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 fro…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
Fun & Active
41
12

Stop by Ortaköy Square to soak up the atmosphere and mingle with the hip young couples spilling out of the cafés. There’s also a beautiful baroque mosque perched on the waterfront – it’s one of the finest examples of work by the famous Balyan family of architects. This recently renovated masterpiece is definitely worth seeing.
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Karaköy/Kadıköy Ferries
Fun & Active
36
9

Not only are ferries part of Istanbul’s identity and good public transport options, they’re also a great way to do some sightseeing, with terminals near Topkapi Palace, the Maiden's Tower and the Galata Tower.
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Caddebostan Sahili
Fun & Active
35
9

Caddebostan Sahili is a nice place to chill out on warm summer evenings. It’s right by the sea, it’s green and it’s surrounded by beautiful old wooden houses. If you fancy getting active, it’s also a good spot to jog, shoot hoops and play volleyball.
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Pierre Loti Hill
Eating
34
7

Besides the café, Pierre Loti Hill has several restaurants, a cemetery and many historical buildings. You can either walk up the hill or take a cable car.
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Emirgan Korusu
25
4

Royalty also once used the grounds for picnics and walks. Opened to the public in 1940, Emirgan has earned itself a reputation as being one of the most beautiful and calm parks in the city. Nowadays the pavilions function as cafés and restaurants.
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Maiden's Tower
Eating
24
4

It’s a great place for a 360-degree view of Istanbul. Take a seat at the café, have a drink at the bar or enjoy a meal at the restaurant. They serve breakfast and brunch. You can get a boat to the island from either Kabataş or Üsküdar-Salacak.
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Çorlulu Ali Paşa Medresesi
18
5

Come here to taste a range of different water pipe flavours in a truly authentic setting. Their tasty apple tea is famous, but in my opinion their Turkish coffee cooked on cinders is the best. It alone makes Çorlulu Ali Paşa Medresesi worth a visit.
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Yıldız Park
Fun & Active
16
5

Bring a rug, grab some food and enjoy a picnic under the trees. Locals flock to the city’s green spaces on sunny days, so arrive early to get a good spot. You can also eat and drink at the pavilions – the restaurants are pleasant and they boast pretty Bosphorus views.
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Çengelköy Sahili
14
1

Take a seat on a bench, breathe in the fresh air, watch the waves roll in and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. You should also do as the locals do and stop by the small grocery stands to buy fresh cucumbers.
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Yoros Castle
8
3

If you want to escape the stress of the city and refresh your mind and soul, buy a Bosphorus tour ticket to Anadolu Kavağı. It’s a pleasant place to wander and enjoy a seafood lunch. Ferries depart from Kabataş and Beşiktaş piers and take just over an hour.
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