Topkapi Palace, Istanbul

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.

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 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.

HArem section requires extra ticket but worthwhile. Downside : Waiting on the ticket line. If you do not like waiting : Go see the 19the century Dolmabahce PAlace's HArem - it has more of its furniture, meaning more to see waiting for you.

ı like there because it is very historycal places. ı really sure that you should go there and visit in istanbul historical places.

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

When visiting istanbul, this is a must see! We enjoyed everything! This is a good historical insight into the culture, and it is perfect for students, families, history buffs, etc. Definitely worthwhile!

this place is good i wanna go again and be with my wife and kids and i got to go back there very soon. it was great

It has been a long time since I haven't been to Topkapi, and this was my first time to Harem. First I went to Topkapi on a Monday and it was free admission in Topkapi (on Mondays it is supposed to be closed, but they open it). Then, the next day, I just went to Harem and the Sacred Relics Room (Has Oda). Also, there was Ottoman Military Band concert I came accross in Topkapi, which was a nice surprise for me. I didn't realize before that the views of Bosphorus from Topkapi were awesome. Harem is still under restoration, so, next time I visit it will be much nicer with more open rooms, etc.