Are you ready to discover the splendour of the Ottoman Empire under the magic of the night in the heart of Istanbul? Topkapi Palace now opens its doors to visitors every Saturday night with a special night tour. A unique opportunity awaits you to trace the footsteps of history in a quiet and peaceful atmosphere and witness the palace's splendour illuminated by lights. So, how to visit Topkapi Palace at night? What is the ticket price for the Topkapi Palace Night Tour? Let's explore together!
With a new initiative from the Directorate of National Palaces of the Republic of Turkey, it is now possible to explore Topkapi Palace at night, accompanied by an unforgettable atmosphere. For local and foreign visitors seeking a more peaceful and enjoyable experience, away from the crowds and heat of the daytime, special night tours are organised every Saturday evening, offering the opportunity to see the palace's splendour in a completely different light.
The night tours allow you to feel the traces of history more closely in an environment that is more tranquil than you would experience during daytime visits to the palace. Topkapi Palace, the administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire for over 400 years, takes on a completely different splendour with its night-time lighting; the corridors, courtyards and priceless artefacts seem to whisper of the splendour of the past.
Topkapi Palace night visits take place every Saturday.
The tours are organised in two separate groups: the first starts at 21:00, the second at 22:00.
Each tour lasts approximately two hours and ends at 23:00.
The night tour begins at the palace's main entrance gate, Bâb-ı Hümayun.
Sections That Can Be Seen on the Night Tour 👇
During the night tour, the most important sections of Topkapi Palace are opened to visitors with special guided tours:
Divan-ı Hümayun (the council of state affairs, considered the heart of Ottoman administration)
Harem Section (the private living area of the Ottoman dynasty, with its architectural details and legends)
The Sacred Relics Chamber (the sacred belongings of the Prophet Muhammad and important religious artefacts)
The Spoonmaker's Diamond, the Golden Throne and other priceless treasures are displayed in the dazzling atmosphere of the third and fourth courtyards.
Source: Antonina Turizm
Night tour entrance fee: 5000 TL
As capacity is limited, advance reservations are recommended.
Topkapi Palace Daytime Visiting Hours
Summer Season (1 April – 1 October): 09:00 – 18:00
Winter Season (1 October – 1 April): 09:00 – 16:45
The palace is closed to visitors every Tuesday.
Source: Independent Türkçe
The opportunity to explore in a calmer and more peaceful atmosphere, away from the crowds.
Seeing the palace's architecture and details from a different perspective thanks to special lighting.
Journey into the depths of history with professional guide narrations.
The opportunity to witness the impressive stories of Ottoman treasures, sacred relics, and harem life in the silence of the night.
Combining the historical fabric of Topkapi Palace with the magic of the night, this unique tour offers visitors an unforgettable experience. If you too wish to discover the traces of history under the night lights in the heart of the Ottoman Empire, you can join the night tours held on Saturday evenings and witness the splendour of the past from a completely different angle.
Source: Türkiye Today