Istanbul, Turkey: The Topkapı Palace

Our storybook image of the Ottomans — sultans, harems, eunuchs — is best experienced here, in the Topkapı Palace. Built in the late 15th century, this was the power center of the Ottoman Empire for almost four hundred years. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.