Parks and the outdoors in Istanbul

837 parks, gardens, beaches and walks in and around Istanbul.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first. Showing the top 40 of 837.

SeeHistoric siteGalata
Galata Tower
Galata Kulesi
It was built by the Genoese in the 14th century on the city walls of Galata, marking the highest point of their territory. Ride an elevator and take two flights of stairs to the top, then walk the parapet for a 360°-view of Istanbul, including the entire Sultanahmet peninsula: crowned by Topkapı Palace, the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. A beautiful spot worthy of a lot of pictures.
Daily 08:30-23:00 (last entry at 22:00)650 TL · Entry 650 · Built 1348
SeeCity gateEuropean Bosphorus
Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahçe Sarayı
This lavish palace with 285 rooms and 43 halls was the admin centre for the Ottoman Empire in its last 60 years. The palace government block (Selamlık) includes the Imperial Mabeyn (State Apartments) and Muayede Hall (Ceremonial Hall), while the Imperial Harem was the sultan's private quarters. Also here are the Painting Gallery, Music Museum, Clock Museum and Museum of Palace Collections. Free audio guide in several languages available by the ticket office. No photography inside, no backpacks but you can leave them in the cloakroom. Allow 3 hours to see everything.
Tue-Sun 09:00-17:00Foreigners pay 1200 TL for Selamlık + Harem + Painting Museum, Domestic Visitors 170 TL, Müzeumkart not accepted · Wheelchair accessible
SeeMuseumGalata
Miniaturk
It was built in 2001 and is the first miniature park in Istanbul (the world's largest miniature park in respect to its model area). The park hosts icons of many cultures and civilizations. Models vary from the Hagia Sophia to Galata Tower, from Safranbolu Houses to the Sumela Monastery in Trabzon, from Qubbat As-Sakhrah to the ruins of Mount Nemrut. In addition, some works that have not survived into the present, such as the Temple of Artemis, the Halicarnassus Mausoleum and Ajyad Castle, were recreated. All former Ottoman Empire in one place.
Daily 09:00-18:00250 TL; concession for domestic visitors · Wheelchair accessible
SeeHistory museumAsian Bosphorus
Küçüksu Palace
Küçüksu Kasrı
If you are already in the area, it's worth considering to visit this waterside neo-Baroque manor, built in the 19th century for the countryside and hunting excursions of the Ottoman dynasty. The area, where the Göksu River flows into the Bosphorus, was known as "the Sweet Waters of Asia" by the pioneer European travellers of the epoch (as opposed to "the Sweet Waters of Europe", another contemporary elite recreational area on the other side of the city, where the Kağıthane and Alibeyköy Rivers empty into the Golden Horn).
Closed · opens 9 am tomorrow
DoTheme parkGolden Horn
Vialand
The only theme park of the city has a good selection of rides, including a couple of rollercoasters.
Daily 11:00-20:00 (Summer: 11:00-21:00)US$55, under 3 free, discount for domestic visitors
SeeWestern Suburbs
Büyükçekmece
big lagoon
This lagoon and district has more to offer. There are lots of cafes around the Kültür Park, and restaurants along the banks of the lagoon's outlet channel. There is nothing of note in modern downtown Büyükçekmece.
SeeWestern Suburbs
Küçükçekmece
little lagoon
This district lies between the "little lagoon" of that name, and Ataturk airport. It houses the Halkali Railway Station. There are lakeside areas for strolling and cycling, and there is a 16th-century stone arch bridge over the creek that connects the lake to the sea, but you wouldn't make a special trip.
DoParkNew City
Maçka Park
Maçka Parkı
This park occupies the sides of a valley of this "city of seven hills", with an avenue in the bottom. A 4-person gondola lift line is strung over it, offering a shortcut when walking between Beşiktaş and Taksim Square as well as nice views of the Bosphorus (access to the northern station from Maçka Cd and Eytam Cd, every 5 minutes 08:00-20:00, 1.50 TL pp one-way). There is also a wooden bridge over the bisecting avenue if you prefer to take a stroll through the park.
Free
SeeEuropean Bosphorus
Belgrad Forest
Belgrad Ormanı
Named after a 16th-century village, founded by Serbs deported from Belgrade when it fell to the Ottomans. The village was popular as a forest resort, but its inhabitants were resettled in the 19th century and it's now a bosky ruin. The forest is mostly primordial and deciduous, predominantly oak. It's dotted with ancient aqueducts and dams as this area was a water catchment for Constantinople / Istanbul, and has lots of walking jogging and cycling trails and picnic areas. The two main ways in are via Bahçeköy (near the Arboretum entrance) and Kemerburgaz (which has the best aqueducts). There's a small access toll. The forest is supposedly a protected area but is being encroached on by highways and suburbs: this is likely to get worse as the access route to Istanbul's new airport leads right through it.
SeeEuropean Bosphorus
Baltalimanı Japanese Garden
Baltalimanı Japon Bahçesi
Built with support of Shimonoseki, one of Istanbul's sister cities, the garden features a tea room, ponds, waterfalls, as well as a cherry lane.
Daily 8:00-19:00 (summer), 8:00-17:00 (winter)Free
SeeMuseumGalata
Galata Convent of Whirling Dervishes
Galata Mevlevihanesi
A ritual dancing hall of the mystical Mevlevi order, the followers of the teachings of Mewlānā Rumi. The quiet and peaceful garden is a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of Beyoğlu. The oldest Mevlevi lodge in Istanbul, the convent was started in 1491, when the surrounding area was, hard to believe today but, pure wilderness beyond the city walls of Galata, although the current building dates back to 1855, as the older versions succumbed to repairs, rebuildings, and fires. However, the lodge was shut down in the early years of the republic (in 1925) along with all other 'reactionary' movements in Turkey, and the building has been serving as a museum dedicated to the Mevlevi order since 2010. Downstairs is a series of rooms dealing with the daily life of an average dervish, with informational signs in Turkish and English about the history of Islam and the Mevlevi order (also notice the original wooden pillars that support the building on this floor). On the upper floor is a dancing hall, a perfect example of 19th century Ottoman Baroque. Pre-Covid, this was where the sema whirling ceremonies were held every weekend evenings (admission by an extra ticket costing around 100 TL); check if they resumed. On the third floor is a display of various traditional Turkish/Islamic arts, including paper marbling (ebru), and calligraphy. After exiting the building, check out the small graveyard (or the "silent house" as the sign at its entrance says) on one side of the building, shaded by a number of hackberry trees, which Ottomans favoured to plant in the yards of mosques and graves to sign holiness. Here, the carved fez, or the basket of flowers in case of women, perched upon the highly detailed marble gravestone indicates the occupant's rank in the dervish hierarchy. At one corner of the necropolis is the grave of İbrahim Müteferrika, a converted Hungarian who was the first to start automated publishing in Ottoman Turkish in the 18th century, and served as the translato
Tue-Sun 09:00-20:00 (last entry at 19:00)150 TL · Limited wheelchair access
SeeGalata
Aynalıkavak Pavilion
Aynalıkavak Kasrı
Started in 1613 by the Ottoman sultan Ahmet I (r. 1603–1617, who also had the Blue Mosque in the Old City built), and extensively renovated by the art-loving Selim III (r. 1789–1807), this sole building, which itself has the distinction of being the only intact structure that dates back to the rule of Ahmet III (r. 1703–1730), set inside a beautiful garden of pools and mature cedar and magnolia trees is the only remaining part of what was once the fourth largest palatial complex in Istanbul, extending all the way to the banks of the Golden Horn (which is now occupied by the derelict buildings of the closed shipyard, which also block part of the view towards the shore). According to the local rumour, its name (which in Turkish means "mirrored poplar") derives from the now absent mirrors gifted by Venice to the palace that were presumably "as tall as the poplars" (aynalar kavak). The highly decorative and colourful interior includes several rooms of original furnitures fit for a sultan, some of which are covered with nacre, and walls embellished with Ottoman poems praising the palace and Selim III. Downstairs is a small museum dedicated to music, which exhibit some of the instruments (violins, ouds, and kamanchehs) and gramophone records owned by Fatma Gevheri Sultana (1904–1980), the granddaughter of Abdülaziz I (r. 1861–1876). While you are outside, also check out the old main entrance (now closed) towards the Golden Horn, topped by a dome. Worth the half hour spent there.
09:00-17:00 (Closed Mon); you have to join the guided tours starting every 30 minutes in the high-season, and you may have all the place to yourself and the guide in winter90 TL; concessions for students and domestic visitors
SeeAsian Bosphorus
Polonezköy
The "Polish village" was founded in 1842 by Polish settlers in the wake of the failed uprising against Russian Imperial rule, and reinforced by more settlers after every subsequent civil upheaval until Poland's independence in 1918. Most then returned, but several stayed on, adopting Turkish citizenship but maintaining their Polish language and culture. The village has houses in traditional Polish style, a 1914 little Catholic chapel, and the Church of Matka Boska Częstochowska. It's set in woodland (a nature park) and is a popular day-trip from the city. There's four restaurants and half a dozen small hotels, plus more of each in nearby Beykoz.
SeeAttractionWestern Suburbs
Sea Life Istanbul
Turkuazoo
Aquarium where you walk through transparent tunnels underwater. It's small compared to Istanbul Aquarium in Yeşilköy, an hour will be plenty, and their combi-tickets with Madame Tussauds (in Beyoğlu) and Legoland indicate their target audience.
Daily 10:00-20:00Online adult 518 TL, walk-up prices higher; discount for domestic visitors
SeeAsian Bosphorus
Çamlıca Hill
Çamlıca Tepesi
One of the highest hills of Istanbul, at 288 m asl. Since it dominates a great part of the city, it is the site of Çamlıca Tower, a 2021-built telecommunications tower and the highest structure of Istanbul, with observation decks (daily 10:00-22:00, 450 TL, discount for domestic visitors). The rest of the summit is a public park dotted by cafes with an Ottoman-themed decor. The park is sponsored by the government, so expect lower prices on food and drink than usual. The cafe in a building at the very top of the hill is moderately expensive, but you'll get excellent food and service.
262 m high
SeeEuropean Bosphorus
Emirgan Park
Emirgan Korusu
Situated on the gentle hill overlooking the neighbourhood of Emirgan and the Bosphorus, Emirgan Park was for long the only place in the city where Istanbulites can admire the beauty of tulips. Having lost that distinction since the first decade of the 2000s as tulips are now everywhere, this is still a beautiful park with artificial ponds, small waterfalls, and impressive views of the Bosphorus. There are also cafes with open-air sections housed in pleasant former imperial hunting manors. Squirrels are there, too, in the middle of this metropolis of more than 15 million people, though you may have to look a bit deeper (or a bit upper on the branches!) to spot them.
Free
SeeAsian Bosphorus
Anadolu Kavağı
Kavak
A village with an impressive citadel overlooking the Bosphorus and its mouth into the Black Sea. By land it's accessible only by a hairpinning road through the forest, with few buses. It's best reached by ferry from Eminönü (twice daily) or Sariyer (frequent). In the village, a road is signposted up to the hilltop Yoros citadel (a little more than 1 km, 20 min on foot, free admission). There's a pleasant area with cafés by the ferry pier; the place gets crowded at weekends during summer. Nasty big dogs stalk the citadel area at night. See Istanbul.
BuyEuropean Bosphorus
Akmerkez
At Etiler. Nearest metro station is Gayrettepe/Zincirlikuyu. The mall is about 25-min walk or 10-min taxi ride away from that station.
SeeEuropean Bosphorus
Atatürk Arboretum
Atatürk Arboretumu
From Bahçeköy village, follow the road into Belgrad Forest towards Kemerburgaz for 10 mins. The arboretum, surrounded by a natural oak forest, is planted with many non-native tree species (many turning crimson/golden/purple as winter approaches) and has a pond with feisty ducks. It's an almost mystic place during hazy autumn days, but is always very scenic no matter what the season. Watch for migratory birds in autumn. No eating, no picnicking, no video photography and no smoking.
Tue-Sun 09:00-17:00Adult weekend 60 TL, weekdays 30 TL, card payment only
SeeRural
Çilingoz Nature Park
Çilingoz Tabiat Parkı
It has a sandy beach backed by forest where a creek runs out. This is as far as you can go in a standard car.
Camping Apr–Sep155 TL/car daily use, 195 TL/car night stays
SeeRural Not mapped
Anastasian Wall
Anastasius Suru, Ἀναστάσειον Τεῖχος
it was a defensive wall built in the 5th century to protect Constantinople from barbarian attack from the west. It ran for 56 km from Evcik on the Black Sea coast right across the Thracian peninsula to Silivri on the Marmara coast. Unlike the better-known Hadrian's Wall in England, it was neither well-constructed nor well-garrisoned, so the barbarians gleefully overran it, and it was abandoned in the 7th century. Much of the stone was looted or recycled for later buildings, and little remains of its southern half. The northern half has lasted better, with little forts and substantial masonry, such as the section leading to Evcik Beach.
SeeWestern Suburbs Not mapped
Suleiman the Magnificent Bridge
Stretching west from the park is this impressive 16th-century stone bridge with four humps and 28 arches spanning the channel between lagoon and sea. The bridge is pedestrian only and offers some very nice views, so it's worth walking across the entire (breezy!) span via the three islets to the quiet western end, even though beyond is industrial gap site, with the modern highway roaring to the south. In the park, the pillbox menacing the bridge was part of the "Çakmak Line", the World War II fortifications stretching from here to Terkos, which were Istanbul's last line of defence from the west. The pillbox exterior is colourfully decorated but the interior is closed.
BuyEuropean Bosphorus
İstinye Park
Beautiful upscale mall with 300 stores, many good restaurants and cafes.
SeePrinces' Islands Not mapped
Church of Saint George
Hagios Giorgios, Aya Yorgi
The Greek Orthodox church is at the peak of the archipelago, Yücetepe at 203 m. It's a steep 30 min walk up from Birlik Meydanı, too steep for a bicycle. The church building is unexceptional, but the backyard has a great view of the other islands and the sea. It's mobbed on St George's day, see below.
Daily 10:00-16:00
EatRural
Kemerburgaz
A village (and nowadays a commuter suburb) at the edge of the forest, 15 km north of Eyüp and 10 km west of Bahçeköy. Several ancient aqueducts stand nearby, notably Kurt Kemeri ("Wolf's Aqueduct") and Uzun Kemer ("Long Aqueduct"). The oldest were Byzantine, but rebuilt, and others added, in the 16th century to boost the water supply to the city. The residents were Greek until the 1920s population exchange, when Turks from Thessaloniki were re-settled here. Several small eating places in town, but it lacks visitor accommodation. Bus 48 runs here from the city.
SeeRural
Yalıköy
formerly Podima
The most interesting of the resorts along this part of the coast. The beach has multi-coloured stones much used as garden mosaics in the city. (Modern quarries nearby still extract these for the Turkish glass industry.) The town has restaurants and accommodation.
EatSeafood restaurantEuropean Bosphorus
Park Fora
Great seafood, located in Kuruçeşme park right on the edge of the sea, it has a very nice view of the Bosphorus and Bosphorus Bridge. The waiters know English.
Open now · closes 2 am tomorrow
EatTurkish restaurantEuropean Bosphorus
Sans
Nice restaurant in a small garden serving Turkish and Mediterranean food.
11:00-24:00; Sun off
DrinkCaféGolden Horn
Pierre Loti
Piyerloti
An open air café on a hill overlooking the Golden Horn in Eyüp. It’s rumored that the French writer the place is named after used to love visiting this café during his residence in Istanbul. The cable car up here offers some nice views. It’s also possible to walk uphill or to take a taxi.
Drinks 4-10TL
DoParkAsian Bosphorus
Nakkaştepe
A park right next to the Bosphorus Bridge. Comes with an unforgettable zipline experience.
BuyNew City
Profilo
Located a bit away from main street (about 10 min walk) at Mecidiyeköy. Metro: Şişli-Mecidiyeköy. Also accessible from Mecidiyeköy Metrobus Station.
DrinkTea roomHistorical Peninsula
Sarayburnu Aile Çay Bahçesi
Open-air cafe on the coast with great views, though the park is grubby. Tea, coffee and many flavours of hubble-bubble.
Daily 08:30-03:00
SeeRural
Kastro
A relatively developed beach.
DoPark
Taksim Gezi Park
Gezi Park is an urban park next to Taksim Square, in Istanbul's Beyoğlu district (historically known as Pera). It is one of the last green spaces in Beyoğlu and one of the smallest parks of Istanbul. In May 2013, plans to replace the park with a reconstruction of the former Taksim Military Barracks (demolished in 1940), intended to house a shopping mall, sparked the nationwide 2013 protests in Turkey.
DoPark
Yıldız Parkı
Yıldız Park (Turkish: Yıldız Parkı) is a historical, urban park in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul, Turkey. It is one of the largest public parks in Istanbul. The park is located in Yıldız quarter between the palaces of Yıldız and Çırağan.
Closed · opens 8 am tomorrow
SeeGardenKadıköy
Hagia Triada Greek Orthodox Church
Aya Triada Rum Ortodoks Kilisesi
This is still in use and only open for services.
Sun 09:00-11:00
DoSile
Avcıkoru Nature Park
Small forest park with hiking trails, activities and barbecue area.
Daily 09:00-18:00Car 180TL plus 60 TL pp
SeePrinces' Islands
Değirmenburnu National Park
Park on the north headland - "Değirmen" means windmill and there's the tower of an old flour mill. The entrance fee of 60 TL is just the beginning, it costs more to use the beach or picnic area or anything else.
Daily 09:00-21:00
SeeEastern Suburbs
Nezahat Gökyiğit Botanical Garden
Extensive botanic gardens. Not always peaceful as they're set within the loops of a motorway interchange.
Tue-Sun 09:30-18:00Free
EatEuropean Bosphorus
Divan Brasserie Bebek
At first sight it may seem like a mere patisserie, but walk downstairs and you will find a lovely restaurant with the waters of the Bosporus right next to you. The food is simply first-class and the service is very good, too.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Istanbul (CC BY-SA 4.0). Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Place data from Overture Maps. Some descriptions from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).