Istanbul Ottoman Tour: Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque
Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul Ottoman Tour: Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque

Outty Ranking 53 4.2 · 34 traveler reviews4 hoursFrom $115
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Outty Ranking

53/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.2/5

Based on 34 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Istanbul Ottoman Tour: Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque worth booking?

Istanbul Ottoman Tour: Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque is a 4-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $115 per person. It scores 53 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 34 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
53 / 100
Rating
4.2/5 (34)
Duration
4 hours
From
$115 per person

Spend the morning exploring Istanbul's Ottoman past at the enchanting Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque.

What you get

    About this experience

    Spend the morning exploring Istanbul's Ottoman past at the enchanting Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque.

    What's included

    Included

    • Professional guide
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Meeting point for pick up

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Food and drinks, unless specified

    What you'll see and do

    1. Blue Mosque

      Please note: On Fridays the Blue Mosque will be closed until 2.30pm for prayer, entry will not be permitted. One of the most famous monuments in both the Turkish and Islamic worlds, the Sultan Ahmet Mosque (also known as the Blue Mosque) is a superb creation in the classical Ottoman style. The mosque has six towering minarets and 260 windows illuminating its vast main chamber, which is decorated with more than 20,000 Iznik tiles.

      45 minutes here

    2. Hippodrome

      The Hippodrome was once the heart of Constantinople’s political and sporting life, and the scene of games and riots through 500 years of Ottoman history. Today it is a city park called the At Meydanı (Horse Grounds) because of its function in Ottoman times. The Hippodrome includes the 3500-year-old Egyptian granite Obelisk, brought to Constantinople by Emperor Theodosius in 390 AD.

      15 minutes here

    3. TopkapI Palace

      The largest and oldest palace in the world, Topkapi was the crown jewel of the Ottoman Empire. With its treasury and exotic buildings overlooking the Golden Horn, your visit to Topkapi promises to be a truly fascinating experience. Note, the Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.

      90 minutes here · Admission included

    4. German Fountain

      It was built in Germany and moved by ships and its construction was completed in Istanbul.

      10 minutes here

    5. Obelisk of Theodosius

      The Obelisk of Theodosius was one of the monuments on the spina of the Hippodrome of Constantinople during the reign of Theodosius I in 390.

      15 minutes here

    6. Hagia Irene Museum

      The Hagia Irene located in the outer courtyard of Topkapı Palace is the oldest church of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine).

      30 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Istanbul

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 9 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Neon Tours

    Know before you go

    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Confirmation for this tour will be received at the time of booking
    • In the event of any museum closures, an alternative similar museum will be visited
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult

    Photos

    Turkish lamps at the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Istanbul Ottoman Tour: Topkapi Palace and Blue MosqueIstanbul Ottoman Tour: Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque, photo 3Istanbul Ottoman Tour: Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque, photo 4Istanbul Ottoman Tour: Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque, photo 5Istanbul Ottoman Tour: Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque, photo 6

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 34 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    9 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    34 verified traveler reviews for Istanbul Ottoman Tour: Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    18
    4 star
    10
    3 star
    3
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    2
    Sort
    KristinQ33 · May 2024

    Very informative and a well planned tour!

    We took this tour on our first day in Istanbul (a few days ago). Our guide was kind, informative, and so funny! Very easy to talk to. She answered all of our questions, even my irrelevant ones (how to say “thank you” in Turkish, safety tips, etc). I really enjoyed her company and she made the tour so much fun! The order we did things in was perfect in my opinion, and the hand-knotted rug demonstration was such a cool unique experience that I wouldn’t have been able to do on my own. Loved it!!

    Response from the operator: Dear Guest, we are very happy to hear that you were satisfied with our service. Your feedback is very helpful to us in improving our service. We hope that your entire trip to Turkey was wonderful and that you leave our country with beautiful memories. We would be delighted to see you in our country again. Thank you.

    via Tripadvisor

    karenhO1130MG · September 2023

    AMAZING.. beyond our expectations.

    The highlight of my trip to Istanbul. Our tour guide, Seckin D. Was beyond our expectations. He knew every answer to our questions and went way beyond any guide we’ve ever had. He spoke perfect English and understood very well. I told him “I think you’re American”! Yes, that perfect! He knew more about Americans than most American do! You won’t be disappointed.

    Response from the operator: Dear Guest, we are very happy to hear that you were satisfied with our service. Your feedback is very helpful to us in improving our service. We hope that your entire trip to Turkey was wonderful and that you leave our country with beautiful memories. We would be delighted to see you in our country again. Thank you.

    via Tripadvisor

    MariaTherese_L · May 2022

    Topkapi Palace and Haggia Sofia tour

    The location of the palace so close to the mosque and the exhibits were great! Our guide was very knowledgeable and shared very interesting information.

    via Viator

    Shirls · December 2021

    Amazing tour of the main...

    Amazing tour of the main attractions in Istanbul. The tour guide Ali was exceptional and very informative

    via Viator

    Henco_V · July 2021

    Definitely joining the full day tour next time!

    Very well planned and executed tour. The guide was very well spoken and friendly. Would do this tour again - a must for anyone with only a few hours on their hands!

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    4 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    12
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Neon Tours, who run 17 experiences we rank across 5 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.3.

    See everything Neon Tours runs

    Why this scores 53

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)56
    Review evidence (18% weight)54
    Booking momentum (14% weight)47
    Value for money (12% weight)45
    Listing quality (10% weight)55
    Local standing (8% weight)11
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Istanbul Ottoman Tour: Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.

    How much does Istanbul Ottoman Tour: Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque cost?

    +

    Prices start at $115 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Istanbul usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Istanbul Ottoman Tour: Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque take?

    +

    Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Istanbul is not rushed.

    Is Istanbul Ottoman Tour: Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 53 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 34 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Istanbul, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Istanbul Ottoman Tour: Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Istanbul Ottoman Tour: Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Istanbul Ottoman Tour: Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque?

    +

    Around 12 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Istanbul can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Istanbul and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Istanbul Ottoman Tour: Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Istanbul within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Istanbul?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Istanbul experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Princes Islands Blue Journey from Old City Istanbul, Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience, Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Istanbul?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Istanbul?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Istanbul Ottoman Tour: Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque?

    +

    Included: Professional guide; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Meeting point for pick up. Not included: Gratuities; and Food and drinks, unless specified. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Istanbul Ottoman Tour: Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 9 listed pickup locations in and around Istanbul. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is Istanbul Ottoman Tour: Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Istanbul Ottoman Tour: Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Istanbul Ottoman Tour: Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Istanbul Ottoman Tour: Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Istanbul. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Istanbul Ottoman Tour: Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque?

    +

    Across 34 reviews averaging 4.2 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Istanbul Ottoman Tour: Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque.

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