Istanbul: Topkapi and Harem Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket

Tour guide was knowledgeable and we appreciated his insights. We would have enjoyed the tour even more if it had covered more areas of the complex, as it lasted just over an hour. The audio guide, on the other hand, felt a bit too long so we eventually stopped listening after a few segments. Topkapi Palace itself is absolutely stunning. We spent a full day exploring all the pavilions arriving at 10 a.m. and leaving at 5 p.m. If you want to see everything, be prepared to devote an entire day.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide led us through while skipping all the lines which was absolutely great!

Helpful? Yes

The entire experience was amazing. Our guide was fantastic and gave us a fresh perspective on Topkapi Palace. My only criticism is that she wasn’t with us during the Harem tour it didn’t feel like good value without a guide for that part.

Helpful? Yes

Fantastic tour! Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and welcoming. It was fascinating to learn about Ottoman history and politics within the palace. He even took the time to walk us through the Harem and share more insights after the official tour ended. Highly recommended!

Helpful? Yes

Our host was fantastic and truly made our evening feel special. The sunset dinner cruise turned into an unforgettable experience thanks to their hospitality.

Helpful? Yes

Everything went smoothly. We met our guide at the designated meeting spot and the tour began right on time. He shared all the key and fascinating details throughout, from start to finish. We explored all four courtyards of Topkapi Palace and then visited the Harem section. A truly memorable experience!

Helpful? Yes

Booking the ticket in advance to skip the line was absolutely the right decision it saved us a lot of time! We met just a few minutes before our entry time and had no trouble finding our guide. Our guide was the highlight of the experience. She had extensive knowledge about the Topkapi Palace including the courtyards and Harem and shared so many fascinating details. She was approachable, engaging and happy to answer all of our questions. We definitely recommend joining a guided tour at Topkapi as the complex is massive and having someone explain everything makes a big difference. You can also download the free app (with internet access) to listen to the audio guide during or after your visit. We chose to follow Ezgi’s lead during the tour and listened to the app afterward it added even more depth to an already great visit.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide did an excellent job as she made the tour engaging and enjoyable. Although the guided portion was relatively short, she pointed me toward other areas of the Palace that I could explore on my own. Since I was on a tight schedule, this flexibility was perfect and allowed me to continue at my own pace.

Helpful? Yes

Excellent guide she gave us just the right introduction to get our bearings and then let us explore on our own. It was exactly what we needed.

Helpful? Yes

The entry process went smoothly. Our guide was fantastic both knowledgeable and humorous. You could really tell how passionate he was when sharing the history. I’m happy I was able to get this tour.

Helpful? Yes

Our tour guide was friendly and well informed, providing an excellent introduction to what turned out to be a fantastic museum tour. Skipping the ticket lines alone made the cost worthwhile.

Helpful? Yes

A detailed and engaging overview that I found very insightful. Definitely worth recommending.

Helpful? Yes

Our tour guide was outstanding extremely knowledgeable and very approachable.

Helpful? Yes

I preferred not to book a tour longer than two hours because I like to get information about the places I visit but also want time to explore on my own afterward. It would be great if there were two options available: one excluding the Harem and one including it. I did pay for the Harem, but it was clear beforehand that it wasn’t part of the tour. The guide started the tour right on time was friendl, and gave clear explanations. Overall, I think this tour strikes a good balance for those who want helpful tips about the attractions without committing to a half day excursion.

Helpful? Yes

This was a cost effective option and the guide’s general introduction was very well done. After about an hour of guided tour, you have the freedom to explore on your own. I would definitely recommend this option.

Helpful? Yes

The guide was well informed and made the visit much more interesting. The Palace and Harem are definitely worth visiting, though they can be very busy with long queues for several internal exhibits.

Helpful? Yes

The guide was punctual, professional, and knowledgeable. Very pleasant experience.

Helpful? Yes

I appreciated the guide but this type of tour lasts only around 30 minutes and Topkapi has so much to offer that it really needs a more detailed explanation. I wouldn’t recommend it. Additionally, the tour felt too brief and overpriced.

Helpful? Yes

I had an enjoyable experience.

Helpful? Yes

The meeting point was fairly easy to locate. Here’s how it works: you pay for a guide who escorts you through the security checkpoint and then leads you to the palace’s first entrance. They explain the best way to explore the palace, since you have to go straight to the Harem first after that, access to this area is no longer available. At the meeting spot, you receive a voucher and a lanyard so the guide can identify you via their phone, which holds the tickets for everyone. The main benefit is securing tickets online to avoid waiting in the long line. Beyond that, you’re mostly on your own with the audio tour, assuming your signal is strong enough. The palace itself is beautiful and worth visiting. However, the tour company should provide clearer instructions at the meeting place to reduce confusion and stress, as misunderstandings seemed to frustrate many people. I had read reviews beforehand, so I wasn’t surprised, but it seemed that others were upset, some nearly shouting in frustration. The guides also appeared stressed. This initial disorder detracts from the overall experience.

Helpful? Yes

The guide was knowledgeable and we would’ve liked to have had him lead us through more areas of the complex. His tour lasted just over an hour but could have easily gone longer. The audio guide on the other hand, felt a bit too lengthy we ended up turning it off after listening to several sections. Topkapi itself is absolutely stunning. We spent the entire day exploring every pavilion, arriving at 10 a.m. and not leaving until 5 p.m. For anyone who wants to take in all the exhibits, be prepared to dedicate a full day.

Helpful? Yes

The guide led us through without having to wait in any lines, which was a great experience!

Helpful? Yes

Everything was excellent.

Helpful? Yes

The entire experience was amazing. Our guide was excellent and provided a fresh insight into Topkapi Palace. My only issue is that the guide didn’t accompany us through the Harem section it felt like it wasn’t worth the cost without guided commentary.

Helpful? Yes

There was no audio equipment provided to help us hear the guide and with such a large group, it was difficult to catch everything being said. Unfortunately, the guide didn’t join us throughout the palace he gave an overview and then left us to explore on our own. It was disappointing to miss parts of the explanation and not have guidance during the actual visit.

Helpful? Yes

The group organization at the start was quite confusing. The guides appeared stressed and didn’t seem to have a clear idea of which participants were in which group. Two separate groups with different ticket types began in the same spot at the same time, which added to the confusion. Communication at the beginning was poor. However, our guide did an excellent job during the English language tour and was very easy to understand.

Helpful? Yes

I appreciated guide’s way of explaining the historical context at each stop and how he smoothly connected it to the next part of the tour. Personally, I think it would have been better if he had covered more of the areas that were skipped, such as the Holy Relics and the Kitchen.

Helpful? Yes

This tour which covered the three major landmarks was absolutely worth the cost. I was deeply impressed by everything we saw and the guide provided an excellent understanding of Istanbul’s history through detailed knowledge and engaging stories.

Helpful? Yes

We booked this tour expecting a small group but there were over 40 people. We also selected the option with an audio guide but none were provided. We brought our own headphones as instructed, but without internet or Wi Fi, it was impossible to access any information about Topkapi Palace. In the end, we paid for services that weren’t delivered. The cost was far too high for what we received. We’re genuinely disappointed and frustrated.

Helpful? Yes

It was unfortunate that the guide didn’t accompany us through the palace itself. It’s much more meaningful to receive explanations while seeing the exhibits rather than being given all the information beforehand. Also, you had to pay close attention, as his English wasn’t very clear. That said, the palace is absolutely stunning and definitely worth a visit.

Helpful? Yes

I arrived a day early but was still allowed to join the tour. Our guide was knowledgeable, spoke several languages had a good sense of humor, and was friendly taking time to chat individually as we moved between areas. The palace itself is captivating, beautiful and well preserved. After the tour, I spent about three hours exploring every exhibition and section at my own pace. I’m glad I chose the 10 a.m. tour because by noon the crowds had grown significantly. Arriving early lets you enjoy the visit without dealing with the large, slow moving lines I saw as I left. Overall, it was a very rewarding and enjoyable experience.

Helpful? Yes

Overall, the palace is very beautiful, but our guide spent nearly an hour speaking without actually leading us through the various rooms.

Helpful? Yes

Despite some initial challenges with coordination and the meeting point, the guides did their best to assist everyone and made the overall experience enjoyable.

Helpful? Yes

The guide provided clear and easy to understand explanations throughout the tour.

Helpful? Yes

The tour guide was fantastic.

Helpful? Yes

There were too many people for just one guide, making it hard to hear clearly. The Harem section was without a guide and it felt very crowded.

Helpful? Yes

The explanations were very clear and the instructions were easy to follow throughout the tour.

Helpful? Yes

Topkapi Palace left a strong impression on me!

Helpful? Yes

The guide only led us into the palace and gave a brief overview of what to see and where. After about 50 minutes, he left us and walked away. I had expected a tour covering the entire palace. Additionally, I didn’t appreciate how he directly asked for tips. Overall, I was disappointed with his behavior.

Helpful? Yes

The place itself is stunning and definitely worth visiting. However, the guide did not add any value to the experience.

Helpful? Yes

This was a budget friendly choice and the guide’s general introduction was well worth the time. After about an hour, you’re free to explore on your own. I would definitely recommend this option.

Helpful? Yes

The absence of queues made the entry smooth and buying tickets from the machines was convenient. Traveling with a larger group gave us a relaxed pace to take in the surroundings without rushing.

Helpful? Yes

The guide was excellent and the palace is truly beautiful.

Helpful? Yes

I really liked that the ticket price covered entry to the Harem which made the visit more convenient. With a bit more detailed guidance, the experience could be even more enriching.

Helpful? Yes

Although I wasn’t able to download the app before the meeting point, the guide was very helpful and happy to answer all our questions. Overall, it was a good experience despite the app issue.

Helpful? Yes

The tour provided a nice introduction to the palace gardens with some interesting historical insights. While the guide didn’t enter the Harem with us, the overall visit still offered a good overview of the site. Despite the price, the guide was friendly and eager to ensure we had a pleasant experience.

Helpful? Yes

We booked the activity in Spanish, and at 3:00 p.m., they assigned us an English speaking guide and at 3:30 p.m., the rest was spectacular.

Helpful? Yes

The guide was knowledgeable and added depth to the visit, making it more engaging. Both the Palace and the Harem are definitely worth seeing, though some of the indoor exhibits had long lines and were quite crowded.

Helpful? Yes

If you’re planning to visit, a skip the line ticket is definitely worthwhile given how crowded it gets. While the guide offered a general introduction in the courtyard areas, the palace itself is best explored at your own pace. There are many fascinating buildings throughout the grounds, and an audio guide can be a more flexible and affordable option. You could easily spend the whole day exploring, as each section has its own entrance. Just keep in mind that your ticket grants access to the palace grounds and the Harem, but you’ll still need to queue for individual buildings once inside.

Helpful? Yes

The visit was very enjoyable, and the Harem was especially impressive. With a bit more detailed information in that area, the experience could be even more enriching.

Helpful? Yes

A truly engaging and fascinating experience.

Helpful? Yes

The experience was absolutely fantastic!

Helpful? Yes

Our guide was fantastic full of charisma, engaging and shared lots of interesting information with a great sense of humor. I highly recommend this activity and if he ends up being your guide, consider yourself lucky!

Helpful? Yes

The site is impressive and can easily be appreciated on your own. For those who prefer exploring at their own pace, a self guided visit might be the best way to enjoy everything the location has to offer.

Helpful? Yes

Using the audio guide was a convenient way to explore the palace freely and at our own speed. Although our guide spoke only English and kept a brisk pace, the visit was still enjoyable. For families or those wanting flexibility, the audio guide is definitely a helpful tool.

Helpful? Yes

The palace is truly beautiful and the experience was wonderful, especially thanks to our kind and attentive guide.

Helpful? Yes

Everything matched the description in the offer. Our guide was charming and very pleasant. I highly recommend this tour. We easily skipped the line and entered the palace without any hassle.

Helpful? Yes

Our visit to Topkapi Palace was unforgettable, thanks to our wonderful guide. His extensive knowledge and engaging storytelling really brought the history of each room and artifact to life. He was patient, answered all our questions, and made sure everyone in the group stayed interested and informed. I highly recommend this guide to anyone wanting to fully experience the rich heritage of Topkapi Palace.

Helpful? Yes

Our visit to Topkapi Palace was unforgettable, thanks to our wonderful guide. His extensive knowledge and engaging storytelling really brought the history of each room and artifact to life. He was patient, answered all our questions, and made sure everyone in the group stayed interested and informed. I highly recommend this guide to anyone wanting to fully experience the rich heritage of Topkapi Palace.

Helpful? Yes

Our visit to Topkapi Palace was unforgettable, thanks to our wonderful guide. His extensive knowledge and engaging storytelling really brought the history of each room and artifact to life. He was patient, answered all our questions, and made sure everyone in the group stayed interested and informed. I highly recommend this guide to anyone wanting to fully experience the rich heritage of Topkapi Palace.

Helpful? Yes

Our visit to Topkapi Palace was unforgettable, thanks to our wonderful guide. His extensive knowledge and engaging storytelling really brought the history of each room and artifact to life. He was patient, answered all our questions, and made sure everyone in the group stayed interested and informed. I highly recommend this guide to anyone wanting to fully experience the rich heritage of Topkapi Palace.

Helpful? Yes

The experience was very enjoyable though the ticket prices to enter felt quite expensive.

Helpful? Yes

The tour was very pleasant and I was glad to learn the highlights from the guide, who was able to answer every question.

Helpful? Yes

The guide gave a concise introduction to the palace before allowing us to explore independently.

Helpful? Yes

This tour was fantastic. The food and the view were beautiful. Our tour guide provided the best service he was able to solve every problem and was truly amazing.

Helpful? Yes

The tour wasn’t very detailed, and even a brief introduction at the start would have helped. The headphones were sometimes needed to hear the guide clearly, but their poor quality often made them more of a distraction. Since entry is through the guide, you have to visit the Harem immediately after the tour which isn’t ideal because you can’t leave and re enter on your own.

Helpful? Yes

Overall, the tour was excellent. The only downside was that the guided portion ended at the Harem. Aside from that, it was a wonderful experience.

Helpful? Yes

The skip the line ticket for Topkapi was very helpful. The guide escorted us to the entrance so we didn’t have to wait at all. He gave a brief overview of the palace along with some useful visiting tips before leading us straight into the Harem without any delay. The audio guide included in the package was generally good, although the app sometimes crashed.

Helpful? Yes

What a fantastic tour it was truly amazing. Many thanks for the wonderful experience!

Helpful? Yes

Overall, the guide was good but he didn’t cover some areas of the Sultan’s section that I later discovered through the audio guide.

Helpful? Yes

The experience was generally fine, though the audio guide app froze several times and I had to keep restarting it.

Helpful? Yes

The guide was well prepared but since we booked an audio guide tour, we had to wait at the entrance because only the guide had the paper tickets. We also waited several minutes for the earphones for everyone in the group. After that, the audio guide kept crashing every 10 minutes, which was quite frustrating.

Helpful? Yes

Buying the ticket directly at the site allowed for a flexible and relaxed visit. Exploring the palace independently gave me the freedom to enjoy everything at my own pace.

Helpful? Yes

The tour was fantastic our guide was knowledgeable and friendly. It was fascinating to learn about Ottoman history and politics throughout the palace. He even took extra time to guide us around the Harem and shared many insights after the main tour ended. Highly recommended!

Helpful? Yes

The visit was excellent and the palace was absolutely sublime.

Helpful? Yes

The guide was very pleasant, but the tour felt too brief and didn’t quite justify the cost. To be fair, my smartphone was outdated, so I couldn’t download the audio guide if I had and it was as good as described, my experience might have been different. Still, the tour itself was shorter than I expected.

Helpful? Yes

The experience could have been smoother. The information provided beforehand was a bit unclear. Although the service advertised skip the line access, we still ended up waiting, partly because the guide had to return to the meeting point to retrieve the tickets. Once we got to the entrance, we received the audio guide device but unfortunately, it didn’t work. After that, we explored the palace independently, as the guide didn’t accompany us through the visit itself. A helpful tip for future visitors: tickets can also be purchased directly at the machines at the palace entrance, where functioning audio guides are available.

Helpful? Yes

It felt like stepping into a dream I truly felt as if I were living in a film. I highly recommend paying a little extra for access to the Harem; it’s absolutely worth it.

Helpful? Yes

It was a lovely experience and the guide was both charming and highly professional.

Helpful? Yes

The guide was excellent his Spanish was impressive and his explanations were clear and engaging. In just one hour, he walked us through the key areas of the palace and gardens, which we were then free to explore on our own. It’s good to know in advance that the guided portion lasts only about an hour before you continue independently. That said, the overall experience was very enjoyable.

Helpful? Yes

It was an interesting visit, but I was a bit short on time. Next time, I’ll make sure to book a tour that covers the entire palace to enjoy it fully.

Helpful? Yes

The listing was quite misleading and the experience didn’t match what was advertised. The title and description mentioned an Audio Guide but it was impossible to access it following the instructions in the confirmation email led to a non existent link in the app. What’s more, purchasing tickets directly from the museum would have included free access to an audio device, but the way the tour was organized made it difficult to claim that benefit. Unfortunately, the guide was dismissive toward guests who asked about the promised audio guide, which made the situation frustrating. The site itself is worth visiting, but clearer communication and better service would improve the experience

Helpful? Yes

The tour was very informative, especially at the start where the guide shared useful insights. It’s just a bit of a pity that the guide only provided information at the beginning after that, the rest of the visit was self guided.

Helpful? Yes

The guide was very good but only stayed with us for about 40 minutes. The audio guide was a bit tricky to use and for two out of four of us, it lost connection and couldn’t be used since we didn’t have mobile data.

Helpful? Yes

The guide was very smart and knowledgeable and the tour was excellent. I highly recommend it.

Helpful? Yes

Everything was excellent many thanks for the wonderful experience and the kind guide.

Helpful? Yes

The palace is truly spectacular we spent over five hours exploring. As for the guide, it seemed like it wasn’t his best day, but we understand everyone has off days and forgive him for that.

Helpful? Yes

The tour is advertised as skip the line, but it only applies to the security line where you still have to wait. So, it didn’t really offer faster access. Also, entrance to Hagia Sophia is free. The guide was decent but with such a large group, it was sometimes hard to understand him which was a shame.

Helpful? Yes

There was a short wait at the entrance but it was reasonable. The guide was quick and knowledgeable. We had some free time after the tour which was great. Overall, a very good experience.

Helpful? Yes

The tour included a 20 minute introduction covering six stops with narration. After that, we were free to explore the palace on our own. For those wanting a full guided experience, this might feel brief, but it’s a good option if you prefer some initial guidance followed by independent exploration.

Helpful? Yes

Istanbul offers so much to see, so it was helpful to get an overview and tips from the guide, allowing us to focus on the parts of the palace that interested us most. This definitely saved us a lot of time. The guide was excellent, sharing plenty of information and interesting stories in a concise way.

Helpful? Yes

The guide did a good job leading the tour. However, we had an issue with our reservation. I purchased a visit that included both the palace and the Harem but only the palace was on the actual reservation. Fortunately, the staff at the meeting point reviewed everything and allowed us access to the Harem, though without a guide. We've had issues before with this provider. To be fair, the guide was not at fault, but I have concerns about the management and the booking process.

Helpful? Yes

The guide spoke a bit quickly and quietly, making it hard to catch everything. Despite that, the tour was still enjoyable.

Helpful? Yes

The tour offers a convenient way to skip the queue, which is a big plus. While the guided portion is brief, it provides a good introduction, and the audio guide adds extra details to explore at your own pace. With a few improvements to the app’s navigation, the experience would be even better. Overall, a worthwhile visit.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide led an excellent tour of the palace and shared fascinating stories about its history.

Helpful? Yes

The introductions and explanations were clear and informative, and the timing was punctual throughout the tour.

Helpful? Yes

The tour was fantastic. The palace was stunning, and our guide was very kind and incredibly friendly.

Helpful? Yes

The guide provided straightforward and easy to understand information, making the highlights accessible to everyone. Though the focus was on smaller groups within the tour, it created a more personal experience. For those familiar with the Sultan and Harem series, some references add extra context, but the visit is still enjoyable even without that background. Using an audio guide is also a great option for exploring independently.

Helpful? Yes

The tour was insightful, well organized, efficient and led by friendly guides.

Helpful? Yes

The tour was very well organized and started promptly. The staff were polite and the guide was very knowledgeable about the palace’s history and details. The palace itself is majestic and impressive a true journey back in time!

Helpful? Yes

We were late calling the number provided, but the guide kindly waited for us. The palace is immense, and the guide gave clear, precise, and concise explanations. He accompanied us through the garden and showed us a few rooms before letting us explore the terraces and the rest of the route on our own.

Helpful? Yes

Excellent service with a well prepared English speaking guide. For Italians, I recommend picking up the free audio guide available at the entrance. The palace tour was interesting, and the option to skip the ticket queue made the visit much smoother.

Helpful? Yes

The experience with the guide was outstanding and the palace itself was magnificent.

Helpful? Yes

The palace was breathtaking, and the history behind it was unexpectedly fascinating.

Helpful? Yes

The guide showed great competence and was very friendly throughout the tour.

Helpful? Yes

The tour was interesting, though since it was in English, we supplemented it with a Spanish audio guide to catch more details. The guide showed and explained the Harem and some parts of the palace, while the rest we explored independently at our own pace. At the end, it’s customary to leave a tip for the guide.

Helpful? Yes

I really enjoyed the tour! The guide was well prepared and shared many detailed insights into daily life in the Harem and the Sultan’s world. Very professional and kind throughout.

Helpful? Yes

Finally, a tour that truly lived up to expectations! The guide accompanied us inside the palace and even into the Harem which wasn’t originally included. I just wish I remembered their name so kind and pleasant throughout the visit!

Helpful? Yes

The visit was well organized with clear instructions and a helpful, thorough and informative guide. The experience was smooth and enjoyable perhaps the combined ticket for the palace and Harem felt a bit pricey, but overall it was worth it.

Helpful? Yes

I’m very satisfied thank you! It was a great tour and a wonderful experience.

Helpful? Yes

Very enjoyable experience many thanks to the guide for clearly explaining the route. A great tour overall!

Helpful? Yes

A very engaging tour informative and well paced. The guide was professional and kept it interesting throughout.

Helpful? Yes

Everything went well. We had a great guide and the tour was very enjoyable. Thank you!

Helpful? Yes

Our guide gave us a great tour of Topkapi Palace. He was friendly and full of insight, guiding us through the palace and even going the extra mile by accompanying us into the Harem. He shared detailed stories about each room and its function and took time to answer our questions. It was much more engaging than using an audio guide.

Helpful? Yes

The guide was fine but unfortunately, the audio guide app froze after the 11th station and couldn’t be restarted or re downloaded. As a result, I had to go through the rest of the visit without any explanations, which was very disappointing. I hope the technical issues with the app can be resolved for future visitors.

Helpful? Yes

The meeting point was easy to locate. Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable and provided valuable historical insights throughout the tour.

Helpful? Yes

The guide was very well informed and we learned a lot of fascinating details. Unfortunately, not everyone had the same experience, but I would highly recommend this tour!

Helpful? Yes

The organization was flawless, and the guide was very warm and welcoming. Overall, it was a fantastic tour.

Helpful? Yes

While the experience wasn’t quite what we expected, the palace is still definitely worth a visit.

Helpful? Yes

The guide was nice and articulate but the group was quite large, so only a few could catch all the details. The check in process felt outdated the guide had to manually enter everyone’s info on his phone and then we ended up waiting at the end of the regular line. It didn’t really live up to the promise of a fast track experience.

Helpful? Yes

A wonderful overview of Topkapi Palace’s history thank you very much!

Helpful? Yes

My guide was very knowledgeable about Topkapi Palace and shared its entire history in a fun and engaging way. Truly superb!

Helpful? Yes

Our English speaking guide explained everything clearly at the start. Overall, the experience was good, but during the Harem section, we were left to explore on our own. It would have been more helpful if the guide had accompanied us there.

Helpful? Yes

Purchasing tickets with the included free audio guide is a convenient and flexible way to explore the palace at your own pace. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy discovering sites independently and managing their own time.

Helpful? Yes

The guide was highly informative and communicated in a clear and engaging manner.

Helpful? Yes

There were some organizational challenges at the start and the guide’s English was a bit limited. The app provided for the tour didn’t work well inside the palace. However, the palace itself is impressive and worth visiting. Improving these areas could make the experience even better.

Helpful? Yes

We had limited time, but it was definitely worth it. The tour was great, thanks especially to the guide’s kind and friendly approach.

Helpful? Yes

With only about an hour and a half to explore Topkapi, this tour was a perfect way to get in quickly and get our bearings. We spent around 45 minutes with the guide learning about the palace’s history and key sights, then set off on our own to focus on what interested us most. I highly recommend prioritizing the Armory and the views from the terraces at the back.

Helpful? Yes

The palace itself is definitely worth visiting it's a truly beautiful place. However, our guide was quite fast paced, both in her explanations and while moving between spots, leaving little time to really take things in. She often started explaining before the whole group had gathered which was disappointing. We had also booked tickets with the hammam option. Overall, the organization could have been better.

Helpful? Yes

Excellent value for money thanks for the wonderful tour and the fantastic guide.

Helpful? Yes

Fantastic tour led by an excellent and knowledgeable guide. Truly an amazing experience.

Helpful? Yes

Topkapi Palace is definitely worth visiting and we appreciated having a guide who provided an overview and key information upfront. The guide was very friendly as well. Unfortunately, we weren’t given information or a code for the audio tour so we couldn’t use it. We also wanted to visit Hagia Irene on the site, but that requires a separate ticket which wasn’t included in our tour, so we missed out on that. Overall, the palace is well worth seeing, and the brief guidance from the tour was helpful. Still, it might be better to plan the visit independently for more control over tickets and audio guides.

Helpful? Yes

The meeting point was easy to locate. The guide accompanied us for about 30 minutes through the first interior courtyards and then provided a palace brochure. Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible to access a French audio guide or use the QR code, which was disappointing. The Harem ticket and can be purchased on site. It’s a very enjoyable visit be sure to bring a shawl for certain areas. Plan for around two and a half hours to fully explore.

Helpful? Yes

A good experience overall well organized and led by a very friendly guide. The tour was enjoyable throughout.

Helpful? Yes

A brief and focused tour, followed by an impromptu visit to the Harem with the guide. Highly recommended!

Helpful? Yes

I found the experience both engaging and educational.

Helpful? Yes

He was an excellent tour guide very knowledgeable throughout the visit.

Helpful? Yes

The guide spoke English rather than German as announced and while his pace was quite quick, he was enthusiastic and shared lots of interesting details. The lively energy reminded me of a street marathon atmosphere which made the tour quite dynamic.

Helpful? Yes

The highlights tour exceeded my expectations with its depth. The guide was enthusiastic and well informed, offering a perfect blend of historical facts and entertaining stories.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide was excellent and gladly answered all our extra questions. The only downside was the meeting point description it wasn’t very clear. It’s important to know that the guide will come to you and the meeting isn’t inside the café. Also, the meeting spot is actually more towards the center of the square.

Helpful? Yes

Fantastic guide and a very interesting tour! Definitely worth the experience.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide was very friendly and attentive. If you’re visiting Istanbul, this tour is definitely worth doing. The guide starts by giving you some background information and afterward, you get plenty of time to explore everything on your own.

Helpful? Yes

Everything went perfectly. We met our guide at the designated meeting spot and then began the tour. He shared all the important and fascinating information from start to finish. We explored all four courtyards of Topkapi Palace, followed by the Harem area. It was truly an unforgettable experience!

Helpful? Yes

Everything went smoothly and we discovered some fascinating details. The explanations were clear throughout. Initially, the meeting point was a bit confusing for us. Just wait in front of the palace’s first gate. The fountain there is covered and resembles a small building.

Helpful? Yes

The place is beautiful, and the guide was excellent. It was a very enjoyable tour.

Helpful? Yes

The palace and gardens are truly beautiful. I would definitely recommend this tour and give it five stars.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide at Topkapi, was outstanding friendly, supportive, and very knowledgeable.

Helpful? Yes

The guide was fantastic. I highly recommend this to anyone planning to visit Topkapi and other popular tourist spots.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide was wonderful! He explained everything clearly, and we really enjoyed the visit. Highly recommended.

Helpful? Yes

Overall, it was a good experience. The guide was excellent, and the tour was very enjoyable.

Helpful? Yes