Topkapi Palace

Palace Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey

What to expect

Topkapı Palace is a large museum and library located in the east of the Fatih district of Istanbul in Turkey. The palace complex consists of four main courtyards and many smaller buildings, including the Imperial Harem and the Treasury. It served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire and was the main residence of its sultans from the 1460s to the completion of Dolmabahçe Palace in 1856. The palace has a rich history, with construction beginning in 1459, and it features a mix of Ottoman, Baroque, and European architectural styles. Visitors can explore the palace's opulent pavilions, jewel-filled Treasury, and sprawling Harem, which provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the sultans and their families. The palace also houses an extensive collection of books and manuscripts in its library

Plan your family visit to the Topkapi Palace with these blog insights 👇

ISTANBUL with family, Istanbul with children

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the Topkapi Palace, including the Treasure room. We saw emeralds, a diamond collection, jewelry, thrones, and an emerald-set dagger

Highlights: We were dazzled by the treasure room. "Enormous emeralds, collection of diamonds, jewels, pearls, thrones in solid gold encrusted with precious stones, dagger set with emeralds…" ✨

Istanbul with Kids: Aya Sofya, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, and the Grand Bazaar

This family's experience:

Activities: Next up was Topkapı Palace. The entrance is the back right of the Aya Sofya, near this fountain to Sultan Ahmed III from 1728

Highlights: It is ornate with a lot to see and a lot of walking ✨

Best 3-Day Itinerary in Istanbul with Kids

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited Topkapi Palace, built by Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II in 1459, a complex that was once home to thousands of residents

Highlights: The kids enjoyed seeing the tiled opulence of the Sultan’s Harem ✨

What did we see in a week in Istanbul with a child in an uncomfortable stroller?

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited Topkapi Palace, a palace that was once home to the Ottoman sultans. It is more remarkable for its historical values than for its palatial elegance

Highlights: We saw ancient sacred relics, including Moses' staff, David's sword, original parts of the Kaaba temple in Mecca, and dozens of belongings of the last and most prominent prophet of Islam, Muhammad ✨

What to do and visit in Istanbul with family: complete guide

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans

Highlights: The kids enjoyed the collections of traditional clothing, arms, and armor ✨

(Tip!) Istanbul with kids: 20 family activities!

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the castle (paid) and we visited the treasure room here, rooms with weapons and old clothes and also the gardens are available to the public

Highlights: Our daughter always finds a castle interesting to visit and is also often impressed by the different weapons they used to use ✨

An Istanbul City Break with Kids, Turkey

This family's experience:

Activities: We explored the Topkapi Palace, where the sultans lived, and saw their treasures, gardens, and harem

Highlights: We enjoyed exploring the palace and seeing the sultans' treasures, gardens, and harem. My son was fascinated by the tiles and took many photos of them ✨