Turkish Property Port

The best parks and green spaces in Istanbul

Although Istanbul may strike some as a concrete jungle, there are many ways to escape into nature if you know where they are. From public parks to expansive forests, Istanbul’s precious green secrets are waiting for you to discover them. Here’s a short and helpful guide for you to find tranquility and peace in one of the most crowded and developed cities in the world.

Gülhane Park 

The best parks and green spaces in Istanbul

Istanbul’s most famous park, located in the former outer garden of the Topkapı Palace, was gradually converted into a public park in the final years of the Ottoman Empire. It is one of the most historical urban parks in Istanbul. You will start enjoying the silence and peace inside as soon as you take just a few steps into its premises.  The Column of the Goths, a Roman victory column and one of the oldest monuments in the city can also be found here. The park also is home to the Istanbul Museum of The History of Science and Technology in Islam. Springtime is especially magical thanks to the annual tulip festival.

Emirgan Park 

The best parks and green spaces in Istanbul

This is one of the most beautiful parks in Istanbul with a magnificent Bosphorus view and a colorful garden. Located in Emirgan, with nice restaurants and luxury real estate all around, this is a must-visit destination with a hugely relaxing environment. Although it may take some effort to reach there, the view from the top of the park is worth every drop of sweat.

Belgrade Forest

The best parks and green spaces in Istanbul

The northern part of Istanbul, stretching all the way to the Black Sea is a large expanse of thick forests. These forests are also known as “the lungs of Istanbul” as they provide oxygen for the millions of people living here. In the 17th century, wealthy Ottoman and European residents of İstanbul would picnic and take walks around the Belgrade forests, located to the west of Sariyer. Today, a popular weekend getaway for residents of Istanbul and tourists alike, it offers many trails for walking, running, cycling and horseback riding. There are also many picnic areas and a big botanical garden (Ataturk Arboretum). The road to Belgrade Forests also leads to Kilyos, famous for its sandy beaches and Zekeriyakoy, a popular suburb among investors choosing houses over apartments for sale in Istanbul. The construction of the nearby third bridge has played a huge role in turning this area into a center of attraction for everyone considering to invest in Istanbul.  

Yildiz Park

The best parks and green spaces in Istanbul
 
Located at the heart of Istanbul, between Beşiktaş and Ortaköy, Yıldız Park is very close to Çırağan Palace, a former Ottoman palace and now, one of the best luxury hotels in Istanbul. You can also visit Yıldız Palace, which is also found inside the park. It can be surrounded by busy residential and commercial neighborhoods, where demand is high for Turkish real estate for sale. However, it is also the perfect place to stop by and escape the city noise in only a couple of minutes from the busy Bosphorus shore. Having a nice walk with birds singing around you, will provide the calming atmosphere you need, together with the amazing view of the Bosphorus.

Ulus Park

The best parks and green spaces in Istanbul

Would you like to enjoy the panoramic view of Bosphorus while enjoying your coffee after a relaxing walk? Then Ulus Park is the perfect place to visit. Ulus Café in Ulus Park is open all year-round serving many locals and tourists who come to enjoy this gorgeous view. You will see the cute neighborhoods of the Bosphorus lying between the two bridges. The park is located in a very elite area, where many luxury apartments and residences are built due an increasing demand for luxury investment in Istanbul. Since it is also very close to the Akmerkez Shopping Mall, it is just the place to get some rest after long hours of walking and shopping.