Things to do in Topkapi Palace

Since it was peak season and I was traveling with my mother, I booked a fast-track ticket for convenience. I usually explore museums and palaces thoroughly with audio guides even when traveling alone, so I booked the fast-track option (including an audio guide). However, I later found out it didn't include the Harem section. To add the Harem, it would cost an additional 1040 lira, which is about 35,000 won, purchased at the internal ticket office. In hindsight, it would have been better to buy a ticket that included a guided tour from the start. The palace is so vast and has so much to see that it took us three hours just to look around on our own, and we visited on a Sunday, so there were long lines at each section. I thought it would have been more efficient if a guide had pointed out the key locations and must-see items. Also, the audio guide included with this ticket is not the official palace commentary but a much more concise version. While the official version might be better for those with a strong academic interest exploring alone, on a day like ours, when we were simply enjoying the beautiful and rare artifacts, we didn't really listen to the commentary anyway. So, it wasn't an issue. The tickets are exchanged inside the meeting point (Bistro), and at the designated time, a host personally escorts you into the palace. It was nice to arrive a little early, have a drink, and wait comfortably. The host spoke English clearly and distinctly, which made me think it would have been even better to have an English guided tour. In conclusion, even a simple guided tour is better than none, and I recommend a tour that includes the Harem section if you're going anyway. However, I have no regrets about exploring freely, and I was truly happy because Topkapi Palace was so magnificent. With its panoramic views, architecture, and the artifacts and jewels inside, it's a must-visit attraction that I highly recommend, despite the expensive admission fee!

We first met at a pub and then headed to Topkapi Palace together, which was a fun and unique way to start the tour! 😆 It was raining, so walking around and exploring the palace was a little difficult, but somehow that made the experience even more memorable and fun. ☔️🇹🇷 We joined the 3 PM tour, but it felt a little rushed toward the end. If you want to explore Topkapi Palace more comfortably and have enough time to see everything, I’d definitely recommend choosing an earlier tour!

Dolmabahçe Palace is truly stunning, living up to its reputation as the New Palace. The entire palace stands by the water, with its pristine white marble architecture facing the Bosphorus Strait. Its exterior is grand and magnificent, making every photo opportunity a perfect shot. Purchasing the skip-the-line ticket saved us from long queues, allowing for smooth entry. Coupled with the audio guide, we were able to understand the historical stories behind it. Inside, the palace is opulent, with giant crystal chandeliers dazzling brightly and abundant gold decorations adding to its splendor, creating a powerful visual impact. Strolling along the corridors, one can experience the luxury of late Ottoman European court life while also enjoying views of the strait. The overall experience was excellent, the pace of the visit was comfortable, and the architectural aesthetics were impressive. It's definitely a must-visit when in Istanbul.

We enjoyed beautiful views of the Bosphorus Strait from a wonderful location until sunset. You can get a great view of Dolmabahçe Palace, Rumeli Hisarı, and the Maiden's Tower from the sea as you pass under the bridges. Chef Ahmet served warm tea and distributed blankets. The fruit and cookie platter, along with the additional french fries and toast, were also delicious. With drink service included, this tour offers great value and is highly recommended. Please do order drinks and additional food! Thank you for the lovely magnet gift! This is my third time in Turkey, and this cruise is the best for relaxing and enjoying the music. Thank you for the excellent service, Chef Ahmet!

I purchased the Hagia Sophia + Basilica Cistern combo and visited on July 19th. If you wait at the meeting point where people are gathered, a man with a flag will appear about 5 minutes before the tour starts! We first toured the Basilica Cistern, and our guide gave an excellent explanation! We saw the Cistern in the morning, did other activities, and then visited Hagia Sophia around 4 PM. At that time, there was no line for on-site tickets, and we went straight in after a quick bag check with the fast-track entry. However, there's really not much to see at Hagia Sophia, so it felt like a waste of money. The Basilica Cistern, though, exceeded expectations!

Great guider for this schedule.Thanks for give us great time!

A Bosphorus cruise is a must-do activity when visiting Istanbul, Turkey, as the scenery along the Istanbul coastline is incredibly beautiful. Due to time constraints, I only opted for the short tour, but if I ever have the chance, I definitely want to experience a dinner cruise.

This pass was super convenient and saved me a lot of time. I didn’t have to queue for ticket just scan the QR code and walk in. The only attraction that required meeting up with a guide was Topkapi Palace. The main queues were for the security check and the museum section inside the palace. Overall, it made sightseeing much easier.

Our guide Mr Baris is very knowledgeable and helpful. He shared a lot about the history of the places. However, as it’s a walking tour, it is quite tiring especially for those a little older. Nonetheless a good tour to began with at Istanbul.