For submitting a new event or a guide item, please
email us.
Yildiz Park
The park of the stars is the most beautiful and the biggest park in Istanbul. It is very popular amongst the locals as it is a welcome relief from the noisy city. Initially the park was built for Sultan Abdul Hamit around the Ciragan Palace where sultans hunted and strolled for centuries. Now it is a common place for couples and families. There are several pavilions in the park, amongst them the Malta Kosk and the Cadir kosk which used to be part of the palace. The park also hosts the Yildiz Palace Museum, the Imperial Porcelain Factory and the City Museum. The park is free for pedestrians; taxis have to pay a fee.
Opening hours:
Daily: until sunset
Location:Besiktas
Ciragan Caddesi
Istanbul
Cekmece Lakes
The Büyük Cekmece and Kücük Cekmece lake area is about an hour away from Istanbul. The two lakes are connected to each other and operate as an amazing water source. During the summer months families from the city come to spend their vacation but the region is also ideal for fishing.
Istanbul
Emirgan Woods
This park which is facing the Bosporus is ideal for enjoying the nature and the historic atmosphere. There are three wooden kiosks from the time of the Ottoman Empire, the Pink, Yellow and White Kiosk, which were built as presents to the Sultan. Today they serve as restaurants and cafés. The site is also very well known for the annual Tulip festival where you can experience the beauty of various flowers.
Istanbul
Gülhane Park
Gülhane Park is the oldest park of the city and a favourite place for excursions. It lies between Topkapi Palace and Saravburnu and spreads over a wide area full of rare trees and bushes. There are panoramic terraces overlooking Saravburnu and a wide open space in which an excursion route leads your way. Benches are scattered everywhere so that you can sit and relax the nice atmosphere. The park is also very popular for picnicking and frequently used for open-air concerts.
Beykoz Woods
This small forest area is sited on the Asian side of the city and is famous for its water sources and its spacious tea gardens. The woods and forests around Beykoz are beautiful in every season. Especially, in spring and summer the foliage is so thick that the sky is barely visible from the bottom.
Belgrade Forest
This forest is located north of the city parallel to the foot of the Istranca Mountains. The rainfall in the forest is very high and therefore it was used by the Romans to regulate the flow of water by channelling it from the forest to the city since the Byzantine time. The best underground water sources of Istanbul; Hünkar, Kestane and Circir, are located in this area. The forest is very popular for picnicking, hiking and jogging.
Dear tobook.com visitor, you also can contribute to our city guides with
events and articles. Do you want to inform our readers with an upcoming
event or do you want to publish your article, please
email us at guide. We would welcome personal stories about your experiences
in Europe as a great addition to our city guides.
Parks / Gardens
Yildiz Park
Emirgan Woods
Belgrade Forest
E-mail this to a friend
Printable version
