The constant honking, exhaust fumes, and the endless rush of Istanbul... Just when you say, "Enough, I need to breathe," an escape point hidden behind century-old trees right between Beşiktaş and Ortaköy comes to your rescue: Yıldız Park.

This is not just a park; it is a massive grove where squirrels roam freely, suspension bridges sway, and Istanbul's steepest hills lead to the most beautiful Bosphorus views. Whether you come for a morning jog or a breakfast fit for kings at the Malta Kiosk; time flows much slower in Yıldız Park than in the rest of the city.

Let's explore this green oasis, which gate makes more sense to enter from, and the current status of the historical kiosks inside.

• Entrance Fee (Pedestrian): Free
• Entrance Fee (Car): 90 TL (All day)
• Visiting Hours: Open 24 Hours (Kiosks 09:00-23:00)
• Parking: Available
• Best Activities: Picnic, Photography, Hiking

Where is Yıldız Park? (And Which Gate to Use?)

Yıldız Park is located on the slope right behind the coastline stretching from Beşiktaş to Ortaköy. The park has two main entrances, and planning your trip according to these is vital:

1. Lower Entrance (Çırağan): It is on the Beşiktaş-Ortaköy road, right across from Çırağan Palace. You use this if you are coming from the seaside. Warning: If you enter from here, you have to walk constantly uphill into the park.
2. Upper Entrance (Palanga): It is on the Barbaros Boulevard side, near Yıldız Technical University. My recommendation: If you are here for a walk, enter through the upper gate and float down towards Çırağan. It is much less tiring and more enjoyable.

How to Get to Yıldız Park?

Transport used to be a bit difficult, but now there is the metro.

• By Metro: When you get off at the "Yıldız" station of the M7 Yıldız-Mahmutbey metro line, you are quite close to the park's upper entrance (Palanga Street). You can walk downhill into the park.
• By Bus: You can get off at the "Çırağan" stop with buses going along the coast and use the lower gate; or get off at the "Yıldız Teknik Üniversitesi" stop with buses going from Barbaros Boulevard 1 and use the upper gate.
• By Ferry: After arriving at the Beşiktaş pier, you can reach the lower gate with a walk of about 10-15 minutes towards the Çırağan direction.

Yıldız Park Entrance Fee 2025

Since this is a grove affiliated with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB), entrance is completely free for pedestrians.

However, if you want to enter with your car, the situation changes. You need to pay at the gate to use the parking areas inside and drive on the grove roads.

Tip: If you are coming by car and it is the weekend, the parking lots inside (especially around Çadır Kiosk) fill up quickly. It is useful to go early.

A peaceful view of the pond and fountain located in the lower part of the park, accompanied by ducks and the sound of water.

Breakfast and Dining in Yıldız Park

Breakfast intertwined with nature is considered a luxury in Istanbul, but it is quite accessible in Yıldız Park. The historical kiosks inside the park are operated by Beltur (a municipal company), which ensures that prices are more reasonable compared to private venues with Bosphorus views.

1. Malta Kiosk (Malta Köşkü)

Located at the top of the park, it has a magnificent view overlooking the Bosphorus. This ornate structure from the era of Sultan Abdülaziz is famous for its open buffet breakfast, especially on weekends. You might forget your breakfast while looking at the ceiling decorations.

2. Çadır Kiosk (Çadır Köşkü)

Located closer to the lower part of the park, it offers a "cozier" atmosphere with a wonderful pond in front where ducks swim. This is also operated by Beltur. Drinking tea at the outdoor tables while listening to the sound of water is priceless.

3. Kır Kahvesi and Beltaş

If you are in a more casual mood instead of a palace atmosphere, the Kır Kahvesi (Country Coffee) inside the park or the Beltaş Cafe above the bridge are just for you. Prices here are slightly more affordable than the kiosks.

Is Picnicking Allowed in Yıldız Park?

Yes, it is allowed and it is very lovely. There are picnic tables inside the park. However, since this is a historical grove, lighting a fire or having a barbecue is strictly forbidden. You can take your thermos, sandwich, and blanket and spread out on the grass.

What Awaits You in the Park?

Yıldız Park is great not only for eating and drinking but also for moving around.

• Suspension Bridges: The wooden suspension bridges connecting the valleys inside the park are the most popular spots for photography. You might get a little scared while swaying, but the view is great.

The wooden suspension bridge, one of the park's most beloved photo spots, surrounded by enchanting autumn colors.

• Waterfalls and Ponds: The landscape of the park is so successful that the sound of artificial waterfalls completely drowns out the city noise.
• Squirrels: This is one of the places where you are most likely to see squirrels in Istanbul. If you have some walnuts or hazelnuts with you, look carefully at the bottoms of the trees.
• Photo Marathon: The park turns into a riot of colors, especially in the spring months when redbuds and tulips bloom. It is not hard to understand why wedding photographers frequent this place.

History: The Sultan's Backyard

This place is actually the "backyard" of the Yıldız Palace complex. In other words, it used to be a privy garden (Hasbahçe) closed to the outside world, where only sultans and palace residents could visit. Its original name is Yıldız Grove. Going back further to the 17th century, it was known as the "Kazancıoğlu Garden." Today, everyone can roam freely in this imperial heritage, under the shade of century-old trees.