Istanbul is full of timeless charm to which the Turkish metropolis owes its long and rich history. For millennia, this city, formerly known as Byzantium and Constantinople, was the capital of the world's empires. Today they are reminded of ancient temples, majestic mosques, luxurious palaces and the remains of impregnable fortress walls. But no matter how beautiful the ancient city was, wandering through the stone-bound streets, especially in the summer heat, is a tedious task.
To leave only pleasant memories of your trip, do not ignore the parks of Istanbul. In these green oases, filled with lush vegetation and the scent of flowers, you can relax in the shade of trees, sit with a cup of coffee in an outdoor cafe or feed the ducks and the ubiquitous cats. In addition, the eastern city-box is fraught with excellent entertainment centers that will delight both children and their parents.
Gulhane
Like a quiet island among the busy streets and bustle of the city, one of the largest and oldest parks - Gulhane, which translates from Turkish as "House of Roses", is located in the central Fatih district. This name is very suitable for a recreation area, with the arrival of spring warmth blooming with tens of thousands of fragrant flowers.
During the reign of the Ottomans, Gulhane was part of the outer gardens of the Topkapi Palace. Numerous members of the legendary dynasty loved to walk in the shade of the trees, and under Sultan Mehmet, vegetables were grown for the bishop's table in the local vegetable garden. In 1912, the park was opened to the general public. At the beginning of the 21st century, work began to restore a partially abandoned and dilapidated territory. The renovated Gulhane was opened in 2003.
In the green area of 10 hectares, you can not only admire colorful roses and enjoy the fresh air. In Gulhan, you will find interesting objects such as the Ataturk monument and the 18.5-meter marble Gothic column, presumably erected in the 3rd-4th centuries. It also houses the Museum of the History of Science and Technology of Islam and an observation deck with amazing views of the Bosphorus and the Princes' Islands.
Miniaturk
You don't have to travel around the country to see all the main sights of Turkey. It is enough to visit Miniaturk - an open-air museum in the Sutluce region. On an area of 60,000 m², stretching along the banks of the Golden Horn, 134 models of iconic cultural, architectural and natural objects at a scale of 1:25 coexist.
The Miniaturk exposition is divided into three thematic parts: interesting places of 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, you can see the mini-twins of Pamukkale and Cappadocia, copies of fortresses, bridges, train stations and stadiums. Each miniature is supplied with an information plate and a sound description in several languages, including Russian.
The potential of Miniaturk is not limited only to models of attractions. By coming here you can:
- visit the museum complex and souvenir shop
- fly a virtual helicopter in a 5D cinema
- watch your kids ride a mini steam train, have fun on the rides and in the giant chess maze
- take part in the "Ottoman" photo session
- have a snack at the Beltur restaurant
Working hours of Miniaturk: from 9:00 to 19:00, seven days a week.
Emirgan
From the end of March to May, the Turkish metropolis becomes a real tourist Mecca. At this time, the Tulip Festival takes place here. A magnificent carpet of the favorite colors of the Ottoman sultans covers the entire city. But the true heart of the holiday is Emirgan - a green oasis with an area of 47.2 hectares, stretching on the shores of the Bosphorus in the Sariyer region. More than two million beautiful flower buds adorn numerous flower beds and form spectacular compositions in the form of amazing figures and ornaments.
But even if your visit to the former Constantinople did not happen in the spring, include a visit to Emirgan in your excursion program. This place is worth seeing at any time of the year. Among the neat lawns and lush trees, in the crowns of which squirrels frolic, hiding gazebos, playgrounds, small ponds and three elegant pavilions.
Tip: start your tour of Emirgan from the top entrance. In this case, walking in the park, you will go down to the embankment of the Bosphorus. Here you can rest your legs by stopping at one of the many cafes, or take an exciting boat trip along the legendary strait.
Arboretum of Ataturk
You can enjoy the fresh air, the coolness of the water and the rustle of the crowns of age-old trees in the Ataturk Arboretum. The huge nature reserve, located in the Sariyer area next to the Belgrade Forest, was opened in July 1982. It got its name in honor of the founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who in 1981 would have turned 100 years old.
Today the Arboretum is a quiet corner of nature in a bustling metropolis. It is often called the "Museum of Living Plants", which exhibits about 2,000 representatives of the flora. Here you can walk along the shores of water bodies, watch swans, turtles and tame squirrels, as well as mingle with friendly dogs, which are looked after by the staff of the reserve.
So that tourists do not get lost in the vast forest, they are given a map of the area at the entrance to the Arboretum. Travelers are also informed about the rules of conduct in the reserve: you cannot pick seeds and flowers here, use bicycles, rollers, any sports equipment, drones and tripods. In addition, it is forbidden to bring pets with you and bring food and drinks (with the exception of water).
Opening hours: daily (except Monday) from 08:30 to 17:00.
Yildiz
In the 16th century, Suleiman the Magnificent hunted in the forest lands where the Besiktas district is located today. Two centuries later, his descendant Sultan Selim III built a pavilion here for his mother, called 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.
Those who seek peace and unity with nature come to Yildiz. Quiet ponds, waterfalls and a lake with a fountain set in a calm mood. 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. Flowers of colorful tulips, surrounded by neat picnic lawns, spread here and there among the lush greenery with bright carpets.
Yildiz also has its own attractions. In the northeastern part there is the Malta Pavilion - the place where Murad V was imprisoned at the end of the 19th century. The sultan, who was deposed 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 Midhad Pasha, the reformer and organizer of the 1876 coup d'état. Today both buildings are open as cafes.
Macca
In a small valley, hidden between two towering hills next to the Dolmabahce Palace, lies the Democracy Park (Machka). Its entire central part is occupied by a gentle wide staircase. The descent along it is accompanied by a tour of local attractions: the bronze figure of Ataturk, a monument to metabolic surgery, an 18th century Baroque fountain and a neoclassical arsenal building.
You can get to Maçka by bus, but it is much more interesting to do it using the funicular (Teleferik, TF1), which connects only two stations - Maçka and Taşkışla.The booth can accommodate six people. The length of the cable car, passing over a picturesque ravine, is 333.5 m, the trip lasts 3.5 minutes. In this short time, travelers can admire the beauty of the Bosphorus and the splendor of the architecture of the Dolmabahce Palace.
The park with sports areas, wide alleys, playgrounds, cafes, artificial ponds, a summer stage and a small town of attractions is especially popular among families with children. And also this place was chosen by famous cats, for which feeders are organized and wooden houses are built. True, in the late afternoon the meowing guard hides: at this time, amateur dog breeders walk their four-legged pets here.
Geztepe
It is a blooming oasis in the Asian part of the city of Geztepe - a small park that appeared in the middle of the 20th century near the bridge of Mehmed II the Conqueror. Walking along the flower-lined alleys, you can go to the coast of the Sea of Marmara, where there is a cozy sandy beach. Admission is free, changing cabins and showers are available.
Geztepe is devoid of pomp and pretentious architecture, it is compact and laconic. Its charm is in the abundance of rose bushes. Symmetrical paths, a system of narrow canals, open-air aquariums and equipped fountains also give this place a highlight. However, there are no tall trees, whose dense crowns save from the merciless heat. Therefore, when going to admire the queen of flowers, do not forget the hats.
In spring, tulips complement the beauty of roses. Recently, Geztepe is one of the venues for the annual festival of these beautiful representatives of the kingdom of flora. Around 7,000 bulbs are planted in numerous rectangular beds so that the area will bloom with many brightly colored lights in April.
Fenerbahce
Another wonderful place, located on the right side of the Bosphorus, is famous as the most romantic city park. Wedding photo sessions in a green recreation area on the shores of the Sea of Marmara in the Asian region of Kadikoy are often included in the compulsory program of Istanbul newlyweds.
The best time to visit Fenerbahce is spring, when magnolia and almond blossom, and numerous flower beds are decorated with bright tulips and fragrant roses. After a relaxing walk along 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 a violin.
Fenerbahce is a real treasure for photographers and cat lovers. The first occupy cafes, from the veranda of which you can enjoy stunning views of the Sea of Marmara and the Princes' Islands. Others come here to admire cats of all sizes and colors. There is no shortage of tailed meows 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 with delicacies.
Vialand
In 2013, the city authorities made a precious gift to the little guests of the Turkish metropolis and local children - the Vialand entertainment center, located 30 minutes from the city center, in the Eyup district. The giant amusement complex, spread over an area of 600,000 m², is often referred to as Disneyland Istanbul. And there is every reason for that.
The territory of Viaaland is divided into three thematic zones. In the "World of Adventures", young adventurers will find extreme attractions. The "World of Antiquity" will appeal to those who like to wander the narrow streets and feel the atmosphere of the ancient city. In the sector for kids, playgrounds are equipped and a castle has been erected, in which the heroes of fairy tales and cartoons live.
Vialand is open all year round, but we advise you to visit it between spring and autumn. Cold, piercing winds will not allow you to fully enjoy the attractions. And many objects are closed in winter. But if you happen to be in the park in January or February, take a look at the Vialand Mall - a huge kingdom where 250 shops, restaurants, a cinema and a bowling alley coexist with quiet courtyards with fountains.
Opening hours of Vialand are changing, check the official website for the visiting time.
Legoland
If you come on vacation with children 3-12 years old, be sure to include a visit to Legoland in your excursion program. This entertainment complex is located in the Forum shopping center. And although it is not as huge (3,000 m²) as its European and Arab counterparts, local children and young tourists enjoy visiting this world of multi-colored plastic bricks.
The first place for visitors to the center is the MINILAND zone, where miniature architectural masterpieces from all over the world are collected. After exploring the toy palaces, towers, statues and bridges, the games begin. In "sandboxes" filled with construction set elements, kids can assemble anything - from a simple house to fantastic figures. For older children, master classes are held on creating more complex models.
Entertainment at Legoland is not limited to MINILAND sightseeing and building construction. Once an hour, the 4D cinema shows cartoons accompanied by splashing water, vibrating seats and other fun effects. The two-story game room invites you to shoot with a laser pistol at formidable monsters, ride a carousel, jump on trampolines, fly off a slide, sing karaoke or test a self-assembled racing car.
Check the opening hours of Legoland in 2021 on the official website.
Faruk Yalcin Zoo
Those who prefer wildlife to the stone jungle should visit the town of Darica, which is located in the province of Kocaeli, which is adjacent to Istanbul. There is a zoo founded in 1993 by Turkish billionaire Faruk Yalcin. Since its opening, the principle of the menagerie has been to take care of four-legged and winged wards. So, bird cages are equipped with fountains, and in closed enclosures, even in the summer heat, the air temperature does not rise above + 23 ° C.
The zoo is home to over 3,500 animal species. Local pride is exotic mammals: kangaroos, sloths, red pandas, pygmy hippos and armadillos. There is also a watchman here - the oldest turtle in Turkey Tuki. In 2020, the giant Aldabra celebrated its 100th anniversary.
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 age-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.
Check the opening hours of the Faruk Yalcin zoo on the official website.
Moipark amusement park
One of the main attractions of the Basaksehir area is the Mall of Istanbul. This kingdom of boutiques, restaurants and food shops attracts not only shoppers and gourmets. Locals and tourists, whose children are bored with endless excursions, come here for the Moipark - a huge entertainment center that occupies two floors of a megamall.
A variety of attractions and playgrounds are located on 12,000 m². Here you can fly on an airplane carpet, shout with delight at a carousel rotating in different directions, fight evil inhabitants of a mysterious cave and test your strength on an obstacle course. The smallest guests will find a Ferris wheel, a funny train and a variety of cars.
Horror movie fans should visit the 750 m² Haunted Hotel. Only the most fearless will dare to make a twenty-minute journey through the dark labyrinths. Every 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 creepy cast and stunning scenery speaks for themselves.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 14:00 to 18:00.
Amlıca hill
At the same time, you can gaze at the roofs of old houses, modern skyscrapers and bridges thrown across the Bosphorus from the amlıca hill, towering in the Asian part of the city (Uskudar district). At its top there is a magnificent pine park with shady paths, fountains, well-groomed colorful flower beds and coffee shops. In one of them - a teahouse decorated in the Ottoman style - Sultan Mahmut II loved to relax.
For tourists who want to admire the panorama of the ancient city, there are two observation platforms. But the best views are from the 369-meter TV tower. From the observation platform, located at an altitude of 180 m, you can watch the meandering Bosphorus into the Sea of Marmara, and how the picturesque Princes' Islands, 16 km away from amlıc, rise from the water.
In 2019, the city's largest mosque with six minarets 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 be simultaneously located. There is a museum, an art gallery with workshops, a library, conference rooms, parking and even a bomb shelter.
Xtrem Aventures Park
If your child suddenly gets bored, exploring the endless squares, palaces and mosques, go with him to Xtrem Aventures - a rope town hiding among the thicket. On an area of 8,000 m², there is everything that will delight the nerve-tickling enthusiasts: 5 tracks of various lengths and difficulties, trampolines, bungee traps, night adventures and even the "Hobbit Village".
For 10 years now, Xtrem Aventures has been designing and building obstacle rope rides around the world. Therefore, you don't have to worry about safety here. All local instructors have specialized courses under their belt. Before setting off on a path filled with obstacles, participants undergo detailed instructions and receive all the necessary equipment: helmets, gloves, pulleys, carabiners, slings.
Xtrem Aventures guarantees a generous rush of adrenaline to visitors of all ages. Guests over 8 years old can go through a series of challenging challenges, master rock climbing and experience the thrill of free falling. Young athletes from 3 to 5 years old are also welcome here. Safe nets have been prepared for the little ones, on which you can play with balls to your heart's content.
Xtrem Aventures is open from 10:00 to 18:00 on weekdays and from 10:00 to 19:00 on weekends.
Hasbakhche
Everyone who has watched the sensational series "The Magnificent Century" is familiar with the luxurious Hasbahce garden, where members of the Ottoman dynasty loved to stroll among the fragrant roses. The scenes in the park shown in the film were actually filmed at the site adjacent to the German Embassy. The real Hasbakhche was part of the vast territory belonging to the Topkapi palace.
At the time of the Ottomans, Hasbakhche (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 have bloomed for centuries and exotic trees have brought coolness, an industrial area has sprung up.
The situation changed in 2003 when the municipal authorities decided to revive the beautiful imperial garden. Today Hasbahce 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 Hasbahce unworthy of the attention of tourists, because on a hot Istanbul noon it is so pleasant to relax here in the shade of dense trees.
