Most Beautiful Parks & Gardens in Istanbul 2025
When traveling to Istanbul, a visitor wants to see the popular sights such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Suleymaniye Mosque, the Galata Tower, and the bustling Taksim Square. These are truly must-see sights. Yet if one wishes to truly experience the peaceful aspect of the city, one must visit the parks and gardens in Istanbul.
These green areas used to be royal gardens. Others are designated as nature reserves located in remote areas away from the flow of vehicles and people. Visitors can walk among the tulips, under the shade of historic trees, or even find royal palaces and pavilions. For instance, at the Yildiz Park, the tourist can view historic mansions that were used as residences for the sultans of the Ottoman Empire. Other green areas include pavilions at the Emirgan Park. This article will assist the visitor to access the best green areas in Istanbul.
Gulhane Park
Gulhane Park represents one of the oldest parks and gardens in the heart of Istanbul. This green area used to belong to the royal gardens of Topkapi Palace. Taking a walk through Gulhane Park feels like going back in time. In Gulhane Park, you can sit under the shade of historic plane trees and enjoy the view of the sea from the lower park gate.
In spring, the park hosts tulips during the Istanbul Tulip Festival. This park offers a great walk after discovering the Old City. Tourists also come to the Gulhane Park during the Istanbul Old City Walking Tour. This tour also consists of visits to Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia.
Yildiz Park
Yildiz Park is located between Besiktas and Ortakoy and was once a park belonging to the Yildiz Palace. Yildiz Park is one of the largest parks in Istanbul and features a great number of trees, ponds resembling lakes, and flower gardens. This park is very popular for the two historic mansions of the Ottoman Empire that were turned into restaurants. In the mansions, breakfast or tea can be savoured while enjoying the view of the Bosphorus.
This park is great for a peaceful morning walk. Birds chirp among the pines. Paths branch off for hikes up the hill to vantage points. Comfortable footwear is required due to the hills. For a guided tour of the city, include this in your Bosphorus and City Highlights Tour.
Emirgan Park
Another historic park featuring breathtaking scenery is the Emirgan Park. This park is found in the Sariyer area of the Bosphorus and used to belong to the nobles of the Ottoman Empire. This park has become very popular both among the locals and tourists, especially during the tulip festival when the entire park is adorned with millions of flowers.
Within Emirgan, you can find three beautiful wooden mansions: Yellow Pavilion, White Pavilion, and Pink Pavilion. All the mansions are surrounded by gardens where one can drink tea and have breakfast while observing the passing ships in the Bosphorus. Large grassed lawns and playing fields make this park one of the best parks to visit when traveling to Istanbul. One can access the park by bus and ferry.
Belgrad Forest
Belgrad forest refers to the largest natural park surrounding the city of Istanbul. This park can be found in the region of Sariyer. This area happens to be 20 km away from the city center. This forest consists of lakes and historic dams dating back to the period of the Ottoman Empire.
Here, you can breathe fresh air and listen only to the sounds of the birds chirping and the rustling of the leaves. This is the perfect spot for people who want to escape the city life for at least a few hours. The best time to come here is early in the morning, especially during the weekends when the locals come here for their picnics. The cost of entering by car is minimal, but free if you choose to walk in.
Atatürk Arboretum
The Ataturk Arboretum is situated adjacent to the Belgrad Forest. This is actually a botanical garden and not a city park. This garden has hundreds of plant species gathered from across the world. This is among the peaceful parks and gardens found in the city of Istanbul. This garden appears more beautiful during the autumn season when the trees change color to red and gold.
Visitors can walk through the miniature lakes surrounding the area and even walk across the wooden bridges. This spot is ideal for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. This garden only costs a toll to enter, and picnics are prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best times to visit Istanbul parks and gardens?
Spring and autumn are the best seasons. In April, the tulips bloom in Gulhane and Emirgan Parks. In autumn, the colors in Ataturk Arboretum and Belgrad Forest are beautiful. Weekdays are usually quieter.
Are these parks free to enter?
Most public parks such as Gulhane, Yildiz, and Emirgan are free. Belgrad Forest and Ataturk Arboretum may have a small entrance fee, especially for cars.
Which parks have Bosphorus views or palaces?
Yildiz Park offers views of the Bosphorus and has two Ottoman mansions. Emirgan Park also has three historic pavilions with sea views. Gulhane Park connects directly to Topkapi Palace. These are perfect options for history lovers.
Are these parks family-friendly?
Yes. Emirgan Park and Gulhane Park are ideal for families because of their open lawns and playgrounds. Yildiz Park has calm paths and tea houses. Belgrad Forest is best for picnics and long walks.
What should I bring when visiting these parks?
Bring water, comfortable shoes, and a camera. For longer stays, you may want snacks or a picnic mat. Always keep the area clean and respect nature.
Stroll through the park and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as the Bosphorus water flow. Relaxing in the peaceful surrounding will surely add more relaxation to your journey. For those planning to visit Istanbul in the future, contact us to arrange for a tour of the following beautiful parks and other cultural treasures.