Topkapı Palace Museum, Istanbul

There, where the Bosphorus crosses the Golden Horn, the profile of that which was for centuries the Grand Menagerie, the imperial house, the court of the Turkish sultans stands out. The complex of buildings handed down the memory and splendor of the great characters who reigned there, still preserving their precious objects and fabulous treasrures. The Topkapı Palace forms a part the Historic Areas of Istanbul, a group of sites in Istanbul that UNESCO recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1985.

During your visit to Istanbul, consider buying the Museum Pass to visit multiple museums. It is valid for five days and covers Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Dolmabahçe Palace Museum, and many more attractions.

The Topkapi Palace is a huge complex and it will take you at least an hour and a half – 2 hours for a complete tour. To see all the sections, including the Harem which has a different ticket, you should plan to spend at least half a day exploring the palace complex. There are cafés in both the first and second courtyards and there is also a restaurant in the fourth courtyard, so you have plenty of alternatives if you want to take a break or grab a snack before continuing your visit.

What is the Topkapi Palace Museum?

The Topkapı Palace (Topkapi Palace) or the Seraglio is a huge museum. The museum collection also includes Ottoman clothing, weapons, armor, miniatures, religious relics, and illuminated manuscripts such as the Topkapi manuscript. The palace complex is made up of four main courtyards and many smaller buildings. Female members of the Sultan’s family lived in the harem, and leading state officials, including the Grand Vizier, held meetings in the Imperial Council building. There are multiple buildings inside, including the Harem, the Treasury, the Imperial Mint, and the Baghdad Kiosk.

When was the Topkapi Palace Museum built?

The Topkapı Palace was built in 1459 by Mehmed the Conqueror shortly after the conquest of Constantinople that ended the Byzantine empire. In the 15th and 16th centuries it served as the main residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans.

It opened as a museum in 1924, a year after the establishment of the Republik of Turkey. The Topkapi Palace Museum is notable not only for its architecture and collections but also for the history and culture of the Ottoman Empire that it evokes.

General informations

Useful information for your visit to the Topkapi Palace Museum.

Location

It is in in the east of the Fatih district of Istanbul. The address is: Cankurtaran Mh., 34122 Fatih/Istanbul

Opening hours

To visit the Topkapi Palace Museum the times are as follows:

Topkapi Palace is open from Wednesday to Monday from 9:30 am to 6 pm, with last access at 4 pm.
The complex is closed on January 1, National Sovereignty and the Children Day, the 3rd day of Eid al-Adha, and Republic Day (October 29).
The museum is closed for visits for half-day on the first day of Ramadan and Sacrifice Festivals.

How to get to the Topkapi Palace Museum

To reach the Topkapi Palace Museum:

Tramway: T1 tramway to Gülhane station

Attractions nearby

Gülhane Park (259 m)
Archaeological Museum (280 m)
Hagia Sophia (602 m)
Basilica Cistern (737 m)
Blue Mosque (1 km)

Topkapı Palace Museum

How to best experience Topkapı Palace Museum?

Best Topkapı Palace Museum Tickets

Istanbul: Official Museum Pass

Tickets for Topkapı Palace Museum: Skip The Line

Tickets for Topkapi Palace Museum: Skip The Ticket Line + Audio Guide

Best Topkapı Palace Museum Tours

Tickets for Topkapı Palace Museum: English Guided Tour