Istanbul: Topkapi Palace & Harem Museum Ticket & Audio Guide

The castle is stunning, with plenty of activities to enjoy. The guide who led us to the entrance was very helpful and gave clear instructions. Unfortunately, the audio guide was a disappointment it malfunctioned, lacked important information, and was difficult to understand. We gave up on it after just a few minutes. Despite this, the castle itself is definitely worth visiting. If possible, try to find a better audio guide option. Also, during the summer, skipping the line is essential, so this ticket is a smart choice for that.

Helpful? Yes

The visit was well organized, and arriving for the first time slot at 9:30 AM worked out perfectly. It helped us avoid crowds and enjoy the experience more comfortably.

Helpful? Yes

The palace itself was absolutely magnificent definitely the highlight of my visit. However, I was extremely disappointed with the tour guide. I specifically paid for a Spanish speaking guide for the palace and harem tour, but he never even checked if anyone in the group spoke Spanish. Instead, he conducted the entire tour in English without using a microphone, making it impossible for us to both understand and hear him properly. A very poor experience.

Helpful? Yes

The meeting point instructions really need to be clearer it's located quite far from the actual entrance, and the signage is hard to read. It would also be extremely helpful if the information desk had staff who could communicate in multiple languages, especially Italian, to assist international visitors.

Helpful? Yes

The ticket prices feel unreasonably high for what’s included. The guide simply led us into the palace and harem before leaving abruptly without even a proper farewell. As for Hagia Sophia, it’s misleading to call it fully open to visitors the tour only covers the upper section, which is historically rich but offers no proper access to the lower area. The cistern was the highlight of the visit, easily the most impressive part.

Helpful? Yes

The meeting point location was poorly chosen positioned on a sloping street far from the entrance, which created unnecessary inconvenience. Additionally, the group size was excessive, causing delays at every stage. Paying for fast track entry felt pointless when we wasted more time walking to the entrance, waiting for the entire group to clear security, and passing through two separate gates. The inefficiency undermined the whole experience.

Helpful? Yes

The grandeur of Topkapi Palace and the harem is truly awe inspiring. Every detail reflects incredible craftsmanship and historical significance, making it an unforgettable experience for any visitor. The intricate designs and rich history transport you to another era.

Helpful? Yes

The tour was straightforward and enjoyable thanks to our excellent guide. Their clear explanations and helpful directions made exploring much easier and more meaningful. A truly smooth and pleasant experience overall.

Helpful? Yes

Topkapı Palace is magnificent with incredible history absolutely worth visiting. Like Hagia Sophia, you must collect tickets at a separate location and meet a "guide" who merely escorts you to the entrance and points out restrooms serving no real purpose. The overcrowded meeting cafe forced us to wait outside. The audio guide is poorly designed no numbered exhibits match the tour , making it confusing and ultimately useless.

Helpful? Yes

The entire experience felt completely disorganized. From the unclear meeting point to the inefficient ticket collection process and the useless "guide" system, nothing seemed properly planned. Such poor organization ruins what should be a magnificent historical experience.

Helpful? Yes

The experience was just average. While the historical site itself was impressive, the so called "guide" provided no actual tour or meaningful information their only function was to help us get through the entrance. This lack of proper guidance made the visit feel incomplete and underwhelming.

Helpful? Yes

The audio guide proved frustratingly difficult to use. The device itself wasn't intuitive, and the numbering system didn't clearly correspond to exhibits. I spent more time struggling with the controls than actually learning about the palace.

Helpful? Yes

The palace itself is absolutely magnificent, a true architectural masterpiece. However, the ticket collection and entry process was unnecessarily complicated and confusing.

Helpful? Yes

The skip the line ticket provided excellent timing and easy access. I highly recommend this option for anyone wanting to maximize their visit without wasting time in queues.

Helpful? Yes

An absolutely exceptional experience, with the Harem section standing out as particularly breathtaking. The intricate details and rich history make this a must see for any visitor.

Helpful? Yes

The instant entry service worked even better than anticipated. We bypassed all queues and walked straight in, making for an incredibly smooth start to our visit.

Helpful? Yes

The audio guide was disappointing poorly synchronized with the exhibits and unnecessarily complicated to operate. Having to recharge it constantly and use mobile data added frustration. While the palace itself is stunning, the harem section didn't justify its additional cost.

Helpful? Yes

We were unable to use the audio guide despite carefully following all the provided instructions the device simply wouldn't work. This was particularly frustrating as we had been looking forward to learning more about the palace's history during our visit.

Helpful? Yes

The palace itself was truly impressive and I thoroughly enjoyed exploring it. However, the audio guide was disappointing it frequently malfunctioned and many of the commentary tracks were unavailable. This significantly diminished what could have been a more informative visit.

Helpful? Yes

Elfi proved to be an excellent guide her deep knowledge of the site and warm, friendly manner greatly enhanced our visit. Her expertise and approachable personality made the experience both educational and enjoyable.

Helpful? Yes

The palace is truly magnificent, housing an exceptionally interesting museum collection. Unfortunately, our initial guide link failed to work, forcing us to return to the entrance gate. We were fortunate that another guide appeared they not only escorted us to the harem but also provided a new working link, for which we were extremely grateful.

Helpful? Yes

Overall a very positive experience. The meeting instructions were clear and the location conveniently close to the palace, making for a smooth start. Our only issue was with the audio guide the usage instructions weren't sufficiently clear, leaving us unable to utilize it properly during our visit.

Helpful? Yes

After some initial confusion and difficulties, I eventually managed to gain entry. While the palace itself was worth seeing, the access process could definitely be improved for a smoother visitor experience.

Helpful? Yes

Unlike other booked activities, our QR code didn't grant direct entry. We had to exit the gardens and walk 15 minutes to another location, where staff used their QR code for our admission. They pressured us to pay for a guided tour despite our ticket including an audio guide, making the process unnecessarily inconvenient.

Helpful? Yes

The visit was average. The audio guide (a problematic link rather than a proper device) kept cutting out, despite pre downloading. Ongoing renovations limited access, and the experience didn't justify the high price.

Helpful? Yes

The palace is absolutely stunning and impeccably maintained. However, the audio guide was poorly designed it failed to indicate our location within the palace, making navigation and context difficult throughout the visit.

Helpful? Yes

The ticket collection process requires picking up passes at a café during a specific window, then waiting with the group for 30 minutes to qualify for the group rate. This system feels restrictive compared to individual tickets. That said, the palace itself is magnificent and absolutely worth seeing despite the logistical hassles.

Helpful? Yes

The meeting point needs reconsideration its current location is inconveniently far from the actual entrance, creating unnecessary hassle before the visit even begins. While the palace itself is magnificent, this logistical issue significantly impacts the overall experience.

Helpful? Yes

The current tour setup feels inefficient the guide merely escorts visitors up a steep hill to the entrance, making one wonder why the meeting point isn't at the palace gates instead. Compounding this, the malfunctioning audio guide and steep price significantly diminish what should be a magnificent experience.

Helpful? Yes

The experience matched the description perfectly. Our guide spoke excellent English and maintained perfect timing throughout. The palace itself is breathtaking, with particularly stunning views of the Bosphorus from the fourth courtyard. The numerous small museums and collections added fascinating depth to the visit. While pricey, the experience justifies the cost.

Helpful? Yes

The guide's sole purpose appears to be facilitating entry through the paid gates rather than providing meaningful commentary. While the palace itself is impressive, the tour duration feels excessively long without adequate guidance or information to maintain engagement.

Helpful? Yes

Our so called "guide" only served to grant us access to the harem section rather than providing any actual guided experience. The meeting point proved frustratingly difficult to locate due to unclear instructions. That said, the palace itself was spectacular, and we thoroughly enjoyed exploring the museum collections at our own pace.

Helpful? Yes

The palace and harem tour completely lived up to our expectations in every way. The only hiccup was locating the meeting point its unclear signage and location caused unnecessary stress at the start of an otherwise flawless experience.

Helpful? Yes

Having the freedom to choose both the timing and content of what I listen to is incredibly valuable. It makes the experience so much more personal and convenient.

Helpful? Yes

The admission process was well organized. After visiting the harem, we were free to explore the palace independently. Unfortunately, we missed the audio guide we never received the promised email about it. As an alternative, we downloaded an offline guide from the palace website, but it only provided a basic overview without specific stops. The tour guide also failed to mention the audio guide option.

Helpful? Yes

The architecture is absolutely stunning you could easily spend half a day exploring this massive structure. The sheer size alone is impressive!

Helpful? Yes

Like many attractions in Istanbul, the entrance fees are quite steep. However, the palace itself is truly magnificent, with the Harem section being particularly impressive.

Helpful? Yes

I wish the scale of the site had been better communicated. The suggested visit time of one hour was completely unrealistic I would have needed at least two hours to properly explore everything. While the location was fascinating and visually stunning, the admission cost felt quite high. I'd only recommend visiting if you're prepared to dedicate several hours to see it properly.

Helpful? Yes

I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of my visit the experience was absolutely wonderful from start to finish.

Helpful? Yes

The entire experience was exceptionally well organized I couldn't find a single thing to complain about.

Helpful? Yes

The meeting location was easy to find, the overall organization was efficient, and we got through the entry process very quickly.

Helpful? Yes

The meeting point instructions were unclear three of us stood waiting by the sign, completely unaware we needed to enter the neighboring bar where the actual reception was hidden at the back! There wasn't even a staff member checking for arrivals. We only realized our mistake when another group emerged from the bar wearing visitor passes. To make matters worse, we then had to wait an additional 30 minutes for the next available time slot. And the promised audio guides? Nowhere to be found!

Helpful? Yes

Our guide was exceptionally kind and helpful. Although she didn't accompany us inside, she took time to share interesting facts about the palace. Her advice on the best route to follow and must see spots saved us considerable time and made our visit much more efficient.

Helpful? Yes

The audio guide proved to be nearly useless during our visit. Not only did it malfunction frequently, but the content wasn't even specifically about Topkapi Palace. We were disappointed to find only limited commentary about Hagia Sophia, which wasn't what we needed for our tour.

Helpful? Yes

The palace complex is absolutely breathtaking in its grandeur. The sprawling grounds are magnificent, and the panoramic views of the Bosphorus are truly spectacular!

Helpful? Yes

Our experience started with some confusion as we initially couldn't locate our host for castle entry. The communication could definitely be improved. That said, Topkapi Palace itself is stunning and fascinating, though its enormous size means you could easily spend an entire day exploring. After about three hours, I found the amount of information somewhat overwhelming. It would be helpful if the ticket allowed re entry. The harem section stood out as my personal highlight of the visit.

Helpful? Yes

Topkapi Palace covers an extensive area with numerous buildings and chambers, though most stand empty. While the architectural details and wall decorations are impressive, the restoration work appears to have recreated everything anew, causing some loss of authentic character. After exploring several rooms and structures, I found my interest waning and decided to conclude my visit earlier than expected.

Helpful? Yes

The tour guide really needs to use a microphone we couldn't hear anything she was saying. She also walked extremely quickly along paths that were quite challenging to navigate.

Helpful? Yes

Our visit was truly magnificent. The palace is impeccably preserved and stands as a museum of exceptional historical significance that absolutely deserves to be seen.

Helpful? Yes

The overall organization of the visit was quite efficient and well coordinated.

Helpful? Yes

Far from 'fast track' tickets had to be collected at a distant restaurant, then we waited for a full group before being escorted. At the palace, the guide slowly scanned all 50 tickets twice (main gate and harem), wasting over 30 minutes. Buying tickets on site would've been faster.

Helpful? Yes

Disappointed paid for an Italian guide but got only a poor audio guide. The Topkapi guide ignored our group entirely. Palace is worth visiting, but with a proper guide. Hagia Sophia's exterior is under scaffolding (interior not worth the price), while the cistern is truly spectacular.

Helpful? Yes

A large, clearly visible sign should be placed in front of the café to indicate it's the ticket exchange point. Many visitors miss this crucial information

Helpful? Yes

We thoroughly enjoyed exploring at our own leisure. I'd highly recommend opting for the audio guide and avoiding group tours to maintain your preferred pace of discovery.

Helpful? Yes

The tours were enjoyable overall, with Topkapi Palace standing out as particularly worth visiting.

Helpful? Yes

The ticket collection process was unnecessarily complicated and could be more straightforward.

Helpful? Yes

The site is undoubtedly stunning, though the admission price felt somewhat steep for what was offered.

Helpful? Yes

The Sacred Relics section was absolutely breathtaking easily the most remarkable part of our visit.

Helpful? Yes

Our visit to Topkapi Palace was truly magnificent an immersive exploration of Turkey's rich history, artistic heritage, and cultural legacy. The guide demonstrated exceptional professionalism, providing clear explanations and thorough instructions throughout our tour.

Helpful? Yes

The tour guide provided very limited information, and overall, the experience didn't feel worth the price we paid

Helpful? Yes

Without a doubt, this was the standout moment during my exploration of Istanbul. The experience surpassed all other activities on my trip, leaving a lasting impression.

Helpful? Yes

This was incredibly helpful packed with useful details. While the amount of information made it a bit overwhelming at times, the overall value was outstanding.

Helpful? Yes

The guide failed to inform us that we needed to scan our entry tickets before handing them over to receive the audio guides. Once we gave our tickets away, we couldn't retrieve them, leaving us without audio guides for the tour.

Helpful? Yes

Ticket collection was needlessly complicated. Instead of receiving tickets directly, we got a QR code to meet a guide at a café, who then took us to the museum. Other sites provide instant digital tickets why not here? We wasted time waiting unnecessarily.

Helpful? Yes

The site itself was pleasant, but we were disappointed to find the basilica already closed when we arrived. Online information indicated late closing times, but we didn't realize night tickets had different pricing, so our tickets weren't accepted for entry.

Helpful? Yes

Visiting Topkapi Palace and seeing the sacred relics of the prophets and their companions was an incredibly moving experience for my family and me. It gave us chills and created memories I'll cherish forever. I can't recommend this enough to others.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide accidentally overlooked giving us the audio guides during our tour, which meant we missed out on the full experience. It was disappointing since we were looking forward to the detailed commentary.

Helpful? Yes

While the experience was truly wonderful, I found the pricing to be on the higher side. The quality justified the cost, but it's worth noting for budget conscious visitors.

Helpful? Yes

The entire tour was perfectly organized, with every part running smoothly and on schedule. Our guide gave excellent explanations and expertly led our group through both the palace and harem sections.

Helpful? Yes

The experience was absolutely magical I felt completely transported back in time, as if I'd stepped directly into those historic moments. The atmosphere was so authentic it gave me chills.

Helpful? Yes

We thoroughly enjoyed this exceptional experience and would absolutely suggest it to others looking for something truly special.

Helpful? Yes

Buy your tickets directly at the venue instead. If you purchase through this third party service, you'll need to collect them from Chimney Cafe which sits at the top of an extremely steep incline. Trust me, getting them onsite will save you significant time and effort.

Helpful? Yes

We had a wonderful visit! Plan for about four to five hours to explore the entire palace properly the Harem section was definitely the highlight for me. I was a bit disappointed that the Church of Saint Irene wasn't part of the standard ticket, as I would have loved to see it. Overall though, it was an excellent tour experience.

Helpful? Yes

While our guide was fantastic, the audio guide app proved unreliable. It kept cutting out and ultimately failed to load content for our location, leaving us without historical information for most of the tour. Considering the premium price we paid specifically for the audio guide feature, this technical issue really needs to be resolved.

Helpful? Yes

While the palace and gardens are truly breathtaking, I found the admission costs to be quite steep. The beauty of the site is undeniable, but the pricing may be prohibitive for some visitors.

Helpful? Yes

Visiting the Palace was a fantastic experience the architecture is stunning, and we thoroughly explored every section. The only downside was collecting our tickets from a nearby café instead of the palace entrance. Also, the audioguide was disappointing; I wish I had used the Palace's official scanning guide instead.

Helpful? Yes

Skipping the tour guide turned out to be a great decision the audio guide was excellent, providing clear explanations and smoothly guiding us from one section to the next.

Helpful? Yes

This isn't a guided tour you're just buying entry tickets for Topkapi Palace and Harem, then exploring on your own. The pickup location at a nearby café isn't well marked either. You'd save time by arriving early, buying tickets directly at the palace gate, and touring independently.

Helpful? Yes

The palace is massive and easy to navigate poorly since the guide only takes you to the entrance. Once inside, it's quite disorienting to find your way around without proper direction.

Helpful? Yes

The palace was absolutely magnificent, and the skip the line access worked perfectly. The audio guide provided engaging commentary with just the right amount of detail to appreciate the historical importance of each section.

Helpful? Yes

Topkapi Palace is magnificent, but your service doesn't match the premium price. The organization is confusing if the Harem must be visited first, this should be clearly stated. The audio guide was problematic, failing to sync with locations. Implementing Dolmabahçe Palace's effective system would help. That said, our human guide was excellent.

Helpful? Yes

Topkapi Palace offers an extraordinary journey through Ottoman history. Every detail from the exquisite courtyards to the breathtaking Bosphorus views showcases imperial grandeur. The museum's remarkable collections (weapons, jewels, sacred artifacts) are impeccably preserved. The legendary harem, with its ornate decor, was particularly fascinating. I lost track of time exploring this Istanbul treasure.

Helpful? Yes

Topkapi Palace makes for a fascinating visit that's absolutely worth your time. The historical significance and architectural beauty provide a compelling glimpse into Ottoman splendor. While some logistical aspects could be improved, the overall experience leaves a lasting impression of Turkey's imperial past.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide was exceptionally friendly and helpful, making the experience even more enjoyable. The meeting location was conveniently close to the palace, which was absolutely stunning in its grandeur and historical significance.

Helpful? Yes

This is a must do experience in Istanbul. Tickets are distributed at a nearby café just 20 meters up the street. A helpful host will escort you to the Harem Museum entrance and assist with quick entry through the turnstiles. After that, you'll have complete freedom to explore the magnificent palace at your own pace for more than three hours.

Helpful? Yes

The palace itself is breathtakingly beautiful, though I was disappointed to find no audio guide available for visitors. Having an audio tour option would greatly enhance the experience by providing historical context during exploration.

Helpful? Yes

This is a stunning and architecturally unique building, though the ticket prices feel quite high for what's offered.

Helpful? Yes

The audio guide was confusing and not user friendly. GetYourGuide should have provided clearer instructions on where to begin and how to navigate it. Additionally, the meeting point for the guide is at the bottom of a hill, meaning you have to walk uphill afterward. This was especially difficult for my 82 year old father. I wish this had been communicated beforehand!

Helpful? Yes

The tour operators weren't at the specified meeting location, which caused confusion and wasted time. Better communication about the exact spot would have prevented this issue.

Helpful? Yes

Since there weren't many visitors when we went, we realized we basically just paid for skip the line access that we didn't even need. We could have easily purchased regular tickets ourselves, making this purchase feel like poor value for money.

Helpful? Yes

Our experience was absolutely wonderful the guides were not only professional and on time, but also incredibly warm and welcoming. It made the whole tour truly enjoyable.

Helpful? Yes

The skip the line access was definitely convenient, though the flexible ticket option felt slightly overpriced compared to timed entry tickets. Inside the palace, I struggled with poor mobile reception which made accessing digital explanations impossible quite frustrating. Offering Japanese audio guides would significantly improve the experience for international visitors.

Helpful? Yes

I was disappointed with the audio guide system as it malfunctioned during my visit. The technical issues significantly impacted my experience and understanding of the site.

Helpful? Yes

This provider offered excellent communication and straightforward instructions a refreshing contrast to our confusing experience with another Hagia Sophia tour company. Be aware that even with a 9:30 am entry time, the site gets extremely crowded. Some of the larger tour groups behaved rather pushy, but overall we were very satisfied with this well organized service.

Helpful? Yes

This is an absolute must visit destination that leaves you in awe. The experience offers a breathtaking and deeply engaging journey through Ottoman history that truly transports you to another era.

Helpful? Yes

This magnificent palace complex features an impressive collection of buildings of varying sizes, all beautifully integrated with lush gardens and courtyards within one expansive site. While the overall experience is breathtaking, the audio guide navigation between different points of interest could be made more intuitive for visitors.

Helpful? Yes

Getting in was fast and hassle free, but I found the audio guide quite confusing to use. The map provided wasn’t helpful at all, and the audio markers didn’t match up with the locations on the map. On the plus side, there’s an alternative tour option where you can enter the room numbers displayed on the signs to listen to the corresponding audio.

Helpful? Yes

Since we got there early, we didn’t have to wait in line at all. The tour guide provided the exact same experience for less than half the price we would have paid otherwise.

Helpful? Yes

The skip the line ticket was definitely worth it we saved so much time and walked right in without any wait.

Helpful? Yes

I was pleased to find that photography is allowed inside the buildings, which made the visit even more memorable. Just be mindful of any posted restrictions in certain areas.

Helpful? Yes

Making a reservation is practically a must it speeds up entry and lets you bypass the queues. The site is massive, with endless exhibits to explore. I’d absolutely recommend visiting.

Helpful? Yes

We gathered at the bistro, which was simple to locate and pleasantly air conditioned. From there, our knowledgeable guide escorted us to the palace and got us started. The palace itself was breathtaking overflowing with incredible art and rich historical significance!

Helpful? Yes

The experience was absolutely fantastic everything exceeded our expectations in every way. From start to finish, we were thoroughly impressed by the quality and attention to detail.

Helpful? Yes

Our visit was wonderful from beginning to end every aspect met or surpassed what we'd hoped for. The overall experience left us completely satisfied.

Helpful? Yes

This is a stunning location that absolutely justifies its admission cost. A must see destination for anyone traveling to Istanbul.

Helpful? Yes

A word of caution the tour guide only provides access inside the palace grounds. While you do skip the ticket line, be prepared to go through standard security screening, which was actually quite efficient and well organized.

Helpful? Yes

For a comprehensive 5 hour tour, I highly recommend exploring both the Harem and the main palace the experience is truly spectacular!

Helpful? Yes

The palace is absolutely stunning, with immaculately kept gardens and exquisitely preserved interior spaces. Make sure you visit the harem section it's a highlight not to be missed.

Helpful? Yes

I had a wonderful time exploring the palace every section was truly remarkable and deserving of attention. The entire experience was unforgettable.

Helpful? Yes

The palace is absolutely stunning and should be on every visitor's list when in Istanbul. However, the audio guide was disappointing it lacked detailed information about the sites, which would have made the experience even better

Helpful? Yes

This is easily among the most breathtaking palaces I've seen. To fully appreciate it, I'd recommend doing some research beforehand and having a basic understanding of its historical significance.

Helpful? Yes

While the palace itself was impressive, I found the online tour guide to be lacking in comprehensive information. It would benefit from more detailed content to enhance the visitor experience.

Helpful? Yes

This is undoubtedly one of the top attractions that deserves a visit. The excellent organization makes the experience smooth and enjoyable we'd love to return again.

Helpful? Yes

The palace is truly spectacular, with stunning gardens that complement its grandeur. We spent a full four hours exploring every corner and still felt there was more to discover.

Helpful? Yes

Visitors should be aware that exploring this site properly requires a minimum of three hours. Collecting tickets at Topkapi Café was convenient since it's located right by the entrance. Our guide was excellent he streamlined our entry process efficiently.

Helpful? Yes

No trip to Istanbul would be complete without visiting this magnificent palace its architecture and historical significance are truly breathtaking.The guide merely functioned as a group leader until we reached the harem section, offering little meaningful commentary. Additionally, the audio guide system failed to function properly during our visit. The palace administration should significantly improve the quality of their official audio tours to match the grandeur of the site.

Helpful? Yes

The architecture and historical significance are truly impressive. No trip to Istanbul is complete without exploring this magnificent palace. Properly functioning official audio guides would undoubtedly improve the experience.

Helpful? Yes

The palace grounds are enormous and impressive, but I'd recommend skipping the Harem section. It's mostly vacant chambers that uncomfortably highlight how women were treated as possessions in that era.

Helpful? Yes

The guided portion of the tour was brief, but we knew that beforehand. Thankfully, there are plenty of informative displays to help you understand each section of the palace.

Helpful? Yes

Our visit was pleasant overall. While nothing stood out as extraordinary, we didn't encounter any major issues either just a straightforward, decent experience.

Helpful? Yes

We met our guide at a small café close to the palace. He accompanied us to the entrance and helped us get inside, providing explanations about the different sections we could visit before leaving us to explore independently. This worked well for us since we prefer to take our time and discover places at our own pace.

Helpful? Yes

The tour was well organized for our large group. I particularly liked how our guide gave us a helpful overview before letting us explore independently. The mobile audio guide wasn't reliable though the signal kept cutting in and out when entering different buildings.

Helpful? Yes

The palace is certainly worth visiting with its many impressive sights, though the entrance fee felt somewhat steep compared to other attractions offering equally fascinating experiences at lower prices.

Helpful? Yes

This stunning palace offers an incredibly rich cultural experience. We were absolutely thrilled with our visit and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in history and architecture

Helpful? Yes

While the palace is undoubtedly impressive and worth seeing, the pricing structure leaves much to be desired. Charging foreign visitors significantly more than locals feels unfair and detracts from what should be a welcoming cultural experience.

Helpful? Yes

The palace is truly impressive, with plenty to explore. Although I was hoping for a bit more from the harem section, it's still something you shouldn't miss. We spent nearly five hours there, and it was absolutely worth the time.

Helpful? Yes

I was pleased with every aspect of the experience. There wasn't anything I didn't enjoy.

Helpful? Yes

The tour was well organized and offered a lot of flexibility. It was definitely a good value for the

Helpful? Yes

I really appreciate all that was done for us. Thank you.

Helpful? Yes

It was convenient not having to wait in line to enter, but I felt the audio guide could use some improvement. In the end, we didn’t use it and just read the information signs in each room instead.

Helpful? Yes

Finding the meeting point was a bit challenging.

Helpful? Yes

The palace was incredible, with so much to explore that we actually ran out of time. We used the audio guide for the Harem area, but it was a little unclear where to begin. Skipping the line was definitely a helpful advantage.

Helpful? Yes

The meeting point could be marked more clearly the map pin shows the main square rather than the cafés. I only figured out the exact location for picking up the tickets by reading the email. It's a good idea to set aside around four hours for the visit and bring some water and snacks, since there are only two cafés within the vast palace grounds.

Helpful? Yes

The palace is beautiful, but we didn’t use the audio guide because it was too difficult to set up. Without explanations, we didn’t understand much. The guide spoke only English and wasn’t very friendly just read his speech like a robot and suddenly left without warning. There were too few benches inside, no help with directions, and no maps provided. Lastly, the price was very high. I took some photos, and with information online, my friends decided not to take this tour because it’s too expensive.

Helpful? Yes

I especially enjoyed the harem, with the final garden being my favorite part. It’s a good idea to get there early; otherwise, you’ll have to push through large crowds later.

Helpful? Yes

The site is quite interesting, but I had higher expectations. Considering what it provides, I don’t believe the price is justified it feels too costly.

Helpful? Yes

Entry to the palace and harem went smoothly, and the staff were excellent. However, the audio guide was really disappointing. It was difficult to set up and even harder to keep functioning properly. There’s almost no clear numbering system to help follow along with the audio. Switching from a webpage to an app would improve compatibility with more phone models.

Helpful? Yes

The instructions on where to exchange tickets were unclear, which meant an additional trip and waiting since groups leave every half hour. There were two of us, but only one audio guide was functioning. The palace grounds, gardens, and various buildings are definitely worth visiting! Make sure to allocate enough time to explore at your own pace and take breaks to appreciate the stunning views. Four hours wasn’t enough for us.

Helpful? Yes

The audio guide was interesting but not very user friendly; it would help if the room numbers or names were clearly indicated. Some areas, like the jewelry rooms, were overcrowded and lacked sufficient crowd management.

Helpful? Yes

Everything went smoothly with the ticket, meeting the guide, and getting to the harem. The audio guide functioned, but I had to keep reopening it repeatedly, which was somewhat frustrating. Also, the information provided was quite limited. The entrance fees were high, but that was expected in advance.

Helpful? Yes

The audio guide wasn’t very useful. It was hard to connect the audio stations with the actual places, and many locations were not covered in the guide at all.

Helpful? Yes

The details about the meeting point were unclear, causing me to spend a long time trying to find the group on time. Because of this, I arrived late and had to join the following group instead.

Helpful? Yes

I have to mention that the tour is quite lengthy but very engaging. However, the price is definitely too high. The audio guide kept disconnecting and should be improved.

Helpful? Yes

The visit was well organized, with the meeting point at a café and fast entry to the site. While the harem isn’t a must see, it’s still worth a visit. Plan to spend 3 to 4 hours to explore most of the area.

Helpful? Yes

If you’re in Istanbul, visiting Topkapi Palace along with the Harem is essential. We booked the skip the line tickets with an audio guide. Picking up the physical tickets from the office was straightforward, and a guide assisted us with entering the Harem area. The whole process was quick and smooth, and the audio guide worked well. Don’t miss the jewelry section it really shows the luxury of that era. Also, the views of the Bosphorus from the balconies are stunning.

Helpful? Yes

Everything went smoothly and matched the description. One small issue is that the audio guide is accessible on smartphones, but without headphones, it’s hard to listen properly with so many people nearby. Still, if you’ve decided to take the tour, I believe it’s worthwhile.

Helpful? Yes

The palace is truly magnificent. Unfortunately, the audio guide didn’t function properly due to connection problems, and the app was not very easy to use.

Helpful? Yes

Everything was fine except the instructions for collecting tickets were confusing. Also, it didn’t make sense to send a QR code if we still have to pick up physical tickets. The process should be made simpler.

Helpful? Yes

The Harem was the best part of the visit, but it is quite costly.

Helpful? Yes

When we arrived, there was hardly any line at the main ticket office, so ultimately we ended up wasting time waiting at the meeting point and for the group to move through.

Helpful? Yes

The outdoor views weren’t very impressive, partly because the weather was a bit gloomy that day.

Helpful? Yes

The palace itself is magnificent, but the audio guide was confusing and not helpful at all.

Helpful? Yes

The guide only escorts you to the palace entrance and does not stay with you during the visit. Inside, there is no live guide only an audio guide.

Helpful? Yes

Visiting Topkapi Palace is definitely worthwhile. Having a guide with us inside was helpful since it was crowded outside. We couldn’t use the audio guide because we didn’t have internet access in Turkey.

Helpful? Yes

The visit to the harem is definitely worth it.

Helpful? Yes

The guide lost track of us between the first and second entrance gates, and we couldn’t get back into the palace. We were asked to wait for the next group. This wasn’t very customer friendly, but after some persistence, the issue was finally resolved.

Helpful? Yes

As promised, the tour guide kindly escorted us to the entrance, but only to help us get inside. It would have been better to receive the tickets immediately, but finding the pick up location wasn’t difficult.

Helpful? Yes

It took about 40 minutes to get from the meeting point to the Harem. We picked the earlier session at 9:30, so there was barely any queue. Honestly, I don’t think buying the fast track tour was necessary.

Helpful? Yes

The audio tour app frequently malfunctions and doesn’t work properly without an internet connection. Since the museum lines aren’t very long, it’s better value to purchase tickets directly.

Helpful? Yes

I was 20 minutes late but it wasn’t an issue I was able to catch up. The guide was helpful and efficient, highlighting the must see spots and helping us enter quickly by skipping the long line, which was important given the large group.I chose this option because it was a very busy day with heavy tourism in Istanbul. While the palace and gardens were beautiful, they were also quite crowded.

Helpful? Yes

It was confusing and didn’t correspond well with the actual locations.

Helpful? Yes

The palace is certainly worth visiting, though I believe the price is too steep and it’s quite crowded. The harem is the most fascinating section, while the best views are of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.

Helpful? Yes

The tour was well-informed and organized with a good guide. The only drawback was the audio app, which kept stopping for no reason. Poor Wi-Fi reception inside the building caused interruptions in the audio experience.

Helpful? Yes

A must visit! The palace and gardens are stunning, with impressive collections. Keep in mind, even if you have tickets, you need a guide to enter. The meeting point is near the palace, and the last departure is at 3:30 p.m. Don’t miss this detail, or security will turn you away despite your tickets.

Helpful? Yes

The building is consistently well maintained, but the explanations provided are neither very detailed nor clear.

Helpful? Yes

We really enjoyed visiting the palace, and the audio guide worked well throughout. The guide who accompanied us at the entrance was friendly, but because we were such a large group, it took about an hour to get tickets for everyone. Overall, the experience was good.

Helpful? Yes

Arrive early, as this place gets very busy and crowded. The group is escorted from the ticket collection point through security and turnstiles. After that, you’re free to explore the grounds, palace, and museum exhibits on your own. The exhibits have long lines but are well worth it.

Helpful? Yes

The place was extremely crowded. Groups often blocked the paths, making it difficult to move forward at times. The palace and grounds are stunning, but after a while, you just want to leave and get some fresh air.

Helpful? Yes

There’s a lot to see, but after some time it becomes overwhelming. There were many people, yet only two guides to lead the group inside. It took a long time to gather everyone and get them in, which wasted quite a bit of time. The guides were friendly and organized at the meeting point, but the overall experience wasn’t ideal.

Helpful? Yes

Topkapi Palace is stunning and definitely worth visiting! The skip the line ticket was convenient and saved a lot of time.

Helpful? Yes

Entry was quick despite the crowds. However, some areas of the palace were difficult to visit due to the large number of people, and the crowds made it less enjoyable.

Helpful? Yes

After the initial introduction, the visit is self guided.

Helpful? Yes

We visited on a Friday and made sure to arrive right when it opened. The crowds were overwhelming, especially in the Harem. The audio guide was difficult to use, and there were no signs to help navigate the palace. We often didn’t know where we were and missed some sights. I would recommend hiring a guide who can provide easier navigation and more detailed information. Despite the difficulties, the palace itself is beautiful.

Helpful? Yes

Having the initial guide was really helpful for skipping the lines and getting oriented before exploring on our own. Our guide gave us a solid overview when we arrived, and it was great to visit the Harem area, which requires a ticket and a guide at the start. I’m glad we didn’t opt for a fully guided tour because we wanted to explore at our own pace afterward.

Helpful? Yes

The ticket distribution was somewhat chaotic because some group members arrived late. The palace itself was fantastic with plenty to explore. It was nice to have the freedom to explore on our own without a guide.

Helpful? Yes

We received audio guides but had to hand them in as soon as we entered the Harem. There wasn’t enough time to understand their purpose, and of course, no chance to actually use them.

Helpful? Yes

The guide just helped us get in without waiting in line for tickets and entry. There were too many people for one guide to manage, so we didn’t catch anything he said.

Helpful? Yes

The palace is vast, and unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to see everything. The guide was very pleasant, but the only issue was that the internet connection failed, so the audio guide wasn’t available. This definitely needs to be fixed.

Helpful? Yes

Overall, I really enjoyed the experience. However, I felt it was unfortunate that the staff at the bar didn’t explain there were multiple QR codes for the audio guide. Since there were several codes to scan, I assumed they were duplicates so multiple people could use them simultaneously. Because of this misunderstanding, my friends and I didn’t have an audio guide for the Harem Museum.

Helpful? Yes

Sixty euros is far too expensive for a visit without an actual guide. The queues were extremely long, and there were far too many people inside.

Helpful? Yes

The signage inside the palace was quite unclear, which made navigating the different rooms and areas challenging. The numbers used in the audio guide were difficult to match with the actual locations, causing some confusion during the visit. Considering everything, I felt the price was rather high for what the building and experience offered.

Helpful? Yes

As mentioned in the tour details, the guide’s role is only to help with ticket checks; the rest of the visit is self guided. The palace itself is breathtaking and definitely worth seeing. We spent about three hours there. The audio guide was also quite good.

Helpful? Yes

When entering the palace and the Harem, the guide only escorts the group to the entrance but does not stay with them. We found the large group size regrettable, as it made the entry process very slow. Aside from that, the palace is stunning and definitely worth visiting, and the Harem is equally impressive.

Helpful? Yes