Istanbul:

Topkapi Palace and Harem Guided Tour with Tickets

Uncover royal secrets at Topkapı Palace and its private Harem with an expert by your side.

Istanbul Topkapi Palace Bagdad Kiosk

Quick Details

  • Duration: 3 Hours
  • Tour Type: Small Group Guided Tour
  • Skip-the-line tickets included: for the Palace and the Harem
  • This tour runs every day: except Tuesdays
  • Start Time: 09:00 and 13:30
  • Languages: We offer our tours in English and German
  • Meeting Point: We meet at Ersoy Bufe. This is a small food kiosk just by the side of the Hippodrome in Sultanahmet Square. It is across the German Fountain. Your guide will be in front of the Ersoy Bufe with a sign that says, “Walks in Europe.”

Here is the Google Maps link

Istanbul: Topkapi Palace and Harem Guided Tour with Tickets

Step into the heart of imperial Istanbul with a guided tour of Topkapı Palace and its legendary Harem. Enjoy the glory of the palace with skip-the-line tickets and an expert guide. Explore the seat of Ottoman power for nearly four centuries—a city within a city, filled with intrigue, ceremony, and the echoes of empire.

Wander through a maze of courtyards, pavilions, and imperial chambers where sultans lived with their vast households, guarded secrets, and governed an empire that stretched across three continents. With your expert guide, explore the highlights of the palace, including the dazzling Treasury, the Sacred Relics of the Prophet, and serene gardens overlooking the Bosphorus.

Then, step beyond the public façade into the Harem—the private world of the royal court. Ruled by the formidable Queen Mother, this hidden section was home to the sultan’s family, concubines, and black eunuchs, each playing a role in the complex hierarchy of palace life.

Admire the exquisite Iznik tiles, mother-of-pearl inlays, and intricate calligraphy that line the halls. Visit the quarters of the concubines, the sultan’s private rooms, and the opulent salons that whisper stories of ambition, romance, and politics.

Whether in an intimate small group or a private experience, our Topkapı Palace tour offers unparalleled insight into Ottoman life—balancing historical depth with behind-the-scenes access to one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks.

Highlights
  • Visit Topkapi Palace and Harem in Istanbul’s old town.
  • Discover the glory of the Ottomans in Topkapi Palace in this 3-hour tour.
  • Explore the Treasury, Holy Relics, and Imperial Kitchens.
  • See the Harem with your own eyes, the private quarters, and home of the Sultans.
  • Enjoy the outer terraces with its beautiful flower beds and views of the Golden Horn.
  • Choose from a private or a shared group tour .
  • Learn from local and professional tour guides who are passionate about Istanbul.
Included
  • Skip-the-line admission tickets for Topkapi Palace
  • Skip-the-line admission tickets for the Harem
  • Expert local guides with insider knowledge
  • Small groups for a more interactive and personalized experience
  • 3-hour walking tour at a relaxed pace
  • Headsets to hear the guide better
Excluded
  • Transport to or from the meeting spot
Essential Information
  • The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility.
  • Topkapi Palace is a vast complex with multiple sections open for visit. During our tour, we’ll visit the most magnificent masterpieces. However, if you wish to explore all sections at your leisure, we recommend booking a morning tour and allocating the afternoon to explore the Palace grounds.
  • Clients must arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the start of the tour. This is due to the timed entry of the tickets.
  • Tickets are timed and expire within 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Please be advised that it is not possible to join the tour after it has commenced.
Meeting Point

We meet at Ersoy Bufe. This is a small food kiosk just by the side of the Hippodrome in Sultanahmet Square. It is across the German Fountain.  Your guide will be in front of the Ersoy Bufe with a sign that says, “Walks in Europe.” Here is the Google Maps link

  • Adult
    (Ages 10+)
    92€
  • Click on a date to see discounted options.

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