{"id":674047,"date":"2022-12-09T18:44:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-09T15:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/?p=674047"},"modified":"2024-01-30T14:41:49","modified_gmt":"2024-01-30T12:41:49","slug":"15-best-parks-in-istanbul-list-photos-with-names-and-descriptions-map","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/15-best-parks-in-istanbul-list-photos-with-names-and-descriptions-map\/","title":{"rendered":"15 best parks in Istanbul – list, photos with names and descriptions, map"},"content":{"rendered":"

Istanbul<\/a> is full of timeless charm, to which the Turkish metropolis owes its long and eventful history<\/a>. For millennia, this city<\/a>, formerly known as Byzantium and Constantinople, has been the capital of world empires. Today they are reminded of ancient temples, majestic mosques, magnificent palaces and the remains of impregnable fortress walls. But no matter how beautiful the ancient city<\/a> was, wandering through the stone-clad streets, especially in the summer<\/a> heat, is a tiring task<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Gulhane<\/h2>\n

\"15<\/a><\/p>\n

Like a quiet island<\/a> among busy streets and bustle of the city, one of the largest and oldest parks is located in the central Fatih district – Gulhane, which is translated from Turkish as “House of Roses”. This name is very suitable for the recreation area<\/a>, which blooms with tens of thousands of fragrant flowers with the arrival of spring warmth.<\/p>\n

During the Ottoman era, G\u00fclhane was part of the outer gardens of the Topkap\u0131 Palace<\/a>. Numerous members of the legendary dynasty liked to take a walk in the shade of the trees, and under Sultan Mehmet, vegetables were grown in the local garden for the table of the lord. In 1912 the park was opened to the general public. At the beginning of the 21st century, work began on the rest<\/a>oration of a part<\/a>ially abandoned and dilapidated territory. The opening of the renovated Gulhane took place in 2003.<\/p>\n

In the green area of \u200b\u200b10 hectares, you can not only admire colorful roses and enjoy the fresh air. In G\u00fclhane you will find interest<\/a>ing objects such as the monument to Ataturk and the 18.5-meter Gothic marble column, probably erected in the 3rd-4th centuries. It also houses the Museum of the History<\/a> of Science and Technology of Islam and an observation deck with amazing views of the Bosphorus and the Princes' Island<\/a>s.<\/p>\n

Miniaturk<\/h2>\n

\"15<\/a><\/p>\n

To see<\/a> all the main attractions<\/a> of Turkey<\/a>, it is not necessary to travel<\/a> around the country. It is enough to visit Miniat\u00fcrk, an open-air museum in the Syutlyudzhe region. On the territory of 60,000 m\u00b2, stretching on the banks of the Golden Horn, there are 134 models of iconic cultural, architectural and natural objects at a scale of 1:25.<\/p>\n

The Miniaturk exposition is divided into three thematic parts: interesting places<\/a> in the city, famous Turkish monuments and shrines, as well as the heritage of the Ottoman era, which, alas, have already disappeared from the face of the Earth. In addition to palaces, mosques and towers, here you can see the mini-twins of Pamukkale and Cappadocia, copies of fortresses, bridges, train<\/a> stations and stadiums. Each miniature is provided with an information plate and an audio description<\/a> in several languages, including Russian.<\/p>\n

The potential of Miniaturk is not limited to mock-ups of sights<\/a>. By coming here, you will be able to:<\/p>\n

Miniature opening hours<\/a>: from 9:00 to 19:00, seven days a week.<\/p>\n

Emirgan<\/h2>\n

\"15<\/a><\/p>\n

From the end of March to May, the Turkish metropolis becomes a real tour<\/a>ist Mecca. At this time, the Tulip Festival takes place here. A magnificent carpet of the favorite flowers of the Ottoman sultans covers the entire city. But the true heart of the holiday is Emirgan, a green oasis with an area of \u200b\u200b47.2 hectares, located<\/a> on the banks of the Bosphorus in the Sariyer region. More than two million beautiful buds adorn numerous flower beds and form spectacular compositions in the form of amazing figures and ornaments.<\/p>\n

But even if your visit to the former Constantinople did not fall in the spring, include a visit to Emirgan in your excursion<\/a> program. This place is worthy of attention at any time of the year. Among the neat lawns and lush trees, in the crowns of which squirrels frolic, gazebos, playgrounds, small ponds and three elegant pavilions are hidden.<\/p>\n

Tip: start your tour<\/a> of Emirgan from the top entrance. In this case, walking in the park, you will go down to the Bosphorus embankment. Here you can relax<\/a> your feet by stopping at one of the many cafes, or take an exciting boat trip along the legendary strait.<\/p>\n

Arboretum of Ataturk<\/h2>\n

\"15<\/a><\/p>\n

You can enjoy the fresh air, the coolness of the water and the rustle of the crowns of centuries-old trees in the Ataturk Arboretum. The huge nature reserve, located in the Sariyer region next to the Belgrade Forest<\/a>, was opened in July 1982. It got its name in honor of the founder of the Republic of Turkey<\/a>, Mustafa Kemal Atat\u00fcrk, who would have turned 100 in 1981.<\/p>\n

Today, the Arboretum is a quiet corner of nature in a noisy metropolis. It is often referred to as the “Museum of Living Plants”, which exhibits about 2,000 representatives of the flora. Here you can walk along the banks of reservoirs, watch swans, turtles and tame squirrels, as well as chat with friendly dogs, which are taken car<\/a>e of by the reserve staff.<\/p>\n

So that tourists<\/a> do not get lost in the vast forest, at the entrance to the Arboretum they are given a map of the area. Travel<\/a>ers are also informed about the rules of conduct in the reserve: here you can not collect seeds and flowers, use bicycles, roller skates, any sports equipment, drones and tripods. In addition, it is forbidden to bring pets and bring food and drinks (with the exception of water).<\/p>\n

Opening hours<\/a>: daily (except Monday) from 08:30 to 17:00.<\/p>\n

The star<\/h2>\n

\"15<\/a><\/p>\n

In the 16th century, Suleiman the Magnificent hunted in the forest lands where the Besiktash region is located today. Two centuries later, his descendant Sultan Selim III built a pavilion here for his mother, named Yildiz (star). The garden surrounding the building was also named with the same name. The last ruler of the Ottomans, Abdul-Hamid II, surrounded Yildiz with a high stone wall, making it a resting place for the royal family.<\/p>\n

Those who seek peace and unity with nature come to Yildiz. Quiet ponds, waterfalls and a lake with a fountain are set up in a calm way. Almost three-quarters of the multi-level territory is occupied by picturesque thickets of magnolia, horse chestnut, linden, ash, cypress, yew, pine, cedar and oak. Some trees are over 400 years old. Among the lush greenery, flower beds of multi-colored tulips are scattered here and there in bright carpets, surrounded by neat lawns for picnics.<\/p>\n

Yildiz also has its own attractions<\/a>. In the north<\/a>eastern part there is the Malta pavilion, the place where Murad V was imprisoned at the end of the 19th century. The sultan, who was removed from the throne, spent 27 years in captivity. In the southwest there is another historical mansion Ceadir. Ironically, the building also became a prison, this time for the reformer and organizer of the 1876 coup d'\u00e9tat, Midhad Pasha. Today, both buildings are open as a cafe.<\/p>\n

Cat<\/h2>\n

\"15<\/a><\/p>\n

In a small valley, hidden between two towering hills next to the Dolmabahce Palace, lies the Park of Democracy (Machka). Its entire central part is occupied by a gentle wide staircase. The descent along it is accompanied by an inspection of local attractions<\/a>: the bronze figure of Ataturk, the monument of metabolic surgery, the baroque fountain of the 18th century and the neoclassical building of the arsenal.<\/p>\n

You can get to Macka by bus, but it's much more interesting to do it with the help of the funicular (Teleferik, TF1), which connects only two stations – Ma\u00e7ka and Ta\u015fk\u0131\u015fla. The cabin accommodates six people. The length of the cable car passing over the picturesque ravine is 333.5 m, the trip lasts 3.5 minutes. During this short time, travel<\/a>ers can admire the beauty of the Bosphorus and the splendor of the architecture of the Dolmabahce Palace.<\/p>\n

The park with sports areas, wide alleys, playgrounds, cafes, artificial ponds, a summer stage and a small amusement park<\/a> is especially popular among families with children<\/a>. And this place was chosen by the famous cats, for which there are feeders and wooden houses built. True, towards evening, the meowing guard hides: at this time, amateur dog breeders walk their four-legged pets here.<\/p>\n

Geztepe<\/h2>\n

\"15<\/a><\/p>\n

A flowering oasis is located in the Asian part of the city of Goztepe – a small park that appeared in the middle of the 20th century near the bridge<\/a> of Mehmed II the Conqueror. Walking<\/a> along the alleys framed with flowers, you can go to the coast of the Sea<\/a> of \u200b\u200bMarmara, where there is a cozy sandy beach<\/a>. Admission is free, changing cabins and showers are available.<\/p>\n

Goztepe is devoid of pomp and pretentious architecture, it is compact and concise. Its charm is in the abundance of rose bus<\/a>hes. Symmetrical paths, a system of narrow channels, open-air aquariums and fountains<\/a> equipped throughout give a highlight to this place. However, there are no tall trees, whose dense crowns save from the merciless heat. Therefore, if you are going to admire the queen of flowers, do not forget your hats.<\/p>\n

In spring, the beauty of roses is complemented by tulips. Recently, G\u00f6ztepe has been one of the venues for the annual festival of these beautiful representatives of the kingdom of flora. About 7,000 bulbs are planted in numerous rectangular beds so that in April the area blooms with many bright colored lights.<\/p>\n

Fenerbahce<\/h2>\n

\"15<\/a><\/p>\n

Another wonderful place, located on the right side<\/a> of the Bosphorus, is known as the most romantic city park. Wedding photo<\/a> shoots in a green recreation area, stretching on the shores of the Marmara Sea<\/a> in the Asian region of Kadikoy, are often included in the mandatory program of Istanbul newlyweds.<\/p>\n

The best time<\/a> to visit Fenerbahce is spring, when magnolia and almonds bloom, and numerous flower beds are decorated with bright tulips and fragrant roses. After a relax<\/a>ing walk through the well-groomed alleys, it is so nice to sit in one of the five outdoor cafes. The most popular place is Romantika, where you can drink a cup of coffee to the accompaniment of the enchanting sounds of the violin.<\/p>\n

Fenerbahce is a real treasure for photo<\/a>graphers and cat lovers. The former occupy cafes, from the verandas of which there are stunning view<\/a>s of the Marmara Sea and the Princes' Islands. The second come here to admire the cats of all sizes and colors. There is no shortage of tailed meowers here – dozens of animals live in Fenerbahce with whole families. They are not afraid of people, they allow themselves to be stroked and, of course, treated to treats.<\/p>\n

Vialend<\/h2>\n

\"15<\/a><\/p>\n

In 2013, the city authorities gave the little guests of the Turkish metropolis and local children<\/a> a precious gift<\/a> – the Vialend entertainment center<\/a>, located 30 minutes drive from the city center<\/a>, in the Eyup district. The gigantic amusement complex spread over an area of \u200b\u200b600,000 m\u00b2 is often referred to as Istanbul Disneyland. And there is every reason for that.<\/p>\n

The territory of Vialenda is divided into three thematic zones. Adventure World<\/a> offers extreme rides for young adventurers. “World of Antiquity” will appeal to those who like to wander through the narrow streets and feel the atmosphere of the ancient city. In the sector for kids, playgrounds are equipped and a castle<\/a> has been erected, in which heroes of fairy tales and cartoons live.<\/p>\n

Vialand is open all year round, but we recommend visiting it between spring and autumn. Cold piercing winds will not allow you to fully enjoy the rides. And many facilities are closed in winter. But if you happen to be in the park in January or February, check out Vialand Mall, a huge realm where 250 shops, restaurants, a cinema and a bowling alley coexist with quiet courtyards with fountains.<\/p>\n

Opening hours<\/a> of Vialand change, check the visiting time on the official website.<\/p>\n

Legoland<\/h2>\n

\"15<\/a><\/p>\n

If you come on vacation<\/a> with children aged 3-12, then be sure to include a visit to Legoland in your excursion program. This entertainment<\/a> complex is located in the Forum shopping<\/a> center<\/a>. And although it is not as huge (3,000 m\u00b2) as its European and Arab “colleagues”, local children and young tourists<\/a> visit this world of colorful plastic bricks with pleasure.<\/p>\n

The first place visitors to the center go to is the MINILAND zone, where miniature architectural masterpieces from all over the world are collected. After getting to know the toy palaces, towers, statue<\/a>s and bridges, the games begin. In the “sandboxes” filled with building blocks, kids can build anything – from the simplest house to fantastic figures. For older children, master classes are held to create more complex models.<\/p>\n

Fun at Legoland isn't just limited to MINILAND sightseeing<\/a> and building blocks. Once an hour, cartoons are shown in the 4D cinema, which are accompanied by water splashes, seat vibrations and other fun effects. The two-story game room invites you to shoot scary monsters with a laser pistol, ride a carousel, jump on trampolines, fly off a hill, sing karaoke or test your own assembled racing car.<\/p>\n

Check the opening hours of Legoland in 2021 on the official website.<\/p>\n

Faruk Yalcin Zoo<\/h2>\n

\"15<\/a><\/p>\n

Those who prefer wildlife to the stone jungle should pay a visit to the town of Darica, which is located in the Kocaeli province neighboring Istanbul. There is a zoo founded in 1993 by Turkish billionaire Faruk Yalcin. Since the opening, the principle of the menagerie has been to care for four-legged and winged wards. Thus, bird cages are equipped with fountains, and in closed enclosures, even in the summer heat, the air temperature does not rise above +23\u00b0C.<\/p>\n

The zoo is home to over 3,500 species of animals. Local pride is exotic mammals: kangaroos, sloths, red pandas, pygmy hippos and armadillos. There is also a guard here – the oldest turtle in Turkey<\/a>, Tuki. In 2020, the giant Aldabra celebrated its 100th anniversary.<\/p>\n

Animal enclosures hide in lush greenery. About 400 species of flora from all over the world grow here. Walking along the cool picturesque alleys or just sitting on a bench in the shade of centuries-old trees is a real pleasure. A playground, mini-karting and a garden with gnomes contribute to a pleasant pastime for children, and a cozy cafe for adults.<\/p>\n

Check the opening hours of Faruk Yalcin Zoo on the official website.<\/p>\n

Amusement park Moipark<\/h2>\n

\"15<\/a><\/p>\n

One of the main attractions<\/a> of the Basaksehir area is the Mall of Istanbul. This kingdom of boutiques, restaurants and food courts attracts not only fans of shopping<\/a> and gourmets. Locals and tourists, whose children are bored with endless excursions<\/a>, come here for Moipark, a huge entertainment center that occupies two floors of a megamall.<\/p>\n

On 12,000 m\u00b2 there are various attractions and playgrounds. Here you can fly on a magic<\/a> carpet, scream with delight on a carousel rotating in different directions, fight the evil inhabitants of a mysterious cave and test your strength on an obstacle course. The smallest guests will find a Ferris wheel, a cheerful train and a variety of cars.<\/p>\n

Horror movie fans should visit the Haunted Hotel<\/a>, which covers an area of \u200b\u200b750 m\u00b2. Only the most fearless will dare to make a twenty-minute journey through the dark labyrinths. Each room of the sinister hotel is reminiscent of monsters, screams and rivers of blood. Unfortunately, the accompanying audio and video effects are only available in Turkish, but the actors' creepy make-up and stunning sets speak for themselves.<\/p>\n

Opening hours: from Tuesday to Sunday from 14:00 to 18:00.<\/p>\n

Chamlydzha Hill<\/h2>\n

\"15<\/a><\/p>\n

At the same time, you can take a look at the roofs of ancient houses, modern skyscrapers and bridges thrown over the Bosphorus from the Chamlydzha hill, towering in the Asian part of the city (Uskyudar district). At its top there is a magnificent pine park with shady paths, fountains, well-groomed multi-colored flower beds and coffee shops. Sultan Mahmut II liked to relax<\/a> in one of them – decorated in the Ottoman style.<\/p>\n

For tourists who want to admire the panorama of the ancient city, two observation platforms are equipped. But the best views are from the 369-meter TV tower. From the observation platform, located at an altitude of 180 m, you can observe how the Bosphorus meanders into the Sea of \u200b\u200bMarmara, and how the picturesque Princes' Islands, 16 km away from Chamlyj, rise from the water.<\/p>\n

In 2019, the largest city mosque with six minarets was opened on the hill. This place is not only a prayer house, but a whole architectural complex, on the territory of which about 63,000 people can simultaneously be located. There is a museum, an art gallery with workshops, a library, conference rooms, parking and even a bomb shelter.<\/p>\n

Xtrem Avenues Park<\/h2>\n

\"15<\/a><\/p>\n

If your child suddenly gets bored while exploring the endless squares, palaces and mosques, go with him to Xtrem Aventures, a rope town hidden in the forest thicket. On an area of \u200b\u200b8,000 m\u00b2, there is everything that will delight those who like to tickle their nerves: 5 tracks of various lengths and difficulty, trampolines, bungee, night adventures and even the Hobbit Village.<\/p>\n

For 10 years, Xtrem Aventures has been design<\/a>ing and building obstacle course rides around the world. So you don't have to worry about safety here. All local instructors have specialized courses behind them. Before embarking on a path filled with obstacles, participants undergo a detailed briefing and receive all the necessary equipment: helmets, gloves, pulleys, carabiners, slings.<\/p>\n

Xtrem Aventures guarantees a generous dose of adrenaline to visitors of all ages. Guests over the age of 8 can take on a series of challenging challenges, master rock climbing and experience the thrill of free fall. Young athletes from 3 to 5 years old are also welcome here. Safe nets have been prepared for kids, on which you can frolic with balls to your heart's content.<\/p>\n

Xtrem Aventures is open from 10:00 to 18:00 on weekdays and from 10:00 to 19:00 on weekends.<\/p>\n

Hasbachche<\/h2>\n

\"15<\/a><\/p>\n

Everyone who watched the sensational TV series “The Magnificent Century” is familiar with the luxurious Khasbahce Garden, where members of the Ottoman dynasty liked to stroll among fragrant roses. The scenes in the park shown in the film were actually filmed on a site adjacent to the German Embassy. The real Khasbakhche was part of the vast territory belonging to the Topkapi Palace.<\/p>\n

During the time of the Ottomans, Khasbakhche (translated from Turkish as the Main Garden) was inaccessible to the townspeople. In 1922, after the abolition of the Sultanate, the property of the monarch passed to the state. Where roses bloomed for centuries and exotic trees gave coolness, an industrial area has grown.<\/p>\n

The situation changed in 2003, when the municipal authorities decided to revive the beautiful imperial garden. Today Hasbakhce is open to everyone. Of course, the renovated park does not have the grandiose size of Gulhane or the diversity of Yildiz flora. But this does not make Hasbakhce unworthy of the attention of tourists, because on a hot Istanbul afternoon it is so pleasant to relax here in the shade of dense trees.<\/p>\n

Istanbul parks on the map<\/h2>\n