Topkapı Palace
Local name: Topkapı Sarayı Müzesi
- Built
- 1478
- Visit time
- 3 h
- Open
- Daily except Tuesday
- Entry
- Ticketed
Commissioned by Sultan Mehmed II in the 1460s, the palace was the seat of Ottoman government until 1856 and has been a museum since 1924. Its courtyards lead to the Treasury (with the Spoonmaker's Diamond), the Sacred Relics, the Harem and pavilions overlooking the Bosphorus.
Tip
Allow at least 3 hours. The Harem requires a separate ticket. Closed on Tuesdays.