Gulhane Park in Istanbul (The Best Info in 2024)

Gulhane Park is one of the favorite places for locals and tourists to walk in Istanbul. Wide and shady, with its fountains and numerous benches, it saves from the sweltering heat in summer and amazes itself with the splendor of tulips in spring.

It is best to combine a walk in the park with a visit to Topkapi Palace; since they are nearby, you can have a cup of Turkish tea and admire the Golden Horn and the Marmara Sea view. You can visit Gulhane Park during an individual tour of Istanbul.

Gulhane Park History

During the Ottoman Empire, Gulhane Park was the land of the sultan’s palace. Only the sultan and courtiers could walk in this area. It feels like the ‘rose park’ associated with many of these flowers throughout Gulhane. The authorities have preserved the flowers to this day. Leaders do their maintenance during the summer.

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In 1880, the authorities opened the park for the first time, and in 1926 a statue of Ataturk was erected inside. In 2003, after a long restoration after a fire, authorities reopened it to the public.

What to do in Gulhane Park?

First of all, you can walk. The weather in Istanbul is often exhaustingly hot, especially in summer. Shady streets, lively fountains, and soft drinks will blow your mind after the Topkapi tour. A beautiful column rises at the end of the park. This is a unique Byzantine monument of the 3rd century. 

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Gulhane Park has a good playground for families with children. Puppet theater performances are held for them during the summer months. There is also a small zoo and an aquarium. On the northeastern side of the park, there is a cafe with wooden tables, famous for its view of the Golden Horn dominating the heavy sea traffic. This place is often called the lookout. Tea, light soft drinks, sandwiches, and simple meals serve here.

Travel Tips

• It is best to visit Gulhane after the Topkapi tour. Here you can relax, hide from the summer heat and rejuvenate.
• An inexpensive restaurant in the park serves delicious food and excellent tea.
• We don’t recommend visiting the park during holidays and weekends when many residents of Istanbul come here for picnics.
• We should note that some Gulhane streets are still closed in the early hours of the morning.
• Travelers visiting the park do not recommend going in the evening when the park is very crowded.
• It is best to walk here in spring or summer when the park is in all its glory

Click to get information about the best parks in Istanbul.