Is there a fee to enter Topkapi Palace?

Yes, there is a substantial fee to enter Topkapi Palace. As of mid-2025, entrance fees for foreign visitors are approximately 2,400 Turkish Lira (roughly €50–€55) for a combined ticket covering the main palace, Harem, and Hagia Irene. Tickets should be bought online or at the entrance, with children under 6 typically free.

Do you need to pay to enter Topkapi Palace?

Do you need Tickets for Topkapi Palace Museum? Yes, you need to buy an entrance ticket to visit the Topkapi Palace Museum and its many collections. However, you can enter the First Courtyard of the Palace without an entrance ticket.

Is Hagia Sophia free to enter?

No, the Hagia Sophia is not free for most tourists; a €25 entry fee for foreign visitors was introduced in January 2024, restricting them to the upper gallery, while free entry is generally reserved for Turkish Muslim worshippers for prayer. 

Is Galata Tower entry free?

Is Entry to Galata Tower Free? Entry to Galata Tower is not free. Visitors are required to pay an entrance fee, which helps maintain this historical monument.

Which museums are free in Istanbul?

Here are some of the best free-entrance museums worth visiting.

• Türkiye İş Bank Museum. ...
• Istanbul Railway Museum. ...
• 500th Year Foundation Turkish Jews Museum. ...
• Galatasaray University Cultural and Arts Center. ...
• Ottoman Bank Museum - Salt Galata. ...
• Yapı Kredi Museum.

How Much Does It Cost To Enter Topkapi Palace? - Understanding Southwest Asia

Is 200 lira a good tip in Turkey for tourists?

Yes, tipping is expected in restaurants. In small and casual eateries, rounding up the bill is enough. For example, if the bill is 190 TL, leaving 200 TL is polite. In mid-range restaurants, leaving 5–10% is common.

Which Istanbul attractions are free?

Free Things to Do in Istanbul

• Grand Bazaar. Nothing ignites your senses more than visiting the Grand Bazaar. ...
• Sultanahmet Square. In the heart of Istanbul is Sultanahmet Square, or Hippodrome of Constantinople. ...
• Blue Mosque. ...
• Gulhane Park. ...
• Hagia Sophia. ...
• Istanbul is a city rich in history and culture.

Can you just walk into the Blue Mosque?

The Mosque is open to visitors each day of the week. It's closed to non-worshippers for 45 minutes before the call to prayer, 15 minutes afterward, and all morning on Friday until 2:30 pm, the Muslim holy day. Admission is free; donations are gratefully accepted. Here are the prayer times so you can plan your visit.

Is there an entry fee for Grand Bazaar Istanbul?

Bazaar is open every day except Sundays and national/religious holidays from 08.30 until 18.30. There is no entrance fee or reservation.

What is the best time to visit Topkapi?

To avoid crowds, we recommend visiting early morning on weekdays or in the late afternoons after 3 PM. The best months to visit are from March to May and September to November.

Do you still have to pay 10 pounds to enter Turkey?

No, you no longer pay a £10 fee to enter Turkey; that practice ended years ago, with UK (and EU) passport holders generally able to visit for tourism for up to 90 days without needing a visa or paying an entry fee, though you still need a valid passport. The old fee was for an arrival visa, which was replaced by an online e-visa system and then largely waived for many nationalities, but always check current GOV.UK requirements before travel.

Can I wear jeans to Hagia Sophia?

How to Visit. Even as a functioning mosque, Hagia Sophia welcomes visitors, but respectful attire is required. Women should wear long skirts or pants and cover their hair, while men should also wear long pants. For those who don't have appropriate clothing, skirts and scarves are available for rent.

Is it worth going to Grand Bazaar Istanbul?

With over 4,000 shops spread across 61 covered streets, the Grand Bazaar is more than just a market; it is a labyrinth of commerce that has operated since 1461. While it can be a tourist trap if you aren't careful, it remains the best place in Istanbul to shop for gold, leather, and souvenirs.

Which mosque is free entry in Istanbul?

The Blue Mosque offers free entry to all visitors. If you're a worshipper, you can use the main entrance on the north side facing the Hippodrome. 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 it worth buying Istanbul e-pass?

Amazing Way to Explore Istanbul

The Istanbul E-pass made my entire trip seamless. I loved the convenience of accessing major attractions without waiting in long ticket lines. Everything was digital and perfectly organized. I used it for the Hagia Sophia, Dolmabahce Palace, and even the Bosphorus Cruise.

Are there discounts for Topkapi Palace tickets?

Discounts and Special Offers

Students with valid student identification may be eligible for discounted tickets. It's advisable to check the official Topkapi Palace website or inquire at the ticket counter for details on available discounts for students.

Can you enter Basilica Cistern for free?

*The Basilica Cistern is free of charge for Turkish Republic citizens aged 65 and over, as well as for all visitors under the age of 7. *Tickets that are damaged or altered in any way are invalid.

What is the difference between souk and bazaar?

Bazaari refers collectively to the merchants, bankers and craftsmen who work in a bazaar. The term souk comes from Arabic and refers to marketplaces in the Middle East and North Africa.

Which is better, Hagia Sophia or Blue Mosque?

Only about 150 meters apart - just a 2-minute walk across Sultanahmet Square. Visit Hagia Sophia if you value history and mosaics; the Blue Mosque if you prefer an active mosque experience and shorter visit.

What to see in Istanbul in 1 day?

24 Hours In Istanbul: How To See The Most Important Historical Places In A Day

• Where to stay in Istanbul.
• Packing, transportation, & more.
• Basilica Cistern: 30 minutes.
• Hagia Sophia: 1-1.5 hours.
• Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Cami): 45 minutes.
• Spice Market: 30 minutes.
• Lunch: 45 minutes.
• Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent: 1 hour.

Do you need a headscarf in Istanbul?

While visiting a mosque in Istanbul, women need to cover their heads, shoulders, knees .. and oh, toes can show. Chest and legs should be covered. You can carry your own scarf to cover your head but please note scarves are provided at the entrance of every mosque.

What to beware of in Turkey?

Terrorism

• public buildings.
• places of worship.
• airports.
• large public gatherings, including major events, public holidays, religious occasions.

What is the number one thing to see in Istanbul?

Top Attractions in Istanbul

• Basilica Cistern. 4.5. (32,652) Historic Sites. ...
• Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque. 4.6. (45,836) Historic Sites. ...
• Topkapı Palace. 4.5. (28,532) History Museums. ...
• Blue Mosque. 4.5. (35,667) ...
• Sultanahmet District. 4.7. (16,848) ...
• Dolmabahce Palace. 4.5. (8,342) ...
• Suleymaniye Mosque. 4.7. (12,780) ...
• Grand Bazaar. 4.0. (12,850)

Can I brush my teeth with tap water in Istanbul?

It is safe to brush your teeth with tap water in Turkey. If you are staying in a modern hotel or apartment, there is no need to worry. However, if you are in a remote village or staying in an old building, you may choose bottled water for extra safety.