Upon arriving in Istanbul I started researching things to see and do in this incredibly amazing city. Topkapi Palace was highly recommended and featured on every travel guide’s must-see list. In fact one guidebook referred to this Istanbul attraction as a rival to the Alhambra. As I LOVED my visit to Andalusia this year, I was so excited to visit it’s “rival”.
However, after a three-hour visit, I’m not sure I agree. So in a “who wore it best” kinda style, let me explain why.
Courtyards
Always a fan of a party, whether planning or attending, my venue of choice would the Lion’s Court at the Alhambra. So elegant and pristine. While open space at Topkapi was beautiful, and I can imagine a more relaxed party and ambiance, it just can’t compete in my eyes.
Who wore it best? Alhambra
Chambers
Ok, so I know I’m about to be homeless (I gave up my house in Marrakech and don’t yet know what I’m going to do!), so I shouldn’t be too picky, but I’d rather wake up in a sunny chamber with carved stucco and views of the surrounding area at the Alhambra. While I’m sure sleeping next to a fireplace would be divine on a cold winter morning in Topkapi Palace, I much prefer the natural light!
Who wore it best? Alhambra
Views
Views of the Bosphorus from Topkapi and views of the surrounding city and mountains at the Alhambra. Hmmm…
Who wore it best? Alhambra AND Topkapi
Tiles
I’m a huge fan of tiles and zellig as wall decor. Especially if it involves turquoise, which both palaces did. Both styles are unique to their respective countries and oh so beautiful.
So when it comes to tiles, I can’t decide which palace “wore it best”. Readers?
Restoration works
Topkapi Palace is undergoing several renovations project, yet still open to the public. While I was certainly grateful that I was still able to see most of the site, walking along wooden planks or imagining what was behind an impromptu wall as construction continued on certainly took away from the experience.
Whereas at the Alhambra, it seemed to be more discrete. And perhaps because I visited on a Sunday, works were not happening that day, creating a peaceful environment.
Who wore it best? Alhambra
Collections
Both palaces has amazing collections. In fact the Alhambra was so big I didn’t visit many of the private collections. Topkapi Palace has amazing collections, including David’s sword (from David and Goliath). Unfortunately several exhibition halls had extremely long line-ups so I didn’t see everything I wanted to.
Who wore it best? I don’t know.
Overall experience
Love the article Mandy and love the way you wrote it. Love to visit both as they both seem to have their own magic but you definately made alhambra feel that much more special