Topkapi Palace, Istanbul

We have visited the Topkapi Palace several times over the past 10 years and it's been worth it every time. But, to fully enjoy it, read about the history of it first. To not know the history would be like visiting the zoo without knowing anything about any of the animals kept in the zoo. Turkish history is fascinating. The Turks are artisans who have affected architecture and the way things are done around the world for millennia. The Topkapi Palace is a treat and well worth the visit - many visits. The palace looked like the castle at Disneyland Anaheim (I'm from California) and I wouldn't be surprised if Walt was influenced by it. If you're there in the heat of summer, visit the palace in the cool of the morning and go swimming in the afternoon - but that's true for any place visited in the world. We love all of Turkey and look forward to many more visits.

This was the most amazing rip off ever. I went there expecting a Versailles and it was a huge disappointment. The rooms with jewels or clothing had no airconditioning (they have them but don't bother to turn them on), they were dark. Imagine going into a room with hundreds of people, temperature at 100+F and humidity at 100% and it stinks. That's the rooms with the jewels. The other rooms were empty rooms. We went from one empty room to the next. It's like going to the zoo and seeing empty cages. This was the worst museum/palace I've ever visited and wasn't worth the price at all. The harem also was a complete waste of time. The bath for example is like visiting a bathroom with all the fixtures removed. It was an empty marble room. Terrible! Save your money and don't bother.

Beeing there is a different experience. While you are inside the palace you immagine Sultan's life and the greatness of the Empire.It is one of the world's treasures

plenty to see ! also consider to take a guided tour take your time to browse through this is a colorful warm impression of ancient osman culture dont miss to cross the bosporus on a locals ferry boat and see the medusa in the cisterns !

While many people head to Topkaipi, they often bypass the harem, which in my opinion is the craziest thing I ever heard! maybe they are turned off by the extra ticet price, but really, it is worth it. You can not get a feel for the old Ottomon Empire without seeing the harem. it is gorgeous and delicately-tiled and just beautiful in eery way. It is incredible to see. For your sake, do not bypass the harem; it is the most magnificent part of the entire palace!

I consider this Palace in the same position of History as Versailles. The place is huge. Frankly, I do not know where to start. My suggestion is for all who visit Instanbul to take some time and walk through the Topkapi Palace. The Palace represent just about 500 years of the History of the Ottoman Empire.

In Topkapi palace for me as a Muslim the most beautiful place is the sacred belongings of Prophet Muhammad and his friends that brought to Istanbul from Egypt beginning of the 15th century, really original sacred belongings that when I see them makes my whole body shiver, thanks from my heart to every body served for their protection until this day.

Topkapi Palace... make sure you get there BRIGHT AND EARLY to beat the massive crowds! Once in you can take your time. I wouldnt recommend paying for a tour guide as its all pretty self explanitory. It has an extensive collection of excelently preserved artifact including John the Baptist Arm and half of his skull.... Highly Recommended, just get there early!!

I have been there several times. because, I'm Turk and I live in istanbul. when I viseted Harem, I could image life of concubines that made me upset. Concubines were slave who servised to Sultan. therefore, thanks Atat�rk for women liberation. I aso could image superiority of Sultan that ordinary people had no any rights. then, I turned myself and many thanks ATAT�RK!

when I visited "harem", Sultan's home, I felt terrible myself. because, there were many concubines who serviced Sultan and Sultan's mother. then, I returned myself and thanks for Atat�rk. I'm so upset about concubines. God bless them.