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 skip-the-line tickets and the expertise of an experienced guide. Discover 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 network of courtyards, pavilions, and ornate imperial chambers. Learn how sultans lived with their vast households, guarded state secrets, and ruled an empire spanning three continents. Explore the dazzling Treasury, admire the Sacred Relics of the Prophet, and stroll through serene gardens overlooking the Bosphorus.

Step beyond the public façade into the Harem, the private realm of the royal court. Ruled by the formidable Queen Mother, this secluded world was home to the sultan’s family, concubines, and black eunuchs. Each had a defined place within the palace’s intricate hierarchy.

Marvel at the artistry of İznik tiles, mother-of-pearl inlays, and detailed calligraphy that adorn the walls. Visit the living quarters of the concubines, the sultan’s private apartments, and opulent reception rooms. These spaces whisper stories of ambition, romance, and power struggles.

Whether in a small group or on a private tour, this Topkapi Palace and Harem Tour experience offers a rare look into Ottoman life. It combines rich historical insight with exclusive access to one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, leaving you with a deeper appreciation of its grandeur and legacy.

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+)
    79€
  • Click on a date to see discounted options.

Related Tours

PRIVATE TOURS.

CURATED

MOMENTS.

We create private experiences tailored entirely to you — whether you’re planning a family adventure, a corporate retreat, or marking a special occasion. Each itinerary is shaped around your interests and pace, with exclusive access, personal insight, and seamless delivery at every step.

Book a Private tour