To be fair, people don’t travel to Istanbul, Turkey, to enjoy the city’s parks. However, if you are already there, then you should definitely check out some of them. Whether you are into long walks that allow you to soak up all the beautiful nature or you just want to have a nice picnic, there is something for everyone. In case you don’t know where to start, here are our recommendations.
Gulhane Park
If you want to get away from the noise and rivers of tourists in the Eminonu district, then head to Gulhane Park. There are plenty of places you can sit down and recharge your batteries while enjoying the breathtaking nature and impressive historical and architectural pieces.
Location: Cankurtaran, Kennedy Cd., 34122 Fatih
Emirgan Park
Located in the European part of Istanbul, Emirgan Park is notable for the tulip gardens that make it one of the most colorful and attractive parks in the city. This is also the place of the International Tulip Festival, which is held every year in April.
Location: Resitpasa, Emirgan Sk., 34467 Sarıyer
Yildiz Park
Yildiz Park is particularly interesting as it was once part of the gardens surrounding the imperial Yıldız Palace. Nowadays, it is known for its diverse flowers, plants, and trees that have been collected from around the world. You’ll also find artificial lakes, monuments, and an amazing panoramic view of the Bosphorus.
Location: Yıldız, 34349 Besiktas
Macka Park
One of the most common traveling tips is to go where the locals go. You should follow that when checking out Istanbul’s parks and head to Macka Park. This is where locals love to gather with their families and friends and enjoy various outdoor activities like jogging or picnicking.
Location: Harbiye, Macka Cd., 34367 Sisli