The Topkapi Palace, a principal Istanbul museum, built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet during the 15th century, served as the Imperial residence of the Great Ottoman Empire from the 1500’s until the reign of Abdülmecid in the 1800’s. To be found at the junction of the Bosphorus, Marmara Sea and the Golden Horn, the palace was altered many times through the reigns of numerous sultans, and today it is home to this impressive museum. Splendid exhibits of crystal and silver, of jewels, of clothing worn during the Ottoman reign, and of the famous copious collections of Chinese and Japanese porcelain. There are also a number of courtyards with lovely trees and gardens and, of course, the Harem which you should visit through a guided tour.

Why not take a look at some of the great Istanbul hotels, find out how to get around using Istanbul transport, and go and explore the mystical Istanbul Topkapi Palace for yourself?