Here, you can find the most visited and the most beautiful groves, parks and gardens suitable for great day out activities in the company of green and nature in Istanbul. You can spend a great and peaceful day out at these popular Istanbul parks during your Istanbul stay.
Istanbul parks on the European side
Gulhane Park between Sirkeci & Sultanahmet
Located in between the Sultanahmet and Sirkeci, Gulhane Park (Rose Garden) is one of the most beautiful parks in Istanbul for both tourists and locals. The history of Gülhane Park dates back to the Byzantine Period, as it is located near the Panagia Hodegetria Chapel and the Hagios Georgies Monastery. During the Byzantine era, the park hosted some military depots and barracks.
In the Ottoman period, it was used to cultivate roses for the Topkapi Palace. After the conquest of Istanbul, the park, used as the outer garden of the Topkapı Palace, became famous for its beautiful rose gardens and took its name from them.
The park covers a huge area. There are variety of very beautiful gardens, trees, pools and outdoor cafes with the impressive views of the Bosphorus. There is also a Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam in the park, a unique one in the world that worth a see.
Yildiz Park & Grove in Besiktas
Located in the hills of the Beşiktaş district, below the Yıldız Palace and overlooking the Bosphorus, Yıldız Park and Grove stand out as one of Istanbul’s most impressive, serene, and frequently visited parks. It offers the opportunity for breakfast and dining at the Malta and Çadır Mansions. This park, one of Istanbul’s most beautiful parks, features enchanting gardens and trees, as well as stunning pools, waterfalls, and ponds.
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In Yıldız Park, there are various flowers, plants, and trees collected from all over the world, dating back to the Ottoman era. Alongside beautiful gardens, there are pergolas, bridges, waterfalls, ponds, and historic mansions. The plant cover of the park mainly consists of magnolias, laurel leaves, judas trees, silverberry, horse chestnuts, oaks, cypresses, pines, boxwood, cedar, and hornbeam trees.
Additionally, there are two artificial lakes within the park. The park areas also offer views of the Bosphorus.
Yıldız Park is especially popular for breakfast, dining, and relaxation on weekends. Within the park, there are also two historic mansions, Çadır Köşkü and Malta Köşkü, which offer breakfast and dining services. These mansions were built in 1871 by Sultan Abdulaziz.
You can start your day in Yıldız Park with a delightful breakfast in one of the mansions, then wander through the beautiful gardens of the park and enjoy the stunning view of the Bosphorus along with the park’s scenic beauty. Location >>
Emirgan Park & Grove in Emirgan
Emirgan Park (Emirgan Grove) is located in Emirgan, Istanbul and covers an area of 325,000 square meters. has variety of pine, umbrella pine, cypress, fir, willow and lime trees.
Emirgan Park, a verdant oasis nestled in the heart of Istanbul, stands as a breathtaking testament to the city’s natural beauty. Particularly enchanting during the Tulip Festival in every April, the park transforms into a visual spectacle adorned with vibrant tulips, daffodils, and an array of blossoms surrounding its expansive pond, pools, and scenic walkways.
The park’s large pond, gracefully traversed by ducks and birds, becomes a focal point during the festival, complemented by cascading waterfalls and pathways adorned with tulips. Emirgan Park offers visitors a visual feast, a harmonious blend of nature’s wonders and meticulously designed landscapes.
Bebek Park in Bebek
Bebek Park is located on the Bosphorus shores of Bebek, Besiktas. There are variety of dining and wining alternatives in and around the park for the visitors. The park and the area is always lively and full of people. Location >>
Ulus Park in Besiktas
The Ulus Park is located on the Adnan Saygun Street in Ulus, on the hills through Besiktas. Ulus Park is a well preserved one and has an outstanding panorama through the Bosphorus. There are also several restaurants and cafes for the visitors. Location >>
Rumeli Hisarustu Duatepe Park in Sariyer
Located by the Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridge, in the Sariyer district on the European side, the Rumeli Hisarustu Duatepe Park offers spectacular views of Istanbul. You can see the Hidiv Pavilion and Anatolian Fortress, and combined with the unique Bosphorus view. Great place to watch the scenery while having your drink at the cafes. Location >>
Istanbul parks on the Asian side
Fethi Pasa Grove in Uskudar
Located on a hill overlooking the Istanbul Bosphorus in a highly impressive and beautiful area between Üsküdar and Beylerbeyi, the historic Fethi Pasha Grove stands out as one of Istanbul’s most beautiful groves and parks. Fethi Pasha Grove, a preferred destination for those seeking fresh air and wanting to run or walk, beckons guests from afar, away from the city’s noisy atmosphere.
It is among the top choices for those who want to get fresh air, run, or walk in Istanbul. Located away from the city’s noisy atmosphere, resting in the cafes or restaurants, or tea gardens in Fethi Pasha Grove is a delightful activity.
Situated in a location boasting one of Istanbul’s most beautiful and finest Bosphorus views, the grove is spread over approximately 16 hectares of green space. Filled with dense trees, Fethi Pasha Grove, also known as Kuzguncuk Grove by the public, resembles Istanbul’s botanical garden.
In addition to the restaurant and cafeteria named Fethi Pasha Social Facilities operated by the Istanbul Municipality, Fethi Pasha Grove houses hundreds of plant and tree species, green areas, walking, and hiking trails. Since the facility is operated by the municipality, the prices are quite reasonable. Location >>
Camlica Hill Park
Camlica Hill is a great leisure and tourist area located in the Asian side of Istanbul. Camlica Hill offers great panoramic views of the city. The hill is the highest one to find the best views of Istanbul from 265 meters above the sea level. There are also several cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy your views. Address: Kısıklı, Turistik Çamlıca Cd., 34692 Üsküdar/Istanbul Location >>
Romantika Fenerbahçe Park in Kadikoy
The Romantika Fenerbahce Park is located on the Fenerbahce Peninsula in the Fenerbahce neighborhood of Kadikoy. The park is very popular with the Istanbul locals and has beautiful open and closed areas. Location >>
Cubuklu Hidiv Pavilion & Grove in Kanlica
Hıdiv Palace and Grove are located in a serene environment surrounded by greenery overlooking the Bosphorus. Hıdiv Grove welcomes visitors with its nature composed of hundreds of plant and tree species, beautiful gardens, green areas, filtration pools, walking and hiking trails. It also boasts one of Istanbul’s largest rose gardens.
The grove is famous for its walking trails with views of the Bosphorus. Here, you can enjoy a nature walk and take a break at Yörük tents where tea, coffee, and gözleme (Turkish pastry) are served.
In Hıdiv Palace, there is a restaurant and cafeteria operated by the Istanbul Municipality subsidiary, Beltur. Location >>
Mihrabad Grove in Kanlica
Mihrabad Grove is a beautiful grove overlooking Bosphorus and covers an area of 25 hectares, located in Kanlica, Bosphorus Asian shore, close to the Black Sea. It features beautiful gardens and walking trails, along with magnificent views of the Bosphorus. Sipping your drink amidst the greenery will be a delightful experience.
To your left, you’ll find one of the loveliest bays of the Bosphorus, to your right, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, and directly in front, the Ortaköy coastline, Rumeli Fortress, and İstinye Bay offer great pleasure.
Within Mihrabat Grove, there is also a charming café called Aadan Lounge and a fine restaurant named Mihrabat Restaurant. It’s an ideal venue for all kinds of social events and dining activities, especially weddings and engagement dinners.
Otagtepe Park (Fatih Grove) in Beykoz
Located by the Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridge, along Kavacik, in the Beykoz district on the Asian side, the Fatih Grove Tema Vehbi Koç Nature Culture Center (formerly known as Otağtepe Park) offers spectacular views of Istanbul and so called as fake heaven. You can see the two bridges and the city’s best scenery with a bird’s eye view, and combined with the unique Bosphorus view. No cafes or restaurants. Location >>
Beykoz Grove
Located on the Asian side of the Bosphorus in the Beykoz district, Beykoz Grove extends from the ridges between Beykoz and Paşabahçe to Riva. It is also one of Istanbul’s most beautiful groves and parks. Dating back to the era of Sultan Abdulhamid II, the grove is also known as Abraham Pasha Grove. It covers an area of 150 acres, making it one of the largest groves along the Bosphorus. Today, the grove contains two large caves, five pools, and remnants of a palace.
Beykoz Grove was once arranged by French garden architects. It features beautiful mansions, birdhouses, pools, and walking trails.
With its centuries-old trees, captivating Bosphorus view, and lush greenery spread over 150 acres, the grove is also a popular recreational area.
Additionally, Beykoz Grove houses the Fethi Beykoz Grove Facilities, a restaurant and cafeteria operated by Beltur, a subsidiary of the Istanbul Municipality.
Istanbul Tulip Festival (annual, last 3 weeks of April)
Tulips are very important for the Ottoman Empire and Turkish culture. And to celebrate both spring and this fact, this annual festival takes place at the city’s most famous parks, such as the Gulhane Park in Sirkeci, Sultanahmet Square in Sultanahmet, Yildiz Park in Besiktas, Emirgan Park in Emirgan in the European side, and Fethi Pasa Grove and Camlica Hill in Uskudar, Cubuklu Hidiv Grove in Cubuklu and Beykoz Park in Beykoz on the Asian side.
This is a free festival and visitors may enjoy billions of tulips in 120 different types that blossoms in April, as well as several culture and art activities that are organized in the Emirgan Park and Sultanahmet Square. There is also a tulip photo contest and the winners are awarded.
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