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Rumeli Fortress vs Topkapi Palace

Both are rated very highly by expert writers. On balance, Topkapi Palace scores significantly better than Rumeli Fortress. Topkapi Palace ranks #1 in Istanbul with praise from 9 publications like Frommer's, Concierge and Michelin Guide.

Rumeli Fortress
Rumeli Fortress
8 / 10
Tarabya Yenikoy Cad., Istanbul, Turkey
From $0 /night
Fodor's Fodor's
"Built on a hill overlooking the water, Rumeli Hisarı is the best preserved of all the fortresses on the Bosphorus and well worth a visit." Full review
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"Just before the Fatih Bridge are the majestic structures of Rumeli Hisarı and Anadolu Hisarı (Fortress of Anatolia)." Full review
Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
"In the stranglehold that eventually throttled Constantinople in 1453, the Rumeli Hisar (castle) served as the lynch pin." Full review
Michelin Guide Michelin Guide
1 Star
"The towers and crenellated walls of the imposing ramparts of the Rumeli Hisari (1452) can be seen on the European shore of the Bosphorus, resembling a long stone snake." Full review
Time Out Time Out
"Visitors can explore the many towers of the fortress and enjoy a spectacular view of the Bosphorus and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge." Full review
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Topkapi Palace
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.
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