Topkapı Palace

Ottoman sultans lived in this sprawling palace between the 15th and 19th centuries. Opulent buildings are scattered around its four interior courtyards, including a Byzantine church, imperial council chamber and treasury. A special ticket allows access to the Harem, the Sultan's private living quarters and home to up to four wives and 300 concubines at any one time. The ornately decorated buildings now house Ottoman and Islamic artefacts, with worthwhile exhibitions of precious jewels, weapons and Islamic manuscripts. Pathways lead through leafy gardens dotted with pavilions. Arrive early and plan to spend a few hours.