The Best Parks in Istanbul to Connect with Nature

Istanbul’s parks, full of natural beauty, are the ideal retreat for residents and tourists alike. If you are one of them, aiming to take a break from the city’s busy streets to take some fresh air, you are at the right place. Public parks in Istanbul offer excellent alternatives for you. All you need to do is to decide what kind of activity you want to do in the city’s nature spots. Because all green spaces in Istanbul are unique in their own way. Now, let’s explore the best parks in Istanbul and what makes each one worth visiting for you.

1. Gülhane Park

If it is your first time in Istanbul you should definitely visit Gülhane Park because it is a famous green space among both tourists and locals. Also its location makes it very accessible since it is near the Topkapı Palace in the Fatih district. This park is among the most ancient and historic nature spots in Istanbul. Once part of the palace's outer grounds, it was opened to the public in 1912. Ever since, Gülhane Park Istanbul has become a cherished area for visiting.

The park is famous for its wide grass fields, hundred-year-old trees, colorful flowerbeds, and beautiful Marmara Sea and Bosphorus scenery. There is even an old famous song mentioning tall walnut trees of Gühane Park in Turkish. The area’s times tend to be during tulip season as the park is full of colors. And when you walk along the park you will eventually find yourself in Sarayburnu, which allows you to observe scenic views of the Marmara Sea.

Taking place as one of the most famous scenic parks in Istanbul, Gülhane provides its visitors a chance to rest in tea gardens overlooking the Bosphorus or see old monuments like the Gotlar Column and the Istanbul Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam inside the park. Thus, visiting this park with your loved ones might be one of the top things to do in Istanbul, Turkey. Because it has family-friendly areas that offer a blend of history and tranquility in the center of Istanbul.

2. Belgrad Forest

If you want a total escape from the city’s crowds, you can visit Belgrad Forest. Located in Sarıyer district, Belgrad Forest is one of the biggest urban green areas in Istanbul. It is situated on about 5,800 hectares on the European side of the city. This nature reserve also has many plants, animals, and over 170 kinds of birds.

Belgrad Forest Istanbul is a favorite spot among families who enjoy jogging, horseback riding and having picnics on the weekends. It’s also popular for nature enthusiasts looking for parks for walking in Istanbul. In other words, you can have excellent outdoor activities and take many stunning pictures here.

When it comes to when to visit Belgrad, it can be said that the park is a hot destination for barbecues and picnics in summer, while in winter, it becomes an idyllic snow-covered forest and a peaceful retreat for its visitors. And lastly, although there is a small fee for cars entering the forest, pedestrians can enjoy it for free!

3. Maçka Democracy Park

Located in Şişli district, between Maçka and Nişantaşı, this park offers a combination of the features both Gülhane and Belgrad offer. It is a large green area in the center of Istanbul. Once part of the Dolmabahçe Palace gardens, today Maçka Democracy Park provides a peaceful retreat with walking and jogging paths.

This beautiful greenery is one of the most famous parks with playgrounds for children, picnic areas and decorative pools in Istanbul. Its variety of tree species creates a refreshing atmosphere for children while it offers a perfect relaxation spot for adults. That’s why it's regarded as one of the best parks for kids and their families.

Moreover, the park hosts cultural events for convenience as well. It attracts the attention of tourists with its artistic section at Maçka Art Park, which features important historical figures. Thus, you can have fun here with your family and friends or even individually.

4. Emirgan Park

Emirgan is also a colorful park located on the European side along the Bosphorus. Like Gülhane, this park is especially famous for its beautiful tulip displays during the Istanbul Tulip Festival. Known as one of the most visited Istanbul parks with sea view, Emirgan features serene ponds with swans, tall trees in its walking paths, and its wide picnic areas for families.

Having a similarity with Maçka Democracy Park in that it is a family-friendly park with its children’s playgrounds and open spaces. Thus, when you visit Emirgan Park Istanbul with kids, they can play freely in the wide, lush greenery. There are also several cafes and restaurants offering affordable and delicious meals, so you can spend a full day here.

5. Fethi Paşa Grove

Speaking of the Bosphorus view, Fethi Paşa Grove also offers some of the city’s most breathtaking views, taking a place among one of the wonders of Istanbul to see in all four seasons. It is a preferred location among those who seek tranquility and quiet green areas in Istanbul.

This beautiful grove is filled with tall trees and shaded walking paths. You can have a fun time having a picnic or a romantic stroll during sunset here. Unlike the larger and more crowded parks, Fethi Paşa Grove feels intimate and less touristy, making it perfect for nature lovers who want to escape the city noise without traveling far.

6. Yıldız Park

Yıldız Park is one of Istanbul’s largest urban parks, located between Beşiktaş and Ortaköy. It was once part of the imperial gardens of Yıldız Palace and today, the park still has a royal charm with its landscaped gardens. If you are searching for a place where you can rest in nature in peace, Yıldız Park Istanbul might be the perfect spot! You can leisurely walk among centuries-old trees and flowering plants.

The park also offers several cafes where visitors can enjoy tea or snacks while taking in views of the Bosphorus. So when you want to socialize with your friends, you have options for that too. With this diversity of activities to do, it is regarded as one of the best parks on the European side of Istanbul. Lastly, since Yıldız Park is less crowded than other nature spots, it is literally a hidden gem for those who want to spend time in a green setting close to the city center.

7. Haliç (Golden Horn)

Known as Haliç or Golden Horn, this spot is a natural harbor surrounded by parks. While the waterfront areas along the Golden Horn offer scenic walking and cycling paths, areas like the Golden Horn Waterfront Sports Park turn the coastline into vibrant public spaces. With sports facilities, green lawns and children’s playgrounds, Haliç combines urban life with nature. It provides you a refreshing place to relax while enjoying panoramic views of Istanbul’s skyline.

8. Ihlamur Park

Ihlamur Park, in the district of Şişli, was once the site of Ottoman pavilions and is known for its fragrant linden trees which is exactly where its name comes from. This park has beautifully maintained gardens and walking paths. So it is definitely available for a quiet retreat! Also, the park is a home to historic buildings which offers museums inside, adding to its appeal. Thus you should not miss the chance to explore its beautiful green spaces that offer a refreshing escape from the city's vibrant hustle and bustle.

9. Nakkaştepe Park

Situated in Üsküdar, Nakkaştepe Park is also a must-visit destination if you're looking for a perfect blend of adventure and stunning views. Spanning 90,000 square meters on the Asian side, this park offers spacious picnic areas, scenic walking and hiking trails and playgrounds for children. Plus, you can have all of this while overlooking the breathtaking sea view. This is why it is seen as one of the best parks near Bosphorus Istanbul.

If you like adventurous activities, the Extreme Adventure Park within Nakkaştepe offers challenging parkour courses, climbing walls and a spectacular zipline for you to soar above the Bosphorus with an unforgettable emotion. Yet if you want to relax in nature, you can enjoy drinking your coffee in the park with the help of its large picnic areas.

Last but not the least, as a tip, it’s better for you to bring a professional camera with you. Because you will probably be mesmerized by the panoramic views of the Bosphorus Strait!

10. Göztepe 60th Year Park

Situated in the Kadıköy district on the Asian side, Göztepe 60th Year Park is a vibrant, family-friendly park with its extensive playgrounds. It features a large pirate ship playground, water fountains and a mini car racing track for children.

In addition, when it comes to spending time with your dog in Istanbul parks and gardens, you can visit here due it is famous for its large dog-friendly playground areas as well. Thus, it can be said that these areas where pets can run freely make this nature spot one of the most visited pet-friendly parks in Istanbul, Turkey.

Now It’s Time to Plan a Trip!

Now that you have learned what you can do in the green areas and the best parks in Istanbul, you can decide which one you want to visit the most. You can even arrange a list if there is more than one spot you want to see as well. This way, you will be able to get to know the city more to have an opinion about which district is ideal for you to buy a new house or start investing in a property with the support of Istanbul Homes®. If you want to have further information about these investment opportunities, you can visit our offices or call us now!