Gülhane Park

Gülhane Park
Visit this central park to take leisurely strolls through rose gardens, visit visit museums and a sultan’s palace and enjoy views of the Bosphorus Strait.

Gülhane Park is a public park situated in Istanbul’s Old City, overlooking the Bosphorus Strait and Marmara Sea. Originally the outer garden of Topkapi Palace, the park opened as a public recreation space in 1912. Its name means Rosehouse Park and it was designed as a large rose garden. You can also come here to enjoy sea views from its traditional tea garden, take a tour of a sultan’s palace and explore museums.

Escape the busy city streets and unwind in the shade of the park’s large plane trees, some of which date back to the 1800s. Stroll along the wide paths to see the colourful roses and ornamental water features. Keep an eye out for statues, including one of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first president of the Turkish Republic. Look up at the column erected to commemorate a Roman victory over the Goths.

Bring a picnic and relax on the park’s lawns or buy drinks and snacks from the various kiosks. Alternatively, go to the park’s northeastern side to find a tea garden and café. Order a pot of tea or coffee and take in the uninterrupted view of the Bosphorus Strait and Marmara Sea.

While here, be sure to visit Topkapi Palace, a former sultan’s residence built between 1459 and 1478. Walk through the palace’s courtyards to see jewellery and ceremonial robes, armoury and ceramics that epitomize the opulence of the Ottoman Empire. The palace has a harem and other preserved examples of the extravagant lifestyle of the sultans. Check the palace’s official website for details of opening times and tour prices.

Aspiring inventors will appreciate the educational exhibits at the Istanbul Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam. Find reconstructions of historical Islamic instruments, such as a water-powered clock and a device used for the distillation of rosewater. The museum is open from Wednesday to Monday and there is a small admission fee.

Located on the Eminönü peninsula, Gülhane Park is a short walk from Istanbul’s historical centre. Public transport, such as buses and trams, stop close to the park’s entrance.

Plan a trip to see Gülhane Park

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
GLK PREMIER Regency Suites & Spa - Special Class
Bricks Hotel Istanbul
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Reviews of Gülhane Park

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
7
" "5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
7
" "4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Joy
16 May 2019

Beautiful park. Very relaxing and not far from the Archaelogical museum. Very disappointed that I missed the tulips.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
27 Mar 2019

A well presented garden that shows hard work and presentation skills

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
27 Mar 2019

Worth walking through the gardens they are magnificent and well presented. A display of hard work.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Hotel Sari Konak
Hotel Sari Konak
Mimar Mehmet Aga Cad No: 26, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul
Hotel Sari Konak
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
4 out of 5
Piyer Loti Cad No:7, Istanbul, Istanbul
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel
5 out of 5
Divanyolu Cd. Alemdar Mah., Ticarethane Sk. No 10 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel
GLK PREMIER Regency Suites & Spa - Special Class
GLK PREMIER Regency Suites & Spa - Special Class
5 out of 5
Akbiyik Cad No 46, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul
GLK PREMIER Regency Suites & Spa - Special Class
Radisson Hotel President Old Town Istanbul
Radisson Hotel President Old Town Istanbul
Tiyatro Caddesi, No. 25, Beyazit, Istanbul, Istanbul
Radisson Hotel President Old Town Istanbul
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
5 out of 5
Suzer Plaza, Askerocagi Caddesi, No:6, Elmadag/Sisli, Istanbul
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul
Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul
5 out of 5
Visnezade Mah. Acisu Sok. NO. 19, Macka Besiktas, Istanbul, Istanbul
Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul
4 out of 5
Dr. Imran Oktem Cad. No:1, Sultanahmet, Istanbul
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul
Sirkeci Mansion
Sirkeci Mansion
4.5 out of 5
Taya Hatun Cad No 5, Sirkeci, Istanbul, Istanbul
Sirkeci Mansion
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.