Exploring Fenerbahce Park (With Help From HowToIstanbul)

I love Istanbul for its wild energy, its never-ending activity. Life is almost always exciting in Istanbul. But sometimes I crave more quiet and more nature. Since I had an unexpected free day, I decided to seek one of Istanbul’s parks.

I consulted HowToIstanbul.com to find out if there was anything within walking distance of either my Kadikoy apartment or a ferry, and was so pleased to read about Fenerbahce Park. The description on HowToIstanbul sounded ideal– green trees and picnic tables, with splendid views of the Sea of Marmara.  And best of all, it wasn’t too far from my apartment– it would be a long walk, but I LOVE long walks, especially on cold sunny days. So, off I went.

The walk to Fenerbahce Park is pretty straightforward from Kadikoy. It took me past a different green space—Yogurtcu Park— and along a road that I’d only ever traveled on in a car. The park itself is on a tiny island that’s connected by bridge to the mainland; before the bridge is a long bike path running along a harbor. The quiet and peacefulness of the path was a gift— I watched the boats bobbing in the dark blue water, transfixed.

Fenerbahce Park itself was splendid, even on a cold weekday– there was abundant sunshine spilling through the canopy of landscaped trees, and the glorious Marmara peeped blue through the branches. It was the perfect place to sit and read a book.

And while soaking in the sun, I was befriended by one of the cats in the park.

It never would have occurred to me to hunt for this glorious park if it wasn’t for HowToIstanbul. I’m already plotting some other small weekend adventures– the art park in Besiktas, a deeper exploration of the Balat neighborhood– all based on HowToIstanbul‘s easy information.  Fenerbahce Park was truly delightful, and I will certainly be returning — especially when the weather gets warmer.

This post was sponsored by HowToIstanbul.com. All opinions are my own.