City: Istanbul
Top Things to do in Istanbul
Things to do in Istanbul, Turkey: The Best Nature & Parks
The mosques, bazaars, and Turkish baths of Istanbul could keep you happily occupied for your entire trip: an eyeful of breathtaking architecture here, a good-natured haggle over a carpet there. Kick your trip off at the awe-inspiring Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), which is visible from many points of the city. Stroll the Galata Bridge and stop by the Miniaturk Park to see its tiny artifacts. The Grand Bazaar has thousands of shops to browse, while the Egyptian Bazaar is a fragrant trove of spices and fruits.
Restaurants in Istanbul
1. Halic
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 790 reviews
This river separates the old and new sections of Istanbul. The commercial center of the city for 2000 years, many markets and the Chamber of Commerce still line its shores today.
Reviewed By Indiana_Jonesse - San Francisco, United States
Halic is a major waterway, the primary inlet of the Bosphorus of Istanbul. Here, there are many ships on the slip from private owners and tour operators. We docked and left the harbor, overlooking the different ports. There is a maiden tower that is very visible on the island that is a major icon along the waters. This is the main port go get to the Bosphorus boat tours.
2. Belgrad Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 200 reviews
On weekends, residents of Istanbul flock to this largest forest in the area to picnic and enjoy nature.
Reviewed By sheerhonor - 's-Heerenberg, The Netherlands
Belgrade is a place to visit when crossing the forests. The sounds of birds in the forest are a wonderful place, which should be even more beautiful when entering the year 2020.
3. Yildiz Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 219 reviews
Reviewed By sherwatch
Gülhane park was beautiful in summer. It was different from my last visit: Unfortunately, there were way more tourists than locals. You can see how people enjoy life outside. Nevertheless we also witnessed that men from one special country speaking one special language tried to contact women who were walking along the park alone. How sad!
4. Bebek
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 351 reviews
Located on the Bosphorus shore, Bebek Park, named for the district in which it is found, was opened to the public in 1908 after the Proclamation of the Second Constitutional Era. it was restored by a team led by the italian architect Ermanno Casasco and reopened as Turkan Sabanci Bebek Park in 2008.
Reviewed By Tedz87 - Bradford, United Kingdom
Bebek is a lovely up market area in Istanbul, along the Bosphorus. It has some amazing cafes and and boutique shops and a long stroll across the promenade is always enjoyable.
5. Gulhane Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,241 reviews
Reviewed By Cruisers101 - Melbourne, Australia
A quiet oasis in the midst of chaos in down town Istanbul. Plenty of seats to take in the gardens, water features, and numerous paths that meander throughout. The is a cafe for a nice break or take a book for a quiet read. A great short cut to avoid the traffic and crowds.
6. Emirgan Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 961 reviews
Reviewed By 289febriana - Jakarta, Indonesia
The entry to this park is free of charge. They hold annual tulip festival to celebrate spring season during the month of April. It may be best to visit the park on early April for better view of the tulips. On late April the tulips started to withered and ruined by visitors who came and step on them while taking pictures.
7. Bosphorus Strait
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10,355 reviews
Reviewed By MM0311
We took a 2 hour cruise of the Bosphorus while in Istanbul and found it to be stunning. The waters are beautiful, as are the views. I would love to do this cruise when I am in Istanbul again - both by day and by night :)
8. Istanbul Dolphinarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 187 reviews
Istanbul Dolphinarium presents you a unique chance to explore the fascinating world of sea mammals. Here, by taking a closer look at these magnificent creatures, you will get to know them better and realize the importance of these species in our world's Nature. Istanbul Dolphinarium invites the visitors of all ages to meet in person merry dolphins, playful fur seals, massive walruses and the gorgeous white whale! Here, you can watch marine mammals' exciting show, swim, interact or SCUBA dive with the dolphins. Also, there are individual dolphin-therapy sessions for the kids with special needs.
Reviewed By TommyGee25
Superb, enjoyed the show with the family very much which lasted just under an hour. A number of highly trained sea mammals performing their party pieces such as a giant Walrus playing the saxophone then goes onto serenade a female friend, blowing, snorting and whistling at pre determined intervals. Sea lion clapping and standing as well as performing in the water. Don't want to give too much away but a white whale makes an appearance with the show culminating in a triumvirate of dolphins defying gravity and leaping all over the place. Quite spectacular. Our hotel was in the Tophane district of Istanbul and a taxi to the Dolphinarium which is in the Eyup area cost us 37 Turkish lira.
9. Istanbul Sea Life Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 568 reviews
EXPLORE AN AMAZING UNDERWATER WORLD!Experience one of the world's largest Ocean Tanks! Don't miss the amazing views from the Sea Bed in our 83m long Ocean Tunnel.Be amazed by Europe's largest collection of sharks at Shark Kingdom. Marvel at the Bowmouth, Bonnethead, Grey Reef Shark, Zebra, Sand Tiger sharks and many more as they swim majestically overhead.Find out how it feels to touch a sea star and other creatures in our amazing Interactive Rock Pool Experience.With shark dives, diver shows, creature feeds and children's play area, there is plenty for everyone at Istanbul SEA LIFE Aquarium.
Reviewed By WajihaMoien - Lahore, Pakistan
It was such an awesome experience!! loved the variety of sea life on display. There were divers in the largest tank and they posed and played around with the children. Overall an amazing experience.
