Visiting Istanbul’s Tulip Festival: Your Step-by-Step Guide

ByOlga M

Thinking about catching Istanbul’s famous Tulip Festival this year? You’re in the right place! But here’s a thing no one tells you upfront: it’s not a real festival in the usual sense. There are no stages, no scheduled events and no performers, if you expect something like that.

So what exactly is the tulip festival in Istanbul? Let me explain it to you and why is it worth visiting!

What is the Tulip Festival in Istanbul?

Let’s clear this up first – because honestly, I was a bit confused the first time I planned to come as a digital nomad for the festival. The Istanbul Tulip Festival isn’t a single location or an event you should buy a ticket for. It’s the name given to the period in April when millions of tulips bloom across the city’s parks, gardens, and public spaces.

So the tulip festival in Istanbul is simply the city packed with blooming tulips for a few weeks each spring.

You’ll see perfectly arranged tulip beds in different shapes – hearts, waves, stars – all designed by the Istanbul Municipality. Think of it more like a city-wide floral exhibition.

The only event-like feature is the big number of people you’ll see taking selfies next to every single flowerbed. And yeah, as you can see below, I was one of them. Because during the Tulip Festival Istanbul turns into one of the most Instagrammable cities worldwide.

A little History of Tulips in Turkey

Here’s an interesting fact: tulips aren’t originally Dutch. They actually come from Central Asia and were cultivated by the Ottomans long before they reach the Netherlands. In the 18th century, there was even something called the “Tulip Era” in Ottoman history, where tulips symbolized peace, luxury, and prosperity.

The modern Istanbul Tulip Festival started in 2005, as part of a movement to bring back the popularity of the tulips in Turkey. The goal was to remind people that tulips are a big part of Turkish culture and history. Since then, the city plants over 30 million tulip bulbs each year in over 100 varieties. Wild, right? Tulips are like the unofficial flower of Istanbul.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Tulip Festival?

Aim for early to mid-April. That’s when most tulips are fully blooming. The exact timing changes slightly depending on the weather each year, but if you come to Istanbul between April 5–20, it’s almost sure you’ll catch the peak of the bloom.

I wouldn’t recommend you to wait till the end of April. The tulips fade fast and I suppose, you’re not coming to Istanbul for the wilted tulips. If it’s possible for you, go on weekdays, especially in the mornings. Way fewer crowds, better lighting for photos, and you will find some great Instagrammable- and selfie spots very easily.

Where to see the Tulips in Istanbul: Best Locations

Most Popular & Central Parks (Great for First-Timers)

1. Emirgan Park (European Side)

  • Address: Reşitpaşa, Emirgan Sk., 34467 Sarıyer/İstanbul, Türkiye
  • How to Get There: It’s a bit far away, although on the European side. Take the Metro to ITU-Ayazağa or 4.Levent then change with a bus or taxi to Emirgan. You can also go there by ferry.
  • Nearby Attractions: It’s near the Bosphorus so you can enjoy a beautiful waterfront view.
  • Best Time to Visit: Early morning. It gets crowded fast. Go around 9 AM.
  • Entrance: free

This is tulip central! Although it’s located a bit far away, Emirgan Park is the best and biggest park in Istanbul to see the blooming tulips. There are over 2 million tulips here alone, in every color you can imagine, so it’s absolutely worth it. There are fountains, lakes, and walking paths too – if the weather’s good, the park is a great spot not only for your Instagram feed, but also for a nice picnic!

2. Sultanahmet Square (European Side)

  • Address: Binbirdirek, Sultan Ahmet Parkı No:2, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
  • How to Get There: Easy—take the tram to Sultanahmet Station.
  • Nearby Attractions: You’re literally between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia! So you can visit the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern (all within walking distance)
  • Open hours: Open 24 hours as it’s a public square
  • Best Time to Visit: Mornings or around sunset hours for great photos, but expect more crowds in the afternoons.

Pro Tip: If you go super early in the morning to catch the sunrise – you can observe the sun coming behind the historical buildings while the tulips glow with their colors in the light. 

3. Gülhane Park (European Side)

This place feels old in a good way – it used to be part of the royal palace gardens. It has long paths lined with tulips and shady trees. Not as fancy as Emirgan, but still Instagrammable, definitely worth visiting and even more peaceful. Gülhane means “rose house” in Turkish, but during April tulips steal the show for sure!

4. Göztepe 60th Year Park (Asian Side)

Pro Tip: Every time I’ve gone here, it’s been calm and super family-friendly. Tons of color and neat flower displays. Easy to access too.

5. Yıldız Park (European Side)

  • Address: Yıldız, Çırağan Cd., 34349 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye
  • How to Get There: T1+ a bus or walk from Beşiktaş / Dolmabahce Palace.
  • Nearby Attractions: Yıldız Palace is nearby, but also the famous Dolmabahce Palace that you can combine the visit with. Plus, the views of the Bosphorus are breathtaking.
  • Best Time to Visit: Late morning before lunch.

Yildiz Park feels more like a forest, with a lot of woods, not only flowers. It’s like a tulip forest in some places. It’s the best place to chill out under the trees especially if you’re tired after some sight-seeing.

Hidden Gems & Quiet Corners

6. Khedive Pavilion (Asian Side), Khedive’s Palace or Hidiv Kasrı

  • Address: Çubuklu, 34805 Beykoz/İstanbul, Türkiye
  • How to Get There: Best reached by a tram plus a bus to Çubuklu, then a short hike.
  • Nearby Attractions: Views of the Bosphorus from the pavilion.
  • Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon with tea at the café.

Khedive Pavilion, also known as Khedive’s Palace or Çubuklu Palace is a bit hidden, which is why I love it. The gardens are smaller but the setting is so pretty and quiet. Great if you want a less touristy experience.

7. Çamlıca Hill & Büyük Çamlıca Park (Asian Side)

Pro Tip: I was honestly more blown away by the views than the flowers here, but you get both. It’s a bit of a hike to the Camlica Hill, but so worth it!
Büyük Çamlıca Park is a hidden gem during the Tulip Festival. While a bit farther from the city center, this park on the Asian side will offer you a tranquil escape with stunning views of the Bosphorus. The tulips here bloom beautifully among the lush greenery, and it’s a great spot for a relaxing stroll while enjoying the colorful displays. The park is huge, so you’ll have plenty of space to enjoy the flowers in peace, away from the hustle and bustle of more central locations.

8. Beykoz Korusu / Beykoz Forest (Asian Side)

Pro Tip: Beykoz Korusu or also Beykoz Forest is another hidden gem in Istanbul. Locals love it. The tulip displays are smaller, but it’s peaceful and green, and you can grab a cup of Turkish coffee or tea and enjoy it on the waterfront.

9. Fethi Paşa Grove / FethiPaşa Korusu – (Asian side)

Address: Sultantepe, Fethi Paşa Korusu No:14, 34674 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Türkiye
How to Get There: Take the Marmaray to Üsküdar, then walk or take a short taxi ride. Check the exact transportation options here.
Nearby Attractions: Bosphorus and Bosphorus Bridge.
Best Time to Visit: Early evening, especially for sunset views.
Entrance: Free

Fethi Paşa Grove offers one of the best Bosphorus views you’ll get while enjoying tulips. It’s a quieter spot away from the crowds. The tulips are also nicely arranged and you can enjoy them together with the stunning views of the Bosphorus. If you time it right, you can watch the sunset over the water.

10. Fenerbahçe Park (Asian Side)

Address: Fenerbahçe, Fener Kalamış Yolu, 34726 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye
How to Get There: Take the Marmaray or Metro to Kadıköy, then hop on a bus or walk. Check the directions from Sultanahmet here.
Nearby Attractions: Close to the coast and Kalamış Marina.
Best Time to Visit: Morning or just before sunset.
Entrance: Free

Fenerbahçe Park is peaceful and right by the sea. It offers both – colorful tulips and calming waterfront views. It’s a great place for a stroll or a relaxed afternoon. If you’re lucky, you’ll find fewer tourists here, which makes Fenerbahce park perfect for a pleasant escape from the crowds.

11. Nezahat Gökyiğit Botanical Garden (Asian Side)

  • Address: Çamlık, Şenol Güneş Blv. No: 9, 34774 Ümraniye/İstanbul, Türkiye
  • How to get there: Take the Metro to Kozyatağı or Yenisahra, then a short taxi ride. Or the B1 Marmaray to Ayrılık Çeşmesi and then change to 14BK bus to Botanik Bahçe.
    Duration of the journey: about 1 – 1h 15min from Sultanahmet.
    Check the transportation options and the duration here.
  • Open hours: Tue-Sun, Monday closed, 9.30 AM – 6.30 PM
  • Nearby Attractions: Located right off the highway, but close to shopping centers like Palladium Mall.
  • Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings – quiet and peaceful.

It’s not just a park—it’s a full-on botanical garden. They often plant rare tulip species and label them, so it’s a great spot if you’re really into the floral side of the festival. Plus, it’s less known, so you’ll avoid the crowds.

Tips for Making the Most of the Tulip Festival

After multiple trips especially for the tulip festival, I’ve learned a few things that might help you plan and get the best of it:

  • Wear layers: April weather in Istanbul can be unpredictable. I’ve seen everything from warm sunshine to unexpected rain and low temperatures during the tulip festival.
  • Bring water and snacks. Not every park has cafes nearby.
  • Wear comfy shoes. These parks are big and hilly in spots.
  • Charge your phone. You’ll want to make about 100 photos minimum. Your social feeds will absolutely shine!
  • Use public transport with an Istanbulkart: Public transport is your friend. Parking is a nightmare in Istanbul, and not only during this season. Getting an Istanbulkart – a reloadable transportation card will save your life, a lot of time and money when hopping between the tulip locations. You can use it for ferries, buses, trams, and the metro.is your friend.

If you’ve only got one day, I’d do Emirgan Park in the morning, grab lunch nearby, then hit Sultanahmet for the evening glow. That combo gives you flowers and history in one go!

Love to stay connected in the socials for updates and recommendations?
Join my Facebook Community!

join the fb community now >

Similar Posts