Night tours start at Istanbul’s Topkapı Palace

Istanbul’s famous Topkapı Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans and one of the most visited monuments by tourists and travellers visiting Turkey, experienced a historic day this weekend when for the first time in its history it began accepting night visits, which will allow visitors to tour the enormous complex after sunset, although only at certain times.

The inauguration of night visits to Topkapı took place on Saturday 29 June; according to media outlets such as CNN Türk, tourists will now be able to visit the spectacular Ottoman palace every Saturday between 9pm and 11pm, divided into two groups. During the tour, visitors will be able to admire places such as the Imperial Council Hall (Divan-ı Humayun), the Imperial Court (Kubbealtı) or the Gallery of Palace Clocks in the second courtyard.

In the Harem section, people can visit the Karaağalar Prayer Room, the Karaağalar Courtyard, the Concubine Corridor, the Apartment of the Valide Sultan (sultana mother), the Sultan’s Bath, the room of Murat III, the Apartments of the Favourites, the Courtyard of Mabeyn, the Golden Road (Altınyol) and the Kitchen of Kuşhane, recently opened to visitors with a new exhibition area. In addition, artefacts such as the Kaşıkçı Diamond, the Topkapı Dagger or the Golden Throne, included among the famous Topkapı Palace Treasures, can also be visited during the night tour.

However, one of the highlights of the first visitors who have been able to enjoy the first night tours of the Topkapı Palace has been the breathtaking views of the city of Istanbul and the Bosphorus at night that can be admired from the so-called Garden of Pavilions, located at the back of the complex. According to published information, the entrance fee to visit Topkapı at night is 1,000 liras (28 euros) for Turkish citizens and 5,000 liras (142 euros) for foreign tourists.

🧿 TOP TOURS IN ISTANBUL