Topkapi Palace is one of the most important historical sites in Istanbul, Turkey. Located on the shores of the Bosphorus, the palace was built in the 15th century by the Ottoman sultans and served as the official residence of the Ottoman dynasty until the mid-19th century. As one of the world’s largest and most impressive palaces, Topkapi is a must-see for any visitor to Istanbul.
Entrance Fee
Visitors to Topkapi Palace are required to purchase an entrance ticket in order to enter the site. The entrance fee is 40 TL (Turkish Lira) for adults and 25 TL for students, children and senior citizens. There is also a discounted group rate for groups of 10 or more people. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth located at the entrance of the palace. Visitors are also required to pay a separate fee for the Harem and Treasury sections of the palace.
Harem Entrance Fee
The entrance fee for the Harem section of Topkapi Palace is 25 TL for adults and 15 TL for students, children and senior citizens. This fee includes access to the Harem Apartments, the Courtyard of the Sultan, the Courtyard of the Black Eunuchs, the Courtyard of the White Eunuchs and the Imperial Council Hall.
Treasury Entrance Fee
The entrance fee for the Treasury section of Topkapi Palace is 25 TL for adults and 15 TL for students, children and senior citizens. This fee includes access to the Treasury Hall, the Armory Hall, the Sultan’s Library, the Imperial Wardrobe and the Imperial Treasury.
Other Fees
In addition to the entrance fees, visitors are also required to pay a fee for the use of the audio guide and for any photographs taken inside the palace. The audio guide fee is 10 TL per person and the photography fee is 10 TL per camera.
Discounts
Visitors with valid student or senior citizen ID are eligible for discounted entrance fees. Groups of 10 or more people are also eligible for discounted group rates.
Free Admission Days
The entrance to Topkapi Palace is free on certain days of the year. These include:
- Mondays
- The first day of each month
- April 23 (National Sovereignty and Children’s Day)
- May 19 (Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day)
- October 29 (Republic Day)
The free admission days are subject to change, so visitors are advised to check the official website for the latest information.
Opening Hours
Topkapi Palace is open from 9am to 5pm, seven days a week. Last admission is at 4pm. The palace is closed on certain public holidays.
