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Topkapi PalacevsBalik Pazari

Both Topkapi Palace and Balik Pazari are praised by writers. On balance, Topkapi Palace scores significantly better than Balik Pazari. Topkapi Palace has a TripExpert Score of 97 with accolades from 9 publications like Frommer's, Michelin Guide and Afar Magazine.

Topkapi Palace
9/10
Babıhümayun Caddesi , Istanbul, Turkey
From $0/night
Fodor's Fodor's
"Few other royal residences match this hilltop compound when it comes to mystery, intrigue, and the lavish intricacies of court life." Full review
Concierge Concierge
"If you're stuck for time, limit yourself to the main palace and the harem, the most intimate and personal rooms used by the sultans and their many, many women."
i
Avoid going on weekends or during peak periods of the day so you miss the busloads of people who move in flocks around the grounds in a veritable babel of chattering languages.
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
Top choice
"This opulent palace complex is the subject of more colourful stories than most of the world's royal residences put together." Full review
Let's Go Let's Go
"The views are luxurious, the buildings overwhelmingly crafted, and the treasures outrageous. " Full review
Michelin Guide Michelin Guide
3 Stars
"In the harem of Topkapi Palace visitors are plunged into a mythical Orient of a thousand and one treasures and as many fantasies." Full review
i
Visit the unmissable Treasury and its masterpiece: a 250kg solid gold throne encrusted with diamonds and emeralds.
Afar Magazine Afar Magazine
"Topkapi Palace was where the Sultans lived for most of their 600 year rule over the Ottoman Empire." Full review
i
If you go, don't miss the exquisite collection of jewels in the Treasury.
Time Out Time Out
"Its extensive rooms, chamber houses and fascinating objects, including the 86-carat Spoonmaker’s Diamond, make the museum a must-see... it is a also home to a rotating cast of temporary exhibitions." Full review
Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
"Mehmet the Conqueror moved into Topkapi Palace—a complex of pavilions, kiosks, kitchens, barracks, and sleeping quarters arranged around a vast courtyard and set on the Seraglio peninsula—in 1453" Full review
i
Don't miss the spectacular view of the Bosporus and European Istanbul from the tip of the peninsula.
Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
"Construction on Topkapi Palace began in 1453, when the Ottomans took Constantinople...the Harem requires an additional ticket, but it's worth it, with its magnificent blue-tiled walls and chambers."
Istanbul Travel Guide
August 16, 2021
Independent Independent
"This sprawling complex was the residence of the Ottoman sultans for around 400 years before the extravagant European-inspired Dolmabahçe Palace took over in the 19th century."
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Balik Pazari
8/10
Balikpazari, İstiklal Caddesi, İstanbul Turkey
From $0/night
Fodor's Fodor's
"Located just off İstiklal Caddesi next to the entrance to the Çiçek Pasajı, the Balık Pazarı is a bustling labyrinth of streets filled with stands." Full review
Frommer's Frommer's
"This fish market is a colorful cluster of much more than just fishmongers." Full review
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
"Many of the shops have been here for close on a century and have extremely loyal clienteles – check out Sütte Şarküteri for its delicious charcuterie." Full review
Michelin Guide Michelin Guide
1 Star
"A feast of Rococo architecture, the 19C Flower Passage (Çiçek Pasaji in Turkish) has retained its full charm." Full review
i
You'll also want to visit the nearby bustling market, with its colourful displays of fish, flowers and fruit.

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