Frequently Asked Questions

Current ticket prices:

• Standard Ticket: 2400 TL

Prices may change without notice. Check our visiting information page for updated prices.

Important note: The 2400 TL ticket does not provide fast entry and is a standard ticket. You will need to wait in line. If you do not want to wait in line, you must purchase a fast track ticket, which can be obtained from our tickets page.

Yes, we highly recommend purchasing tickets online in advance, especially during peak season. Online tickets offer several advantages:

• Skip the ticket line at the entrance
• Guaranteed entry (we limit daily visitors)
• Sometimes small discounts available
• Mobile tickets accepted

You can purchase tickets from our official partners or at the gate (subject to availability).

Palace Opening Hours:

• Summer (April - October): 09:00-17:30
• Winter (November - March): 09:00-17:00

Closed: Tuesday

Last entry is 30 minutes before closing time.

Visit duration depends on your interests:

• Quick tour (main highlights): 2-3 hours
• Standard visit: 3-4 hours
• Comprehensive tour (including Harem): 4-6 hours
• Detailed exploration: Full day

We recommend planning at least 3 hours to see the main courtyards, treasury, and sacred relics. Add 1-2 hours if you want to visit the Harem section.

Best times to visit:

• Early morning: Right when the palace opens (9:00 AM)
• Late afternoon: 2-3 hours before closing
• Weekdays: Tuesday through Friday
• Off-season: November through March (except holidays)

Avoid:

• Weekends (especially Saturday)
• Turkish national holidays
• Cruise ship arrival days
• 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM (peak hours)

Topkapi Palace has limited wheelchair accessibility due to its historical nature:

Accessible areas:

• First Courtyard
• Second Courtyard (partial)
• Some exhibition halls
• Accessible restrooms available

Not accessible:

• Harem section (many stairs)
• Treasury building
• Some terraces and upper levels

We recommend contacting us in advance for detailed accessibility information and possible assistance arrangements.

What to bring:

• Valid ID or passport
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Water bottle (allowed)
• Camera (photography allowed in most areas)

Not allowed:

• Large bags or backpacks
• Food and drinks (except water)
• Tripods and professional camera equipment
• Weapons or sharp objects
• Pets (except service animals)

Photography allowed:

• Courtyards and gardens
• Most exhibition halls
• Architecture and building exteriors
• Personal photos (no flash)

Photography prohibited:

• Sacred Relics section
• Some special exhibitions
• Areas marked with "No Photography" signs

Professional photography: Requires special permission and fees. Contact us in advance for commercial or professional shoots.

Dining options inside:

• Konyalı Cafe: Turkish tea, coffee, light snacks
• Terrace Restaurant: Full-service Ottoman cuisine with Bosphorus view

Nearby options (outside palace):

• Dozens of restaurants in Sultanahmet district
• Traditional Turkish & international food available
• 5–10 minute walk from palace entrance

Note: Outside food and drink are not allowed inside the palace grounds.

Public Transportation:

• Tram: Sultanahmet stop (T1 line)
• Metro: Vezneciler stop, then 15-minute walk
• Bus: Eminönü or Sultanahmet stops
• Ferry: Eminönü pier, then 10-minute walk

By Car:

• Limited parking available in Sultanahmet area
• Public parking lots nearby
• Traffic can be heavy - public transport recommended

From Airports:

• Istanbul Airport: HAVAIST bus to Sultanahmet
• Sabiha Gökçen: Bus to Kadıköy, then ferry to Eminönü