Topkapi Palace Entrance Fee & Hours [Updated 2025]

Where power once wore silk robes and whispered behind golden screens, Topkapi Palace rises like a dream of empire. For nearly 400 years, this sprawling complex served as the beating heart of the Ottoman dynasty — a city within a city, veiled in ceremony, secrecy, and splendor. From jeweled daggers to shadowy courtyards, it holds stories not only of sultans, but of eunuchs, concubines, and grand viziers who shaped the fate of a continent.

Topkapi Palace entrance fee in 2025 is 2400 Turkish Liras. The Istanbul Museum Pass is valid for this site. Visiting hours are from 09:00 in the morning until 17:00 in the evening. (Information last reviewed on September 14, 2025 — see more details in the dedicated sections below.)

If you’d like to secure a skip-the-line ticket for Topkapi Palace, you can 👆 book your fast-track admission ticket here . This way you can bypass the long queues at the ticket counters, especially during the busy spring and summer season.

Throughout the rest of this guide, you’ll find clear and practical tips to plan your visit. Having worked as a professional tour guide in Istanbul for more than two decades, I’ve gathered here the most frequent questions from my guests — along with straightforward answers that will help you enjoy Topkapi Palace more smoothly and make the most of your time inside its walls.

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📌 Topkapi Palace 2025 Visitor Summary

A practical guide to visiting Topkapi Palace in 2025 — updated ticket prices, hours, and quick tips!

🏷️ Ticket Price: 2400 TL (approx. €50) for tourists — includes both Palace and Harem
⏰ Opening Hours: 09:00 – 17:00
🙏 Closed: Tuesdays
🎫 Museum Pass: Valid for both Palace and Harem
🚀 Skip-the-line: Online ticket recommended. (you can book from the green link below)
📍 Location: Sultanahmet, Istanbul
📅 Last Updated: September 2025

Insider’s Note: If you’re planning to visit Topkapi Palace, the earlier you arrive, the better. I always recommend arriving at the palace gates by 9:00 AM when it opens — or even better, start your morning at Hagia Sophia around 8:00 AM and then head over. By midday, the Treasury and Sacred Relics sections often develop long queues, and exploring the narrow corridors of the Harem can become uncomfortably crowded. Early birds definitely get the best experience here!

History of the Topkapi Palace

The history of Topkapi Palace goes back 550 years, to the rise of the Ottoman Empire. It was built by Sultan Mehmed after the conquest of Istanbul by the Ottomans and remained the residence of the Sultans for nearly 400 years.

When the Ottomans captured Constantinople (in 1453), they realized that the condition of the buildings in the city was not good. The city never returned to its former glory after being sacked in the Fourth Crusade in 1204. The most important monuments of the city, such as the Great Palace, Hagia Sophia and Hippodrome, were in poor condition.

In 1204, the Crusaders led by the Duke of Venice sacked Constantinople and established a Latin Empire there. The Byzantines recaptured the city 57 years later in 1261. However, due to financial reasons, it was not possible to fully restore the city.

1. Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror

Sultan Mehmed was one of the best educated sultans in Ottoman history. When he conquered Istanbul, he was aware of the history of the city. According to Turkish historians, the first thing he did after the fall of the city was to see Hagia Sophia, which he was very curious about.

Sultan Mehmed, who watched the city from the roof of Hagia Sophia, was saddened by the neglected Great Palace. The Great Palace of Constantinople, where great emperors like Constantine and Justinian lived, had already become ruin. Due to this state of the Great Palace, the Byzantine emperors lived in the Palace of Blachernae in the last years of the empire.

2. Construction of the Old Palace

Sultan Mehmed first built a palace where today’s Istanbul University (and the Grand Bazaar) is located. This place, called the Old Palace, was the place where the sultan lived while the Topkapi Palace was under construction.

The Topkapi Palace (can be seen in the picture above) was built on the ruins of the Byzantium, the Greek acropolis, which was the pre-Roman settlement of the city.

3. The Harem Wasn’t Here Before

The Ottomans built the palace between 1461 and 1478. The architecture of the palace resembles a castle and contains all the buildings a small city needs. Sultan Mehmet built Topkapi Palace to work, relax and carry out state affairs. For this reason, there was no Harem section in the main plan of Topkapi Palace. The Harem moved to the Palace much later in the middle of the 16th century.

Although Topkapi Palace was a place where 25 sultans lived during the most powerful period of the Ottoman Empire, it draws attention with its simplicity. Visiting the Topkapi Palace offers views of the Bosphorus and plenty of outdoor walking.

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Things to See in Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace is a complex consisting of four large courtyards. It has a very different architecture from European palaces. The most important historical monument to be seen in the first courtyard is Hagia Irene, a former Byzantine church.

After passing this beautiful church you will see the ticket offices on the right. After purchasing the Topkapi Palace tickets, you can enter the palace through the gate, which is surrounded by two big towers.

Insider’s Note: Topkapi Palace is made up of four courtyards, and the first one is open to the public free of charge. From this courtyard, you can quickly access the Hagia Irene Church and the Istanbul Archaeological Museums without a ticket. If you decide to buy one and pass through the majestic double-towered Gate of Salutation (Babus Selam), you’ll step into the inner palace — where the sultans once lived. But even without a ticket, simply walking through the first courtyard offers a surprisingly rich sense of the palace atmosphere and its imperial grandeur — all for free.

1. Divan-ı Humayun (Imperial Council)

The Imperial Council consists of two rooms. One of these rooms carries traditional Turkish decoration with blue tiles and pencil works. The neighboring room was damaged in a fire and rebuilt. The restoration was carried out during the period when the Ottoman Empire was under French influence. Therefore, it carries the inspiration of western architecture.

2. Collection of Clocks and Weapons

Next to the Imperial Council rooms there is a Collection of Clocks that were presented to the Ottoman sultans. And next to the Clock Room a Collection of Weapons with centuries-old swords and rifles can be seen.

3. Palace Kitchens

On the opposite side of the courtyard is the palace kitchens. You can see the traces of two different periods in Ottoman palace life in palace kitchens. In the early period of the Ottoman Empire, chinese porcelain was used on the ground table, while in the late period there was a western table setting.

Insider’s Note: Long before the famous İznik tiles became a symbol of classical Ottoman design, the early sultans of the empire dined using imported Chinese porcelain. Many of these 14th and 15th-century pieces are now on display in the palace kitchens at Topkapi Palace. They not only reflect the refined tastes of the early Ottoman court but also offer a glimpse into the dining rituals of the time — centuries before the empire developed its own artistic identity through İznik ceramics.

4. Topkapi Palace Harem Rooms

The entrance of the Harem is in the second courtyard, right next to the Imperial Council. Since the Harem Rooms are under renovation for many years, the walking route changes constantly. The harem was not in the original plan of the palace and was confined to a narrow space because it was added later.

Sultan Mehmed, who had built the Topkapi Palace, had designed the Harem to remain in the Old Palace. However, during the Suleiman the Magnificent, the Harem moved to the Topkapi Palace at the request of Hurrem Sultan (also known as Roxelana).

Insider’s Note: The Harem section was added to Topkapi Palace almost a century after the rest of the complex, and it expanded somewhat chaotically over time. That’s why the rooms feel irregularly placed and the overall layout lacks architectural unity. At first glance, this can leave some visitors a bit underwhelmed. However, with the help of a knowledgeable guide, you’ll begin to understand how daily life unfolded within these walls. To truly appreciate the colors and rhythms of Harem life, you’ll need to engage your imagination.

5. Audience Hall

State affairs during the Ottoman period were discussed in the Divan (Imperial Council). These meetings were chaired by the Grand Vizier.

The issues discussed in the meetings that took place almost every day of the week were conveyed to the sultan in the Audience Hall. This is the first section you will see in the third courtyard of Topkapi Palace.

6. The Library

The library is located in the middle of the third courtyard of the palace. When you exit the Audience Hall, the building in front of you is the library built by Ahmed III.

The library bears the traces of Classical Ottoman architecture and is decorated with Ottoman tiles, pencil works, mother-of-pearl and oriental carpets. Since the books in the library are under protection, there are a few symbolic books inside.

Insider’s Note: Many visitors are surprised by how modest the Library of Ahmed III appears — “Where are all the books?” is a common question I hear during guided tours. The answer lies just across the same courtyard: the actual manuscript collection is housed in the former Enderun Mosque, which was once a place of prayer for palace officials. Though not open to visitors, this building safely preserves a priceless archive of centuries-old handwritten books, carefully kept under special protection.

7. Sacred Relics

When you start to tour the third courtyard clockwise, you will first see the Portraits Section on the left. Here you can see hundreds of years old portraits of sultans. The most interesting part of the courtyard, especially for Muslim visitors, is the room with Sacred Relics. This room contains belongings of the Prophet Muhammad.

8. Imperial Treasury

The most visited section in Topkapi Palace is the Imperial Treasury where the jewels are exhibited. This is where the most valuable objects such as Spoonmaker’s Diamond and Topkapi Dagger are located.

The Treasury Section consists of four rooms and houses hundreds of objects. This section was reopened with a completely renewed exhibition layout after being renovated for 8 years between 2015 and 2023. The new sections of the treasury look great.

Insider’s Note: After a long restoration, the Treasury section of Topkapi Palace has been beautifully transformed into a modern exhibition space. However, on crowded days, navigating the narrow corridors of the Treasury can become challenging. You may also encounter long queues at the entrance. If you want to view the iconic Spoonmaker’s Diamond and Topkapi Dagger without feeling rushed or cramped, I highly recommend arriving early in the morning

9. Mecidiye Pavilion

When you leave the Treasury Room you can go to the next courtyard. The most beautiful part of the fourth and last courtyard is where the Mecidiye Pavilion was built in the 19th century. Here you can photograph the magnificent view of the Bosphorus.

This mansion was closed to visitors for many years. However, as of 2025, you can now see the 19th century Ottoman decoration inside this baroque building. This part of the palace resembles Dolmabahce Palace in its westernized form.

10. Baghdad Pavilion

In the northern part of the fourth courtyard with a view of the Golden Horn, there are the Baghdad and Revan pavilions. From the balcony of the Baghdad Pavilion, you can watch the view as the sultans once did.

The interior decoration of the Baghdad Pavilion (can be seen in the picture above) is one of the last works before the Ottomans switched to western architectural style.

The interior decoration of Baghdad Pavilion is a magnificent blend of Arabian, Persian and Turkish architecture.

Insider’s Note: As a local guide, my personal favorite spot in Topkapi Palace is the Baghdad Pavilion. Tucked away at the far end of the Fourth Courtyard, this elegant room overlooks the Golden Horn and offers a quiet glimpse into how the sultans once relaxed with the breeze of the Bosphorus in their hair. The walls are covered with exquisite blue tiles, and the low divans complete a scene of pure serenity. The interior decoration of this room reflects the very pinnacle of classical Ottoman art.

Topkapi Palace Entrance Fee 2025

Topkapi Palace entrance fee is 2400 Turkish Liras in 2025. This all-inclusive ticket grants access to the main palace complex, the Harem section, and the Hagia Irene Church. Please note that Museum Pass Istanbul is valid for all sections of the palace. This information was last updated on September 14, 2025.

🎟️ Skip the Line at Topkapi Palace

Don’t want to wait in long lines at the entrance of Topkapi Palace? Here are two great options! You can either explore at your own pace with an audio guide, or join a guided small group tour that includes both the palace and the Harem section.

🎧 Topkapi Ticket + Audio Guide 🕌 Guided Tour + Harem Access

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Topkapi Palace Opening Hours 2025

In 2025, Topkapi Palace is open daily from 09:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on Tuesdays, when it is closed to visitors. This information was last updated on September 14, 2025.

There may be changes in the entrance hours of the museums in Istanbul. Before going to the museum, I recommend you to visit the official website of the palace and review the latest situation.

How to Get to the Topkapi Palace?

Topkapi Palace sits majestically at the tip of Istanbul’s Historic Peninsula, right next to two of the city’s most iconic landmarks: Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. It’s nestled at the edge of Sultanahmet Square, with its main entrance—known as the Imperial Gate (Bab-ı Hümayun)—located just across from the Hagia Sophia’s courtyard and fountain area.

If you’re already in Sultanahmet, you’re just a few steps away. The entire area is pedestrianized, so simply follow the stream of visitors moving between the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Look for the high stone walls and the grand gate crowned with a golden inscription—that’s the main entrance to Topkapi Palace. You’ll also find directional signs marked “Topkapi Sarayi” (its name in Turkish) throughout the square.

To reach the palace from Taksim Square, take the F1 Funicular down to Kabataş. From Kabataş station, board the Tram T1 heading toward Bağcılar and get off at Sultanahmet (about a 15–20 minute ride). As you exit the tram, walk toward Hagia Sophia—it will appear straight ahead with its massive dome. Once you’re in the main plaza, Topkapi Palace will be to your left. Walk past Hagia Sophia’s garden and you’ll soon arrive at the grand entrance gate of the palace complex.

Whether you’re walking through Sultanahmet’s historic cobblestone alleys or arriving by tram, the path to Topkapi Palace is both intuitive and scenic. Along the way, you’ll be flanked by centuries of history and surrounded by domes, minarets, and blooming gardens—setting the perfect stage for what awaits inside the palace walls.

Conclusion

Topkapi Palace isn’t just a museum — it’s a living archive of imperial dreams, secrets, and splendor. As you wander through its courtyards, chambers, and terraces, you’re not simply looking at artifacts — you’re stepping into the rhythm of a vanished world.

After visiting the palace, consider walking downhill through Gulhane Park — once the private garden of the sultans. It’s a peaceful green path that leads you to the Istanbul Archaeological Museums, another treasure trove just next door.

From there, head to Sultanahmet Square to explore the Blue Mosque or Basilica Cistern, both within five minutes on foot. Or follow the scent of spice and roasted nuts down to Eminönü, where the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar open their colorful arms to curious wanderers.

Whether you’re a history buff or just soaking up the magic of Istanbul, Topkapi Palace is the perfect place to begin — or end — your journey through the Old City.

Written by Serhat Engul