In the old city: Gülhane
1. Gülhane Park is the easiest to fit into a stay: it occupies the former outer garden of Topkapı Palace, just below the old city, and it is free. Plane-lined avenues, flower beds and terrace tea houses at the far end of the park with views of the Bosphorus. It is the ideal break between Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace. See the Gülhane Park page.
On the European shore of the Bosphorus
2. Yıldız Park (Beşiktaş) climbs a wooded hill of about 37 hectares between the Çırağan Palace and Yıldız Palace. Free entry, tall trees and three pavilions from the late Ottoman period. Wear good shoes: the paths climb. See the Yıldız Park page.
3. Emirgan Park is the largest public park on the Bosphorus, at about 47 hectares, with its three pavilions, its ponds and its tulip beds in April. Free entry. See the Emirgan Park page, and the tulip festival page for the season.
4. Maçka Park, in Nişantaşı, is the garden of the smart districts, linked to the life of the centre by a cable car: a green break between visits or shopping. See the Maçka Park page.
5. Pierre Loti Hill overlooks the Golden Horn from Eyüp. You go up by cable car or on foot from the Eyüp Sultan Mosque, for a terrace coffee with a view. See the page on Eyüp and Pierre Loti Hill.
The great forest of the north
6. Belgrad Forest is the Istanbulites' great nature outing: more than 5,000 hectares of oaks, Ottoman dams and aqueducts, hiking loops and picnic areas. Allow half a day, and come on weekdays. See the Belgrad Forest page.
7. The Atatürk Arboretum, next to Belgrad Forest (near Bahçeköy), displays more than 2,000 plant species. It is paid and closed on Mondays: check hours and prices before you come. It combines easily with Belgrad Forest.
On the Asian shore
8. Fenerbahçe Park, on the Sea of Marmara, surrounds the lighthouse built in 1857. Free access, with lawns, old trees and sea views. See the Fenerbahçe Park page.
9. The Moda seafront, further north, is a waterside promenade with sloping lawns where locals settle at sunset: it is Kadıköy's liveliest "informal" park. Details in our guide to Kadıköy and Moda.
10. The Nezahat Gökyiğit Botanic Garden, in Ataşehir and Ümraniye, is the city's finest botanic garden: free entry, closed on Mondays, with plant collections arranged in themed "islands" and fine tulip beds in spring. See the Nezahat Gökyiğit Botanic Garden page.
11. Çamlıca Hill, in Üsküdar, is one of the high points of the Asian shore, with tea gardens and wide views of the city; the Çamlıca Tower offers an observation deck there.
12. Fethi Paşa Grove (Fethi Paşa Korusu), on the heights of the Asian coast, is a wooded walking area with views of the Bosphorus, liked by locals for a coffee or a quiet picnic. It is more a local address than a tourist one.
Summary
| Park | Shore | Access | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gülhane | Europe, old city | T1 tram, Gülhane stop | Free |
| Yıldız | Europe, Beşiktaş | Buses 22 and 40 from Kabataş or Taksim | Free |
| Emirgan | Europe, Bosphorus | Buses 22 and 40 | Free |
| Maçka | Europe, Nişantaşı | See the page | Public park |
| Pierre Loti Hill | Europe, Eyüp | Cable car or on foot from Eyüp | See the page |
| Belgrad Forest | Europe, north | Buses 42T, 153 | Free on foot |
| Atatürk Arboretum | Europe, north | Near Bahçeköy | Paid, closed Mondays |
| Fenerbahçe | Asia, Kadıköy | Buses FB1, FB2 | Free |
| Moda | Asia, Kadıköy | Ferry or M4, then on foot | Free |
| Nezahat Gökyiğit | Asia, Ataşehir | Buses 13, 14ŞB, 19M | Free, closed Mondays |
| Çamlıca | Asia, Üsküdar | See the tower page | Public park |
| Fethi Paşa | Asia, Üsküdar | Bus or taxi | Public park |
When to come
- April: the tulips, especially at Emirgan and Gülhane; see our guide to Istanbul in spring.
- May and June: vegetation is at its peak and the days are long; this is the ideal time for gardens.
- Summer: favour shaded parks, such as Belgrad Forest, and go out early or late in the day.
- Autumn: Belgrad Forest and Emirgan are at their best.
- Rain: parks are quiet and forest paths are muddy; see our guide to what to do in Istanbul when it rains.
Practical tips
- Picnics: a local habit. In the parks, barbecues are limited to certain areas (Belgrad Forest); follow the signs.
- Toilets and water: bring water, as refreshment stands are few in the forest.
- With children: Emirgan, Gülhane, Fenerbahçe and the botanic garden all suit families; see also Istanbul with children.
- Getting around: combine a park with a neighbouring district, for example Gülhane with Sultanahmet, or Fenerbahçe with Kadıköy.
