Finishing our exploration of Istanbul, here is part 3 of my story. I hope you enjoy reading and leave a comment!
Topkapi Palace
One of the top sites in all of Istanbul, and one that really blew my mind, is the Topkapi Palace. Located in the old historic district of Fatih (Fought E), this palace served for 400 years as the administrative center for the Ottoman Empire and as a residence for the reigning sultan. Even after the court was moved to the new Dolmabahce Palace in 1857, Topkapi retained some of its functions, serving as the imperial treasury, library, and mint.
At the end of the Ottoman Empire in 1923, the state turned Topkapi palace into a museum and library and it is ever grand. With over 400 rooms, covering 175 acres and surrounded by high walls, this place was so much more than what I was expecting. The majestic views, beautiful grounds and rose gardens, in this sprawling palace made me feel like I was in a movie or had stepped into the past.
From the lavish architecture and fountains to the fine furnishings and Turkish carpets, this place was definitely made for sultans. The enormous kitchens, which fed over 1,000 people a day, contain one of the world’s largest collections of Chinese blue and white and Celadon porcelain. These were favored by the sultans as it was believed that the color of the porcelain would change if the food contained poison.
The royal treasury was part museum, part fine jewelry display, and contains some of the finest treasures of the Ottoman age, including the famous bejeweled Topkapi Dagger, and the 83 karat Spoon Maker’s Diamond.
I was overwhelmed by the stunning displays of not only jewelry, but gold and jewels that decorated everyday items the Sultan and his family used, such as a hand-held mirror, brushes, combs, and perfume bottles.
The royal treasury also housed the Harem. The Harem was home to the sultan’s mother, the Valide Sultan.
She oversaw the 300 concubines and wives of the Sultan, and the rest of his family including his children, their servants, and eunuchs. She even chose the Sultan’s concubines and wives for him.
One thing the royal treasury held that I had no idea about, and was surprised by, was the Pavilion of the Holy Mantle where holy relics are kept. The Sultan was only allowed in this room once a year. Now visitors pass through it daily.
For me, this was the most fascinating area of the palace, with too many precious relics to describe. But the beauty of this ancient palace and the history these walls hold should not be missed.
The entrance fee is $46 USD and if you have to choose between the two palaces of Topkapi and Dolmabache, I personally would choose this one. We skipped Dolmabache Palace because being built in 1857 and having electricity and plumbing, it is considered modern. I know it is grand as well, so I will tour it on our next visit.
Gulhane Park
Gulhane Park sits on the grounds of the Topkapi Palace. This historical park is the oldest and one of the most expansive parks in all of Istanbul. Opened to the public in 1912, it is home to several of Istanbuls fantastic museums. You can connect with nature here, right in the heart of the historic center.
There are groups of small green parrots that nest in holes in the ancient castle walls that line one side of the park. They are a real treat to see out fluttering from tree to tree. And it is free to enter. We stopped here to rest after touring the Topkapi Palace and got a simit from the cart at the park entrance. Reminiscent of a large, thin bagel or soft pretzel, and covered with toasted sesame seeds, the simit is a staple here in Istanbul. A tasty treat for about .30 cents!
Bosphorus Long Cruise
An essential part of any trip to Istanbul is traveling from one part of the city to another by ferry boat. There are also lots of short sightseeing cruises you can take, but nothing beats setting aside a whole day for the Bosphorus Long Cruise. It is very affordable, and you get to travel nearly the entire length of the strait from the sea of Marmara right up to the third bridge near the Black Sea.
The entire trip takes around six and half hours. Leaving at 10:35 am and returning around 5:00 pm. The total cruising time is four hours roundtrip. The best part is you get two and half hours of free time as the boat docks at the quaint village of Anadolu Kavağı.
The ticket office is located at Eminonu Pier just to the east of the Galata Bridge. The ticket booth opens at 10:00 am and there is no need to buy tickets in advance as the boat has plenty of seating. There are three seating levels on the boat which include plenty of indoor (with AC) and outdoor seating, also restrooms and a snack bar.
The views of Istanbul at the start of the trip are wonderful and you get a glimpse into the importance of the Bosphorus strait as an international trade route. You cruise past so many interesting and historic places like the Dolmabahce Palace and the Rumeli Fort.
In spots you find yourself surrounded by beautiful neighborhoods clinging to the river banks and lining the hills. There are a few stops along the way to collect more passengers, and before you know it, you get your first glimpse of the impressive Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge and soon after, you dock at Anadolu Kavağı.
As soon as we disembarked from the boat, we immediately followed the signs up to the Yoros Castle ruins. It was only about a 15-minute walk. The views from the hilltop are breathtaking and the castle ruins make for some nice pictures. The place is free to just wander around at your own leisure. Originally settled by the Phoenicians and the Greeks in the BC era, many temple remains have been discovered all around this area.
After our short explorations, we walked back down the hill and ended up at a great restaurant called Kavak Doğanay, which I highly recommend. It sits right on the water, and I had some of the best Calamari I have ever eaten, and an amazing whole fish stewed in a tomato and pepper sauce. All too soon it was time to board the boat for our journey back. Please check out our Bosphorus Long Cruise video.
We spent a whole month in Istanbul discovering so many amazing places and so much delicious food. If you haven’t already, please check out our two Guides to Istanbul (Part 1 & Part 2), YouTube videos that highlight what to see and do in this amazing city. I was truly impressed by it and plan to return. On our next visit, I would like to see Troy, Ephesus, and tour the whole Black Sea coast.
We have been slow traveling going on three years now, and sometimes I can hardly believe the amazing places and things we have seen. It makes us want to keep going, and our bucket list is just as long, or longer, than when we started. Please follow our travels to Cappadocia, and along the Turkish Mediterranean, on our YouTube channel and discover all the wonderful places to be found in Türkiye.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Do you have a destination that you would like to return to again? If so, where is it and what about it captivated you?
