Visiting Topkapi Palace is what most people do in their Istanbul trip. Is Topkapi Palace, one of Istanbul’s best-known museums, really worth a visit? As a historian who was born and raised in Istanbul and has over 10 years’ experience as a professional tour guide, I will provide you with the most up-to-date information for your visit to Topkapı Palace in 2026.
My article begins with a brief history of the palace, aimed at those who have never heard of it, those who have only just learnt about it, and first-time visitors. After discussing what you can see and do at the palace, I will share some very special information about its newly opened sections.
I will present photographs of the Topkapı Palace as it looks today and, furthermore, provide a step-by-step guide on what you need to do to ensure your visit to Topkapı Palace is both safe and hassle-free, whilst also highlighting the scams targeting visitors to the palace.
Brief history of the Topkapi Palace
Construction of Topkapı Palace began in 1460 under Mehmed II, following the Ottoman Empire’s conquest of Istanbul on 29 May 1453. Later additions were made right up until the 19th century, with some of these still standing today.
It served as the home of the Ottoman sultans and the court, as well as the administrative centre of the empire. The palace has not only housed various structures and displayed collections, but has also borne witness to the life of an empire.
When construction of the palace began during the reign of Mehmed II, builders erected the buildings in accordance with the architectural principles and style of the period. Today, many structures surround these buildings, and people have rearranged them over time into their present form.
What to see at Topkapi Palace?
Most people visiting Topkapı Palace for the first time buy their tickets without really knowing what to expect. It’s time for a change. Let’s take a look together at which sections of Topkapı Palace you can explore today and what you’ll find there.
What to see in the First Courtyard of Topkapı Palace?
At present, you can only visit a single section or building in the First Courtyard of Topkapı Palace. This is the former Church of Hagia Irene.
You can visit the Church of Hagia Irene right at the entrance to the palace. Your tickets cover this site as well, at no extra cost. This building was constructed twice during the Eastern Roman period and has survived to the present day following various alterations. At present, it does not house any exhibitions or collections that you can view.
So, what exactly can be seen in the second courtyard of Topkapı Palace?
The second courtyard, or garden, of the palace is the first courtyard where artefacts from the present-day museum are displayed. The museum tour begins here, at the second gate.
As you enter the courtyard, you will see the Palace Kitchens section on your right. Here you can view the Empire’s collection of porcelain and celadon plates (mostly Chinese, Russian, Austrian and French). Moreover silver tableware, palace spoons and the structures belonging to the Palace’s kitchen section. The section dedicated to Turkish coffee is another of the kitchen’s most interesting features.
The final section of this courtyard, where the museum’s artefacts are displayed, is the Armoury section. This section houses the collection of weapons and armour. Located in the corner of the courtyard closest to the third courtyard. Showcases a collection ranging from classic Ottoman weapons to Japanese and Hungarian swords. Including some interesting artefacts brought from Romania.
In addition to these two sections, you can also explore the Ottoman parliament building, which is also situated in the second courtyard.
Which sections of the Topkapı Palace Museum can be visited in the third courtyard?
The palace’s third courtyard is the area where most of the museum exhibitions are held. There are three major exhibitions you can visit here.
The first of these is the Palace Treasury section. The famous 86-carat Spoonmaker’s (Kaşıkçı) Diamond is on display here. The Ottoman Empire possessed a vibrant and productive culture. Consequently, the Treasury building is the most popular section of the palace.
Another section is the exhibition known as the Holy Relics. Here, unique artefacts such as Moses’s staff are on display. Alongside the personal relics of the Prophet Muhammad, you can even find his footprints in this section.
The ‘Imperial Court Attire’ exhibition, one of the most special sections of the third courtyard, is also open to visitors in this courtyard. Here, you will find answers to any questions you may have about clothing and attire at the palace. Alongside the garments once worn by the Ottoman sultans, the very special collections belonging to the women and children of the court will captivate you with their magic.
What is there to see in the Fourth Courtyard of Topkapı Palace?
The fourth courtyard of Topkapı Palace, also known as the terrace, is an area that the Ottoman sultans set aside for the pavilions they built during various periods.
Here you can see just some of the artefacts on display inside the pavilions. Rather than the permanent exhibitions I mentioned earlier, this section mainly features items displayed in small groups within the pavilions. The finest example of this is the ceremonial throne belonging to Ahmed I, which is on display in the Revan Pavilion.
There are six structures that you can see in the courtyard at Topkapi. These are: the Baghdad, Revan, Mecidiye and Sofa pavilions, as well as the Circumcision Room and the Sofa Mosque.
What is there to see in the Harem section of Topkapı Palace?
Unlike the exhibitions in the second and third courtyards of the Topkapı Palace Museum in Istanbul, this area has no sections where such artefacts are displayed. Instead, the museum has created an atmosphere in which visitors can view the furniture and furnishings on display in the former buildings of the palace’s Harem departments. There’s also wax figures of the palace inhabitants in their present-day form.
The sections you can see in the Harem can be summarised as follows:
Your tour begins at the Dome with Cupboard, where the accounting records and valuable possessions of the harem residents were once kept. From here, the Fountain Hall (entrance hall), and The Dormitory of the Halberdiers with Tresses, Barracks for the palace servants, the Music School, The Mosque of the Black Eunuchs, the Courtyard and Apartments of the Black Eunuchs, the Concubines’ Corridor and Apartments, the Queen Mother’s Apartments and Bathhouse, the Imperial Bathhouse, the Imperial Hall, the Chamber of Murad III, the Chamber of Ahmed I, the Chamber of Ahmed III, the Favourites’ Courtyard, the Golden Road and a small kitchen located here.
New exhibits & Sections of Topkapi Palace
As of 2026, a number of new exhibitions and sections have opened at Topkapı Palace. The exhibition entitled ‘Time at the Palace’ is one of the palace’s most recent additions. Apart from this, all the newly opened sections are located in the palace’s Harem. The new sections opened in the Harem include the living quarters of the Black Eunuchs. The bathroom areas of Eunuchs and a large part of the Concubines’ Quarters (kitchen, larder, laundry room and sitting rooms), which have been opened to visitors.
The décor in these rooms, featuring wax sculptures, allows you to witness what is almost a living scene from a harem. Whereas visits to the Harem used to last a maximum of 30 minutes, it will now last up to 1 hour or more.
Alongside all these new exhibitions, there is also a section that has closed. This used to be the Calligraphy exhibition, which was located at the end of the third courtyard. Unfortunately, this exhibition, which was open for only a short time, is not open to visitors today for various reasons.
Is Topkapi Palace under restoration?
Yes! Restoration work is currently underway on many sections of the palace’s main Harem complex. Such as the quarters of the concubines and the quarters of the favorites are under renovations. In addition to these sections, renovation work is also continuing on many other structures within Topkapı Palace (such as the Second Gate). These restoration works do not prevent visitors from entering. Indeed, the palace has remained open to visitors throughout the ongoing repairs.
How much are Topkapi Palace Museum tickets?
Adult tickets for Topkapı Palace currently cost 2,750 Turkish lira, €55 or 65 US dollars per person. For holders of an ‘ISIC: International Student Identity Card’, the admission fee for those aged 12–25 is 500 Turkish Lira (€9, or 10 US dollars). You can find the latest ticket price information for the Palace and all of Istanbul’s museums here.
How can I buy tickets for Topkapi Palace (online or on paper)?
The Topkapı Palace Museum does not sell tickets online under any circumstances. You can purchase your tickets on arrival at the museum, in the first courtyard. Here, you can make a purchase using your credit card or in cash, provided it is in Turkish Lira. Please note that you cannot purchase tickets here using payment methods such as American Express, PayPal, Venmo or Stripe.
Important Warning: There are scammers who set up websites under the name ‘Topkapı Palace’ and sell overpriced tickets to tourists. Please do not trust these websites or make any purchases from them. As I mentioned earlier, Topkapı Palace does not sell official tickets online.
How to visit Topkapi Palace?
You can begin your tour of Topkapı Palace by collecting your tickets in the first courtyard. Then you can proceed through the ticket checkpoint at the second gate.
As a professional tour guide who has led tours of this palace thousands of times, my advice would be to finish your tour of the second courtyard first, and then continue on to the Harem from there. Your tour of the Harem will take you out into the palace’s third courtyard. After exploring the sections of the third courtyard, you can conclude your visit in the final courtyard. The exits are at the second gate.
If you’d like to take a tour of the palace in English with a historian and an experienced tour guide, you can book a place on my daily Topkapı Palace tour here.
Fake Topkapi Museum Websites and Museum Passes
There are malicious websites and individuals who seek to deceive travellers like you by using the names of our city’s breathtaking historical monuments. These websites, such as ‘Istanbul’, ‘Museum Pass’ and ‘Museum’ just to give the impression that they are official websites or organisations, thereby deceiving tourists.
As a registered travel agency, a licensed tour guide with over 10 years’ experience, and someone who has been involved in the tourism industry since 2008, it is my duty to warn you. Do not make things easier for these operators. Protect yourselves and your loved ones.
If you’d like to read them, I recently shared two in-depth articles about fake museum passes and fake museum websites in Istanbul.
Visiting Topkapı Palace: FAQs
Is Topkapi Palace worth visiting?
Topkapı Palace is a museum where you can trace the history of the Ottoman Empire and, subsequently, the history of the entire world. If you have a keen interest in history, Turkish culture and the Ottoman Empire, you simply must visit it. It’s highly unlikely that you’ll find any section or exhibition here that doesn’t catch your interest. That’s because the palace houses a wide range of exhibitions, from the kitchen to the clock collection. If you’re not quite sure what you’re looking for, I’d recommend a guided tour, rather than the 30-minute or one-hour quick tours. If you’re going to invest in a ticket to enter the palace, I believe it’s well worth it.
What is special about Topkapi Palace?
The vast majority of visitors to the palace pay their admission fee solely to see the artefacts on display inside. For many, these will include the world-famous Spoonmaker’s Diamond or the Topkapı Dagger. As a guide who has been leading tours here for years, I believe its most important feature is the opportunities it offers to gain an insight into palace life and Turkish culture. These opportunities might take the form of an architectural structure or a receipt on display in the kitchen. If you won’t be able to see these signs, I’d say don’t waste your €55 on just a quick visit. That money would be better spent on two meals of Turkish food.
How much time do you need at Topkapi Palace?
Those who try to sell you tours online also peddle the fantasy that you can tour this palace in just 30 minutes with them. In my own tours, I make a point of mentioning that it takes at least an hour to explore the palace, explaining that it is not as easy to visit as people say, and that it requires not only a financial investment but also a certain amount of time and interest. In my opinion, an average (ideal) tour can be completed in two hours. For a more comprehensive tour, this may take between 2.5 and 3 hours.
What is the best time to visit Topkapi?
Topkapi Palace is open to visitors six days a week, from 9 am to 5 pm, except on Tuesdays. At weekends, the museum gets busier in every season. If you can, it’s a good idea to visit on a weekday between 9 am and 12 noon. During this time, the palace is relatively quiet. This not only allows you to explore the various sections at your leisure, but also protects you from the heat, particularly during the summer months when temperatures rise. Moreover, the palace is a large complex, so it makes more sense to explore it in the morning when you are at your most alert.
Do I need to buy Topkapi Palace tickets in advance?
You cannot purchase tickets for Topkapı Palace in advance. Official tickets covering admission to the Topkapı Palace Museum are sold only in the first courtyard at the museum entrance. Furthermore, Topkapı Palace does not sell tickets online, nor does it have a website named ‘Topkapı Palace’. These websites not only sell tickets at a higher price than standard tickets, but also invite you to a meeting point and take you inside with a tour guide. Please do not fall for such unauthorised offers. You can purchase your tickets safely, and often without queuing, from the museum ticket offices.
Current Photos of Topkapı Palace, New Sections and Restorations
Conclusion
Visiting Topkapı Palace and showing others around is a really enjoyable and educational activity. It’s a place I’ve enjoyed visiting myself many times, even when I’m not leading a tour. For quite some time now, I’ve wanted to share information not only about Topkapı Palace. Also about its current sections, what you can see there, and its restoration work.
I value your views and feedback. If you’d like to contact me directly, you can do so by filling in the contact form here, or via my social media accounts. You can access the Blog where I regularly share my posts.
Thank you for taking the time to read this far. See you next time!
