Near Topkapi Palace, don’t miss the Ottoman Calligraphy Workshop held at the adjacent arts center every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. Led by master calligraphers, this hands-on session teaches traditional Arabic script writing using ink, parchment, and quills—participants take home their personalized artwork as a keepsake.
Also offered monthly is the Sultan’s Garden Tea Ceremony, where visitors enjoy rose tea and handmade pastries in the palace’s lush oasis garden while listening to stories about imperial etiquette and court traditions. Limited to 20 guests, registration is required online.
For a deeper dive, join the Night Tour—available only to adults over 18—featuring guided exploration of secret tunnels and the treasury under soft lighting, creating an atmospheric journey into Ottoman imperial life. Tours include admission and light refreshments, conducted in English and Turkish.