Located between the neighborhoods of Sirkeci and Sultanahmet in the Fatih district, Gulhane Park (Rose Garden), situated at the foot of the Topkapı Palace, is one of Istanbul’s most parks in Istanbul, attracting both local and foreign tourists with its beautiful gardens, flowers, pools, and recreation areas.
The park also houses the fascinating Islamic Science and Technology History Museum, which is one of the world’s unique museums.
“Gulhane” means “home of the rose” in Turkish, and the park is one of Istanbul’s oldest and historical parks. It stands out as an ideal place for those who want to relax under centuries-old trees, read books, escape from the city’s noise, or take a walk on colorful flower-filled paths.
Park History
The history of Gülhane Park dates back to the Byzantine Period, as it is located near the Panagia Hodegetria Chapel and the Hagios Georgies Monastery. During the Byzantine era, the park hosted some military depots and barracks.
In the Ottoman period, it was used to cultivate roses for the Topkapi Palace. After the conquest of Istanbul, the park, used as the outer garden of the Topkapı Palace, became famous for its beautiful rose gardens and took its name from them.
The park, which has hosted many important historical events during the Ottoman period, is also known for the reading of the Tanzimat Edict here. Opened to the public in 1912, the park is also significant as the place where Atatürk introduced the Latin Alphabet and received the title of head teacher.
The ceremony for the transfer of Atatürk’s remains from Istanbul to Ankara also took place on the Sarayburnu side of the park.
In 1955, a zoo was built in the park. However, due to maintenance issues, the zoo was relocated.
It is also known that Nazım Hikmet wrote his poem “Walnut Tree” here, mentioning the name of the park in the poem. In 2003, with the arrangements made by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, the park was transformed into a green area while preserving its historical texture.
What to See
Located right next to the Topkapı Palace, Gülhane Park offers a large green area in the middle of Istanbul. Covering a vast area, Gülhane Park has impressive gardens, trees, pools, and outdoor cafes with stunning views of the Bosphorus. Benches placed under old and large trees offer visitors a place to sit and rest.
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At the entrance of the park, on the right side, there is a section where busts of the city’s mayors and city planners are located. A peaceful path passing through the middle of the park, surrounded by trees on both sides, offers an ideal environment for walking and relaxing.
You can have a rest in one of the outdoor cafes at the park and enjoy the peaceful environment in the company of beautiful gardens, pools and nearby Bosphorus scenery.
the Park Museum
Located in the old Imperial Stables building within Gülhane Park, there is also a museum called the Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam.
This museum offers a unique and fascinating opportunity to observe the evolution of various scientific disciplines during the creative period of Islamic civilization, especially between the 9th and 16th centuries. If you visit Gülhane Park, we highly recommend visiting this museum.
The museum is open every day from 09:00 to 17:00 and accepts museum cards.
Activities to Enjoy at Gulhane Park
There’s no shortage of things to do in Gulhane Park. Whether you’re visiting solo, with family, or on a romantic getaway, you’ll find something enjoyable here.
Take a Leisurely Walk
The park has well-maintained pathways perfect for a relaxing walk, with scenic views of trees, fountains, and historical sites.
Have a Picnic with a View
There are several designated picnic spots where you can enjoy Turkish snacks or a cup of tea while admiring the Bosphorus in the distance.
Capture Stunning Photos
From the tulip gardens in spring to the autumn foliage, Gulhane Park is one of the best photography spots in Istanbul. Bring your camera and take advantage of the natural beauty!
Visit Nearby Cafés and Restaurants
Enjoy traditional Turkish tea or coffee at one of the cafés near the park. The Setüstü Çay Bahçesi offers panoramic views of the Bosphorus and is a great place to relax.
Nearby attractions worth visiting
One of the nicest things about Gülhane Park is how naturally it connects to Istanbul’s biggest sights. You don’t need transport. You don’t need a plan. You just keep walking.
Step out of the park gates and you’re right beside Topkapı Palace. This was the heart of the Ottoman Empire for centuries, and visiting it after a calm walk through Gülhane makes the transition feel surprisingly smooth. Quiet greenery first. Imperial scale second.
A few minutes further, Hagia Sophia rises into view. Even if you’ve seen it before, approaching on foot instead of by tram changes the feeling. It feels earned, not rushed.
Just around the corner sits the Basilica Cistern. Cool air, low light, and dripping water. It’s a sharp contrast after being outdoors, and that contrast is exactly why it works so well here.
If you want something slower and more detailed, the Istanbul Archaeology Museums are close enough to visit without commitment. You can spend an hour or half a day. Both make sense.
Finish near Sirkeci Train Station, where the Orient Express once ended its journey. Even a short look inside adds a final layer of story to the area.
Visitor tips for Gülhane Park
Getting to Gülhane Park is refreshingly simple. Take the T1 Tram Line and get off at Gülhane Tram Stop. You step off, cross the street, and you’re already at the gate. No uphill walks. No guessing.
There’s no entrance fee. You don’t queue. You don’t scan tickets. You just walk in. The park is open every day from sunrise to sunset, which makes it easy to fit into almost any plan, even on a packed sightseeing day.
Timing makes a real difference here. Early mornings feel local and unhurried. Late afternoons soften the light and cool the air, especially in warmer months. Midday tends to be busier, mostly with tour groups passing through.
Safety-wise, Gülhane is calm and well used by locals. Families walk, couples sit, people read. Still, treat it like any public space in a big city and keep an eye on your belongings, especially near entrances.
Best times to visit Gülhane Park
Gülhane Park changes character with the seasons, and that’s part of its charm.
Spring, especially April and May, is when the park shows off. Tulips fill the paths and lawns during the annual festival, and the whole place feels lighter and more colorful. It’s the busiest season, but for good reason.
Summer brings dense greenery and shade, which helps on hot days. Crowds increase, and midday heat can linger, so mornings and late afternoons matter more.
Autumn quietly becomes a favorite for many visitors. September and October bring mild temperatures and warm tones in the trees. Walking here feels slower, almost reflective.
Winter is the most overlooked season. Fewer visitors. Bare branches. Occasional rain. It’s not pretty in the postcard sense, but it’s peaceful and surprisingly intimate.
Visiting Hours & Admissions
Opening Hours
Gulhane Park is open to public every day of the week.
Admission
Entrance to Gulhane Park is free of charge.
How to Get to Gulhane Park
Location
You’ll find Gulhane Park nearby the Sirkeci neighborhood of the Fatih district. Situated just on the skirts of Topkapi Palace Museum.
Transportation
The most practical way to get to Gulhane Park is via Bagcilar-Kabatas tram (T1 line).
- The closest tram stop is Gulhane.
- From Taksim, take the funicular to Kabatas (from taksim Square) or funicular to Karakoy (from Tunel square) and than take the tram.
- If you stay at the Sultanahmet hotels, than you easily walk to the museum.
- You can walk from Eminonu as well.