Latest news with #TopkapiPalace
The Sun
04-07-2025
- The Sun
Historic city straddles both Asia and Europe and you can get there for £25
INTOXICATING Istanbul draws visitors back again and again to explore its magical historical sites, buzzing bazaars and fabulous food. While Turkey's biggest city — with a population of more than 15million — has always been a value city-break destination, recent inflation in Turkey has made many things significantly pricier. 5 5 But this captivating city by the Bosphorus river, straddling Europe and Asia, can still be a bargain if you plan carefully. Howell Davies gives you the lowdown on how best to explore . . . WHY SHOULD I GO? Just four hours from the UK and a great long-weekend option, you're truly transported into another world, rich with culture and plenty to see and do. There's a wealth of shopping opportunities to pick up bargains, as well as winding streets to explore, delicious cuisine and sunny, warm weather from May to October. THESE STREETS MADE FOR WALKING? Yes, but pack sturdy shoes and be prepared for the city's cobblestone streets and hills. There's options if you want to take the weight off your feet, though — trams and metros cost from 30p a ride if you get a reloadable Istanbulkart travel pass. ANYTHING FOR THE BUCKET LIST? The Blue Mosque, the creation of which began in 1609, is one of the most magnificent buildings of the Ottoman Empire. It is free to enter but the queue can be long so arrive early — and check prayer times, when it is closed to non-worshippers. Nearby is another Ottoman gem — the Topkapi Palace with manicured gardens, views over the city and holy relics. Entry isn't cheap at £38 but you can stroll the neighbouring Gulhane Park, once the outer garden of the palace, for free. The imposing Hagia Sophia, which has served as a cathedral then a mosque, is also not cheap to enter but you can admire its exterior, domes and minarets from Sultanahmet Square for nothing. WHERE SHOULD I SHOP? The Grand Bazaar is one of the world's oldest covered markets. There are more than 4,000 shops and stalls, selling everything from tea and Turkish delight, to knock-off football shirts and decorative tiles. It gets busy so arrive when it first opens, at 8.30am, or an hour or so before it closes at 7pm. Prepare to haggle — aim to counter the asking price with an offer 40 to 50 per cent lower and settle at 50 to 70 per cent. Be ready to walk away. In the neighbouring Spice Bazaar, foodies can pick up authentic Turkish spice blends, from sumac and pul biber, to smoky red-pepper flakes. For something more modern, Istiklal Street is the place to go to pick up some bargains. It runs for just under a mile, from Taksim Square to Galata Tower, and is lined with high street-favourite stores, and outlets selling some somewhat dodgy 'designer' gear at bargain prices. 5 5 WHERE SHOULD I DRINK? I thought I'd cracked the code by going to the Barnathan brasserie's rooftop by Galata Tower to get its views at a fraction of the price, but I ended up with one of the most bitter and expensive margaritas I've ever had. Instead, double up your drinking and sightseeing by booking on to a sunset cruise down the Bosphorus. has dinner cruises including food, drink and entertainment from just £25pp. WHERE SHOULD I EAT? There are good restaurants near the city centre's Sirkeci train. station — and if you've got a sweet tooth, there are joints dedicated to just desserts on almost every street. To escape the bustle, head to the hip and trendy area of Fisekhane for bougie restaurants with outdoor dining and attentive staff. I had a lovely chicken shish in the beautiful courtyard of the Levantine restaurant. For a Turkish breakfast, check out Zennup 1844 where an array of traditional dishes will cost from £15. WHERE SHOULD I STAY? Heading slightly out of the city centre, to the Zeytinburnu district, near trendy Fisekhane, will help to lower costs. The recently built 3* Ibis has modern, comfy rooms and a buzzing bar and restaurant, it is just a ten-minute walk to a train station that takes you directly into the city centre. Ask for a room on a higher floor, facing the waterside, as the road beside the hotel can get busy.
Forbes
30-06-2025
- Forbes
The Topkapı Palace Museum Becomes The Next Istanbul Landmark To Offer Night Visits
View of the Gate of Salutation (the Middle Gate) leading to the Second Courtyard of Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, Turkey. The Topkapi Palace is a popular tourist attraction in Turkey. getty The Topkapı Palace Museum has become the next major Istanbul landmark to announce it will be offering nighttime visits for tourists this summer. The evening visits will run every Saturday evening from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., from now until September 14. The sprawling palace and museum require careful planning to visit. It's easy to spend an entire day exploring its Harem, pavilions, and collection of relics and artifacts — which during the hot summer days in Istanbul can start to feel like akin to marathon. The addition of nighttime hours means visitors will have more time to take in the history of the palace at cooler temperatures. 'Topkapı Palace is situated on one of Istanbul's famous seven hills. Visitors will not only see its galleries, sections and artifacts but also get the chance to view Istanbul from some of its highest vantage points, especially the Fourth Courtyard,' Ilhan Kocaman, deputy director of Topkapı Palace, explained. The nighttime visits will be held in two different groups, with all tours starting and ending at the Imperial Gate (Bâb-ı Hümâyûn), with tickets and audioguides available at the main entrance of the palace. The air view of Topkapı Palace with Golden Horn. Top view of The Topkapı Palace which is a museum from 1923, was served as the main residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans. The palace located at the Seraglio Point, called Sarayburnu in Turkish, in Historical Peninsula. The Palace surrounded by high walls. All the sections of building and parks around it can seen with a view from top. The neigbourhood of Fatih, Sarayburnu and the Karaköy can seen with the Galata Bridge which obe handles flow of traffic on Golden Horn. getty 'We aim to allow visitors to see as many areas as possible at night, just as they would during the day,' Kocaman added. The biggest draw of visiting at night — even if you've been there during the day? The nighttime views of the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara from the seaside palace reflect a totally different perspective of Istanbul. The Topkapı Palace is of great significance to Istanbul and to the larger history of the Ottoman Empire. It was the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire from 1465 until the completion of the Dolmabahçe Palace in Beşiktaş in 1856. It also served as the main residence of the Ottoman sultans and their families during this time. View from the sea of the Topkapi Palace. getty Due to its historical significance and well-preserved example of Mimar Sinan architecture, the Topkapı Palace was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 and sees more than three million visitors each year. Tickets to the Topkapı Palace cost around $60 per person for a self-guided tour with an audio guide or about $80 for a tour with an authorized local tour guide. Entrance is free for visitors under the age of six.
BBC News
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
The traditional Turkish pudding with a surprising twist
The unique Turkish delicacy, kazandibi, originated in Topkapi Palace in Istanbul where it delighted Ottoman sultans. The traditional treat is a creamy pudding with a caramelised layer, but it has an unexpected ingredient. Chef and author Julie Lin goes to Turkey to try the pudding.
The Age
22-05-2025
- The Age
Your questions: I can't tolerate long-haul flights. What are my options?
I visited Iceland about five years ago and want to return for a more extensive tour. I'm a fit, older female travelling alone, but I can no longer tolerate long-haul flying. Is there a ship that might take me halfway? D. Gliksman, Yarramalong, NSW It's hard to avoid long-haul flights between Australia and Iceland, however one possibility is the Cunard Line which operates cruises between Singapore and Southampton. The next cruise departs Singapore on March 28, 2026 and arrives in Southampton 33 days later. Another option is a Cunard cruise from Singapore to Los Angeles, departing February 22, 2026 and arriving in Los Angeles on April 5. From Los Angeles you could take a train to New York and fly to Iceland from there. Another alternative would be to break your journey into shorter, more manageable hops. For example, you could fly from Sydney to Singapore, spend a few nights in a hotel there, continue to Doha or Dubai, stay for a few nights, and then continue to London, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Paris or any other European city that offers non-stop flights to Reykjavik. The maximum flight time would be just slightly longer than eight hours. Flying premium economy or, better still, business class aboard a premier carrier will help soothe the rigours of long-haul flying. I'm a solo female traveller spending three nights in Istanbul in September. Can you recommend safe and affordable accommodation and some tours? Food, markets, art and history are all of interest. C. Curnow, Albert Park, Vic The Sultanahmet district, just west of Hagia Sophia Mosque, is a great place to base yourself. It's in the high part of the city close to Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, some of the splendours you should include in your visit. It's also relatively tranquil. One hotel that might suit you here is the four-star White House Hotel. The style is ornate Ottoman, the views from the terrace are sensational, the price is reasonable and feedback from guests is excellent. As well as the highlights mentioned above, don't miss the incredible Basilica Cistern, a boat trip along the Bosphorus, a stroll along the waterfront near the Galata Bridge, the Kariye Mosque and the Grand Bazaar. Istanbul has a rich and exotic culinary scene that includes influences from Ottoman, Anatolian, Balkan, Middle Eastern and Central Asian kitchens. Secret Food Tours gets five-star reviews, check with locals for other guided tours. We have a nine-hour transit in Dallas before our connecting flight to Mexico City. Would you recommend leaving the airport to travel into Dallas? Or would it be better to find a lounge at the airport where we could pay to use its facilities? S. Bennett, Alpine, NSW Provided your bags are checked through to Mexico City, that you arrive at a reasonable time in the morning and that your incoming flight arrives on schedule, it would be possible to travel into Dallas. The trip aboard the DART rail to downtown Dallas takes about 50 minutes via the Orange Line from Terminal A. An Uber might be slightly quicker, but it depends on traffic.
Sydney Morning Herald
22-05-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Your questions: I can't tolerate long-haul flights. What are my options?
I visited Iceland about five years ago and want to return for a more extensive tour. I'm a fit, older female travelling alone, but I can no longer tolerate long-haul flying. Is there a ship that might take me halfway? D. Gliksman, Yarramalong, NSW It's hard to avoid long-haul flights between Australia and Iceland, however one possibility is the Cunard Line which operates cruises between Singapore and Southampton. The next cruise departs Singapore on March 28, 2026 and arrives in Southampton 33 days later. Another option is a Cunard cruise from Singapore to Los Angeles, departing February 22, 2026 and arriving in Los Angeles on April 5. From Los Angeles you could take a train to New York and fly to Iceland from there. Another alternative would be to break your journey into shorter, more manageable hops. For example, you could fly from Sydney to Singapore, spend a few nights in a hotel there, continue to Doha or Dubai, stay for a few nights, and then continue to London, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Paris or any other European city that offers non-stop flights to Reykjavik. The maximum flight time would be just slightly longer than eight hours. Flying premium economy or, better still, business class aboard a premier carrier will help soothe the rigours of long-haul flying. I'm a solo female traveller spending three nights in Istanbul in September. Can you recommend safe and affordable accommodation and some tours? Food, markets, art and history are all of interest. C. Curnow, Albert Park, Vic The Sultanahmet district, just west of Hagia Sophia Mosque, is a great place to base yourself. It's in the high part of the city close to Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, some of the splendours you should include in your visit. It's also relatively tranquil. One hotel that might suit you here is the four-star White House Hotel. The style is ornate Ottoman, the views from the terrace are sensational, the price is reasonable and feedback from guests is excellent. As well as the highlights mentioned above, don't miss the incredible Basilica Cistern, a boat trip along the Bosphorus, a stroll along the waterfront near the Galata Bridge, the Kariye Mosque and the Grand Bazaar. Istanbul has a rich and exotic culinary scene that includes influences from Ottoman, Anatolian, Balkan, Middle Eastern and Central Asian kitchens. Secret Food Tours gets five-star reviews, check with locals for other guided tours. We have a nine-hour transit in Dallas before our connecting flight to Mexico City. Would you recommend leaving the airport to travel into Dallas? Or would it be better to find a lounge at the airport where we could pay to use its facilities? S. Bennett, Alpine, NSW Provided your bags are checked through to Mexico City, that you arrive at a reasonable time in the morning and that your incoming flight arrives on schedule, it would be possible to travel into Dallas. The trip aboard the DART rail to downtown Dallas takes about 50 minutes via the Orange Line from Terminal A. An Uber might be slightly quicker, but it depends on traffic.
