Topkapi Palace and Harem Ticket: Skip-the-Line Entry

If you want to see the Harem, the most intriguing part of Topkapı, this is the ticket for you. The Topkapi Palace and Harem ticket gives you skip-the-line entry to both the palace and the Harem, saving valuable time in the busy season.

How entry works

An official guide meets you at the meeting point and gets you inside without queuing. The guide stays with you for the first 15 minutes only; after that you leave the group and explore the palace and the Harem on your own, at your own pace. If you would like an English guided tour or an audio guide, you can buy one on site for an extra fee.

What you will see

For centuries Topkapı was where the Ottoman sultans lived and the empire was governed. Its courtyards, pavilions and treasury rooms show the splendour of palace life. The Harem, home to the sultan's family, is the most private part of the palace, with tiled rooms linked by narrow corridors.

Who is it for?

It is ideal for visitors who like to explore at their own pace, want to be sure of seeing the Harem and would rather not stand in line. Pushchairs are welcome, but the visit is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health.

Practical tips

Topkapı Palace is closed on Tuesdays. The palace covers a large area, so wear comfortable shoes and allow at least three hours. Visitor flow in the Harem can be heavy; early mornings are calmer. Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern are a short walk away if you want to continue your day in Sultanahmet.

To round off your trip, browse more experiences on our Istanbul tours page, and find somewhere to stay among our hotels in Istanbul.