Istanbul: Topkapi Palace.

The "must-see" places to visit in Istanbul (Ayasofya, Blue Mosque, Archeology Museum, Grand Bazaar) are all within walking distance of each other... And of one of the biggest...Topkapi Palace.

You will need the entire afternoon or morning to dedicate to this place. And the Archeology Museum is right next door... So you should really plan on spending the entire day in this one area.

Getting into the area where the palace is was easy enough. There were no lines for anything, even with all of the tour groups...

And the gardens and grounds of the palace are beautiful.

But as with most things I found in Istanbul, the real beauty is inside... With the tiles and other ornamental decorations on the walls...

Doorways...

Windows...

And ceilings...

I mean, how gorgeous is that ceiling? That red! STUNNING!

The palace is filled with all kinds of unique rooms and areas. Like this one...

It's from the "Circumcision Room" in the palace. How'd you like to be sitting on that couch to witness that ceremony happening to a baby boy?

I found myself taking so many pictures that I didn't even know where to begin with the sharing of them all! Most are of tiled walls and ceilings. I was mesmerized by them.