the museums due to long queues but palace grounds were most pleasant. Views of the Bosporous and Marmara Sea were pretty. Also ornate and artistic pavilions dotted around. A complex worth visiting!

Great place to visit, so much history, very beautiful. Queues can be long so we went early and bought tickets when we got there. Didn’t get the audio tour as needed physical passports. Lovely grounds, museums, rooms. Highly recommend a visit but go to the harem too which is extra but worth it.

This palace reminded me of the forbidden city in China. There are many courtyards and gates . There are separate tickets depending on what you want to see- the Palace, Harem, Haghia Eirene., everything! There were very long lines for the Treasury. I never made it to the kitchens, but was told this was a must see if you have interest in crystal, china, and silver. I personally enjoyed seeing the Imperial Wardrobe which has amazing royal robes worn by both the Sultan and his family. I found the print material just stunning! Hilights of the day included staff of Moses, 86 carrot diamond, writing on shirts, caftans.

Great place to visit, ot just for the palace itself but for the many displays and exhibits in many of the palace rooms. We particularly enjoyed the clock collection, the clothing displays and especially the Treasure Houses. Wonderful, but you need to queue unless you get there early

Topkapi palace is one of my favorite museums worlwide. There is a great view of the Dadanelles and the Bosphorus and many unique exhibits, including clockwork, jewelry, weaponry, etc. Highly recommend.

Visiting the Topkapi Palace was a long hold ambition. I was not disappointed. The grounds and palace buildings alone would make it special. Add in the treasury, the historic costumes and the relics from the birth of Islam and you have a remarkable landmark. Even in November it was busy, but it’s a large site so absorbs the people quite well. The exception is the Imperial Treasury, which had a long queue and was packed with elbows out visitors. However, the displays are well laid out and very well lit. The quality and workmanship is incredible, with numerous diamonds, emeralds and rubies adorning beautiful items. There are also many examples of ornate arms and armour and richly decorated kaftans and other clothing. Deeper into the complex is the audience chamber with precious relics sacred to Islam. It’s a very special place, even to an agnostic like myself. The entrance fee was 750 or 950 lira, the latter including access to the harem which was unfortunately closed when I visited. This is a lot of money in Turkey, but I think it’s well spent. Toilets and food outlets are quite limited in the palace so you need to consider this. It’s a big site, so be prepared for a lot of walking.

The palace is large, with many separate pavilions and collections, and is a bit short on wow factor. Treasury, clock collection, library, several halls here or there, a couple of those pavilions are interesting enough, and it requires over 2 hours to see the place more or less thoroughly; probably half a day if you listen to everything on the audio-guide. The Harem is included on a higher-price ticket, but not on the basic one. Technically, there is not much in the Harem that is not seen elsewhere. St-Irene is also included, but it is entirely empty with not much to see. In the morning, the ticket line is short, but it quickly grows to unbearable.

We stayed 5 minutes walk from here,but still had to que for 45minutes to enter,so book on line,we paid 950 TL each,then we were in endless que all day,6 hours viewing all the rooms,tresures,jewels,Mesmerising,superb,history you would not belive,we were totally amazed. The crowds here are endless,ques,packed rooms,so go early when it opens,its not so busy but still packed,various stages of rooms and do not forget the gardens and views of theBospherous. you can exit into the park ,if you finish in the gardens,with a leasurely stroll back. Take plenty of water,and a face mask as crowds are at very close quarters inside the rooms.

Topkapi is the most famous palace of Istanbul which is quiet logic given the beauty of the palace, the harem and the gardens. You should forecast at least 3 hours of time to enjoy it. In some areas you will have to queue but the waiting times are manageable.

Very interesting place, must visit harem for full experience, it's worth the extra cost. Don't miss two treasuries (relics and gems). The place is large with extensive grounds, lots of different buildings and exhibitions. Audio guide is free and it's decent, provides some basic information. The worst thing is the visiting experience. There was no food save for two coffee stands that had some candy and non-appetizing sandwiches (the second one was tucked away, so it's very hard to find). Only two small bathrooms, which are quite dirty and also not easy to spot.