Is there an entrance fee for Yıldız Park?

Entrance to the park is completely free for pedestrians. However, if you want to enter with your vehicle, you must pay a parking/entry fee of 270 TL for the whole day.

Are there restrooms in Yıldız Park and are they free?

Yes, there are restrooms located at the entrances and near the kiosks. However, they are not free. You usually need to pay with your Istanbulkart (public transport card) or small change at the turnstiles.

Is the park suitable for strollers or wheelchairs?

While the main paths are paved, you should be aware that the park is built on a very steep hill. Pushing a stroller can be quite a workout, and wheelchair users may find it difficult to navigate the slopes without assistance.

Are dogs allowed in Yıldız Park?

Absolutely! Yıldız Park is very pet-friendly. You will see many locals walking their dogs there. Just make sure to keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them.

Are there restaurants or cafes inside the park?

Yes, the historic Malta Kiosk and Çadır Kiosk serve as cafes/restaurants operated by Beltur. There is also a "Kır Kahvesi" (Country Coffee). However, small snack stands are rare, so bring your own water and snacks if you plan to hike.

Is barbecue allowed in Yıldız Park?

No, absolutely not. Since this is a historical grove with century-old trees, lighting fires, barbecues, or using samovars (tea urns with coal) is strictly prohibited. You are welcome to have a cold picnic.

Is Yıldız Park safe for solo travelers or families?

Yes, it is generally very safe. There are security guards patrolling the area and a police station nearby. It is a popular spot for families and joggers, especially during daylight hours.

Does Wi-Fi work inside the park?

Mobile data works well in most areas. Additionally, near the kiosks and cafes, you can often connect to the free IBB Wi-Fi service provided by the municipality.

How much time should I spend in Yıldız Park?

If you just want a quick walk, 1 hour is enough. But if you plan to walk from the top gate to the bottom, take photos at the suspension bridges, and have tea at a kiosk, you should allocate 2 to 3 hours.

Are Yıldız Palace and Yıldız Park the same place?

No, they are neighbors but separate entities. Yıldız Park is a public park open to everyone for free. Yıldız Palace is a museum complex that requires a ticket for entry. There is no direct free passage between them for tourists.

Yıldız Park: 2026 Entrance Fee, Breakfast & How to Get

The constant honking, exhaust fumes, and the endless rush of Istanbul... Just when you say, Enough, I can't breathe anymore, an escape point hidden behind century-old trees right between Beşiktaş and Ortaköy comes to your rescue: Yıldız Park.

This isn't just a park; it’s a massive grove where squirrels roam freely, suspension bridges sway, and Istanbul's steepest hills lead to the most breathtaking Bosphorus views. Whether you drop by 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 together, figure out which gate makes more sense to enter from, and check the current status of the historical kiosks inside.

Entrance Fee (Pedestrian): Free
Entrance Fee (Car): 270 TL (All day)
Visiting Hours: Park is open 24 Hours. (Kiosks serve breakfast between 09:00 - 13:00, restaurant service continues until 23:00).
Parking: Available (Fills up early on weekends)
Best Activities: Picnic, Photography, Hiking

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

Yıldız Park sits 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 of vital importance:

Lower Entrance (Çırağan): Located on the Beşiktaş-Ortaköy main road, right across from Çırağan Palace. You’ll use this if you are coming from the seaside. Warning: If you enter from here, be prepared to walk constantly uphill into the park.
Upper Entrance (Palanga): Located on the Barbaros Boulevard side, near Yıldız Technical University. My recommendation: If you are here for a walk, definitely enter through the upper gate and stroll down towards Çırağan. It is much less tiring and far more enjoyable to let gravity do the work.

How to Get to Yıldız Park?

Transport used to be a bit tricky, but the new metro line changed the game.

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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). A short walk downhill gets you right in.
By Bus: You can hop on buses going along the coast, get off at the Çırağan stop, and use the lower gate; or take buses running up Barbaros Boulevard, get off at Yıldız Teknik Üniversitesi, and use the upper gate.
By Ferry: After arriving at the Beşiktaş pier, a scenic 10-15 minute walk towards Ortaköy will bring you to the lower gate.

Yıldız Park Entrance Fee 2026

Since this is a grove managed by 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 internal roads and parking areas.

Type	Fee
Pedestrian Entry	Free
Car Entry	270 TL

Tip: If you are driving here on a weekend, the parking lots inside (especially around Çadır Kiosk) fill up very quickly. It pays to arrive early.

Yildiz park artificial lake and fountain

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

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

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1. Malta Kiosk (Malta Köşkü)

Located at the top of the park, this kiosk boasts a magnificent view overlooking the Bosphorus. This ornate structure from the Sultan Abdülaziz era is famous for its breakfast options, especially on weekends. Generally, you have two main choices: The Single Breakfast Plate for a quick bite, or the Serpme (Grand Spread) if you want to fill the table and enjoy a long morning.

The hot pişi (fried dough) and boreks served with the spread are particularly delicious when combined with the atmosphere. They are usually generous with tea as well. Since it’s very popular, finding a table on weekends can be tough—try to get there early.

2. Çadır Kiosk (Çadır Köşkü)

Located closer to the lower part of the park, this spot offers a much cozier atmosphere with a lovely pond right in front where ducks swim. Also operated by Beltur, sipping tea at the outdoor tables while listening to the sound of water is simply priceless.

3. Kır Kahvesi and Beltaş

If you prefer a rustic, natural vibe over the grandeur of palaces, set your route for Kır Kahvesi (Country Coffee). The menu here is simpler than the kiosks. The main event here is definitely the Gözleme (Turkish flatbread) and Tea duo.

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You can sit at tables under the trees, enjoy your cheese or potato gözleme, and watch the squirrels. Prices are a notch lower here, and the environment is very relaxed. I frequently recommend this spot for families with children since there's plenty of space to run around.

Is Picnicking Allowed in Yıldız Park?

Yes, it is allowed and it’s lovely. There are designated picnic tables inside the park. However, since this is a historical grove, lighting a fire or having a barbecue is strictly forbidden. Just grab your thermos, sandwiches, and a blanket, and spread out on the grass.

What Awaits You in the Park?

Yıldız Park isn't just about eating; it’s a great place to move your body and clear your mind.

Suspension Bridges: The wooden suspension bridges connecting the valleys inside the park are the most popular spots for photography. You might feel a little thrill as they sway, but the photos turn out amazing.

Yildiz park wooden suspension bridge nature

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

Waterfalls and Ponds: The landscaping is so successful that the sound of the artificial waterfalls completely drowns out the city noise nearby.
Squirrel Watch: This is one of the best places in Istanbul to spot squirrels. It’s a fantastic activity for kids; they get mesmerized watching them jump from tree to tree. If you have some walnuts or hazelnuts with you, you might be surprised at how close these cute little friends will get.
Photo Marathon: The park turns into a riot of colors, especially in spring when redbuds (Judas trees) and tulips bloom. It’s no mystery why wedding photographers flock here.

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, reserved only for sultans and the palace residents. 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 trees that have witnessed history.

Yıldız Park Guide: 2026 Entrance Fee, Breakfast & How to Get There