Visiting Topkapi Palace

We took a half day tour in the afternoon. We wished we had taken the morning tour because there is so much to see on the property. You can easily spend the day there.
PS - the Hagia Sophia was an expensive disappointment. The blue mosque was enough to see and it’s free.

I will try and look at my notes to see which company we used.

I went with my RS tour and had a partially guided tour with our guide, then we had free time. The RS guidebook has a pretty decent overview and information, but it is an enormous place so if you are big in seeing all the things plan for a good half day minimum. It is also busy, especially when lots of cruise ships are in town so check the docking schedule. Also, don't try to go on Tuesday, it is closed.

PS there is a great Instagram page with photos of the cats of Topkapi @saraykedileri

Not a practical tip, but if you get the chance before departure, try to see the movie “Topkapi” online before you go. Based on an Eric Ambler thriller, released in 1964, great cast, wonderful soundtrack (although in truth more Greek than Turkish), it’s a gang of thieves trying to steal the Sultan’s emerald dagger. Istanbul when it was a city of maybe one tenth the population now.

Topkapi Palace has many sections and could indeed be a full-day destination. Take a look online and decide where to focus your attention initially so you don't start in a section that's a lower priority for you and spend too much time there. I just used the rented audio guide. I prefer to move at my own pace at indoor attractions.

Have gone several times including as recently as last August. All but once was with tour guides. Each had their own perspectives. Take time to visit the “Harem” which is an additional fee. There is much to see on the property including the Imperial Treasury, the Sacred Relics, and the various courtyards facing the Bosphorus. Plan on at least four hours. With research and preparation beforehand a tour guide may be quite helpful but is not needed.

I did a tour with Metin Koca as part of two days of touring in Istanbul with the guide. We arrived a little before opening time to hop in line, buy tickets, and enter the palace grounds right at opening time. The lines for entry grow longer pretty quickly as the morning progresses. I don't know that you have to use a guide, but I always enjoy a good guide. [email protected]