01
First Courtyard (Court of the Janissaries)
20 minutesFree entry
This is the outermost and largest courtyard of the palace. Today, it functions as a public park area. It houses the Byzantine church of Hagia Irene and the former Imperial Mint.
Explore
The Four Courtyards
The sprawling main complex of Topkapi Palace transitions from public spaces to the sultan's most private sanctuaries.
Topkapi Palace covers roughly 400,000 square meters today. The layout centers around four main courtyards. Each courtyard served a specific function for the Ottoman Empire during its 400-year history.
As you walk from the first courtyard to the fourth, the access becomes more restricted. You will move past administrative centers and royal kitchens into the private gardens and sacred chambers of the sultans.
02
Second Courtyard (Divan Square)
45 minutesAdministrative center
This space acted as the administrative heart of the palace. It contains the Imperial Council (Divan-ı Hümayun), the Tower of Justice, and the massive Palace Kitchens. You should view the collection of Chinese porcelain displayed inside the renovated kitchens on the right side.
03
Third Courtyard
60 minutesNo photos inside
This is the private inner palace. It features the Audience Chamber, the Imperial Treasury, and the Chamber of the Holy Relics. The treasury holds the 86-carat Spoonmaker's Diamond. Photography is forbidden in the Treasury and Holy Relics, so keep your camera put away to avoid guard intervention.
04
Fourth Courtyard
30 minutesBest photo spot
This area consists of terraced gardens and pleasure pavilions, including the Baghdad Pavilion. It offers sweeping views of the Golden Horn and Bosphorus.
Tour the Courtyards
Small-Group Topkapi Palace and Harem Tour with Tickets3 h 4.7 (761)from $54
