Topkapi Palace Tickets & Tours

Explore Istanbul’s 'Big Three' — Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Basilica Cistern — with a single flexible combo ticket.

• Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Skip-the-line entry and the chance to explore the calm of the Upper Gallery at your own pace with a multilingual audio guide.
• Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: Gain fast-track entry and explore Istanbul’s underground chamber and the mysterious Medusa heads, with a multilingual audio guide.
• Everything you get at Topkapi Palace: Fast-track entry to the museum's ornate chambers, accompanied by your audio guide.
• Why choose this combo: With just a single ticket, explore three of Istanbul’s top landmarks, with no long waits, all located just minutes apart, while saving money.

Inclusions

Basilica Cistern

• Skip-the-line entry
• Audio guide downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, & Turkish

Hagia Sophia

• Skip-the-line entry
• Access to Hagia Sophia's Upper Gallery visiting area
• Audio guide downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, & Spanish

Topkapi Palace

• Skip-the-line entry
• Access to Topkapi Palace (Royal Apartments & Imperial Hall)
• Access to Topkapi Palace Museum (Treasury & Sacred Relics Room)
• Audio guide downloadable in English, Arabic, French, German, & Spanish

What to bring

Hagia Sophia

• Bring a scarf to cover your head when entering the mosque.

What's not allowed

Basilica Cistern

• Do not bring large bags, filming equipment, or tripods inside the Basilica Cistern.

Hagia Sophia

• Do not bring large bags, backpacks, food, or drinks inside.

Topkapi Palace

• Follow photography rules, as some rooms restrict photos. Do not bring food or large bags into certain areas.

Accessibility

Basilica Cistern

• The Basilica Cistern is not fully wheelchair accessible. Some areas have uneven surfaces or narrow passageways.

Hagia Sophia

• Hagia Sophia is partially wheelchair accessible. Some areas have steps without ramps, which can be difficult for people using wheelchairs.

Topkapi Palace

• Topkapi Palace is partially wheelchair accessible. Some rooms have limited access.

Additional information

Basilica Cistern

• Walk the full loop to see the Medusa heads at the far end. They are worth examining closely.
• Skip-the-line tickets help, but all visitors must pass standard security screening.
• Visit early morning or late afternoon to enjoy a calmer experience.
• The lighting is low to preserve the atmosphere. Use night mode or steady your camera for better photos.

Hagia Sophia

• Prepare for security checks, which can take time during the summer months.
• Visit the Upper Gallery; the main floor is reserved for worshippers.
• Plan your visit around prayer times to avoid restricted areas.
• The mosque is closed to tourists on Fridays from 12pm to 2pm. Visit after 4pm to avoid long lines.

Topkapi Palace

• Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid long security lines.
• Skip-the-line tickets bypass ticket queues but not security checks, which usually take 30 to 40 minutes from June to August.
• View the Spoonmaker’s Diamond using the reflections on the wall, as the room is dimly lit.

• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Visit the Ottoman sultans' imperial residence of 400+ years, a UNESCO site, with an expert and an audio guide.

• Everything you get: Skip-the-line entry to Topkapi Palace, a 1-hour guided tour led by an English-speaking guide, access to the Harem Section, an audio guide for iOS and Android available in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish.
• Why choose this: See more in less time with smooth entry and guided exploration, allowing you to focus on the highlights while gaining clear historical context and a deeper understanding of the vast Ottoman Empire through thoughtfully curated narration.
• Upgrades: Enhance your visit with a small-group historian-guided tour, offering richer historical context, expert insights, and a more personal, engaging experience of the palace.

Inclusions

• Skip-the-line entry to Topkapi Palace
• 1-hour guided tour
• English-speaking guide
• Access to Harem Section
• Audio guide for IOS & Android in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish
• Small-group historian-guided tour (as per option selected)

What to bring

• Download the audio guide application in advance to ensure smooth access, as mobile connectivity at the site may be unreliable.
• Bring your own earphones to enjoy the audio narration clearly and without interruptions.

Additional information

• Entry tickets allow priority access, but all visitors must still go through the mandatory security screening, which may take up to an hour during busy periods.
• The audio guide app is compatible with both iOS and Android devices and is offered in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish.
• Children may be required to show valid passports at the museum entrance to confirm eligibility based on age.
• Admission with a digital pass alone is not permitted; entry to the palace is only possible when accompanied by the tour host.
• Wearing a headset during the guided tour is compulsory, so please carry a valid ID card, which will be temporarily held while the equipment is in use and returned after the tour concludes.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Skip past ticket lines and dive deep into Istanbul’s past with hassle-free entry and audio-guided tours of Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern.

• Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: Descend into the ancient underground water reservoir, where atmospheric lighting reveals towering columns, mysterious Medusa heads, and echoes of a bygone Byzantine era.
• Everything you get at Topkapi Palace: Step inside the sprawling former palace of Ottoman sultans, wander lush courtyards, and marvel at priceless artifacts like the Topkapi Dagger and the Spoonmaker’s Diamond.
• Why choose this: Avoid waiting in long queues and take your time exploring two of Istanbul’s most famous sites, with easy entry and audio guides that explain everything as you go.

Inclusions

Basilica Cistern

• Skip-the-line entry
• Audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian
• Free time to explore

Topkapi Palace

• Skip-the-line entry
• Skip-the-line entry to Harem Museum
• Audio guide in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish
• Free time to explore

Basilica Cistern

• Tip: The underground cistern is dim and moist, so bring a lightweight cardigan to stay warm.
• Skip-the-line tickets help you avoid long queues, but security screening is still mandatory for all visitors.
• For fewer crowds and a more peaceful visit, go early in the morning or later in the evening.
• The lighting inside is low for ambience; switch on night mode or steady your phone for clearer shots.
• Some parts of the floor are slick. Sturdy footwear with grip will help you walk safely.

Topkapi Palace

• Tip: Some of the most beautiful tilework in the palace is housed inside the Harem. Make sure to stop by.
• The skip-the-line tickets let you bypass ticketing lines. Security checks are mandatory and take about 30 to 40 minutes between June and August.
• Security lines can stretch long in the morning. Visit in the late afternoon hours or as soon as it opens for a smoother entry.
• Photography is not allowed in many of the Harem rooms and the Treasury. Check the signs before taking pictures.
• The Spoonmaker’s Diamond, one of the palace’s highlights, is often behind glass in a dim room. Look at the reflection on the wall to view it clearly.

• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Experience Istanbul’s royal history and vibrant nightlife in one go, with priority entry & a scenic cruise.

• Everything you get at Topkapi Palace: Skip-the-line entry, access to the Topkapi Palace Harem, access to the Topkapi Palace Museum (Treasury & Sacred Relics Room), multilingual audio guide (available in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish).
• Everything you get at a Bosphorus dinner cruise: 3-hour cruise, 4-course Turkish dinner (menu here), live entertainment including Turkish folk dance, Whirling Dervish shows, sword performances, a DJ, unlimited soft drinks, private table, and free Wi-Fi on board.
• Why choose this combo: Dive into Istanbul’s rich history with a royal palace visit, then enjoy vibrant live entertainment on a scenic cruise—two must-dos in one seamless booking.

Inclusions

Topkapi Palace

• Skip-the-line entry
• Access to Topkapi Palace Harem
• Access to Topkapi Palace Museum (Treasury & Sacred Relics Room)
• Digital audio guide in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish
• Note: A service representative will lead you to the entrance

Bosphorus cruise

• 3-hour Bosphorus cruise
• 4-course Turkish dinner (menu here)
• Live entertainment, including Turkish folk dance, Whirling Dervish shows, sword performances, and a DJ
• Unlimited soft drinks
• Private & reserved table
• Free Wi-Fi on board

What to bring

Topkapi Palace

• Wear closed-toe, comfortable shoes as you'll be walking and exploring the palace's extensive grounds.
• Wired earphones are recommended for the audio guide, as Bluetooth may not work well in some parts of the palace.

Bosphorus dinner cruise

• Make sure to bring a valid ID card, as it is required for boarding the cruise, and foreign guests must present their passports and visa details upon arrival.
• Bring long-sleeved clothing or a shawl, as it can get chilly and windy during the cruise, especially in the evening.

What’s not allowed

Topkapi Palace

• Large bags, backpacks, food, and drinks are not permitted inside.
• Flash photography, tripods, and selfie sticks are prohibited within the palace.
• Shoes must be removed before entering the Harem and some other rooms.

Bosphorus dinner cruise

• Smoking is prohibited during the cruise for the comfort of all guests.
• Pets are not allowed on board due to venue restrictions.
• Outside food or drinks are not allowed on the boat.

Accessibility

Topkapi Palace

• The palace is not fully wheelchair accessible due to uneven flooring and steps in certain areas.

Bosphorus dinner cruise

• This experience is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible, with ramps available for easy boarding.
• If you have specific accessibility needs, please notify the staff in advance to ensure the best experience.

Additional information

Topkapi Palace

• While you can skip the ticket lines, please note that security checks are still required and may take up to 60 minutes during peak seasons (June to August).
• Meet your host at least 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled entry time outside the palace.
• The audio guide app is available in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. You'll find instructions on how to use the audio guide app in your ticket voucher.
• Please note that there is limited internet at the palace, so download the audio guide app before your visit. The app does not require internet once it has been downloaded (ensure your GPS is activated).

Bosphorus dinner cruise

• Guests must bring an ID to board. Foreign guests are required to show their passports and visa details upon arrival.
• Dietary preferences such as vegetarian, pescatarian, and halal options can be accommodated upon request.
• Onboard languages include English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Dutch, and Russian, ensuring clear communication for all guests.
• The cruise is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather conditions, guests can reschedule or receive a full refund.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Skip long ticket lines and explore both Topkapi Palace and Hagia Irene in one seamless, well-planned visit.

• Everything you get: Priority entry to the Topkapi Palace, access to the Topkapi Palace Harem, entry to Hagia Irene Museum, and an audio guide covering both sites.
• Why choose this: Save time and explore Istanbul’s imperial heart more efficiently by skipping long queues and experiencing two landmark sites in one smooth visit, with the freedom to learn and explore at your own pace.

Inclusions

• Skip-the-line entry to Topkapi Palace
• Entry to Topkapi Palace Harem
• Entry to Hagia Irene Museum
• Audio guide for both sites

Exclusions

• Live guide

What to bring

• Bring a charged smartphone and headphones to use the audio guide.
• Wear respectful attire when visiting Hagia Sophia. Women are advised to avoid knee-length shorts, skirts, or attire revealing shoulders or chests, and are encouraged to partially cover their hair with a scarf. Men should avoid knee-length shorts or attire exposing their shoulders.
• Carry a valid photo ID that matches the name on your booking, as it may be requested at the entrance.

What’s not allowed

• Re-entry is not allowed after you leave the venue.
• Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed inside the venues.
• Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited on the premises.
• Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.

Accessibility

• This experience is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Additional information

• There is a mandatory security check at all venues, which cannot be skipped. During peak times, especially between June and August, security queues may take up to an hour.
• Your ticket includes priority access to the Topkapi Palace but does not allow you to skip security lines.
• Please meet your host at the designated meeting point (Chimney Bistro) for entry to Topkapi Palace.
• This ticket grants access to the visiting area and Upper Gallery of Hagia Sophia, not the prayer area downstairs.
• Please note that the Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.
• Clothing and scarves can be purchased at the entrance to Hagia Sophia if needed.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.