Topkapı Palace Launches Expanded Night Tours in Istanbul
Topkapı Palace in Istanbul Expands Evening Tour Program
Topkapı Palace in Istanbul has reopened for evening visits as part of its summer program, offering guests an expanded route through one of Turkey’s most iconic historical landmarks.
Evening tours will take place every Saturday until September 13 from 20:30 to 22:30.
One of the palace’s most popular seasonal events returns this year with an updated program. For the first time, the route includes the chambers of the Black Eunuchs, the courtyard of the Sultan’s wives and concubines, and the Mâbeyn Tile Art Gallery.
Expanded Historical Route
After launching its first night tours in 2024—marking the first evening access since the palace opened as a museum in 1924—the program attracted significant interest and has now been considerably expanded.
During the evening route, visitors will be able to explore:
- The palace courtyards
- The Imperial Harem
- The Chamber of Sacred Relics
- The Treasury
- Terraces overlooking Istanbul
The main innovation this season is the opening of three spaces that have only recently become accessible to the public. These areas provide deeper insight into daily life inside the Ottoman palace.
Inside the Imperial Harem
The Imperial Harem remains one of the highlights of the tour. Visitors will see the courtyard and chambers of the Black Eunuchs, the Sultan’s private quarters, the Sultan’s bath, the chambers of Sultan Murad III, and the famous Golden Road.
Among the newly included sections is the courtyard of the Sultan’s wives and concubines, featuring living quarters, kitchens, laundry rooms, storage areas, baths, and a coffee room.
This section offers visitors a rare opportunity to better understand the daily life, education, and service system of the Imperial Harem.
Legendary Treasures on Display
In the Enderun Courtyard, guests can visit the Audience Chamber, the Chamber of Sacred Relics, the Fatih Pavilion, and the Treasury.
Some of the palace’s most famous treasures will also be on display, including the Spoonmaker’s Diamond, the Topkapı Dagger, and the Golden Throne.
Panoramic Finale
The final stop of the route is the Fourth Courtyard, also known as the Pavilion Gardens. Visitors can walk along the pool terrace and enjoy breathtaking views of Istanbul from the Iftar Pavilion and the Mecidiye Pavilion terraces.
The buildings in this section will be viewed from the outside only.
“Night tours attract great interest not only from Turkish visitors but also from international guests. Families can also attend together with their children.”
Tours begin and end at the Imperial Gate, Bab-ı Hümayun. Tickets are available at the palace ticket offices, and audio guides are provided at the entrance. During evening visits, the café in the First Courtyard will also remain open.
