Top 10 Outdoor Chill Out Places

10 tips by 4 locals

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Istanbul is the 5th most populous city in the world.14 million people live in Istanbul, so it is very hard to find a green spot and a tranquil area for relaxing and chilling out. You can try to go to one of these spots to run away f...Open the full description

Istanbul is the 5th most populous city in the world.14 million people live in Istanbul, so it is very hard to find a green spot and a tranquil area for relaxing and chilling out. You can try to go to one of these spots to run away from the crowds of Istanbul and enjoy some peace.

Ortaköy Square

Water pipes, backgammon & baked potatoes

Ortaköy Square

11

This popular square is full of fancy waterfront cafés, restaurants, bars and clubs. Young locals often come here to smoke “nargile” (Turkish water pipes) and play backgammon and card games. Many people also come here to eat “kumpir” (stuffed baked potatoes). Read more ›

by Senem

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Karaköy/Kadıköy Ferries

Europe to Asia & back

Karaköy/Kadıköy Ferries

11

Ferries are the most popular form of public transport in Istanbul for one simple reason – if you’re a local, you’re always in a hurry except when you’re on a ferry travelling from one side of the city to the other. You have around 20 minutes to enjoy amazing views of the Bosphorus over a cup of Turkish tea. Read more ›

by Hakan

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Pierre Loti Hill

Tea with a view

Pierre Loti Hill

9

Named after the well-known French novelist Pierre Loti, this hill offers perfect views of the Golden Horn. It’s also home to a famous café that bears the same name. Loti lived in Istanbul for many years and was a big fan of the city. The café is a meeting point for lovers and couples, and has featured in many Turkish romance films. Read more ›

by Senem

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Emirgan Korusu

Beautiful royal park

Emirgan Korusu

8

Named after the Ottoman commander Emir Mirgunoglu in the 17th century, this gorgeous park has a long and extravagant history. It’s mostly known for its three pavilions previously used by royalty for short stays. The pavilions were constructed from 1871–1878. Read more ›

by Senem

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Caddebostan Sahili

Wanna chill out?

Caddebostan Sahili

8

When the weather is warm, locals like to hang out here in the evenings. We either play sports or just relax on the grass with friends, enjoying a few drinks and pretty views of the Princes’ Islands. Read more ›

by Hakan

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Yıldız Park

Enjoy a picnic in an old royal park

Yıldız Park

7

This lovely park is located in Beşiktaş right in the heart of Istanbul. With old Ottoman houses, scenic paths, flowers, duck ponds and tree-covered hills, it’s a picturesque place for a relaxing picnic. Read more ›

by Senem

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Çorlulu Ali Paşa Medresesi

Nice hookah & tea lounge

Çorlulu Ali Paşa Medresesi

7

Çorlulu Ali Paşa Medresesi was once part of a “külliye” (an Ottoman social complex). These days it’s a nice café where people of all ages smoke water pipes and drink tea. The traditional Turkish lighting makes it a particularly beautiful place. Read more ›

by Efe

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Maiden's Tower

A place of legends

Maiden's Tower

5

According to a popular Turkish legend, the Byzantine king imprisoned his daughter here after an oracle prophesised that she would die of a venemous snakebite on her 18th birthday. When the day finally came, her overjoyed father brought her a basket of fruit as a gift, but unbeknownst to him, the killer snake was hiding inside. Read more ›

by Senem

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Çengelköy Sahili

The other side of the Bosphorus

Çengelköy Sahili

4

The Bosphorus shore on the Asian side of Istanbul is generally much calmer than the European one. Çengelköy is a particularly inspiring place for landscape painters. There’s also a local teahouse called Çınaraltı Çay Bahçesi right by the sea. It’s a really popular breakfast spot, especially on weekends. Read more ›

by Selin

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Yoros Castle

Spectacular Bosphorus & Black Sea views

Yoros Castle

2

Locals go to Anadolu Kavağı to visit Yoros Castle and to eat at the restaurants surrounding the pier. The castle offers fabulous views of the Bosphorus and Yuşa Tepesi (Joshua’s Hill), which is a shrine that attracts many pilgrims. You can even see where the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea meet. Read more ›

by Senem

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