Overview
Discover the history and myths of Ottoman Istanbul with a small-group guided tour
Get priority admission tickets and avoid long lines with an expert guide
Witness the Harem with your own eyes, the private quarters and home of the Sultans.
See the Holy Relics, Imperial Kitchens, Royal Court, and the terraced gardens with tulips.
Admire incredible views of the Bosphorus as you look out over the city
Get tips from your guide at the end of the tour about what to see next
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Small group tour
Headsets to hear the guide better
Skip-the-line tickets for the Harem
Expert local guides
Skip-the-line tickets for Topkapi Palace
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
We meet at Ersoy Bufe. This is a small food kiosk just by the side of the Hippodrome in Sultanahmet Square. It is across the German Fountain. Your guide will be in front of the Ersoy Bufe with a sign that says, “Walks in Europe.”
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Good to know
This voucher is not your admission ticket for the Palace. You must meet your guide to start the tour.
What to expect
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Sultanahmet District
Meet your expert guide and join your small group for a walking tour of Topkapi Palace and see its Harem, too.
Visit the top site in Istanbul with priority admission tickets. -
TopkapI Palace
2 hours
Start your tour after you pass Sultanahmet Square.
Enjoy your guide's commentary about Topkapi and the Ottoman Sultans who lived in it.
Visit the Palace complex of low buildings and pavilions, kiosks and courtyards. It’s a self-contained city that most of the inhabitants rarely left.
There are many sections open for visits and you will get an in-depth walking tour through all the displays.
Savor this romantic scene with the views of the Bosporus in Istanbul.
Enjoy walking the outer terraced gardens, where flowerbeds blaze with tulips of many colors and climb the high terrace to admire the view over the Golden Horn,too. -
TopkapI Palace
1 hour
Visit the Harem in Topkapi Palace: the famous house of the Monarchy. Filter myth from reality as you listen to stories from your guide.
Witness the very seat of the Ottoman Sultan’s power in Topkapi Palace lying within the deepest reaches of the Harem.
Learn how it was ruled by the Queen Mother who wielded both domestic and political power.
The Harem housed hundreds of women-mostly war captives- and family members as well as hundreds of eunuchs, who performed a whole range of administrative and personal duties.
Walk through the sections where the eunuchs lived and were educated. Take photos of the courtyard of the concubines and the Queen Mother’s Rooms.
See cupboard doors inlaid with mother-of-pearl and tortoise shell.
Our walk through the Harem is the only way you can see the very early exceptional Iznik tiles with verses from the Kuran and beautiful floral designs.
End the tour seeing the Holy Relics and the Imperial Kitchens. You may choose to have free time afterward.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Europe/Istanbul).
Additional Information
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Istanbul Topkapi Palace and Harem Small-Group Guided Tour
Can I cancel Istanbul Topkapi Palace and Harem Small-Group Guided Tour for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 3 hours.
Where does it start?
We meet at Ersoy Bufe. This is a small food kiosk just by the side of the Hippodrome in Sultanahmet Square. It is across the German Fountain.
What's included?
- Small group tour
- Headsets to hear the guide better
- Skip-the-line tickets for the Harem
- Expert local guides
- Skip-the-line tickets for Topkapi Palace
Which places does it visit?
It visits Sultanahmet District, TopkapI Palace.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in German, English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Walks In Europe
