I recommend paying extra and also visiting the harem. You will need half a day to visit all of it. So many different things to see inside.

Many differnet fantastic buildings, a lot of people ( we were there at a Sunday ) Top of the visit, harme, treassure chambre and the armour gallery.

Reminds of the 1964 movie... This is a great place to visit and understand the way of living and the HUGE POWER of the Sultans, their Vizirs and their Pashas. Beautiful collections, well groomed gardens. Do not miss.

wanna know about Islam and its origin? Go there...

Topkapi palace had a lot of things to see. Full of history.

1) Buy and print your ticket online. 2) Arrive at or before opening time. 3) Go directly to the popular sites first: Harem and Treasury.

Yes there are crowds, but this is the Must see in Istanbul. Give yourself plenty of time to wander the site, and plan on lunch or a snack, as the view is the best on earth from the cafe. Read up before you go, as the signs can be hard to read or see in some places.

Lovely rooms...wished they would have had furniture in the rooms to you could visualize the daily working of the area better. Great view of the bosporous.

Can get very busy, try to visit early or late when you can really enjoy the atmosphere of the palace, not just the exhibits to be seen.