Is the oasis free to visit?

Yes, admission is completely free.

Are there any food or drink vendors on site?

No, but you're welcome to bring your own.

Is the oasis suitable for young children?

No, due to the fragile architecture.

Are there any seating areas?

Limited seating areas are available, so be prepared to stand.

Is the oasis accessible for visitors with mobility issues?

Limited accessibility due to uneven terrain.

Can I take photos inside the oasis?

Yes, but be respectful of other visitors and the fragile architecture.

A Hidden Oasis in Istanbul's Bustling Heart - And You Can Visit It for Free!

Hello there!

I'm still going strong with my Istanbul adventure, and today I want to share with you a secret gem that's been hiding in plain sight. I've been exploring the oldest park in Gülhane, which dates back to the external gardens of the Topkapi Palace. It's a real treasure trove of history and natural beauty.

Getting into the park is a breeze - you can either enter through the main gates from the palace side or take a more low-key route through the northern part. I personally love the northern entrance, as it leads you to this awesome installation that's definitely worth a photo op.

The Gülhane Park is a massive territory with old plane trees, beautiful fountains, cozy lawns, and intricately carved benches for relaxation. As I read in one guidebook, it's a real oasis in the midst of the bustling and diverse metropolis.

We were lucky enough to live near this park, and our daily route to the main attractions in Istanbul - the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia - went right through it. The first time we visited was early in the morning, around 9 am, and it was almost deserted, but a few hours later, the park was packed with tourists and locals.

The park's territory is enormous, with plenty of trees, greenery, and flowers. I could've spent hours just soaking up the beauty of this lovely, peaceful place.

Many people use the park as a spot to rest after visiting mosques, museums, and palaces. Some folks just sit on a bench, while others take a nap on the green lawns. After lunch, the park was bustling with activity, and it was amazing to see so many people enjoying the space.

Gülhane Park, Istanbul, Turkey reviewsGülhane Park, Istanbul, Turkey reviewsGülhane Park, Istanbul, Turkey reviewsAlmost all the photos were taken during our first morning visit to the park, so it looks like there are no people at all. But trust me, Gülhane is actually very crowded - people just come a bit later.

The park's territory is very well-maintained, with no overgrown flowerbeds, dirty fountains, or trash. It's clear that the place is carefully looked after.

Gülhane Park, Istanbul, Turkey reviewsGülhane Park, Istanbul, Turkey reviewsGülhane Park, Istanbul, Turkey reviewsThere's a big map at the entrance of the park, and all over the place, there are signs telling you where everything is.

Gülhane Park, Istanbul, Turkey reviewsGülhane Park, Istanbul, Turkey reviewsGülhane Park, Istanbul, Turkey reviewsThe famous fountain in the shape of a book is right at the main entrance. The water flows smoothly from page to page, it's really mesmerizing.

Gülhane Park, Istanbul, Turkey reviewsThere are plenty of fountains throughout the park, which makes it even more cozy and beautiful.

Gülhane Park, Istanbul, Turkey reviewsGülhane Park, Istanbul, Turkey reviewsGülhane Park, Istanbul, Turkey reviewsI really liked the benches in the park with the name of the park, Gülhane, carved into the back.

Gülhane Park, Istanbul, Turkey reviewsGülhane Park, Istanbul, Turkey reviews

I was stoked to stumble upon another cool attraction in the park - an ancient underground water storage system built by the Byzantines. We just had to check it out, especially after we skipped the Basilica and Theodosius cisterns due to their outrageous ticket prices.

The best part? Visiting this cistern in Gülhane Park is completely free, at least for now. I know it's hard to compare it to the other cisterns, given their massive size, but this one still gives you a great idea of how these underground water storage systems worked back in the day.

Finding the cistern's building is a breeze, and the entrance is right on the main alley of the park.

Gülhane Park, Istanbul, Turkey reviewsI'm guessing the cistern was built around the 5th century. We actually stumbled upon it by accident in 1913 while getting the park ready for the public.

The cistern measures 18 by 12 meters and is divided into three rows of columns, with a total of 12 columns in each row.

Gülhane Park, Istanbul, Turkey reviewsGülhane Park, Istanbul, Turkey reviewsGülhane Park, Istanbul, Turkey reviewsThe best part? There aren't many tourists inside, so you can take some amazing photos without the crowds.

Gülhane Park, Istanbul, Turkey reviewsGülhane Park, Istanbul, Turkey reviewsGülhane Park, Istanbul, Turkey reviewsThe cistern is open from 10 am, and you can explore it in about 15-20 minutes.

After checking out the cistern, we took our time to explore the rest of the city. We didn't have time to hang out in the park, but we still got to appreciate its beauty and charm.

By the way, Gülhane Park is home to a bunch of seagulls. You can bring some bread or cheese and feed them - it's a really fun activity.

Gülhane Park, Istanbul, Turkey reviewsHands down, Gülhane Park is a must-visit. There's loads to see and do: ancient Byzantine ruins, stunning fountains, gnarled old plane trees, tulips in the spring, and white seagulls that seem to be everywhere. Be sure to grab some simit - that local sesame seed bread - and enjoy it on one of the park's benches under the shade of those massive trees or have a picnic on the spacious lawn.

Gülhane Park, Istanbul, Turkey reviewsWe absolutely loved Gülhane Park. It's a hidden gem in the midst of bustling, multicultural Istanbul. This place is an oasis, and I mean that literally.

That restaurant with a view of the Blue Mosque where you can feed the seagulls

Our experience with Dute free at Adler Airport, which we flew into from Istanbul

The vibrant, noisy, and utterly atmospheric eastern bazaar in the heart of Istanbul.