If you're looking for a breath of fresh air, check out one of these parks in Istanbul. From nature preserves to botanical gardens, there's something for everyone.
The list of the 15 best parks to visit in Istanbul:
1. Yıldız Park
This grove was located between Yıldız and Raan Palace. First, it used to be a forest. Then it was converted into a hunting ground and then into palace gardens. Yıldız Park has a large richness of flora collected from all over the world since the Ottoman era. Yıldız Park also features a man-made lake, ponds, waterfalls, lovely gardens, lime trees, ash trees, and even a porcelain factory.
This is one of the city's major public parks, located on the European side. There are panoramic views of the Bosphorus Strait, like in many other parks in Istanbul. There are various restaurants in the mansions as well. This grove may be what you're looking for if you want to dine with beautiful views.
2. Gülhane Park
Gülhane park’s name comes of Persian origin, and it means “House of Roses.” This is one of Turkey's oldest parks, located on the grounds of Topkapi Palace. It is also well-known for its rose garden, which supplied flowers to Topkapi Palace. Nâzm Hikmet's romantic poetry "The Walnut Tree" also mentioned Gülhane Park. The first statue of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in Turkey is supposed to be in Gülhane Park.
There are museums nearby after a series of renovations. Gülhane Park also serves as a tram stop.
3. Emirgan Park
During the Istanbul Tulip Festival, Emirgan Park is one of the top Istanbul parks to visit.
This is the place to see some of Turkey's unique flora. In Emirgan Park, you will find one of the oldest trees, the Japanese umbrella pine, hanging out alongside scented lime trees. This location, also known as Emirgan Grove, contains three historic pavilions called for their respective colours: the Yellow Pavilion, the Pink Pavilion, and the White Pavilion.
Even though there are picnic tables, if you visit during the tulip festival, you may be swamped. During the festival, this is one of the nicest parks. There are a variety of events available, such as calligraphy, music, glass blowing, and more.
4. Maçka Park
This location is also known as Maçka Democracy Park. Take the cable car to get a bird's eye perspective of the stunning pools, wonderful fountains, beautiful gardens, and all of the lovely park attractions. Because this park is close to Istanbul Technical University, you might see a lot of students on the walking pathways. This is a fantastic spot for a picnic with friendly cats.
5. Göztepe 60. Yıl Parkı
Assume you want to relax in a peaceful green environment after shopping on the opulent Bağdat Avenue. In any case, this is one of the gardens in Istanbul you must see. The tulip and rose gardens, the brightly coloured fish, the natural ponds and fountains, and so on. On the Asian side, you may witness tourists and Istanbulites playing on the gym equipment or admiring the sunset after work.
6. Bebek Park
Many locals visit the Türkan Sabanc Bebek Park, which is also known as the Türkan Sabanc Bebek Park. Grab some ice cream and take in as much of the park as you can. There is a large area dedicated to children. Nearby are shops, cafes, and fantastic restaurants.
Inside the building, which was renovated and reopened in 2008 by Italian architect Ermanno Casaco, you'll discover street artists, clowns, photograph dealers, and entertainment.
7. Otağtepe Park
The stunning views of the city make this grove one of the most attractive in Istanbul. The name is taken from the Ottoman army units known as OTA, and tepe means hill in Turkish. Following the first siege of Constantinople (Istanbul) in 1391, the Emperor intended to travel the entire Bosphorus.
Locals call it Otağtepe, however, the signs allude to the grove's official name, Fatih Korusu. There are no entrance fees, cafes, or restaurants. There are playgrounds, bridges, ponds, and a 15,000-square-foot botanical garden. The Anatolian Fortress, located near the further end of the Bosphorus coast, has cafes.
8. Cemil Topuzlu Park
The visitors are mostly Istanbul natives. Despite the fact that it is a little park on Istanbul's crowded European side, it is a pleasant little getaway from the city.
If you want to go exploring, there is a monument dedicated to Piri Reis, the first person to sketch a global map. If you like seafood, go to a restaurant because this is where all the fisherman used to congregate.
9. Nezahat Gökyiğit Botanical Garden
This is an educational botanical garden that promotes science education and research on plant life around the world, as well as Turkey's diverse flora. Universities in Turkey and Botanic Gardens from across the world are among their partners. To mention a few, the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, Edinburgh, and the Batumi Botanic Gardens in Georgia.
The Asian side is home to the Nezahat Gökyiit Botanical Garden. This park provides visitors with the opportunity to learn. They have a library that is mostly comprised of English and Turkish books. If you don't want to undertake study, you can get a certificate here or bring your kids to play and learn about nature.
10. Mihrabat Korusu (Mihrabat Grove)
This grove features beautiful pine trees, cafes, and restaurants, as well as a breath-taking view of the Bosphorus. There is a 3km long hiking track. This grove, which is around 25 hectares in size, is one of the larger green spaces. It is also well-known for the legendary writer Yahya Kemal Beyatl's line: "I glanced at you from a hill yesterday, darling Istanbul." The grove is located on the Asian side and is home to a diverse range of flora and wildlife. A tortoise is one of the many animals you may encounter!
11. Hıdiv Korusu (Hıdiv Grove)
This grove is part of the gardens of a palace known in English as the Khedive's Palace. The estate was built for Abas II, the last Khedive of Sudan and Egypt, and features Turkey's first steam-powered elevator. It was once a hotel, but it is a restaurant now.
There is a forest, false waterfalls, a vast rose garden, fountains, and wonderful ponds in the park. This is one of several wonderful parks with breathtaking vistas. It's excellent in the spring and autumn.
12. Ulus Park
This is one of the smallest parks. Though it cannot compete with Istanbul's larger gardens, it is a nice green spot that you may visit all year. You may see Istanbul’s city skyline by inserting a cent into one of those telescopes.
There's a cute bistro at the top of the hill. If you're travelling in the winter, you might want to bring something warm to drink with you. The restaurant's exceptional duck dishes make it the star of the show. On weekends, especially on Sundays, this park can get rather crowded. If you want to feel like a local in Istanbul, get up early and watch the dawn from Ulus Park.
13. Çamlıca Tepesi (Çamlıca Hill)
Amlca Hill has a reputation for being a lovers' hotspot for more than 50 years ago. New couples can now be seen taking photos in one of the most beautiful parks with the Bosphorus in the background. Its name is due to the pine trees, and there isn't just one hill. There is a large hill, a minor hill, and a separate large area designated as a children's playground. This is the place to go if you want to raise free-range children.
While the kids are running around, you may use this hill to see some of the most spectacular sights in Istanbul, including the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, Sultanahmet Mosque, and Dolmabahçe Palace. This is also the location of the new Çamlıca Mosque.
After you've had your fill of exploration, you may relax in one of the many teahouses, restaurants, and cafes. The Ottoman cafe is themed after the Ottoman Empire. The architecture of the neighbouring and freshly erected Çamlıca Tower is breathtaking.
If you miss the tulips, you can see the birds migrate from Europe to Africa from Çamlıca Hill in September/October.
14. Beykoz Korusu
This tranquil, forest-like grove may be one of Istanbul's few gardens with a humorous backstory. Abraham Pasha is reported to have won this position during a chess match. As a result, this park is known informally as Abraham Pasha Grove. Some of the palace's remains can still be seen, but Abraham Pasha's house has been rebuilt, and there is a new Glass and Crystal Museum there. If you're looking for culture, this is a 30-minute walk from Beykoz Mecidiye Pavilions.
The trees are hundreds of years old. The tea garden by the pool/fountain is extremely gorgeous. Tulips also make their way here during the Tulip Festival in the spring. Though there are picnic tables available, you may prefer to dine at one of the wonderful restaurants. This way, you won't have to share your food with the squirrels. Perhaps it's because of their friendliness that there's such a cute squirrel monument.
15. Fenerbahçe Parkı
Fenerbahçe Park is commonly referred to as an island, but it is more of a peninsula. This park was once where Istanbulites went to cool down in the Marmara Sea. Nowadays, you'll see them out on a picnic. Just be advised that if you picnic here, you'll feel like Snow White because the local wildlife will want to share! Hedgehogs may even be seen slithering through the bushes!
It's a little park on the Asian side of the river, surrounded by marinas. During the day, there are about a dozen cats here. In the nights, lights will illuminate the beautiful landscape, highlighting centuries-old trees. There will be birds and ship horns to be heard. If you have time, you might like to pay a visit to the Fenerbahçe lighthouse, which is named after the city of Fenerbahçe. Fener means lighthouse, and bahçe means gardens.
This location draws a younger, more lively clientele. It could be because it is only 30 minutes from Bağdat Avenue, an upscale shopping district. There are sailing clubs in the area, as well as the Fenerbahçe soccer team. If you want to feel like royalty, you can lease a yacht and go on a personalized trip.
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