Free tour

Secrets of Topkapı Palace: Ottomans

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İstanbul

Duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes

Languages: English

Guru: Muhammed Salih

Registered on 18 August 2023

Hello! My name is Muhammed Salih — or you can call me Mo for short. I wasn’t born here, but over time I became an İstanbullu — a true local. İstanbul became my real home, and I’ve grown to love it deeply. Not in a “guidebook” kind of way, but in the way you love a place that shapes who you are. I studied Theology and even worked as a research assistant for two years. It was interesting, but honestly, it never felt like me. I wanted to be outside, walking the streets, talking to people, telling stories, and feeling the city around me. That’s why I left and became a tour guide — and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. When I’m not guiding, I’m usually reading (or stressing about not reading enough!) or just wandering around the city. Even after all these years, İstanbul still surprises me — a hidden inscription on a wall or an old story I hadn’t heard before. That’s the İstanbul I love to share with guests. Guiding isn’t just my job — it’s something I truly enjoy. And I hope people can feel that when they tour with me.

Free reservation and cancellation

Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation and cancellation are free

Tour description

Secrets of Topkapı Palace: Ottomans (Entrance Fee Required)

Step into the world of sultans, harem, and palace intrigue on this immersive tour of Istanbul’s most iconic palace.

For nearly 400 years, Topkapı was the beating heart of the Ottoman Empire — home to powerful rulers, the harem, priceless treasures, and political drama. Together, we’ll explore the courtyards, imperial chambers, kitchens, and gardens, uncovering the real stories behind the splendor.

You’ll hear about:

Life inside the Harem – myths, realities, and surprising facts.
The Janissaries – the empire’s elite troops with Christian origins
Palace politics – plots, alliances, and the fate of those who crossed the sultan.
Everyday palace life – from kithcen to harem

Whether it’s your first time in Istanbul or your tenth, this tour will give you a deeper understanding of the Ottomans.

What We Will See

First Courtyard

The Executioner's Fountain

Second Courtyard

Imperial Council

The Harem

Audience Chamber

Imperial Treasury

Sultan Abdülmecid Pavilion

Palace Gardens

Important Note:
⚠️⚠️⚠️ This tour requires an entrance ticket to Topkapı Palace, which is not included in the tour price.
⚠️⚠️⚠️ I will help you buy the tickets with skip-the-line option.
🎟️🎟️🎟️ Today’s ticket price: 2,400 TL (including Harem section & Hagia Irene Church Museum).

💡 Your ticket is valid until the palace closes at 6:00 PM. After our tour ends, you’re welcome to continue exploring the palace at your own pace.

Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:

Sultan Ahmet Sultanahmet Meydanı Topkapı Sarayı, Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

I will be waiting by the Sultan Ahmet III Fountain, holding a Turkish flag so you can easily spot me.

Outside visit

The Fountain of Ahmed III

Outside visit

Hagia Irene

Outside visit

Topkapı Sarayı Harem Dairesi

Harem Section of the Palace

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end the amount they consider appropriate (amounts usually range from €15 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).