We don’t know if you’re a summer or winter person but we’re pretty sure of one thing: autumn in Istanbul is like no other. It is the ideal time to take long walks in the city with the beautiful fall foliage surrounding us.
Here are five places we picked out for autumn walks in Istanbul.
Heybeliada
Walk up to Çam Limanı or Değirmenburnu (both have a splendid view), which are located on the two opposite sides of Heybeliada. You will encounter Art Nouveau style wooden houses and pine trees on the way. Compared to Büyükada, Heybeliada is less crowded and its forest road is perfect for those who seek quietness and serenity.
Özgürlük Park
The biggest (and best, according to us) park on the Asian side covers 120 acres. Located in Selamiçeşme, it has a 1.5 kilometers long walking and running path.
Yıldız Park
Once the hunting ground of Ottoman sultans, Yıldız Park is now an oasis in the heart of Beşiktaş. If you want to break a sweat, enter from Çırağan Caddesi and walk up the hill to reach Yıldız Palace. You will likely come across squirrels while walking under century-old trees.
Ulupelit
Surrounded by oak and beech trees, Ulupelit village in Şile is great for taking a deep breath of fresh air. Explore the forest by choosing from a variety of paths of different lengths and difficulty. Don’t want to go back to the city? Spend a night at Casa Lavanda Boutique Hotel.
Fatih Forest
At the south of Belgrade Forest is Fatih Forest where crowds are somewhat rare. The 1500-acre area has a path that will lead you to the depths of the forest. You can catch a breath at one of the seating areas and have a picnic.
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