Sights · 33 of the best in Istanbul
Topkapı Palace
The sultans’ palace
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Dosseman · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Julian Lupyan · CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Jorge Láscar from Australia · CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons1 / 3
About Topkapı Palace
Mehmed II began Topkapı in the 1460s on the hill above the meeting of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, and it was the home and seat of government of the sultans until the mid-19th century. Walk through its four courtyards to the kitchens, the Imperial Council chamber, the Treasury with its famous dagger and diamond, the Sacred Relics and the pavilions of the fourth courtyard, with views over the water. The Harem, with its tiled rooms, needs a separate ticket and is unmissable. It is closed on Tuesdays; arrive at opening time.
Why it's on our list
- The Harem (separate ticket)
- The Treasury and relics
- Closed Tuesdays
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Topkapı Palace before you go.
What’s nearby
Distances from Topkapı Palace are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 15 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Nearest metro & tram stops
- GülhaneT1400 m5 min walk
- SultanahmetT1750 m9 min walk
- SirkeciT1750 m9 min walk
Nearest taxi ranks
- Taxi rank, Ishakpaşa Caddesi550 m7 min walk
- Taxi rank, Çayıroğlu Sokağı1.2 km15 min walk
Key sights
- Hagia Sophia400 mWalk 5 minCycle 2 minCar or taxi 4 min
- Basilica Cistern500 mWalk 6 minCycle 2 minCar or taxi 5 min
- Blue Mosque850 mWalk 11 minCycle 3 minCar or taxi 6 min
- Spice Bazaar1.2 kmWalk 15 minCycle 5 minCar or taxi 6 min
- Grand Bazaar1.2 kmWalk 15 minCycle 5 minCar or taxi 7 min
- Galata Bridge1.3 kmWalk 16 minCycle 5 minCar or taxi 7 min
- Süleymaniye Mosque1.7 kmWalk 21 minCycle 7 minCar or taxi 8 min
- Galata Tower1.8 kmWalk 22 minCycle 7 minCar or taxi 8 min
- İstiklal Avenue2.5 kmWalk 31 minCycle 10 minCar or taxi 11 min
- Taksim Square2.9 kmWalk 36 minCycle 11 minCar or taxi 12 min
Getting around
- Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)30 kmCar or taxi 93 min
- Istanbul Airport (IST)35 kmCar or taxi 108 min