There is a diverse selection of Istanbul parks that range from vast historic groves to modern green spaces, each offering a unique atmosphere and attractions. Below are 10 of the most interesting and extensive parks in Istanbul, with details about their features, size, location, and access:
Top 10 Istanbul Parks – Table of Contents
1. Emirgan Park – Sarıyer, European Side
Location: Emirgan Korusu, Reşitpaşa, Emirgan Sk., 34467 Sarıyer/İstanbul. Size: 47 hectares.
Located in the upscale Emirgan neighbourhood along the Bosphorus, this historic park is famous for its vibrant Tulip Festival every April. Spread over rolling hills, Emirgan Park features three beautifully restored Ottoman-style pavilions (Yellow, Pink, and White), winding walking trails, artificial ponds, and children’s play areas. It’s ideal for photography, picnics, and enjoying Bosphorus breezes. It can be reached by car/taxi, bus, or a scenic ferry ride (Emirgan ferry port).
2. Yıldız Park – Beşiktaş, European Side
Location: Yıldız Park, Yıldız, Çırağan Cd., 34349 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Tūrkiye. Size: 37 hectares.
Nestled between Yıldız Palace and Çırağan Palace, Yıldız Park is one of Istanbul’s most tranquil green escapes despite being in the heart of the city. It boasts dense wooded areas, charming 19th-century pavilions, lakes, fountains, and romantic walking paths with occasional Bosphorus views. Popular with locals for weekend picnics, it’s just a short uphill walk from Beşiktaş, reachable by numerous buses or a 15-minute walk from Kabataş.
3. Gülhane Park – Sultanahmet/Fatih, European Side
Location: Gülhane Park, Cankurtaran, Kennedy Cad., 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Tūrkiye. Size: 15 hectares.
Adjacent to Topkapı Palace and the Archaeology Museum in the historical peninsula, Gülhane Park was once the royal outer garden and has now been transformed into a beautifully landscaped public space. With wide promenades, flowerbeds, magnificent plane trees, and a museum dedicated to Islamic science, it offers a calm, leafy break from the bustle of Sultanahmet. Take the tram to the Gülhane stop, which is steps from the park’s main gate.
4. Maçka Democracy Park – Maçka/Şişli, European Side
Location: Maçka Democracy Park, Harbiye, Maçka Cd., 34000 Şişli/İstanbul, Tūrkiye. Size: 12 hectares.
A leafy valley between Dolmabahçe and Nişantaşı, this urban park is loved for its tree-shaded paths, open lawns, and fitness stations. It’s also known for a unique cable car (teleferik) that glides over the park, connecting Maçka to Taksim’s Harbiye area. Ideal for joggers, dog owners, and people-watching, it’s walkable from Taksim, Osmanbey, or Beşiktaş.
5. Belgrad Forest – Bahçeköy/Sarıyer, European Side
Location: Belgrad Ormanı, Bahçeköy Merkez, 34473 Sarıyer/İstanbul, Tūrkiye. Size: 5,500 hectares.
Belgrad Forest is the city’s largest green lung, covering a vast expanse of natural forest in northern Istanbul. It’s a haven for nature lovers, hikers, and runners, with the popular 6.5 km jogging track at Bentler, scenic aqueducts, picnic areas including permitted barbecue areas, and deep woodlands rich in wildlife. Belgrad Forest is best accessed by car, taxi, or bus (to Bahçeköy).
6. Fethi Paşa Grove – Üsküdar, Asian Side
Location: Fethi Paşa Korusu, Sultantepe, Fethi Paşa Korusu No:14, 34674 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Tūrkiye. Size: 32 hectares.
Overlooking the Bosphorus between Kuzguncuk and Paşalimanı, Fethi Paşa Grove is a serene hillside park known for its panoramic water views, shaded walking paths, and charming tea garden. It’s ideal for quiet walks and weekend lounging. You can reach it by taking a ferry to Üsküdar or the metro to Fıstıkağacı.
7. Nezahat Gökyiğit Botanical Garden – Ataşehir, Asian Side
Location: Nezahat Gökyiğit Botanik Bahçesi, Çamlık, Şenol Güneş Blv. No: 9, 34774 Ümraniye/İstanbul, Tūrkiye. Size: 40 hectares.
An educational and environmental gem in the middle of a highway junction in Ataşehir, this botanical garden spans several themed “islands” connected by bridges. It features native and exotic plants, greenhouses, educational exhibits, and a herbarium. Access is easiest via the metro to Kozyatağı or İçerenköy, followed by a short walk or minibus.
8. Atatürk Arboretum – Bahçeköy/Sarıyer, European Side
Location: Atatürk Arboretum, İstanbul Üniversitesi, Bahçeköy Kemer, Orman Fakültesi, 34450 Sarıyer/İstanbul, Tūrkiye. Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00 Tuesday-Sunday. Entry ticket Turkish Lira equivalent of approximately €1.00. Size: 296 hectares.
This space is ideal for those seeking pure serenity. It is a peaceful, research-focused arboretum with over 2,000 plant species, scenic lakes, and no crowds (picnicking, pets, and loud noises are prohibited). Located next to Belgrad Forest, it’s popular with photographers and botany lovers. Access is best by private car or a bus to Bahçeköy, followed by a short walk.
9. Beykoz Grove – Beykoz, Asian Side
Location: Beykoz Korusu, Merkez, Beykoz, Merkez, Koru Yolu Sk. No:29, 34800 Beykoz, Tūrkiye. Size: 30 hectares.
Also known as Abraham Paşa Grove, this expansive hillside park offers lush greenery, winding paths, and panoramic views of the Bosphorus. It features a large outdoor café/restaurant, terraced picnic spots, and historic mansions hidden among pine trees. It’s easily reachable by bus or dolmuş from Üsküdar to Beykoz centre, followed by a short walk uphill.
10. Moda Coastal Park – Kadıköy, Asian Side
Location: Moda Sahil Parkı, Caferağa, Küçükmoda Burnu Sk No:21, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Tūrkiye. Size: 10 hectares.
Stretching from Kadıköy to Moda along the coastline, this seaside park is a favourite for sunset lovers, cyclists, and casual strollers. It features wide walking and biking paths, skate parks, basketball courts, and lots of open grass for lounging. Accessible via the Kadıköy ferry, metro, or tram, it’s a lively yet relaxing spot to enjoy the sea and local café culture.