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Topkapi Palace

Cankurtaran Caddesi, Cankurtaran, İstanbul

Description

The Topkapı Palace served as the main residence and administrative HQ of the Ottoman sultans. It was built in the years following the fall of Constantinople (1453), under Sultan Mehmed II (a.k.a. Mehmed the Conqueror) and expanded over the centuries to include four main courtyards and several buildings, including the famous harem with over 400 rooms (and plenty of tile deco) where the female members of the Sultan's family lived. Gradually, the complex lost importance as the rulers spent more time in their palaces along the Bosporus and the court moved to Dolmabahçe Palace in 1856. It retained its mint, library and imperial treasury function and was turned into a museum in 1924.

Access & Transport

Located between Hagia Sophia and Gülhane Park. The Gülhane tram station (T1) is 400m away.

Instructions & Recommendations

We suggest combining a visit there with the Istanbul Archaeological Museums next door and maybe take a break in Gülhane Park in between.

Meta review

The palace / museum is on the shortlist of most travellers with some cultural inclination and the online reviews are positive but not without some qualifying comments. Visitors enjoy the beautiful ground, tile work and history of the place but are disappointed by the number of rooms that can actually be visited, especially considering the significant entry fee, and the lack of view combined with the seemingly never-ending restorations. The audio-guide gets inconsistent feedback.

Environmental & Social

No environmental impact and helps preserve the city's architectural and historical heritage

Conclusion

Topkapi Palace provides visitors with a fascinating insight into the working of the court under the Sultans but also the administrative functions housed there. It is also artistically and architecturally attractive so we would recommend a visit to pretty much any tourist but why not make more rooms accessible to the public - especially considering the price being charged?

Key positive

Pleasant grounds and decorated interiors

The Ottoman court HQ for three centuries

The Imperial Mint and Treasury are both impressive and interesting

Key negative

A little expensive

Many sections closed to visitors

Suitability

Accessible to wheelchair users but some assistance may be required (cobblestones and some marble door frames). Not the most exciting attraction for younger children

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:2h 15m

Regulated hours

Monday09:00 - 18:00

Tuesday -

Wednesday09:00 - 18:00

Thursday09:00 - 18:00

Friday09:00 - 18:00

Saturday09:00 - 18:00

Sunday09:00 - 18:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
TRY 1,500
Adult
12 - 64
TRY 1,500
Child
8 - 11
TRY 1,500
Infant
0 - 7
TRY 0
Includes Topkapi Palace + Harem + Hagia Irene.

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