Visit the Istanbul Tulip Festival in 2024 (Istanbul Lale Festivali) - A Complete Guide
Last updated 18th March 2024
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Ask anyone where they think of when you mention tulip festivals or tulip fields and the answer is pretty much always the same: Holland.
Amsterdam Tulip Festival is undoubtedly the world’s most famous place to see tulips in bloom and each year thousands of tourists descend on the city to take pictures amongst the endless fields of flowers.
But here’s a secret: tulips are actually native to Turkey and for a while Istanbul has been holding a yearly festival of its own, that celebrates these gorgeous flowers.
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It’s less well known than the Holland Tulip Festival but there are benefits to that too: fewer crowds, selfie-takers and Instagrammers (lying down in the fields and squashing flowers for your perfect pic is not cool. Just stop.)
If you want to enjoy the riot of colour that is tulip season in a more off-beat way, then we’d recommend that you head over to Turkey to enjoy the annual Istanbul Tulip Festival, one of the most colourful and spectacular events in Istanbul.
In this guide, we share everything you need to know about the Istanbul Tulip Festival, Turkey’s well kept secret. You’ll discover the best places to see tulips, how to get to the different parks, the best time to see tulips, and our top tips for getting the most out of the festival.
Bloomin’ good advice I’d say (see what I did there?)
The Istanbul Tulip Festival (Istanbul Lale Festivali)
The annual Tulip Festival in Istanbul began in 2006 when the municipal government started planting millions of brightly coloured fragrant tulips all across the city.
Suddenly Istanbul’s parks, squares, avenues and even traffic roundabouts were blooming, much to the delight of Istanbulites and visitors alike.
This month-long Istanbul festival of tulips has gradually grown in size with an estimated 30 million tulips planted in recent years.
As Istanbul events go, this is one of the best, as the atmosphere of the city is completely transformed by the vibrant flowers growing everywhere. The bursts of colour also remind you that the city’s winter days are behind it and you can look forward to spring.
READ NEXT: The Best Areas to Stay in Istanbul: Coolest Istanbul Neighbourhoods, Best Hotels & Top Tips
When is the Tulip Festival in Istanbul?
The Istanbul Tulip Festival 2024 will be held in spring during the month of April. The official tulip festival dates are from the 1st to the 30th of April but depending on the weather you can sometimes see tulips blooming from the end of March into the first few weeks in May.
However, the International Istanbul Tulip Festival doesn’t just feature tulips. You’ll also see daffodils, purple grape hyacinths, and pansies planted amongst the tulips to create vivid, magnificent floral displays.
In early May, roses will begin to replace the tulips, so if roses are more your thing, plan your visit for this time.
Update March 2024:
Brrr - it’s been a cold and rather wet winter in Istanbul (in contrast to last year’s unusually dry and mild temperatures).
In February, the typical daytime temperatures were around 7°C - 13°C (45°F-55°F) and there was plenty of rain around too.
There were some randomly sunny 18°C (64°F) days but definitely not as warm as last year - I’ve been wearing my coat on the daily.
So far March has been a little warmer, with average daytime temperatures between 9°C - 15°C (48°F-59°F) and we’ve had some lovely sunny days where the temperatures have reached as high as 20°C (68°F).
So what does this all mean for the tulips?
On our most recent visit to Emirgan Park on the 17th of March 2024, we found the daffodils and some hyacinths in bloom. There were a few areas where tulips had already flowered, but we could mostly see the green outer leaves and closed buds.
Keep in mind that we’ve visited Emirgan quite early and it is still a bit chilly. Also, different varieties of tulips bloom earlier than others - some are just waiting for the weather to warm up a bit more!
So, if you time your visit for the beginning of April, you’re likely to see tulips blooming around most areas of the park. By mid-April, all the tulips should be flowering.
The three photographs below were taken in Emirgan Park during our latest visit. You can see how the tulips have flowered in some areas and not at all in others.
As was the case last year, lots of other flowers have been planted around the park too and are flowering, so if you arrive in early April you’ll be able to enjoy those as well!
Look out for the hyacinths when you visit - they come in all shades and smell heavenly. They are a recent addition to the flower fest at Emirgan Park!
Istanbul weather in April
Istanbul in April is incredibly beautiful - the blossoming tulips and flowering tree buds make the city look like a huge garden.
You’ll see people sitting in outdoor cafes and bars and even in parks, taking advantage of the sunnier, warmer weather in Istanbul in spring.
Whilst the weather in Istanbul in April is fairly warm, it is still characterised by intermittent rain showers and cooler nighttime temperatures, so bear this in mind when you pack for your trip (walking around in sodden clothes is never fun, no matter how beautiful the flowers are!).
To make sure that you are prepared for the April weather in Istanbul, we’d recommend packing shorts, t-shirts and dresses for during the day and a sweater, light rain jacket and jeans for the evenings. And don’t forget your umbrella!
The Istanbul temperature in April is around 16°C (60F) during the day, dropping to around 8°C (46F) at night.
Bear in mind that as well as the tulip festival there are other things going on in Istanbul in April, including the Istanbul International Film Festival, so you might want to factor that into your trip!
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The History of Tulips in Turkey
Where did tulips originate?
You might be surprised to know that the answer to the question “where do Tulips come from?” isn’t Holland. Wild tulips grew throughout Turkey and Central Asia and early cultivation began in Iran around the 10th Century.
Commercial Turkish tulip cultivation began during the Ottoman Empire and the popularity of the flowers increased particularly during the reign of Sultan Ahmet III in the 18th Century. Under the Sultan, there were many tulip festivals and beautiful imperial tulip gardens.
Tulip motifs were widely used on carpets, tiles, weapons, ceramics, mosques and fabrics that can still be seen around Istanbul and the rest of Turkey. This age known as Lale Devri (the Tulip Era) was actually the wealthiest period of the Ottoman Empire.
Tulips were brought to the Netherlands in the 16th Century via the Ottoman Empire and the Dutch obsession with the flower culminated in Tulip Mania where rare varieties of tulip bulbs were sold for insanely high prices (some costing even more than a house!)
Today the tulip is the national flower of Turkey and symbolises a variety of things, including paradise on earth, feminine beauty and perfection.
As you can see, even though they are not commonly associated with Turkey, tulips are actually an important part of the country’s history and culture.
Where is the Tulip Festival in Istanbul?
If you’ve been impatiently Googling “tulip festival near me” before finishing this article, patience, grasshopper!
The Tulip Festival Istanbul 2024 will take place in Istanbul parks all over the city, although as we mentioned before, there will be smaller displays of tulips wherever there’s a suitable patch of earth!
We’ll outline the main locations for this flower festival and the most stunning displays below.
Emirgan Korusu (Emirgan Park)
The main location for the Tulip Festival Istanbul is Emirgan Park. This is one of the best parks in Istanbul and overlooks the Bosphorus, so you are in for a treat as not only will you see beautiful flowers but plenty of gorgeous sea views too!
Although Emirgan is beautiful all year round, the flower displays during the Turkey Tulip Festival are out of this world.
Emirgan Korusu is one of the largest public parks in Istanbul and has several tulip gardens.
Over 120 different varieties of tulips are planted here in various patterns including in the shape of a Turkish flag and a river flowing under a bridge. The total number of tulips at Emirgan each year is around 3.5million!
The tulips here are simply breathtaking - we’ve visited the Emirgan tulip gardens four times now (most recently for the Istanbul Tulip Festival 2023) and we’re astounded each time by the beauty of the place.
(As you’ll see from our update to this article, we’ve already snuck over to Emirgan in March 2024 to see whether the tulips are blooming yet and once April comes around we will definitely be going again!)
Emirgan Park Istanbul is a great place to take tulip festival photos because there are so many creative displays but please don’t be that person who tramples the flowers in search of the perfect shot.
The Yellow Pavilion overlooking Emirgan Park
There are also other activities at Emirgan Lale Festivali - the old Ottoman pavilions around the park host traditional arts workshops including calligraphy, painting and glass blowing. You are also likely to see live music, performed on pop-up stages all over the park.
Don’t Miss the Historic Ottoman Mansions in Emirgan!
Emirgan Park has a number of old Ottoman mansions (also known as pavilions) dating back to the late 1800s, which have now been converted into cafes and restaurants.
Sarı Köşk (Yellow Pavilion) is a large wooden chalet that was formerly a guest house and hunting lodge during the Ottoman period. Inside, the mansion is extremely opulent: you’ll find chandeliers in each room and walls and ceilings decorated with bright pastel oil paints depicting flowers and geometric patterns.
The Yellow Pavillion now houses a restaurant which has indoor and outdoor seating and a good menu which includes a traditional Turkish breakfast and plenty of lunch options.
It also has a great view over Emirgan Tulip Garden, so it's definitely worth stopping by here for a cup of tea and a snack! It’s very popular with families on weekends so we’d recommend visiting during the week.
The Yellow Pavilion is open Tuesday - Sunday from 9 am - 11 pm. It is closed on Monday.
A river of tulips leading towards the White Pavilion
A short walk from the Yellow Pavillion is the smaller Pembe Köşk (Pink Pavilion). This Ottoman house has two storeys: when it is open you can explore some of the rooms including the Ottoman kitchen and the old bathroom!
You’ll also see a lot of ornaments, artwork and antiques that have been restored to their original glory inside. There is a cafe in the Pink Pavilion however it is mostly used to host weddings, pop-up restaurants and other events.
The Pink Pavilion is open everyday from 10 am to 10 pm.
Finally, take time to visit Beyaz Köşk (White Pavilion), another two storey wooden mansion, which is just 5 minutes walk from the Yellow Pavillion. It’s currently closed but it used to have a cafe-restaurant that served a great breakfast plus traditional Ottoman style food in the evenings. We hope it opens up again!
How to get to Emirgan Istanbul:
From Taksim Square: Take the M2 Metro to İtü Ayazağa İstasyonu and then take the 29B, 29Ş, 40B or 41C bus to Emirgan.
From Beşiktaş: Take the 22, 22RE, 25E, 40T and 42T bus to Emirgan.
From Galata: Take the M2 Metro from Şişhane to İtü Ayazağa İstasyonu and then take the 29B, 29Ş, 40B or 41C bus to Emirgan.
From Karaköy: Take the T1 Tram from Karaköy İstasyonu to Fındıklı Mimar Sinan Üniversitesi and then take the 22 or 25E bus to Emirgan.
From Kadiköy: Take the ferry from Kadiköy Ferry Pier to Kabataş and then take the 22 or 25E bus to Emirgan.
From Üsküdar: Take the ferry from Üsküdar Ferry Pier to Beşiktaş then take 22, 25E, 40T or 42T bus to Emirgan.
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Gulhane Park
Another place where you are sure to see artistic displays of tulips is at Gülhane Park.
Like Emirgan, Gülhane Park (Rose Garden) is a beautiful place to wander all year round, with gorgeous gardens, relaxing promenades, outdoor cafes and incredible views of the Bosphorus.
The tulip garden in Gülhane Park has grown over the years (totalling nearly 2.5 million tulips each year) and is truly spectacular - tulips are planted with daffodils and pansies in a dizzying array of patterns.
The park also has plenty of benches on which to sit down and quietly enjoy the ‘tulip show’. When you’re done, make sure to grab a cup of Turkish çay in one of the cafes overlooking the sea.
A visit to Gulhane Park can be easily combined with a trip to Topkapı Palace, the Blue Mosque and other sights in the Sultanahmet District.
How to get to Gülhane Park:
From Taksim: Take the F1 Funicular to Kabatas Tramvay İstasyonu and then take the T1 Tram to Gülhane Istasyonu.
From Beşiktaş: Take the 28 or 28T bus to Tophane and then take the T1 Tram to Gülhane Istasyonu.
From Galata: Take the T1 Tram from Tophane to Gülhane Istasyonu.
From Karaköy: Take the T1 tram from Karaköy İstasyonu to Gülhane Istasyonu.
From Kadıköy: Take the ferry from Kadıköy Ferry Pier to Karaköy then take the T1 tram from Karaköy İstasyonu to Gülhane Istasyonu.
From Üsküdar: Take the ferry from Üsküdar Ferry Pier to Karaköy then take the T1 tram from Karaköy İstasyonu to Gülhane Istasyonu.
Sultanahmet Square
Another great place to experience the tulip flower festival is in Sultanahmet Square.
I didn’t think it was possible for The Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia to look any more picturesque but with the addition of millions of tulips, the whole square looks magnificent.
Some of the tulips in Sultanahmet Square are pretty different to the rest of the parks in Istanbul for one major reason: this is the only place where you can see a ‘tulip carpet’.
For the last five years, Istanbul municipality has planted nearly 700,000 tulips in a pattern resembling a traditional Turkish rug.
The tulips, produced by farmers in Konya, are woven into the rug pattern flower by flower and take almost two and half days to complete. The whole ‘carpet’ measures 1400 square metres and is apparently the largest tulip carpet in the world.
We were a little bit too early to see the tulip rug when we visited Sultanahmet for the Istanbul Tulip Festival 2019 but it’s something we would definitely love to see if we get the chance again.
How to get to Sultanahmet Square:
From Taksim: Take the M2 Metro to Vezneciler and then walk to Laleli-Üniversite tram stop to take the T1 Tram to Sultanahmet
From Beşiktaş: Take the 25E, 27SE, 29D, 41E or 58A bus to Fındıklı Mimar Sinan Üniversitesi tram stop and then take the T1 Tram to Sultanahmet.
From Galata: Take the T1 Tram from Tophane to Sultanahmet.
From Karaköy: Take the T1 tram from Karaköy İstasyonu to Sultanahmet.
From Kadıköy: Take the ferry from Kadıköy Ferry Pier to Karaköy and then take the T1 tram from Karaköy İstasyonu to Sultanahmet.
From Üsküdar: Take the ferry from Üsküdar Ferry Pier to Karaköy and then take the T1 tram from Karaköy İstasyonu to Sultanahmet.
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Camlica Hill
Famous for the best view of Istanbul from the Asian side of the city, Camlica Hill is also one of the highest viewpoints in Istanbul.
If you want to combine your tulip spotting with a teensy bit of exercise, (only around 20 minutes, nothing too strenuous I promise) then this is a fantastic place to experience the April tulip festival.
Thousands of tulips are planted all the way up Camlica Hill so if you do visit this popular hiking spot, the walk will be very pleasant.
At the top of the hill you’ll find tulips planted in different designs and pretty arches where people (especially couples) like to pose for photos. The view from Camlica Hill is jaw-dropping - you can see the Bosphorus Bridge and the whole of the European side of the city.
You can combine your visit to this tulip garden in Istanbul with a trip to Camlica Mosque - the largest mosque in Turkey.
How to get to Camlica Hill:
From Taksim: Take the D31, D36 or D62 bus from Taksim to Boğaziçi Köprüsü and then take the 129T or 522 to Kısıklı.
From Beşiktaş: Take the DT1 to Mecidiyeköy Viyadük and then 522 to Kısıklı.
From Galata: Take the M2 Metro from Şişhane to Şişli and then take the 522 from Mecidiyeköy Viyadük to Kısıklı.
From Karaköy: Take the ferry from Karaköy Ferry Pier (Şehir Hatları) to Üsküdar and then take the M5 Metro line from Üsküdar station to Kısıklı.
From Kadiköy: From Kadıkoy Ferry Pier take the 13B, 14, 14F, 14K, 14R, 14Y bus to Kısıklı.
From Üsküdar: From Üsküdar Ferry Pier take the M5 Metro line to Kısıklı.
Goztepe Park
The gorgeous tulips in Göztepe Park in mid-April 2023.
Also on the Asian side of Istanbul, Göztepe Park in Kadiköy is another great place to enjoy the Lale festivities.
This park may be small, but it includes a botanical garden (filled with roses during the early summer) and a large pond with a fountain. Over 1.5 million tulips are planted here for the festival.
You’ll see tulips planted in colourful swirling patterns and amongst maze-like hedgerows - they can be easily enjoyed from the vantage of the well-maintained walking track that goes through the park.
Göztepe Park is is a very popular park especially on weekends as there are toys and small play areas for children.
Tulips planted in rows of red and white at Göztepe Park to celebrate 100 years of the Turkish Republic in 2023.
Simply stunning!
How to get to Göztepe Park:
From Taksim: Take the M2 Metro Line from Taksim Square to Yenikapi station and then take the Marmary Line to Göztepe station. The park is about 15 mins from Göztepe Metro station.
From Beşiktaş: From Beşiktaş Ferry Pier take the ferry to Kadiköy and then take the 4, 16D or D34 bus to Göztepe.
From Galata: Take the M2 Metro Line from Şişhane to Yenikapi station and then take the Marmary Line to Göztepe Metro station.
From Karaköy: From Karaköy Ferry Pier take the ferry to Kadiköy and then take the 4, 16D or D34 bus to Göztepe.
From Kadiköy: From Kadiköy Ferry Pier take the 4, 16, 16D or D34 bus to Göztepe.
From Üsküdar: From Üsküdar Ferry Pier take the Marmary Line to Göztepe station.
Yildiz Park
Another beautiful tulip garden, Istanbul’s Yildiz Park is popular with families all year round and like Emirgan, is one of the largest parks in Istanbul.
Located between the Çırağan and Yildiz Palaces in Beşiktaş, this park is a haven for nature lovers and includes two artificial lakes, waterfalls, streams, picnic grounds and plenty of green areas that are perfect for just relaxing in.
There are also lots of different kinds of playgrounds which makes this park great for kids of all ages.
Yildiz Park is huge and it’s very easy to spend all day wandering around it. It was originally part of the imperial garden of Yildiz Palace and was also used as the Sultan’s hunting grounds.
During the tulip festival, you’ll find the rolling hills of the park covered in tulips and other flowers. There will also be tulips lining all the walking paths in the park and surrounding the artificial lakes and rivers - a gorgeous sight indeed!
Like Emirgan, there are several Ottoman pavilions in the park that serve coffee, tea and snacks.
Our favourite is Malta Köşkü (Malta Pavilion) situated on one of the hills in the park, which has ornately carved and painted ceilings, several indoor marble fountains, and walls decorated in oil paintings of landscapes. The restaurant offers all sorts of Turkish dishes and the breakfast here is pretty good!
The smaller Çadır Köşk (Tent Pavilion) is also very opulent inside and has a great restaurant that serves a special Turkish breakfast from the region of Balıkesir, plus excellent lunch and light dinner options. We love the outside seating which is right near the lake - perfect for a cup of tea and a sit-down.
Finally, don’t miss Nezih Köşkü (Nezih Pavilion) or Yıldız Parkı Kırkahvesi: their outdoor seating area is surrounded by trees and makes you feel like you are inside the forest.
If it’s cold, head inside to the indoor section, which is surrounded by huge windows so you can still enjoy the view. The cafe here serves simple breakfasts and a selection of gözleme (Turkish stuffed pancakes) and pide which are ideal for a light lunch.
How to get to Yildiz Park:
From Taksim: Take the 40T, 42T or DT1 bus to Yildiz Park. If you don’t mind walking, you can now also take the metro to Yildiz Park (which opened at the end of 2022). Take the M2 Metro to Mecideköy station. From here take the M7 Metro just two stops to Yıldız. It’s a 20-minute walk to the park from here.
From Beşiktaş: Take the 22, 25E, 40T or 42T bus from Araketler to Yildiz Park. You can also easily walk to Yildiz Park in about 20 minutes from the Araketler area.
From Galata: Take the M2 Metro from Şişhane (about a 5-minute walk from Galata) to Taksim and then take the DT1 bus to Yildiz Park.
From Karaköy: Take the 30D bus from near Karaköy İstasyonu tram stop to Yildiz Park.
From Kadiköy: From Kadiköy Ferry Pier take the ferry to Beşiktaş and then take the 22, 25E, 30D, 40T or DT1 bus to Yildiz Park.
From Üsküdar: From Üsküdar Ferry Pier take the ferry to Beşiktaş and then take the 22, 25E, 30D, 40T, 42T or DT1 bus to Yildiz Park.
Off the Beaten Track Places for the Istanbul Tulip Festival in 2024:
If you’ve been wondering where to see tulips off the beaten path in Istanbul, we have a few suggestions for you! These parks are further away but they are also really beautiful during tulip season.
Hidiv Kasrı Korusu (Hidiv Pavillion and Grove)
Home to one of the biggest rose gardens in Istanbul, Hidiv Kasrı Korusu (Hidiv Grove) is another place that’s worth visiting for the Istanbul Tulip Festival.
Located on the Asian side of the city, across the Bosphorus from Emirgan Park, this grove feels much more like a botanical garden.
A hiking path through the trees gives you great views overlooking the Bosphorus. There are also many fountains, garden areas, artificial lakes and a waterfall, plus plenty of green spaces to sit down and have a picnic or just admire the flowers.
At Hidiv you can expect to see tulips everywhere during April and sometimes early May - planted in half circles and in creative geometric patterns around the Hidiv Pavilion; in circles surrounding the trees in the park and and you’ll also find them around the lakes and the waterfall (the latter is particularly stunning).
900,000 tulips are planted here for the festival, so it’s no wonder that it is so spectacular! In our opinion Hidiv Grove is the best tulip garden Istanbul has to offer on the Asian side.
The pavilion at Hidiv is famous for having the first steam elevator and is very lavishly decorated inside. It’s is currently under restoration but the cafe near the pavilion is open and serves light meals.
How to Get to Hidiv Kasrı Korusu (Hidiv Pavillion and Grove)
From Taksim: Take the M2 Metro to Gayrettepe and then the 121A bus to Kanlıca. You will need to walk about 17 minutes to Hidiv Grove from Kanlıca.
From Beşiktaş: Take the 27E bus from the naval museum to Levent, then change to the 121A bus to Kanlıca.
From Galata: Take the M2 Metro from Şişhane (a 5 minute walk from Galata) to Gayrettepe and then the 121A bus to Kanlıca.
From Karaköy: From the Karaköy ferry pier, take the ferry to Üsküdar and then the 15 bus to Kanlıca.
From Kadiköy: Take the 15F bus from near the Kadiköy Ferry Pier to Kanlıca.
From Üsküdar: Take the 15E bus from near the Üsküdar Ferry Pier directly to Hidiv Kasrı Korusu.
Beykoz Grove
Staying on the Asian side and to the north of Hidiv Kasrı Korusu, is the gorgeous Beykoz Grove.
Originally designed by French garden designers during the reign of Sultan Abdulhamid II, this 150 hectare grove has beautiful walkways, pools, picnic areas, hiking trails, birdhouses and mansions to explore.
Similar to Hidiv Kasrı Korusu, Berkoz also has an incredible Bosphorus view and is a popular place for weddings, so it’s common to see happy couples dressed in all their finery when you visit.
300,000 tulips of 25 different types are usually planted at this Istanbul tulip garden: you’ll see them in various colours and spiraling patterns llining the walking paths around the park.
How to Get to Beykoz Grove
From Taksim: From the IETT Park Hotel bus stop take the 42T to Yeniköy and followed by the ferry to Beykoz. Beykoz Grove is about 20 minutes walk from here.
From Beşiktaş: Take the SRY-14 minibus to Yeniköy and then the ferry to Beykoz.
From Galata: Take the M2 Metro from Şişhane (a 5 minute walk from Galata) to Gayrettepe and then the 121A bus to Beykoz.
From Karaköy: From the Karaköy ferry pier, take the ferry to Üsküdar and followed by 15 bus to Beykoz.
From Kadiköy: Take the 15F or 15BK bus from near the Kadiköy Ferry Pier to Beykoz.
From Üsküdar: Take the 15E bus from near the Üsküdar Ferry Pier to Beykoz.
Fethi Paşa Korusu (Fethi Paşa Grove)
Smaller than Beykoz Grove but still stunningly beautiful is Fethi Paşa Grove, another wonderful park situated on a hill on Istanbul’s Asian side.
Like the previous two parks, you will be able to enjoy gorgeous views of the Bosphorus from here.
Fethi Paşa Grove itself is simply stunning - take your time to wander around the manmade waterfall and fountains and explore the observation points and the wooden bridges that have epic sea views.
Fethi Paşa Grove is one of the main locations for the tulip festival on the Asian side of Istanbul - 300,000 tulips of 30 different types are usually planted here in time for April.
We saw multicoloured tulips in artistic patterns along the walking paths and also around the old Ottoman mansion, which happens to also have a restaurant offering an excellent and reasonably priced Turkish breakfast. Perfect after a relaxing morning stroll!
How to Get to Fethi Paşa Grove
From Taksim: Take the M2 Metro to Yenikapı and then the Marmaray line to Üsküdar. From here you can take the 15, 15B, 15R, 15Y or 15P bus to Paşalimanı. From here the park is an 8 minute walk away.
From Beşiktaş: Take the ferry to Üsküdar and then the 15, 15B, 15R, 15Y or 15P bus to Paşalimanı.
From Galata: Walk to Karaköy and take the ferry to Üsküdar. Fethi Paşa Grove is a 17 minute walk from here.
From Karaköy: From the Karaköy ferry pier, take the ferry to Üsküdar and then walk to Fethi Paşa Grove.
From Kadiköy Take the 12A bus from near the Kadiköy Ferry Pier to Fıstıkağacı. From here the park is 12 minutes walk.
From Üsküdar: Take the 15, 15B, 15C or 15Y bus from near the Üsküdar Ferry Pier to Paşalimanı.
Fenerbahçe Park
Located in Kadıköy and right beside the sea, Fenerbahçe Park is one of the most relaxing places in Istanbul and famous for its towering ancient trees, some of which are between 600 and 700 years old!
The park is basically on an island, connected to the main Kadıköy area by a pedestrian and vehicle bridge.
During warm spring days and in the summer, families visit the park to picnic and on weekends it is a really popular place to have breakfast by the sea (there are five cafes around the park where you can get a nice meal).
Fenerbahçe Park has the smallest tulip gardens but they are still very beautiful - you can usually see them blooming alongside plenty of daisies along the walking trails that are beside the sea and also planted in round flower beds around the park.
How to Get to Fenerbahçe Park
From Taksim: Take the M2 Metro to Yenikapı and then the Marmaray line to Feneryolu. The park is a 20 minute walk from here.
From Beşiktaş: Take the ferry from Beşiktaş to Kadiköy and then the 4 bus to Kalamış. The park is 12 minutes walk from here.
From Galata: Take the M2 Metro from Şişhane to Yenikapı and then the Marmaray line to Feneryolu.
From Karaköy: From the Karaköy ferry pier, take the ferry to Kadiköy and then the 16D bus to Kalamış.
From Kadiköy: take the 16 or 16D bus from near the Kadiköy Ferry Pier to Kalamış.
From Üsküdar: Take the Marmaray line to Feneryolu.
How much does it cost to attend the Tulip Festival?
Good news: you won’t have to shell out for tulip festival tickets as the entire Istanbul Tulip Festival is completely free!
Top tips for the Istanbul Tulip Festival
If you visit Istanbul during tulip season, you are going to see tulips absolutely everywhere even when you are doing something as mundane as crossing a road.
However, if you want to take great photos, really enjoy the flowers and not feel too rushed during your trip, here are some practical tips to make the most of your visit.
The best time to see Turkish tulips in bloom is during the first two weeks in April as the flowers may begin to wilt later on in the month. Of course, this is very much dependent on the weather - if it’s cold you can expect the tulips to bloom later.
Visit the parks in Istanbul during the weekdays as they get much more crowded on weekends when locals visit with their families. On weekends there are often traffic jams around some parks, which will waste your time especially if you are on a short trip. (Also traffic jams in Istanbul are their own special kind of hell).
Try to plan a visit of three to four days if possible. This gives you enough time to visit a number of different locations and also see other attractions in the city too (there’s much more to Istanbul than just tulips!) A longer visit also increases your chances of seeing the tulips on a sunny day.
If you only have time to visit one park during this Turkey festival, make it Emirgan Park.
For a relaxing experience, take some time out to have a Turkish breakfast in one of the parks. Read our guide to Turkish breakfasts here.
Make sure you get an Istanbulkart so you can use public transport. This card can be bought and topped up at metro, tram and ferry stations and kiosks around the city.
🔥 Hot tip:
🎟️ For cheaper entry museum tickets you can also get the Istanbul Museum pass.
Where to Stay in Istanbul for the Istanbul Tulip Festival
We’ve written a super detailed guide to the best areas to stay in Istanbul which I’d definitely recommend you check out. It covers 6 districts and over 15 different neighbourhoods and includes hotels for every budget, so there’s something for every kind of traveller!
If you are in a rush, just keep on reading for our favourite places to stay for the festival or click here to browse and book hotels in Istanbul.
There are plenty of lovely places to stay in Istanbul during the spring, but there are a few areas and hotels that we love and would really recommend for your visit to the Istanbul Tulip Festival, especially if you haven’t been to the city before.
We’ve included hotels in every budget so choose one that fits best with yours.
It’s easy to get to the parks from all these areas as they are well connected by public transport.
Galata - Beyoğlu District
Galata in the Beyoğlu District is a great area to stay in, particularly because it is close to the Galata Tower and Istiklal Caddesi plus many super cute cafes and some good restaurants.
You can easily travel to many of the parks in this guide from here as it’s close to the Şishane metro stop or just a walk down to Taksim Square or Karaköy. This area is always lively, so it’s also great for solo travellers.
Photo courtesy of NOA Apartments via Booking.com
OUR FAVOURITE APARTMENT (LUXURY): NOA Luxury Apartments (⭐ 9.5)
These bright and airy apartments close to Galata Tower offer an ensuite bathroom, a large and fully equipped kitchen, free Wi-Fi, washing machine and tumble dryer and a flat-screen TV. Some apartments have a balcony or garden access. The complex also has a well-equipped gym plus super friendly and helpful staff.
I visited my sister when she was staying at NOA Apartments in Istanbul for three months - they are perfect for a long stay and she absolutely loved it!
Photo courtesy of Louis Appartments via Booking.com
OUR TOP HOTEL PICK (MID-RANGE): Louis Appartments Galata (⭐ 9.5)
Just a few minutes walk from Şişhane metro station, this lovely hotel offers beautiful suites plus a terrace with a superb view of Istanbul and the Galata Tower. Every suite has a fully equipped kitchen an ensuite bathroom, flat-screen TV, living room, free Wi-Fi and minibar.
My parents stayed here when they visited me in Istanbul and loved this hotel (and the kind staff) to bits. It’s also got an elevator which makes it a great place for elderly people or those with mobility issues.
Photo courtesy of Hostel Le Banc via Booking.com
BEST BUDGET CHOICE: Hostel Le Banc (⭐ 9.5)
This hostel right near Şişhane metro station offers super clean, comfortable and air-conditioned mixed and female-only dormitory rooms, plus free Wi-Fi, a shared kitchen, lounge and terrace. Private rooms with ensuite bathrooms are also available and there’s a complimentary breakfast buffet every morning.
Karaköy - Beyoğlu District
Another area that is close to Galata Tower, Karaköy has street art, cheap food, fabulous bars and restaurants and quirky shops. Public transport is great here - there’s trams, buses and the metro which makes getting to the different parks very easy.
Photo courtesy of The Wings Hotel Istanbul via Booking.com
TOP LUXURY PICK: The Wings Hotel Istanbul (⭐ 9.2)
This gorgeous hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, air conditioning and ensuite bathroom. All rooms either have stunning sea views or an incredible view of the Galata Tower. Some rooms also have a jacuzzi bath! Guests can enjoy an excellent breakfast on the roof terrace overlooking the Bosphorus.
Photo courtesy of Ada Karakoy Hotel via Booking.com
BEST MID-RANGE CHOICE: Ada Karakoy Hotel Special Category (⭐ 9.0)
Just steps away from Karaköy’s ferry port, this hotel features comfortable soundproofed rooms with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, ensuite bathroom and flat-screen TV. The 6th floor roof terrace has amazing views and staff are friendly and helpful.
Photo courtesy of Flats Company Karakoy Apartment via Booking.com
TOP BUDGET PICK: Flats Company Karakoy Apartment (⭐ 8.3)
Superbly located just minutes from Haliç metro station and the T1 tram, these apartments offer a private kitchen and living room area, air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi and ensuite bathroom. Private double rooms with ensuite bathrooms are also available. These rooms and apartments are great value for money in Karaköy.
Cihangir - Beyoğlu District
If you prefer hipster vibes then Cihangir is the area for you. This is the neighbourhood for budding actors, digital nomads and Istanbul artistes.
The area has many cool cafes which are great to work in, fantastic breakfast restaurants, good vegan and vegetarian food options and trendy wine bars. In the two months that we lived in Cihangir we stayed in apartments instead of hotel rooms just because there are plenty of cute options.
Cihangir is within walking distance to Taksim Square which is a central transport hub with plenty of buses and the M2 Metro Line, so getting to the parks and areas in this guide will be easy.
Photo courtesy of Witt Istanbul Suites via Booking.com
BEST LUXURY PICK: Witt istanbul Suites (⭐ 9.5)
This lovely elegant hotel offers luxurious rooms featuring a kitchenette, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV and Nespresso machine! Rooms are spacious and comfortable and the hotel’s roof terrace garden has stellar views of the city. There is also a fantastic organic and locally sourced breakfast.
Photo courtesy of MySuite Cihangir via Booking.com
TOP MID-RANGE CHOICE: My Suite Istanbul (⭐ 8.7)
Just steps away from Istiklal Street, this hotel offers funky rooms and apartments decorated in an eclectic style and featuring free Wi-Fi, ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs and complimentary fruit. They also provide Istanbul transportation cards. and apartments have private balconies with amazing sea views.
Photo courtesy of Dreamers V&V Hotel Cihangir via Booking.com
BEST BUDGET PICK: Dreamers V&V Hotel Cihangir (⭐ 8.6)
This lovely hotel is only 900 yards from Taksim metro station and offers great value for money right in the heart of Istanbul. The comfortable and clean rooms all feature shared bathrooms, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV and complimentary tea and coffee. Guests can enjoy breakfast served to their room each morning.
FAQs About the Tulip Festival Istanbul 2024
When is the Tulip Festival Turkey 2024?
The tulip festival takes place in Istanbul from 1st to 30th April. Tulips bloom throughout this month, though obviously this depends on the weather.
How long does the Tulip Festival last?
Usually the festival goes on for about a month but depending on the weather, the tulips can last longer.
I am visiting Istanbul in May. Will I see tulips then?
If you visit Istanbul in early May, you could catch some of the last tulips in bloom but we’d recommend visiting earlier if you want to see the tulips at their peak. May is the season for roses though so the city’s parks and gardens are gorgeous then too!
Where is the closest tulip show to Taksim and Sultanahmet?
You will see tulips gardens in Sultanahmet Square around the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosques. The tulip garden of Gülhane Park is also only 2 minutes by tram or a 12 minute walk away from Sultanahmet. Both of these gardens are easily accessible from Taksim.
The Tulip Festival in Istanbul is an unmissable event and one of the best ways to enjoy spring in this incredible city. And remember:
“Roses are red,
But tulips are quirky,
Don’t go to Holland,
See them in Turkey!”
Before you go, make sure to check out some of our other Istanbul and Turkey/Türkiye guides:
🏠 Best Areas to Stay in Istanbul: Coolest Neighbourhoods & Top Hotels
🌟 22 Best Hotels in Istanbul With a View
🗓 The Ultimate Turkey Itinerary 10 Days
🇹🇷 The Best Places to Visit in Turkey
🍲 The Best Istanbul Food Tours
🛫 How to Get from Istanbul Airport to the City Centre
🎪 18 Best Festivals in Istanbul
🏔 Cappadocia in Winter: 7 Reasons to Visit + 16 Amazing Things to Do
🎄 Christmas in Istanbul: All You Need to Know for a Magical Stay
⛄ 9 Awesome Reasons to Spend Winter in Istanbul
🍳 Best Breakfast in Istanbul - 16 Incredible Places to Try
✅ 12 Things You Need To Do in Istanbul
🔎 Explore Balat Istanbul: An Insider's Guide to One of Istanbul's Most Unique Neighbourhoods
🍟 Best Vegan Fast Food in Istanbul
🥑 Where to Find the Best Vegan Turkish Breakfast in Istanbul
🖼️ 14 Top Things To Do in Gaziantep
🍔 Off the Eaten Track: The Best Street Food in Istanbul
🥦 Vegan Istanbul: The Best Under-the-Radar Restaurants
Find more travel tips and useful information on Turkey here.
Looking for more travel inspiration? Click here to discover more of our favourite places around the world.
And if you’ve been to the Istanbul Tulip Festival or seen tulips in other places around the world and want to tell us about it, let us know in the comments below!
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