The best way to absorb the Ottoman opulence of old Istanbul is to take in some Topkapi Palace Views. Located in the historic district close to Hagia Sophia, the Palace (a museum since 1924) is a reminder of those grand times. It is interesting to note that although Istanbul or Constantinople as it was then known, was the capital of the Ottoman Empire it has never been the capital of Turkey.
What You Will Find in This Post
topkapı sarayı or Topkapi Palace is Turkey’s most famous (ex) palace.
Established in 1478 the Topkapi (Gates of Cannon) Palace, was the political heart of the Ottoman empire until the building of the Dolmabahce Palace, also in Istanbul, in 1853.
The spacious first courtyard of the palace with it’s large trees is freely open to the public. Arriving from the Hagia Sofia end of Sultanahmet, access is through the impressive Imperial Gate.
For those arriving by tram from Eminonu or Galata, stop at Gülhane Station and follow the signs through the Park and Gülhane gate. We used this option, arriving at the ticket office at 9 a.m. and exiting three hours later to Sultanahmet and Hagia Sofia.
The courtyards open successively to each other with the fourth taking up prime position on the tip of the peninsula.
The Gate of Felicity opens to the inner or third court. It belongs to the initial 15th Century construction with it’s timber dome and four marble columns added in 1775. On special occasions the Sultan would sit on his throne in front of this gate. It was the main doorway to his private domain and only he could authorise entry.
Inner or Third Court.
Topkapi Palace Harem.
Announcement:
- Please Note if you want to see the Harem and I do suggest you do, I recommend this tour.
- This tour includes the whole of the Topkapi Palace.
- The Harem is a very important part of the Palace but most tours don’t include it.
- If you don’t purchase a tour and are buying from the Ticket Office, make sure you buy General Tickets plus Tickets for the Harem
- Allow 3 hours for the tour.
- When the tour is over you can spend more time exploring by yourself or having a meal or drinks while enjoying the view.
In this inner or third court is the ottoman harem where the Sultan lived a secluded life with his mother, wives, concubines and eunuchs. Although access is from the third courtyard, tickets are purchased at the main ticket office. I would suggest visiting the Harem as early in the day as possible, ideally immediately after the 9 am opening.
Harem Courtyard of the Favourites. There is a large rectangular pool off this courtyard which lies empty awaiting restoration.
Audience Hall – Throne Cover.
Hall of the Conqueror’s Pavilion/Treasury.
Still in the inner court, the Conqueror’s Pavilion, is one of the original buildings dating to 1460. It is home to the Imperial Treasury and houses artworks and jewellery from the Ottoman dynasty. Exhibits include armoury, thrones, jewelled daggers and the 86 carat Spoonmaker’s Diamond. The diamond is the fourth largest of it’s kind and has a history full of intrigue. Needless to say – photography is not allowed in the Treasury.
Topkapi Palace Views.
Standing beneath these towering columns is a spectacular experience with views to match the occasion.
Fourth Courtyard.
The fourth and final courtyard, was my favourite.
Yerevan Kiosk.
Kiosk Interior.
Topkapi Palace Terrace with Pool and Fountain
Baghdad Kiosk.
The interiors are not plush in the way of European palaces, but are instead characterised by a myriad of adjoining rooms, coated with distinctive tile and glasswork, Koranic verses and screened windows.
topkapi palace map.
A Topkapi Palace Map will come in helpful.
Topkapi Palace Views over the Golden Horn (disappearing left), Bosphorus Strait and Bridge (ahead left) and Sea of Marmara (right).
This abundance of water is integral to what makes Istanbul special. The ferries are a much loved necessity as is wandering over Galata Bridge with it’s ever-present long rod fisherman.
The restaurant Konyali Locantasi Topkapi Palace, is situated here and worth visiting for the wonderful views.
Julian Stockwin, while researching his historical adventure novel Pasha here saw the same:
To the left is Europe, to the right Asia. Directly in front is the Bosporus leading to Russia. Turn around and there’s the Sea of Marmara leading to the Mediterranean and western world. And at your feet the Golden Horn…
Topkapi Palace sprawls impressively along a promontory ruling the meeting of these waterways. See the view of the palace from the Kadikoy Ferry here.
Ottoman Romance.
Istanbul is an incredibly romantic city. Every day is a chaotic mix of shisha pipes, turkish tea glasses, piles of dates, throbbing ferries, giant seagulls and dubious carpet salesmen. The palace – in effect a closed town for the Ottoman rulers and their servants for 400 years – retains a definite whiff of exoticism.
Marvelling over stories of harem life and palace intrigue – rooms bedazzled with Iznic tiles – gardens framed by Eunuch’s buildings – these Topkapi Palace Views add an extra sprinkle of romance to an already intriguing city.
Things to know about Topkapi Palace.
The palace never has all the rooms open at once. The kitchens were closed during our visit and the Treasury is closed for restoration from the end of July 2017. Not being able to see the treasures is a blow, but even so, this is a huge complex with a lot to see.
Sarayı is the Turkish word for Palace.
The expansive palace grounds receive more than 3 million visitors each year.
Where is Topkapi Palace?
It is in the Sultanahmet district near Hagia Sofia on Istanbul’s historic peninsula at:
Cankurtaran Mh., 34122 Fatih / Istanbul,
Topkapi Palace Entrance Fee.
- 100 TL.
- Museum Pass Istanbul can be purchased at the gate but the line can be long. Buy on line if your arrival will coincide with the crowds. Read about it and Current Prices here.
- There are now mobile ticket machines. Look for them near Hagia Sophia and near the Topkapi entrance.
- GYG Topkapi Palace Tours here.
Topkapi Palace Hours.
- Winter 1st Oct to 1st April – 10 am to 4 pm.
- Summer 1st April to 1st Oct – 9 am to 6.45 pm.
- Ticket Booth closes at 4 and 6 pm respectively.
- Closed Tuesday.
- The Palace has over 3 million visitors per year. Arrive at 9 a.m. to experience a little crowd free time – it worked for us.
Thanks for reading and commenting – we really appreciate it.
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Great post Jan. Very informative!
I am to please lol.
Topkapi Palace was a big highlight of our time in Istanbul. The mosaicing is exquisite and isn’t the Harem an interesting place to visit. Did you also see where they performed the circumcisions? I loved, loved, loved Istanbul. #TeamLovinLife
Yes I did see the circumcision room. I am totally in love with Istanbul.
The Topkapi was indeed absolutely amazing!! Istanbul is maybe my favourite city in the world and I have been there twice (for 1 week each) and loved everything about it. The Haia Sophia is my favourite building in the world.
#TravelPhotoThurday
Hi Esther, Istanbul is my favourite big city. We stayed their twice in the month we spent in Turkey (in the beginning and end). My favourite mosque was the Hidden Mosque near the Spice Market called Rustem Pasha.
This was such a magnificent place to visit. We loved Istanbul when we visited several years ago.
Yes it is wonderful. We’re considering a return visit – how about you?
I have to admit that Istanbul has never been at the top of my travel list – probably just because I didn’t know much about it – but this is stunning! Wow! I love all the colors and opulence.
I always sing Istanbul’s praises – I just love it!
The blue tile is amazing!
Jan, I am so surprised by the beauty of this place. I can’t believe the details and the Arabic characters inscribed on the walls. Plus, I didn’t know the place had such wonderful views. So bad the treasury was closed when you visited. Even though Istanbul has never been Turkey’s capital a lot of people think it is the capital (nowadays). #TPThursday
I must admit I always think of Istanbul as Turkey’s capital. The treasury was open when we visited but the kitchens weren’t. I didn’t have photos of the treasury because photography wasn’t allowed.
My breath was taken away by these photos. I can only imagine what the impact must have been in real life.
Istanbul is a dream destination! This palace is so colorful! When’s the best time of the year to explore Istanbul?
We were there from 2nd September to 15 October and the weather was great all that time. Warmer at the beginning than at the end of that time but still a good all round time to visit. There was snow in the east at the end of this time though.
What stunningly beautiful interiors. With such gorgeous designs to look at, you really don’t need the posh furniture Europe has. 🙂
Yes I agree Krista. So totally different but lovely.
Love those stunning mosaics. What a beautiful palace. Thanks for showing us around Jan 🙂 #TeamLovinLife
My pleasure Lyndall. I want to return.
Oh my, your photos are stunning. We’ve been to Istanbul on a few occasions and have yet to see this place. On cruise stops the lines have been too long and we wanted to cover as much of the city as possible and the last time we were there was sadly on the cusp of terror attacks and we opted to stay away from major tourist sites like this. You’ve made me add it back to my ‘must see/do’ list!
I understand Jackie, I would keep away from the tourist sites when there are terrorist attacks happening.
Ooh a harem and tales of derring-do along with ancient history and great beauty. Topkapi Palace seems like a writer’s piece of paradise. You’ve made me want to visit 🙂
I’m so glad we did decide to visit Jo. Sometimes we don’t visit places and then find out afterward that we really should have. You know what it’s like though. Limited time and can’t see everything.
I love visiting places with amazing history and design such as this attraction. being so central to the major sights in Istambul is also a major plus. There is such amazing history in Istambul i can wait to visit next year
Istanbul is my favourite city. I’m sure you will love it Mark.
As a child and teenager, I visited several countries in North Africa and the Middle East. Since then, I’ve had a soft spot for those tiled walls! I’m sure I’d enjoy visiting this palace too. 🙂
Oh yes. You would. Turkey in general is an amazing country to road trip in and Istanbul is exotic with some western influences.
I love this post! It brought back such wonderful memories of my time in Istanbul! I visited last in 2011! Loved your photography – it perfectly captures the grandeur of the place 🙂
It is such an incredible city Alli. I can’t wait to return.
OMG you are so right. Istanbul is an incredibly romantic city. I’ve heard so much about it lately but I always have the misconception that it’s not safe to travel. But your article proves me wrong! Topkapi Palace looking really gorgeous, both inside and outside! I would love to go there one day!
Hi Chloe. My friend just returned from Istanbul and said she felt as safe there as she would have in Paris.
I’ve been in Istanbul a few years ago for the first time and visited all these places. I particularly liked Topkapi Palace. I’m hoping to return there someday. There is so much more to Turkey than just Istanbul. Thanks for reminding me about this intriguing city.
I know Anda. We are huge fans of the whole of Turkey. We drove from the Black Sea Coast at Trabzon down to Dogubayazit and back through the Georgian Valleys. Fantastic.