Parks & nature · 6 of the best in Istanbul
Belgrad Forest
The city’s great forest
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Mostafameraji · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia CommonsAbout Belgrad Forest
Belgrad Forest, north of the Bosphorus villages, is Istanbul’s great green escape, with walking and running trails, picnic areas and the old dams and reservoirs that once supplied the city with water. Go on a weekday to have it almost to yourself.
Why it's on our list
- Walking and running trails
- Ottoman water reservoirs
- Weekend escape
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Belgrad Forest before you go.
What’s nearby
Distances from Belgrad Forest are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 15 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Key sights
- Dolmabahçe Palace16 kmCar or taxi 50 min
- Taksim Square16 kmCar or taxi 51 min
- İstiklal Avenue16 kmCar or taxi 52 min
- Galata Tower17 kmCar or taxi 55 min
- Galata Bridge18 kmCar or taxi 56 min
- Spice Bazaar18 kmCar or taxi 58 min
- Süleymaniye Mosque18 kmCar or taxi 58 min
- Grand Bazaar19 kmCar or taxi 59 min
- Topkapı Palace19 kmCar or taxi 59 min
- Hagia Sophia19 kmCar or taxi 60 min
Getting around
- Istanbul Airport (IST)22 kmCar or taxi 70 min