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Topkapi Palace opening hours have two different periods.
Summer (1 Apr - 1 Oct): 9AM - 6PM
Winter (1 Oct - 1 Apr): 9AM - 6PM
Closing dates: The palace is closed on Tuesdays.
If you are planning on visiting all the parts of the complex, set aside at least 4 hours to explore it.
Topkapi Palace is located in Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye.
The main entrance of Topkapi Palace is at the Imperial Gate (Bab-ı Hümayun), where the security checks are also located. It is recommended to get there early as there might be a long queue during high season.
Inside the Topkapı Palace complex there are small cafés and refreshment kiosks, especially in the courtyards, where you can buy cold and hot drinks and light snacks. The shops are modest and placed so that you don’t have to leave the museum grounds to get something to eat or drink. Just outside the palace, particularly in the Sultanahmet district, there’s a wide range of restaurants and cafés serving Turkish and international cuisine.
Topkapı Palace offers several essential services: there are restroom facilities, ticket offices, kiosks (for buying combined tickets that include the Harem and Hagia Irene), and visitor assistance at entrances. The palace does not have parking inside its grounds. For visitors with disabilities, there are accessible restrooms, and disabled visitors are admitted free of charge (with proof of disability) along with one companion. Wheelchairs are not provided on site, so visitors who need them should bring their own or arrange rental ahead of time.
Topkapı Palace sits in the heart of Istanbul’s historic peninsula, surrounded by some of the city’s most famous landmarks and cultural treasures. Just a short walk away lies Hagia Sophia, the magnificent former cathedral and mosque that now serves as a museum, and the equally stunning Blue Mosque, known for its six minarets and intricate Iznik tiles. Nearby, you can also visit the Basilica Cistern, an atmospheric underground reservoir supported by hundreds of marble columns.
If you’d like to explore more of the area, the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are only a few minutes away—perfect for browsing colorful stalls filled with spices, textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs. For a relaxing break, stroll through Gülhane Park, which borders the palace grounds and offers peaceful green spaces and views of the Bosphorus. History enthusiasts can also head to Istanbul Archaeology Museums, located right next to the palace, to see remarkable artifacts from ancient civilizations. Whether you’re drawn to architecture, history, shopping, or local life, the surroundings of Topkapı Palace offer a perfect mix of everything that makes Istanbul unique.