Istanbul Topkapi Palace Guided Tour

Topkapi Palace, located just behind Hagia Sophia, is one of Istanbul's most visited and fascinating monuments. Once the residence of the Ottoman sultans, today it is a museum that houses some of the most important relics of the Islamic world. With this guided tour with entrance included, you will discover its history, architecture and secrets accompanied by a professional guide.

During the tour, you will walk through the four courtyards of the palace, each with its own charm and significance. The guide will explain how, after the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, Sultan Mehmed II ordered the construction of this complex, which became the political, administrative and ceremonial centre of the empire.

Throughout the tour you will visit highlights such as:

• The Imperial Treasury, where priceless jewels and objects are displayed, including the 88-carat Cutler's Diamond and the Topkapi dagger, the most famous dagger in the world.
• The palace kitchens, a glimpse into the daily life of the Ottoman court and the magnitude of the royal service.
• The royal armoury and stables, which house a valuable collection of weapons, armour and ceremonial objects.
• The inner courtyards, surrounded by pavilions and fountains, overlooking the Bosphorus and the city of Istanbul.

Your guide will reveal anecdotes about the sultans, concubines and viziers who inhabited these walls, and how this palace reflected the wealth and power of the Ottoman Empire at its peak.

Although the palace harem is not included in this tour, you can explore it on your own after the tour if you wish. In just one hour, you will be transported back to the golden age of Istanbul for an intense and comprehensive experience.