Gülhane Park stretches down the hill from the walls of Topkapı Palace towards Sarayburnu, the point where the Golden Horn meets the Bosphorus. Shady paths, old plane trees and benches make it the ideal place to rest between the sights of Sultanahmet.
A little history
For centuries the park was part of the outer gardens of Topkapı Palace, open only to the court. It became a public park in the early 20th century and is one of the oldest public parks in Istanbul. In 1839 the Gülhane Edict, which started the Tanzimat reforms of the Ottoman Empire, was read out here.
What to see
- The Goths' Column: a Roman column of the 3rd or 4th century near the northern end of the park, one of the oldest monuments in the city.
- Tulips in April: during the Istanbul Tulip Festival the flowerbeds are full of tulips, the flower that became a symbol of the Ottoman era.
- The museums next door: the Istanbul Archaeology Museums are reached from the upper part of the park, and the Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam stands inside it.
- Views of the water: from the lower end of the park you look over the meeting of the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara.
How to get there
Take the T1 tram to the Gülhane stop; the main gate is a few steps away. From the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque it is a five to ten minute walk. Entrance to the park is free.
Combine the park with Topkapı Palace and the Istanbul Archaeology Museums, and see the same shore from the water on a sunset cruise or a private yacht cruise past Sarayburnu.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gülhane Park free?
Yes, entrance to Gülhane Park is free.
When are the tulips in Gülhane Park?
Usually in April, during the Istanbul Tulip Festival.
How do I get to Gülhane Park?
Take the T1 tram to the Gülhane stop, or walk five to ten minutes from the Hagia Sophia.
Spending time in Istanbul?
See the city from the water: a private yacht from €130 per hour for the whole yacht, or a shared sunset cruise from €26 per person.