How much time does it take to visit Topkapi Palace?

How Much Time Should I Plan to Visit Topkapi Palace? When planning your visit, keep in mind that Topkapi Palace is 350 hectares and there is a lot to see here. To explore the area thoroughly and to be able to visit all the sights, you need three hours.

How long do you need at Topkapi Palace?

Topkapi Palace is quite a large monument with many elements to cover. We suggest that you spend at least 2 to 3 hours exploring the palace to make the most of your visit.

Is it worth going into Topkapi Palace?

The Topkapi Palace complex is definitely worth a visit for its unique architecture alone. In addition, the palace is now a museum and holds impressive collections. The treasures of Ottoman rule can be admired in hundreds of rooms in Topkapi Palace.

How long are the queues at Topkapi Palace?

You might have to wait over an hour in line if you visit during the peak season, so it's best to buy your Topkapi Palace skip-the-line tickets online before you visit. Security queue: All visitors, including those with skip-the-line tickets, have to go through a mandatory security check.

What is the best time of day to visit Topkapi Palace?

Weekdays at Topkapi Palace are generally quieter, while weekends tend to be more crowded. Weekday mornings, especially on Mondays, are your best bet to explore the palace as there aren't many visitors during the early morning hours.

How Long Does It Take To Explore Topkapi Palace? - Understanding Southwest Asia

Is there a dress code for Topkapi Palace?

Dress Code: There's no strict dress code for Topkapi Palace in general, except for the Holy Relics Chamber. If you plan to visit this section (which houses sacred Islamic relics once collected by the Ottoman sultans), make sure to dress modestly: no shorts, short skirts, or exposed shoulders.

Is Hagia Sophia open every day?

The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is open 24 hours a day for worshippers, but tourists can visit from 9:00 AM until 8:30 PM, with the last entry generally at 7:30 PM. The mosque is closed to tourists on Friday between midday and 2:00 PM.

Can you enter Topkapi Palace for free?

The Museum Card is valid at Topkapi Palace with the exceptions of Topkapı Palace Harem and Hagia Irene sections. The palace is free for domestic and foreign visitors aged 0-6. Discounted ticket service is offered for students between the ages of 07-25 who present their student ID card.

Do you need a scarf for Topkapi?

Only here you have to wear a scarf to hide your hair. In the treasure house, a huge spoon diamond, three large emeralds and a topkapı dagger with a winding clock, which the fisherman was forced to trade for a spoon, were impressive. You can take photos anywhere with no flash, including the Treasure Museum.

Is Hagia Sophia free?

Admission Fee: €25 for all visitors, including Turkish citizens and foreigners who have a legal residence permit in Turkey. The first floor is free for Turks; the second floor (the gallery floor) is 25 euros for local and foreign tourists. Children younger than 8 are allowed in for free.

Which is better Topkapi or Dolmabahce?

What to pick: If you're drawn to classical Ottoman grandeur, religious relics, and sultan-era history, go with Topkapı. If you're into European-style glam, chandeliers, and dramatic staircases, you'll love Dolmabahçe Palace.

What not to miss at Topkapi Palace?

Which is better, Hagia Sophia or Topkapi?

Both Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace are highly recommended by professionals. On balance, Topkapi Palace scores significantly higher than Hagia Sophia. Topkapi Palace comes in at #1 in Istanbul with praise from 9 publications such as Travel + Leisure, Michelin Guide and Time Out.

Which day is Topkapi Palace closed?

Closed Days: Topkapi Palace is closed every Tuesday, New Year's Day, 1st Day of Ramadan Bayram and 1st Day of The Feast of the Sacrifice.

How much time for Hagia Sophia?

Duration of Visit: You can finish touring the Hagia Sophia within 35 to 45 minutes, however, if you want to delve deeper into the cultural elements and historical symbols inside the Hagia Sophia, you can opt for a 1-hour Hagia Sophia guided tour. You can stay inside the monument for as long as you want.

Do you need to buy Topkapi tickets in advance?

Yes, you can purchase skip-the-line tickets for Topkapi Palace on the day of your visit, but they're more likely to sell out, especially during peak seasons (June to August). To ensure you get your preferred entry time, it's best to buy them in advance.

Is it free to enter Blue mosque?

Entry to the Blue Mosque is free. You do not have to buy tickets. If you're a non-worshipper, you can use the entrance on the south side of the mosque or the one opposite Hagia Sophia.

Is the harem at Topkapi Palace worth it?

It was the private area of the sultan and his sons, hence forbidden for all other males, except the black eunuchs guarding the premises. Women on the other hand, had no trouble getting in. However, once in, there was no way out. The Harem in Topkapi Palace is a must-see feature and is certainly worth the extra money.

Can I wear sleeveless to the mosque?

Women are required to cover their heads, shoulders, chests, and legs. Toes can show, but avoid sleeveless tops, low necklines, and above-the-knee skirts or dresses.

How much is a Topkapi ticket?

As of 1st of June 2025, the basic ticket price at the ticket windows of the Topkapi Palace is set to be 2400 TL.

Is Istanbul E Pass worth it?

If you're the type of traveler that wants to cover as much of Istanbul's attractions as possible during your stay, who doesn't want to waste time in ticket sales lines, loves to have a guide explaining the ins and outs of some of the Istanbul's top attractions, than you should buy the Istanbul E-pass.

What to see in Istanbul for free?

What day is Blue Mosque closed?

Is Blue Mosque open every day? Yes, the Blue Mosque in Istanbul is open to worshippers and visitors throughout the year. When is Blue Mosque closed? The Blue Mosque is closed only during prayer times and for around 2 hours during Friday noon prayers.

What is the best day of the week to visit the Hagia Sophia?

Weekdays generally have fewer crowds at Hagia Sophia compared to weekends, offering a quieter experience for exploration. However, weekends may provide a livelier atmosphere with more activities and events happening around the area.

Is Hagia Sophia free for Muslims?

Hagia Sophia's FIRST FLOOR is FREE only for muslim visitors and Turkish citizens. Non-muslim visitors CANNOT access the first floor at all. The SECOND FLOOR costs 25€ FOR EVERYONE (TR citizens, muslims and non-muslims), here we can see the Byzantine mosaics.