Topkapı Palace (Topkapı Sarayı) — Fatih / Sultanahmet
A complete visitor’s guide to the residence of the Ottoman sultans
The palace was built by Sultan Mehmed II in 1478, and from the 15th to the 19th century the Ottoman Empire used it as its political centre.
Opening Hours and Closing Days (2025)
- Open: usually every day except Tuesday.
- Summer hours (approximately 1 April to 1 October): about 9:00–18:00 (last entry usually 17:00).
- Winter hours: about 9:00–16:45 (last entry 15:45).
- The Harem usually admits visitors slightly later than the main palace.
- Schedules may differ on some national and religious holidays.
Location
Address: Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Getting there: T1 tram – Sultanahmet or Gülhane stops
Visiting hours: 9:00–18:00 (summer) / 9:00–16:45 (winter)