Topkapi

5.0

3318 ratings

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Алексей П

Level 23 Local Expert

A gorgeous palace where you can walk all day. The audio guide is free, you need to leave documents or $ 100 as a deposit. It is better to come to the opening itself by 9 am to see the main premises without a crowd of tourists / schoolchildren. The treasury is very beautiful and has wonderful views of the Bosphorus.

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Алексей Просянов

Level 11 Local Expert

Impressive. I advise you to pay special attention to the treasury. The personal belongings of the Prophet Muhammad make a touching impression.

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Юлия Дроботова

Level 5 Local Expert

We were at the palace in April 2023. The ticket price is 650 lire, it includes the palace, the harem, the church of St. Irene. The queue for tickets is long, but in about 15 minutes we bought a ticket. If you need an audio guide, you will have to stand in the same queue, because they are issued elsewhere. When we were here, the most interesting part of the harem was the Sultan's chambers, the Hurrem was closed for restoration, as well as many other rooms. Therefore, for the most part, the tour consists of an inspection of the buildings from the outside, you can enter a limited number of rooms inside. Therefore, there are two opinions left, because, to be honest, it is not very clear what you paid the money for if the most interesting thing is not available

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Сергей Дедов

Level 13 Local Expert

A very rich and interesting exposition.

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Никита Писаренко

Level 8 Local Expert

An incredible museum, overwhelmed with emotions, especially struck by the Sultan's dishes, a must-visit.

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Татьяна Жукова

Level 3 Local Expert

Being in Istanbul, of course, I wanted to look at the palace where the sultans lived, so Topkapi was a must. The first disappointment is the ticket price - since January 2023, a ticket to the palace costs 500(!!) lira, with a harem of 650(!!!) lira. The price is unreasonably high, because a lot of pavilions are closed to the public and by and large, except for the harem there is not much to see. The next and biggest disappointment was visiting, as the audio guide told us, the premises where the sultan's chambers used to be, as many as 40 rooms.... What turned out to be the case? After standing in an incredibly long queue for 1.5 hours, we found ourselves in a small room with an absolutely uninteresting museum exhibit and a souvenir shop. That's it!!! After such a setup, the whole impression of visiting this place was completely spoiled. I was a little pleased to visit the harem, but we did not have enough information and history there, the audio guide is very brief, in some rooms there is no description at all.

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Шойинисса Юнусова

Level 9 Local Expert

Very beautiful sights of Istanbul. Everything has been preserved at the highest level .

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Денис Р.

Level 9 Local Expert

Everything is old, of course recognizable by the cult series. But up close, of course, it's not as lush as I thought. Original or authentic original buildings, ponds, lawns. I recommend the sultan's summer houses and be sure to take a look at the royal treasury. The size of the jewels is amazing. It is not likely that sultans and their wives or anyone else decorated themselves with all this. Entrance is paid, but I assure you, it's worth seeing and feeling something.

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Надежда

Level 5 Local Expert

Topkapi Palace with a harem and the Church of St.Irina is currently worth 950 lira. It is an iconic place in Istanbul, so you need to visit it for a check. But the museum did not make a special impression on me. Absolutely not worth the money. How the harem is served for viewing is generally disappointed. You won't see the wives' rooms there. Only the hamams, the valide hall, the eunuchs' rooms, the corridors. The situation is reproduced very poorly. To imagine it, you must first look at the Magnificent century)))) Plus a huge crowd of people, queues, summer heat. The Church of St.Irina's is a scary hall made of gray stone, with scaffolding in the center. The impression is made only by the stone walls with which the sultans surrounded themselves)))

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Ольга

Level 20 Local Expert

An interesting place with an impressive history. Admission per person is 1500 liras. We took an audio guide, which is practically useless, there is information in Russian, but it seemed insufficient, dry facts. I regretted that they did not take a guide with a tour.

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Марина А

Level 14 Local Expert

There are more disadvantages, on weekends and holidays and good weather, queues everywhere on the territory starting from the ticket offices and a lot of people, just a lot. There are audio guides, maps of the world and dollars, they do not take euros, only lira. About 40 euros per person. And the crush!!!

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176049 Ампилогова

Level 20 Local Expert

Of course, it is interesting to plunge into the history of the Magnificent Century, but the chambers of concubines, including Hurrem, are closed. Perhaps they are not there . The Sultan's chambers are now an exhibition of the shrines of Islam, there is no Sultan's furniture. Very few of Suleiman's belongings. And the ticket price is too high , especially with such a course

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Дмитрий Кулижнов

Level 7 Local Expert

It's very big, you have to come in early, after a lot of people. It takes several hours, more than 3 hours, and preferably with a guide. The audio guide is a bit boring.

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Ольга

Level 9 Local Expert

We visited in the middle of May, after 14, there are few people at the ticket office. We took an audio guide, they just give out phones for passports or collateral, it's like that, they work every other time and the languages are confused. The most interesting thing is in the harem, start from there, we followed the guide and did not have time to see the whole harem, at 17.30 everyone is kicked out to slowly inspect everything, probably it takes 6 hours

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Наталья Е.

Level 7 Local Expert

It's beautiful, informative, well, where else will you see the miraculous staff of Moses himself, or the sandals of the Prophet Muhammad?!! It doesn't matter that no scientific evidence has been presented on this topic, but the aftertaste is pleasant. The views are gorgeous. The scope is impressive. But it is better to go with a guide and lay 3-4 hours for a leisurely inspection.

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Мария Ц.

Level 4 Local Expert

Ticket price ~ 5k rubles We walked around the palace for almost 4.5 hours at an average pace. And we didn't even watch a little bit. I don't know why they write that the audio guide should be listened to with headphones. We listened perfectly well without them. Several locations were not translated into Russian, but it's not scary. Overall, we liked the audio guide. And I still don't know why everyone writes to come to the opening itself, we arrived at 12:00, there were no queues (end of November). Of the cons, the toilets were only in the beginning😅

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Анна Тутынина

Level 14 Local Expert

It is wrong to be in Istanbul and not visit the Sultan's palace. The price tag is 1500 liras. It's expensive, but it's worth it. The audio guide is included in the price - you can use your phone, or you can take an additional one for free, secured by a document. I recommend you to visit.

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Снежанна Кулинская

Level 10 Local Expert

A gorgeous palace, a very interesting history and interiors, beautiful courtyards with plane trees that are several centuries old, and gardens.

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корецкий Михаил

Level 27 Local Expert

Everything is very historically beautiful. There is no hint of a fake. There are toilets on site for free. There is nothing to drink in hot weather. We need to take water with us.

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Наталья С.

Level 8 Local Expert

We were here on an excursion. The desire to definitely come back again. I don't think one more day will be enough to see all the splendor here.

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Ирина С.

Level 2 Local Expert

To get to this place, it is best to take a guide, since with a guide you are allowed to pass without queues. Using the audio guide, of course, you save money, but you will not learn the 10th part, which a professional guide can tell you. I did not spare any money at all, having spent a wonderful day and visited 3 places, slowly and bypassing the queues. The place itself is stunning in beauty.

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Алексей А.

Level 13 Local Expert

A large and interesting museum, you can spend half a day with interest. The harem is a bit boring, there are a lot of empty identical rooms. A lot of people.

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Александра А.

Level 18 Local Expert

It's beautiful, of course, but ticket prices have increased for the third time in a year. And it was also surprising that there were very few utensils and objects of that time in the halls. Basically everything is collected in separate themed halls with clothes, books, dishes and so on.

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Ridos

Level 30 Local Expert

Entrance to the First Courtyard is free, however, the visit time is limited from 9 to 19 hours and is carried out on all days of the week except Tuesdays. You can only get into the First Courtyard of Topkapi for free. Tickets will be required to see the rest of the palace. The ticket offices are located in the First Courtyard, in its right part. In my opinion, this palace should be left to the last turn, when everyone has already looked around.

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Валерий О

Level 12 Local Expert

1 love. Istanbul. Everything is amazing! After Topkapi, I was saddened by the terrible scarcity of the so-called Diamond Fund in the Kremlin, it is very sad that the Savdepov renovation and the thirst for money from the caretakers in the Diamond Fund have not yet been eradicated. In Topkapi, the countless treasures in the immediate vicinity can be photographed and videotaped to your heart's content, unlike the Kremlin's terrible Diamond Fund, where even the treasures that Turkey shows its guests are not available. Photos and videos are self-promotion for tourists!!!!

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Дмитрий Балуков

Level 8 Local Expert

A magnificent complex. The richest expositions. The Hall of Relics and the treasury are fascinating. In summer, among the blooming gardens and the most pleasant architecture, surrounded by the history of the Ottomans, I advise you to lay 4 or even 5 hours.

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Татьяна

Level 7 Local Expert

As fans of the TV series "Magnificent Century", we just couldn't help but go to the TopCaps. We really liked it, but it's important to calculate the time. The territory is simply huge, there are many museums and places to visit in general. We spent about 5 hours in total! And so the palace is a must-visit!!!

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Константин

Level 13 Local Expert

It's a great place. I recommend visiting it at the very opening - avoid long queues and get the opportunity to walk around an empty landmark. the main influx begins about an hour and a half after the opening

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Ольга

Level 30 Local Expert

The later you arrive over the years, the more rooms are closed for restoration. Considering the ticket price of 650 lira, huge crowds of tourists, queues and poor information of the audio guide (to pay Guides for 50 euros), I don't want to come here in any way. Although, as long as there is demand, prices will rise and more and more space will be closed from people. For 7 years, the chambers of Hurrem Sultan have never been opened. In 2016, much more was opened (although the chambers of Hurrem Sultan are always under restoration, it is impossible to get in) . The Sultan and Walide's chambers were now closed. Somehow the question arises, what are we paying for? Look outside the building and several halls, while the most interesting is closed from fans of the Magnificent Century. The territory of 1400 is impressive, you can walk along the Golden Path, freezing inside if you fly in the cool season. I've been in winter and spring and summer and autumn) One cafe for thousands of people. Yes, you can look at the Bosphorus from there. But it is better to buy a boat trip. Just my thoughts. P.S. In front of the kitchen area, where there are huge stoves, there is an almost black smooth tree that is more than 500 years old. They walk past him without noticing. I stopped and thought about how many centuries had passed, people were born and died, but it still stands. When you watch TV shows, everything is expensive, rich) When you find yourself in Topkapi Palace, you notice thick bars on every window. The yard for walking is deaf and closed. And you immediately understand, in captivity. Approximately 1,200 women lived in the harem permanently. And only a few were allowed to walk, the rest worked all day, waiting for the "finest hour", or when they would get married. There is a lot to think about. There is a fairy tale on the screen, in real life all the romance is replaced by not the best echo of those times. Survival and the constant struggle to save lives.

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Анна Сабурова

Level 18 Local Expert

The most important disadvantage (and here I agree with many of the reviews that were left earlier) is the price. 6,000 rubles per person for admission is too much. Yes, as a museum of culture and everyday life, it's great. There are many exhibits, the territory is large, and there is a lot to see. But we found ourselves on a very rainy and cold day, and we gave up at 4 o'clock (we looked at 90 percent) because we were very cold. The rooms / halls are not heated, you do not have time to catch your breath and warm up. Perhaps this is due to the need to preserve the exhibits, but this is clearly not how it works in many other museums. You're always very, very cold, even in 5 layers of clothing. Therefore, I strongly advise you to come only in warm weather. Intuitive navigation and descriptions of the exhibits are missing. To do this, you need to take a guided tour for an additional fee. Because an audio guide won't answer all the questions that pop into your head.

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Ирина Чапуровская

Level 26 Local Expert

The entrance fee is 1500 liras, it's expensive. But it's 100% worth it. We have prepared, we have come to the opening, while there are no crowds of Chinese tourists flowing along the Topkapi River! The views are gorgeous, the history of the palace is centuries-old! You must see the Topcaps!

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Егорова

Level 6 Local Expert

The most historical place in Istanbul. Everyone just has to visit it! Not only go inside, but also enter the harem and museum and exhibition complexes.

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Natalya E

Level 11 Local Expert

It is very interesting even without an excursion, to take a walk, to see.

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дмитрий иванов

Level 14 Local Expert

Beautiful views from the terraces to the Bosphorus, fans of Turkish TV series will love it.There is a large flow of tourists, some exhibits are difficult to examine in detail and the distances between the stained glass windows are small.The parks are beautiful, with a beautiful view of the Galata Tower.

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Ольга Дроздова

Level 15 Local Expert

Very beautiful. Lots of greenery. Historical locations. Definitely ready to visit with a guide

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Сергей

Level 10 Local Expert

It's better to come in the morning. The biggest queue at the observation deck. You can buy a ticket to the harem separately inside. We recommend

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Наталья Алтынбаева

Level 12 Local Expert

A historical place in Istanbul that is definitely worth a visit. The entrance fee is considerable, but there is something to see and where to walk. There is a good museum on site.

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Диана Багапова

Level 11 Local Expert

Must-see. We went on an excursion, I regretted it. There wasn't enough time. There are many small museums inside. Definitely, we need more time.

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Арина Кузнецова

Level 12 Local Expert

Not worth the money (1,500 lire) We didn't understand other people's enthusiasm for this palace. At least he did not make an impression on the palace.

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Елена Шемякина

Level 9 Local Expert

What a beauty, God!!! A lot of rooms have already been restored, in good condition. What a beauty, what tiles on the walls. In the 16th century, there were already toilets, a hammam, washbasins and running water. A "magnificent century" and that's all. It seems that Hurrem will go out on the balcony and look at everyone with his eyes 🙂

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Тимофей Дьяченко

Level 4 Local Expert

Everything is cool, but the price for admission is space,

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Е. В.

Level 11 Local Expert

I was with a tour group, there were no queues because the pass card was issued on the bus. The palace is very beautiful and gives the impression that the sultan or his loved ones are about to appear around the bend

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Hikmatulla Muminov

Level 6 Local Expert

A very beautiful, huge palace! Words cannot describe it. You can't count the pluses, but the minus is the bathroom: until you go around all the palaces, you won't order your body, there's not enough bathroom. Time: 20 -25 min stoish!

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Григорий А.

Level 12 Local Expert

Expensive. 8000rubles for two people for admission. There are huge queues every day. Yes, there is a lot of historical value, but it seems that entrance to the Louvre is cheaper. There are also long queues for individual exhibits and facilities inside the territory. In general, it is cheaper and more pleasant to go to the archaeological museum nearby than there.

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sasha19591

Level 7 Local Expert

It was August 3, 2023. The heat is 38 degrees. It is very difficult to queue for an entrance ticket. The price is 950 lira, which is 3500 rubles, depending on the exchange rate. It was possible to stand in another queue for the guide headphones. But since we were on a cruise and our passports were taken away for the duration of the cruise and we were given plastic cards, which were a document, we were not given headphones. Therefore, the impressions were not very good. You need to go to Istanbul in September-October

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Kite Bord

Level 11 Local Expert

It is necessary to start the inspection early, even in winter, the queue at the ticket office, it is better to immediately go left to the harem, we went first to the right to the kitchens and eventually barely managed to get to the harem half an hour before closing, but we went there alone with the museum guards. A ticket to the harem is purchased additionally, the palace is amazing.

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Сергей Амплеев

Level 25 Local Expert

A well-maintained and exhibit-rich museum. The arms and jewelry departments are especially good. But! One small and extremely meager cafe for thousands of tourists. And the palace itself is completely different from children's ideas about the palaces of the eastern sultans and padishahs. Alas, everything is much more boring, more modest and even poorer than in the fairy tales of 1001 nights and, moreover, Hollywood cliches about the palaces of the eastern lords. One of the biggest disappointments in life.

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Роман Котляров

Level 12 Local Expert

Be sure to visit. A large complex of buildings and parks. Cons: the entrance is quite expensive. There are a lot of tourists in the season: it's crowded, you can't take an audio guide because of the queue (there's no point without it)

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Анна Петрова

Level 9 Local Expert

There are a lot of negative reviews, which was very surprising. After reading a lot before the visit, we decided to go anyway. And I will say sincerely - they did not regret it. Yes, it's not cheap, but I don't agree to say that there is nothing to watch. We took a museum card (360 lira) and did not regret it either (the queues are just huge). When visiting, the spirit of history is felt, we downloaded a good audio guide in Russian (there are excellent options where they do not load information and on average each location takes 2 minutes -we checked out and walked the entire palace in our rhythm). On the territory there are many museums and weapons, and kitchen utensils, cups, hookahs. Yes, there is not much decoration of the palace, not everything is open, but in general there is something to look at. Walls, architecture, logistics of the building itself. Those who love history will definitely appreciate it. There will be no "expensive-rich" at every step))

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Константин Козаченко

Level 12 Local Expert

A huge territory with various thematic content. A mixture of museum expositions and the historical sites themselves. It is worth looking around carefully - you should not throw a coin "for memory" into the fountain of tears, a twofold memory.

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Topkapi

1068 reviews