A Weekend in Non-Touristy İstanbul
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For the domestic traveller who has already seen Hagia Sophia: the northern Bosphorus and the Asian side. Breakfast in Beşiktaş, Emirgan Park and the Sakıp Sabancı Museum, Kanlıca yoghurt via the Bosphorus ferry line, the garden of the Khedive's Palace and, in the evening, the panorama of both bridges from Çamlıca. A car-free day flowing between shore, grove and hilltop by ferry and bus.
Route Stops
Beşiktaş Square.
A spread breakfast in the market; browse the Saturday market and walk down to the pier.
Emirgan Grove: The Hidden Paradise Where Istanbul Meets Nature
Take the bus to Emirgan. Walk in the park, catch the tulips if you come in April, and have your tea at the Yellow Pavilion.
One of the largest and most stunning green spaces in Istanbul, Emirgan Grove is a unique place offering a getaway intertwined with nature along the Bosphorus. Located in Sarıyer and dating back to the Ottoman period, this enchanting grove welcomes its visitors with colorful flowers, walking paths, historic pavilions, and a breathtaking view.
A Historical Garden from the Ottoman Era to Today
The history of Emirgan Grove dates back to the Ottoman period. This area was gifted by IV. Murad to the Persian Emir Güne Han and over time began to be referred to as “Emirgüne,” eventually adopting its current name. In the 19th century, the grove was redesigned by one of the important statesmen of the Ottoman Empire, Khedive Ismail Pasha, transforming it into a magnificent garden along with its pavilions.
An Atmosphere Where Nature and History Intertwine
Emirgan Grove spans a vast area of 120 acres and features various types of trees, colorful flowers, and walking paths where you can enjoy the magnificent view of the Bosphorus. Within the grove, the Yellow, Pink, and White Pavilions stand out as elegant structures bearing traces of Ottoman architecture. Today, these pavilions serve as restaurants and cafes, providing visitors with a pleasant place to relax.
Tulip Festival and Breathtaking Views
Emirgan Grove is particularly famous for the annual Istanbul Tulip Festival. In spring, as millions of tulips bloom in the grove, it transforms into a riot of colors, offering a visual feast to its visitors. Gardens adorned with tulip patterns, viewing terraces, and ponds elevate this place from being just a park to a natural work of art.
A Peaceful Escape in the Heart of Istanbul
For those looking to escape the city's noise and spend time in nature, Emirgan Grove is one of the most special spots in Istanbul, with its wonderful walking trails, relaxation areas, and stunning Bosphorus views. This grove is an indispensable destination for families, photography enthusiasts, sports lovers, and nature lovers, possessing a unique beauty in every season.
If you want to experience the tranquility that nature offers within Istanbul and enjoy your time in a historical atmosphere, Emirgan Grove is definitely a natural wonder that must be explored.
Art and History on the Bosphorus Sakıp Sabancı Museum
Visit the calligraphy collection and the temporary show at the museum next door. Have lunch in the garden, facing the Bosphorus.
The Sakıp Sabancı Museum, with its unique view of the Istanbul Bosphorus, is one of the favorite spots for art lovers with its rich collections and world-class exhibitions. Located in Emirgan, within a lush garden, this impressive museum hosts a wide range of artworks, from Ottoman calligraphy collections to modern art exhibitions.
The museum's collection includes valuable calligraphy works, manuscripts, and books from the Ottoman period, and thanks to periodically organized exhibitions, it is also possible to see works by world-renowned artists such as Picasso, Ai Weiwei, and Rembrandt. This museum, where you can encounter every aspect of art, also serves as a center that supports cultural interaction through the talks, workshops, and events it organizes.
During your visit, you can take a pleasant break at the cafes and restaurants located in the museum's garden, enjoying the view of the Bosphorus, and peacefully conclude a day filled with art. The Sakıp Sabancı Museum is one of the most prestigious stops for both historical and modern art in Istanbul.
Kanlıca.
Cross on the Bosphorus line ferry from Emirgan pier. Order your yoghurt with powdered sugar on the square by the landing.
Hidiv Palace.
Walk twenty minutes uphill. Have your coffee in the garden of the art nouveau mansion and let the northern Bosphorus open up in front of you.
Great Çamlıca Hill.
Ride the bus and metro up to Kısıklı. Wait for sunset at the top, where both bridges and the islands fit in one frame.
