Ottoman Istanbul Tour: Explore Topkapi Palace

Explore the Topkapi Palace and Harem on a small-group guided tour with priority admission. Discover the history and myths of Ottoman Istanbul, see the Holy Relics and Imperial Kitchens, and admire stunning views of the Bosphorus.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Sultanahmet District - Meet your expert guide and join your small group for a walking tour of Topkapi Palace and see its Harem, too.
    Visit the top site in Istanbul with priority admission tickets.
  • Topkapi Palace - Start your tour after you pass Sultanahmet Square.
    Enjoy your guide’s commentary about Topkapi and the Ottoman Sultans who…
What's Included
  • Small group tour
  • Expert local guides
  • Headsets to hear the guide better
  • Skip-the-line tickets for Topkapi Palace
  • Skip-the-line tickets for the Harem
  • Starting from Galata Port (If this option is selected)
Additional Information

Discover the enchanting history and tales of Ottoman Istanbul on an intimate guided tour. Benefit from priority access with skip-the-line tickets and the expertise of a local guide. Visit the renowned Harem—the private chambers of the sultans—along with the Holy Relics, Imperial Kitchens, Royal Court, and breathtaking terraced gardens adorned with…

Location
Ersoy Bufe
At Meydanı Caddesi
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(223 Ratings)
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Jeffrey_d
Oct 4, 2025
Time well spent! - This was an extremely informative and engaging tour! Murat was our guide and he was not only knowledgeable but funny and very easy to listen to. He shared many interesting facts and made the history come to life. He helped us navigate the crowd and allowed us plenty of time to see all of the most important aspects of the palace. We have been traveling through Europe for the past 4 weeks and this was by far the best tour!
Review provided by Viator
Valerie_w
Oct 4, 2025
Topaki Palace and Harem Tour - Topoki Palace & Harem walking out was great but very informative. Our tour guide Marcat was well spoken and easy to understand. He did a good job of keeping us all together.
Review provided by Viator
June_c
Sep 28, 2025
Very informative guide, Murat. - We enjoyed a personal tour with Murat. He ensured we avoided the crowds and skipped the lines. He was very informative and we all enjoyed it very much, highly recommend
Review provided by Viator
Safari39819937353
Sep 28, 2025
Very good - Mert was fantastic guide, very knowledgable Answerd all we asked. Very very polite, I will definatley use this guide company again
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Haywoody2019
Sep 28, 2025
Excellent and informative tour - We had a very informative and interesting half day tour in the afternoon with our tour guide Mert. He was professional and clearly passionate about the history of the palace. We had a small group of around 7 people and headsets to listen to our guide. We gained insights into the Harem and how the sultans used to live. There was plenty of time to look at historical artifact exhibits as well as photo opportunities at some of the scenic portions. At the end of the tour we had time to explore the rest of the palace. Would recommend this tour to learn all about the Topkapi Palace!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rob_k
Sep 25, 2025
Topkapi Palace - Great tour at a great place. Topkapi is full if fascinating history, the tour guide (Mert, I think) was knowledgeable and informative.
Review provided by Viator
Kelsey_a
Sep 24, 2025
Umut was a great tour... - Umut was a great tour guide — he was both super knowledgeable and entertaining. The palace is expansive and I definitely recommend having a guide to get the most out of the visit.
Review provided by Viator
Chantelle_m
Sep 20, 2025
Absolutely wonderful!! thanks to our guide Elif! - Firstly, thanks to the very informative and knowledgeable Elif! Who gave us much more information that what we expected to receive! wonderful tour!
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Samantha
Sep 16, 2025
Great guide, great tour! - Great tour overall. Umut (I hope I spelled it right!) our guide was friendly, funny, and consistent in answering every question the group hit him with. Meeting point very easy to find and organized. Having the little ear pieces made it simple to hear. Great information along the way, if you are considering going to the Harem - I don’t think it would make any sense without a guide to fill in what was life, history, and the hierarchy of it all. The tour ended inside the palace, so we were able to wander after at our own pace and check out the many rooms and museums. I suggest sitting in the garden at the end of the 4th section - just enjoy and relax, it’s a beautiful place for it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Barbara_d
Sep 13, 2025
The tour was very... - The tour was very informative and interesting. Our guide Elif was very nice, had a comprehensive knowledge and answered all questions. The tour was lively and vivid, it is highly recommended. The only suggestion for improvement would be to schedule a 30-minute break for eating and drinking by the organizers, so that you as a participant remain receptive until the end.
Review provided by Viator
From $55
up to 14 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).