Topkapi Palace Tickets

Topkapi Palace is unquestionably one of Istanbul's most popular tourist destinations. It was the heart of the Ottoman Empire; it served as the residence of its sultans and the women of their harem for nearly three centuries until Sultan Abdülmecid decided to move the court to the Dolmabahçe Palace in 1853. A sight to behold, this iconic tourist destination is a must-visit when in Istanbul. Looking for Topkapi Palace tickets? We have put together the perfect guide to help you find the best tickets and make the most of your time there.

A landmark as fascinating as Topkapi Palace is packed to the brim with unique sights and breathtaking architecture. Here’s a breakdown of all the places you should see at Topkapi Palace.

The Felicity Gate was built in the 15th century and afterward adorned in the rococo style in 1774. The gold-leafed ceiling is partially painted and features decorative elements such as a golden ball suspended in the center. It is the entrance of the Third Courtyard, also known as the Inner Court, which houses the Topkapi Palace's private and residential areas.

The sultan's entire family and servants all lived in the Imperial Harem. It comprises several buildings and structures that are linked by passageways and courtyards. Every group in the harem had their own dwelling spaces, which were centered around a courtyard. The exact number of rooms is unknown, however, it is likely to be in the hundreds.

The Neo-classical Enderûn Library, also known as the Library of Sultan Ahmed III, is located in the heart of the Third Court. It was built in 1719 on orders of Ahmed III by royal architect Mimar Beşir Aa for usage by royal household staff. This previous kiosk's colonnade is now most likely in front of the current treasury.

These were built after the Queen Mother came into the  palace during the late 16th century. These apartments are decorated with floral-patterned blue-and-white or yellow-and-green tiles and 17th-century Iznik porcelain. Osman znikli Mehmetolu signed the panel depicting Mecca or Medina, which has a new Iznik tile style. The paintwork in the upper rooms with panoramic views is in the Western European style.

The Circumcision Room, a summer kiosk dedicated to the circumcision of young princes, was added in 1640 by Sultan Ibrahim I. It has a varied collection of rarely recycled tiles on the inside and exterior, including blue tiles with flower themes on the façade. The most noteworthy of these is the 1529 blue and white tile panels on the chamber facade, which are influenced by far-eastern pottery.

The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, which has been fighting time for centuries with its creative construction, rich history, religious significance, and distinctive qualities, was Istanbul's largest Eastern Roman Church. It is considered an architectural wonder due its stunning domes, colossal marble columns, and unmatched mosaics. Book Hagia Sophia tickets.

Since 1348, the Galata Tower has dominated Beyolu's skyline and continues to provide outstanding panoramic views of the city. The 66.9-meter (220-foot)-high Tower of Christ was once the highest point within the city walls of the Genoese colony of Galata. The vast majority of the walls have vanished, but the great tower, with its 3.75-meter-thick walls, has survived. Book Galata Tower tickets.

The Basilica Cistern is the largest and most peculiar tourist attraction in Istanbul. On a hot summer day, you can take a stroll through the forest of hundreds of marble columns and enjoy the subterranean chill. The Basilica Cistern is 143 meters long and 65 meters wide, and it takes its name from the Ileus Basilica. Book Basilica Cistern tickets.

One of the most opulent mansions in the world, the palace was constructed in the 19th century. It served as the administrative capital of the late Ottoman Empire and was home to the last of the Sultans. National, historical, and language congresses, as well as international conferences, were once held at Dolmabahce Palace. Book Dolmabahce Palace tickets.

The Sultanahmet Mosque was constructed between 1609 and 1617 and is also known as the Blue Mosque because of the blue tiles that adorn its inner walls. Sultan Ahmet I ordered the building to be built. The vast courtyard is the largest of all Ottoman mosques, with plenty of graceful curves thanks to a rising system of domes and semi-domes. Book Blue Mosque tickets.

The Bosphorus Strait is located in northern Turkey, about 8 kilometers from Istanbul, where the Bosphorus Bridge is located. A cruise down the Bosphorus is a fantastic way to see Turkey from a fresh perspective. The gleaming sapphire strait serves as your front-row seat for seeing Turkey's stunning countryside unfold. Book Bosphorus cruises.