Istanbul

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

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

Cağaloğlu Hamamı

Built in 1741, the last major hamam opened in the Ottoman era. It has ornate architecture, great service and a stellar cast of famous visitors. Prices to match, and only tourists now use it.

Daily 09:00-22:00·From €70 per hour

Süleymaniye Hamamı

Commissioned by Süleyman the Magnificent and built by Mimar Sinan in 1550, at the east edge of Süleymaniye mosque complex. It had private cubicles for distinguished visitors such as the sultan, but was mostly a standard working-class bathhouse. It was restored in 2001 and is nowadays touristy. It's the only mixed hamam in Istanbul, but mixed sessions are only for couples and families.

Daily 10:00-21:30·90 min for €75, cash only

Hürrem Sultan Hamamı

Bathhouse built in 1556 by Mimar Sinan, the chief Ottoman architect, at the request of Hürrem Sultan (Roxelana), wife of Suleiman the Magnificent. It was built over the former public baths of Zeuxippus, abandoned around 713. Restored in 2011, it's now an upmarket spa.

Daily 08:00-22:00·60 min €150

Nakkaştepe

A park right next to the Bosphorus Bridge. Comes with an unforgettable zipline experience.

Şifa Hamamı

Established in 1777, this is one of the cheaper options. It's marble throughout and the fittings could be original. It has a mixed main section and a separate female section for the scrubbing.

Daily 09:00-23:00·One hour €50

Rami Library

19th century barracks serving as municipality library.

Open now · open 24 hours·Wi-Fi · Wheelchair accessible

Galataport

It includes the city's cruise ship terminal, around 250 shops, pubs and restaurants, a Peninsula hotel, the Istanbul Modern art museum, and other cultural and entertainment facilities; the complex also hosts festivals.

Üsküdar Musical Society

Üsküdar Musıkî Cemiyeti

Founded in 1918, the society is often considered the most respected of the social clubs offering classes in the classical Ottoman music, and catching up with their frequent public concerts is certainly a good way of entering the vast world of this genre.

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.

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

Avcıkoru Nature Park

Small forest park with hiking trails, activities and barbecue area.

Daily 09:00-18:00·Car 180TL plus 60 TL pp

Tarihi Çinili Hamamı

Turkish bath cheaper than the more touristy ones in the European side.

Daily 07:00-22:00 (men), 08:00-19:30 (women)

Ataşehir Golf Club

It's only 9 holes, but one of the few golf clubs in the city.

Cable car

Offers a very short ride (3 min) up the nearby hill. And it can get very crowded during summer.

Every 5 min 09:00-24:00·The same price as in public transport, 2.6TL for IstanbulCard holders and 5TL for others

Fenerbahçe SK

They play soccer in Süper Lig, the top tier, and routinely qualify for European tournaments. There's also a museum of the club, which fields teams in several other sports such as basketball.

Haliçport

Also known as 'Tersane İstanbul'. Combines historic landmarks, blend of unique lifestyles and gastronomical delights, luxury homes and hotels, and a vibrant cultural calendar.

Istanbul Park Circuit

Turkey's main motor-racing circuit. It next hosts a Grand Prix / Formula One race on 1-3 Oct 2027.

Park of İstanbul

Small zoo, but it's the largest in Istanbul. Plus catchpenny sidelines such as the zipwire.

Adult 600 TL, child 450 TL

Ülker Sports Arena

A multi-purpose arena for sports and concerts, owned by Fenerbahçe and home court of their basketball team. The museum displays their trophies.

Black Sea Coast

There's a string of small coastal resorts, from Poyrazköy just beyond the north Bosphorus bridge, through Anadolufenerli, Riva. Usual beach attractions, but the Black Sea is often rough so beware of the waves. There is also a big golf field, 'Mustafa V. Koç Course'.

Joshua's Hill

Believed to be the tomb of the biblical Joshua, it's the steepest hill in Istanbul which is closest to the sea.

Kumburgaz

A charming coastal neighborhood, known for its sandy beaches, vibrant summer atmosphere, and stunning views. One of the few swimmable places in the Marmara Sea.

Çemberlitaş Hamamı

Built in 1584, credited to Mimar Sinan but he probably only had light-touch supervision. It was astride the city's highway from Europe and very profitable, in spite of multiple earthquakes and fires. It fell out of use late 19th century but in the 21st was revived as a tourist experience.

Daily 07:30-22:30·Adult about 2000 TL

Istanbul Dolphinarium

Silahtarağa Mh, Silahtarağa Cd. No:20

Gülhane Park

Gülhane Park (Turkish: Gülhane Parkı, "Rosehouse Park") is a historical urban park in the Fatih district of Istanbul, Turkey; it covers an area of 9.7 ha, is adjacent to and on the grounds of the Topkapı Palace. The south entrance of the park sports one of the larger gates of the palace. It is the oldest and one of the most expansive public parks in Istanbul.

Attend the Tataula Carnival

Baklahorani

Despite a 1943 ban on this Greek Orthodox pre-Lent carnival by the Turkish authorities, it has been revived since 2010. The tradition began in the 19th century or earlier, and even though the event was led by local Greeks, the celebrations were open to everyone. It's also a nice opportunity to look into Turkey's multicultural past. Takes place in the Kurtuluş (previously named Tataula) neighborhood.

Shrove Mon every year

Between Two Seas

İki Deniz Arası

A 60-km, 4-day hiking trail between the coasts of the Marmara and Black Seas across the rapidly changing outskirts of the city, passing through various urban, natural, historic, and industrial sites.

Between Two Seas

İki Deniz Arası

A 60-km, 4-day hiking trail between the coasts of the Marmara and Black Seas across the rapidly changing outskirts of the city, passing through various urban, natural, historic, and industrial sites.