Gülhane Park was once the outer garden of Topkapı Palace, accessible only to the royal court.

These days crowds of locals come here to picnic under the many trees, promenade past the formally planted flowerbeds, and enjoy wonderful views of the Bosphorus, Sea of Marmara and Princes' Islands from the Set Üstü Çay Bahçesi on the park's northeastern edge.

The park is especially lovely during the İstanbul Tulip Festival, when tulips are arranged to resemble nazar boncuk 'evil eye' charms.