Topkapı Palace★★★
Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul
Mi–Mo 9:00–18:00 (Sommer), 9:00–16:00 (Winter). Dienstag geschlossen.
Palast: 750 ₺ (~21 €), Harem: 400 ₺ (~11 €) extra. Kombiticket: 1.100 ₺ (~31 €). Museumspass Istanbul empfohlen.
The Topkapı Palace (Topkapı Sarayı) was the residence of the Ottoman sultans and the power center of an empire for almost 400 years (1465–1856). Located on a peninsula at the confluence of the Golden Horn, Bosporus, and Sea of Marmara, it is now one of Turkey's most visited museums.
The palace is less a single building than a city within a city — four courtyards with pavilions, mosques, libraries, kitchens, and the legendary Harem. Plan at least 3–4 hours.
Highlights:
- Harem: The private quarters of the Sultan's family with over 300 rooms. The İznik tiles, gilded fireplaces, and the throne room of the Sultan's mother (Valide Sultan) are overwhelming. Separate ticket required!
- Treasury: The 86-carat Spoonmaker's Diamond (Kaşıkçı Elması), the Topkapı Dagger with three huge emeralds, and golden thrones — one of the richest collections in the world.
- Holy Relics: In the Chamber of Holy Relics are the Prophet Mohammed's cloak and sword, a piece of the Black Stone from Mecca, and Moses' staff — a holy place for Muslims.
- Fourth Courtyard: Terrace with breathtaking panorama over the Bosporus. The Medidiye Pavilion offers the most beautiful view of the entire palace.
💡 Tipp
Buy your ticket online in advance at muze.gov.tr to avoid the queue (in summer 1–2 hours!). Come at the opening at 9 AM and go FIRST to the Harem (separate ticket, 400 ₺ extra) — it fills up quickly. The Treasury and the Holy Relics are next. Tuesday is a rest day!