Top 10 Picnic Spots in Istanbul: Your 2025 Guide to Outdoor Leisure
In addition to its historical and cultural richness, Istanbul is also home to beautiful green areas where you can escape the busy pace of the city and breathe. Picnics, which are indispensable for Istanbulites, especially in spring and summer, are a great option to spend a pleasant day in touch with nature. In this guide, we have compiled the 10 best picnic areas in Istanbul for you. You will find all the details you are curious about, from the general characteristics of each area to transportation conditions, from current rules to barbecue conditions. Come on, get your picnic basket ready and let's explore these green paradises of Istanbul!
IMPORTANT WARNING: Picnic and Barbecue Bans in Istanbul Forests
Before planning a picnic, be sure to check the latest Istanbul Governorate announcements! Especially during the summer months (usually June-October), due to the risk of forest fires, access to forested areas and lighting fires (barbecues, samovars, etc.) may be prohibited. These bans are independent of the parks' own rules, and some areas may be completely closed or barbecues may not be allowed.
1. Belgrade Forest - Sarıyer (The Lungs of Istanbul)
Known as the oxygen depot of Istanbul, Belgrade Forest is one of the most popular picnic getaway spots in the city with its large green areas, historical dykes and ponds. There are many different promenade areas, such as Neşet Suyu and Bentler.
Features: Istanbul's oxygen depot, large green areas, historical dykes, ponds (recreational areas such as Neşet Suyu, Bentler etc.).
Amenities: Picnic tables, WC, fountains, playgrounds, kiosks, hiking trails, parking lot.
Rules: Vehicle entrance fee (~$105-165 TL estimated 2025).
Barbecue: Strictly FORBIDDEN during the governorate's summer bans. At other times, barbecues may be allowed only in designated areas (e.g. Fatih Fountain) (forbidden in Bentler). Ground fires are always prohibited. Camping is forbidden.
Time/Transportation: Spring/autumn is ideal. Very crowded at the weekend. Transportation by bus (42HM, 42M etc.) or private vehicle.
2. Polonezköy Nature Park - Beykoz (Nature and Culture Together)
This historic Polish village in Beykoz is one of the largest natural parks in Istanbul, with its rich vegetation and wildlife. It covers an area of approximately 3000 hectares of land.
Features: One of Istanbul's largest natural parks, rich vegetation and wildlife around the historic village of Poland in Beykoz.
Facilities: Private picnic facilities, toilets, fountains, playgrounds, restaurants (“self-catering”), hiking/biking trails, parking lot.
Rules: Entrance fee (~60 TL/person, ~180 TL/vehicle estimated 2025). Barbecue: Exempt in 2024 summer ban, but check current announcements and only in designated areas. Private businesses may have their own rules.
Time/Transportation: Suitable for all seasons. Transportation by bus (15KÇ etc.) or private car.
3. Aydos Forest / Recreation Area - Kartal/Pendik (At the Top of Istanbul)
It is located at the foothills of Aydos, the highest hill of the Anatolian Side, around Aydos Lake. It is known for its lake view and forested area.
Features: Forested area around Aydos Lake on the foothills of Aydos, the highest hill on the Anatolian side, with lake views.
Facilities: Picnic tables, WC (note user comments), kiosks, self-catering, pedal boats, hiking trails, parking lot.
Rules: Entrance fee (~25 TL/pedestrian, ~70 TL/vehicle estimated for 2025, table fee may apply).
Barbecue: May be prohibited during governorate bans. Other times allowed in the designated promenade area, forbidden in the forest area. May be crowded.
Time/Transportation: Popular in spring/summer. Very crowded at the weekend. Bus (11SA etc.), minibus or private car transportation from Kartal.
4. Mihrabat Grove - Beykoz (Tranquillity with Bosphorus View)
It is a historical grove on the ridges of Beykoz Kanlıca, offering a unique view of the Bosphorus. It has been used as a promenade since Ottoman times.
Features: Historical grove on the ridges of Beykoz Kanlıca, with a unique view of the Bosphorus.
Amenities: Picnic tables, WC, fountains, playgrounds, restaurant/cafe (breakfast available), walking paths, parking lot.
Rules: There may be a parking fee at the entrance (~35 TL).
Barbecue: STRICTLY FORBIDDEN. Picnics with prepared food only.
Time/Transportation: Popular in spring/summer. Transportation by bus (121A etc.) or private car.
Source: Ege Fısıltıları
5. Göktürk Pond Nature Park - Eyüpsultan (Tranquillity by the Lake)
Located in Eyüpsultan Göktürk, it is a peaceful natural park surrounded by oak and hornbeam trees, named after the pond inside.
Features: Peaceful nature park with oak and hornbeam trees around a pond in Göktürk, Eyüpsultan.
Facilities: Picnic tables, WC, fountain, kiosk, country restaurant, playground, walking paths, fishing, parking lot.
Rules: Entrance fee (~35 TL/person, ~105 TL/vehicle estimated 2025, confirm).
Barbecue: May be prohibited during governorate bans, permitted at other times.
Time/Transportation: The lakeside is ideal for breakfast and walking. Transportation by bus (48, 48A etc.) or private vehicle.
Source: Memurlar.net
6. Büyükada Dilburnu Recreation Area - Adalar (Picnic in the Island Air)
It is a private establishment in the west of Buyukada, offering picnic and swimming opportunities with sea view under pine trees.
Features: Private property in Buyukada, under the pines with sea views and swimming facilities.
Facilities: Picnic tables, WC, fountain, buffet/restaurant, playground, swimming coves, walking paths.
Rules: Entrance fee (Private business, ask for the current price, ~35 TL in 2024).
Barbecue: Generally free (bring/supply materials), but be aware of island rules and fire risk. Pets may not be allowed.
Time/Transportation: Ideal to combine with the sea in summer (open 08:00-21:00). The island can be reached by ferry, on foot, by bike or electric vehicle.
Source: Adalar Belediyesi
7. Emirgan Grove - Sarıyer (Tulips and History Intertwined)
Located in Sarıyer, overlooking the Bosphorus, it is a historical grove famous for the Tulip Festival. It attracts attention with its historical mansions and rich vegetation.
Features: Historic grove in Sarıyer overlooking the Bosphorus, famous for the Tulip Festival (April). Historic mansions, rich vegetation.
Facilities: Picnic tables (in certain areas), WC, playgrounds, Beltur cafes, walking paths, ISPARK parking lot.
Rules: Vehicle entrance fee (ISPARK).
Barbecue: STRICTLY FORBIDDEN. Pets and tents are prohibited.
Time/Transportation: Tulip time (April) is the most popular. Transportation by bus (25E etc.) or private car.
Source: Hellovillam
8. Yıldız Park - Beşiktaş (Green Oasis in the Centre of the City)
Located between Beşiktaş and Ortaköy, part of the historic Yıldız Palace, it is a central escape with ponds and green areas.
Features: Between Besiktas/Ortakoy, part of the historic Yildiz Palace, central green area with pond.
Amenities: Picnic tables, WC (may close early), playgrounds, Beltur cafes (Malta, Çadır Köşkleri), walking paths, ISPARK parking lot.
Rules: Vehicle entrance fee (ISPARK).
Barbecue: STRICTLY FORBIDDEN. Pets can be walked on a leash. Noise should be avoided.
Time/Transportation: Suitable for all seasons (open 07:00-22:00). Numerous bus lines or private transportation.
Source: Gezipedia
9. Taşdelen Recreation Area - Çekmeköy (Large Area Full of Activities)
Located in Çekmeköy, named after its famous water, it is a large promenade area of approximately 2000 acres covered with pine and oak trees.
Features: Large area of about 2000 acres in Çekmeköy, known for its famous water, with pine/oak trees. Activity-oriented.
Facilities: Picnic tables/pavilions, WC (complaints about cleanliness), fountain (Taşdelen water), playground, buffet/restaurant, hiking/biking paths, adventure park, ATV safari, parking lot.
Rules: Entrance fee (~30 TL/pedestrian, ~70 TL/vehicle estimated 2025). Barbecue: May be prohibited during governorate bans, permitted at other times. Cleanliness/noise complaints.
Time/Transportation: Popular in Spring/summer. Crowded on Sundays. Transportation by bus (14ÇK etc.) or private vehicle.
Source: Ne Nerede
10. Kaymakdonduran Forest / Recreation Area - Beykoz (For those looking for tranquillity)
Close to the Beykoz coast, on the road to Akbaba village, it is a quiet and peaceful woodland area named after its cold spring water.
Features: Tranquil woodland in Beykoz, named after its cold water.
Facilities: Wooden tables, WC, fountain, playground, small cafeteria, walking/running/bike paths, parking lot.
Rules: Vehicle entrance fee (~100-140 TL estimated 2025).
Barbecue: May be prohibited during governorate bans. Permitted at other times only in designated special areas.
Time/Transportation: Ideal especially in spring/autumn/winter (open 08:00-23:00). Transportation by bus (15F etc.) or private car.
Source: Begonvil Sokağı
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