Places to Surround Yourself with Nature in Istanbul

Istanbul, one of the world's most populous cities, offers numerous places where you can spend peaceful time surrounded by nature. Escape the noise and chaos of the city and relax in lush green forests, take walks amidst breathtaking views, and spend time in colorful flower gardens. We have compiled a list of beautiful nature parks, forests, and gardens for you.

One of Istanbul's largest forested areas, Belgrad Forest allows you to spend time in nature. It is located on the borders of Sarıyer and Eyüp districts. With its clean air and forest paths, Belgrad Forest is a top choice for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. You can visit Belgrad Forest in the summer months to spend time in a cool environment or in the autumn months to watch the scenery created by the yellow and orange leaves.

There are numerous nature parks within the forest. Among these, Neşetsuyu Nature Park, Bentler Nature Park, Kirazlıbent Picnic Area, and Kömürcü Bendi National Park stand out. When you go to Belgrad Forest, don't forget to visit the Atatürk Arboretum. You will be amazed by the thousands of plant species surrounding the arboretum. The forest includes walking paths, bike trails, and picnic areas. Located close to the city center, Belgrad Forest stands out as an ideal escape, especially for weekends.

Located in the heart of Istanbul, Gülhane Park is situated within the Historical Peninsula in the Fatih district. Originally the garden of Topkapi Palace during the Ottoman period, the park is now a place where you can spend time surrounded by nature in the heart of the city. Easily accessible, you can walk along the paths under the shade of plane trees and relax in the tea gardens. During the tulip season, which coincides with April, you can see colorful tulips in the park. Gülhane Park, a popular destination for both local and foreign visitors, welcomes those who want to escape the crowds of historical and tourist sites.

Located in Florya, one of Istanbul's most popular tourist spots, Atatürk Florya Forest appeals to those who want to enjoy both forest and sea air. The forest features walking paths, adventure courses, children's playgrounds, and a tea garden with a pool. Being close to the sea, it offers a cool atmosphere even during the hot summer months. You can also spend time with your family in the picnic areas on weekends.

Located in Küçükçekmece, IMM Küçükçekmece Lake Park wins the hearts of visitors with its magnificent lake view. An ideal spot to unwind from city stress, the park is also easily accessible. The park includes basketball and volleyball courts, children's playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking trails. You can have breakfast or a nice dinner at the restaurant located within the park.

You can spend enjoyable time in this small Japanese garden located in Baltalimanı. Opened in 2015 as a collaboration between Japan and Turkey, the garden enchants visitors with its cherry blossom trees. The 6,137 square meter park stands out with its architecture in accordance with traditional Japanese architecture. The garden features bridges, structures in the style of traditional Japanese architecture, gazebos, tea rooms, and numerous plant species. Offering a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, the garden occasionally hosts yoga and meditation events.

Located in the Eyüpsultan district in the north of Istanbul, Kemerburgaz City Forest is a route where you can spend time surrounded by nature on the European side. Covering an area of ​​5,500,000 square meters, Kemerburgaz City Forest includes sports areas, playgrounds, restaurants, and cafes. The area, where you can spend enjoyable time throughout the day, also features the Mağlova Aqueduct, built by Mimar Sinan between 1554 and 1562. The forest also hosts activities such as camping, tennis, skateboarding, canoeing, archery, trekking, and mountain biking. You can run and hike on trails of various difficulty levels. Various workshops within the forest cater to visitors of all ages. In this forest dominated by pine and oak trees, you can relax away from the noise of the city.

Atatürk City Forest is a place where Istanbul residents can breathe in the Maslak district, a densely populated business area. Easily accessible, you can comfortably visit the forest on weekends. You can choose Atatürk City Forest to relieve the stress of a busy work schedule and relax your mind in the fresh air. The trails and resting areas within the forest also offer an ideal environment for daily exercise routines.

Located in Sarıyer, Maslak Palace is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its historical architecture. It also attracts attention with its bees. You can start your day with a lovely breakfast in the palace garden on the weekend. While sipping your coffee in the clean air of the surrounding forests, you can relax your soul with the sounds of birds. The palace garden, which is enchanting with its landscape, is full of colorful flowers and numerous plant species. Don't forget to visit the historical pavilion in the palace garden.

Emirgan Grove, a popular spot for local and foreign tourists during the Istanbul Tulip Festival, is a unique place where you can spend time in nature with a view of the Bosphorus. By visiting the grove during the festival held in April, you can see the magnificent view created by millions of colorful tulips. With its flower gardens, green areas, and walking paths among plane trees, it is a place where you can have a family picnic. If you are coming to Istanbul from outside the city, we definitely recommend that you visit Emirgan Grove. After your visit to the grove, you can take a walk on Bebek beach and take beautiful souvenir photos with the view of the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge.

Located between the Şişli and Beşiktaş districts, Maçka Park is a place where you can breathe in the heart of Istanbul. Within walking distance of Dolmabahçe Palace, Taksim, and Nişantaşı, the park is a favorite for those who want to escape the chaos of the city. You can take a short break from the hustle and bustle of city life by spending time on the walking paths, picnic areas, bike paths, cafes, restaurants, and children's playgrounds within the park. Concerts and various events are held in the park at certain times.

Located in Beşiktaş, one of Istanbul's most populous districts, Yıldız Park is a popular spot for both local and foreign tourists. The park, which is the garden of Yıldız Palace, also has historical significance as it was used as a resting area by Ottoman sultans. With its giant plane trees and well-landscaped gardens, it is considered one of the most beautiful parks in Istanbul. After spending time in the park, you can also visit Yıldız Palace. If you wish, you can sip a drink and chat in the tea gardens, or read a book in a calm and peaceful environment.

Located in Çatalca, Çilingoz Nature Park offers a unique experience combining sea and forest. Covering 1,775 hectares, the park boasts an 80-meter-wide fine sandy beach, walking paths through the trees, camping areas, and lake views, providing numerous activities simultaneously. A favorite destination for nature photographers and birdwatchers, the park is perfect for family or solo travel. Activities include water sports, camping, picnics, nature walks, and fishing.

An ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Polonezköy also stands out for its historical significance. Founded by Polish immigrants, this historical village combines cultural heritage with natural beauty. Covering approximately 3,004 hectares, the park offers a wide range of activities including picnics, camping, and trekking. Horse riding and ATV tours are also available in the area. There are also self-catering restaurants in the area.

Famous for its view, Fethi Pasha Grove is located in Üsküdar. It is on the list of places where you can spend time surrounded by nature on the Anatolian side. Situated at the foot of Çamlıca Hill, the grove captivates visitors with its magnificent Bosphorus view. Restaurants and cafes operate within the grove. Here you can go for nature walks, examine different plant species, and relax in the fresh air. Especially in the tranquil morning hours, you can start your day with a delicious breakfast at this spot where green and blue meet.

SOURCE: ENUYGUN.com