Fethi Pasha Park is one of Istanbul’s hidden gems, offering a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Located on the Asian side of Istanbul, this lush park stretches between Üsküdar and Kuzguncuk, providing stunning Bosphorus views, well-maintained walking trails, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Whether you’re looking for a spot to relax, exercise, or enjoy a scenic picnic, Fethi Pasha Park is a must-visit.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about Fethi Pasha Park, including its history, best activities, and why it’s a great place for both locals and tourists.
Why Visit Fethi Pasha Park?
Unlike the busiest parks in Istanbul, Fethi Pasha Park remains calm and relatively undiscovered by tourists. Here’s why it’s worth a visit:
✔ Stunning Bosphorus Views – Enjoy some of the best panoramas of the Bosphorus Strait from the park’s many viewpoints.
✔ Peaceful Atmosphere – A perfect retreat for relaxation, reading, or simply unwinding in nature.
✔ Walking & Jogging Paths – Ideal for those who love an outdoor workout with fresh air and scenic views.
✔ Great for Picnics – Plenty of shaded areas and picnic spots, making it perfect for a day out with family or friends.
✔ Cafés & Restaurants – Enjoy a meal or a cup of Turkish tea while admiring the view.
A Bit of History: Who Was Fethi Pasha?
The park is named after Ahmed Fethi Pasha, an Ottoman statesman, military officer, and diplomat who played an essential role in modernizing the Ottoman Army. His former estate was transformed into a public park, preserving both natural beauty and historical significance.
Today, the park is one of the greenest areas on the Asian side of Istanbul, offering a blend of history, nature, and scenic beauty.
Things to Do at Fethi Pasha Park
Enjoy the Walking & Jogging Trails
Fethi Pasha Park is one of the most visited parks in Istanbul in Istanbul for a peaceful walk or an early morning jog. The pathways wind through the lush greenery, offering a mix of forested areas and open spaces with panoramic Bosphorus views.
💡 Tip: The park’s elevation makes for a great workout while offering spectacular scenery at every turn.
Have a Picnic with a View
One of the biggest draws of Fethi Pasha Park is its perfect picnic spots. Many locals bring their own blankets, snacks, and Turkish tea to enjoy an afternoon under the shade of tall trees.
💡 Tip: Arrive early on weekends to grab the best spots, especially if you’re planning a picnic with friends or family.
Visit the Park’s Cafés & Restaurants
If you’d rather enjoy a meal without packing your own food, there are a few great restaurants and cafés inside the park.
The Beltur Café is one of the most popular, serving Turkish breakfast, traditional dishes, and tea with an unbeatable view of the Bosphorus.
Best Time to Visit Fethi Pasha Park
✔ Spring & Summer (April – September) – The park is green, vibrant, and full of life, making it the best time for picnics and long walks.
✔ Autumn (October – November) – Experience beautiful fall colors as the trees turn golden and red.
✔ Winter (December – February) – Although colder, the park is still a great escape from the city crowds and offers a quiet, peaceful experience.
How to Get to Fethi Pasha Park
Fethi Pasha Park is easily accessible from both European and Asian sides of Istanbul:
🚋 From Sultanahmet or Taksim
- Take the Marmaray train from Sirkeci to Üsküdar.
- From Üsküdar, take a 10-minute taxi ride or walk for about 20 minutes to reach the park.
⛴ From the European Side (Eminönü, Beşiktaş, or Kabataş)
- Take a ferry to Üsküdar.
- From Üsküdar, it’s a short taxi or bus ride to the park.
🚌 By Bus from Kadıköy
- Take bus 15B, 15C, or 15F to Paşalimanı and walk a few minutes to the park entrance.
💡 Tip: If you enjoy scenic ferry rides, taking the ferry to Üsküdar and walking to the park is a great way to experience Istanbul’s waterfront.
Is Fethi Pasha Park Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a relaxing place in Istanbul with breathtaking Bosphorus views, Fethi Pasha Park is the perfect spot. It’s peaceful, scenic, and ideal for picnics, walks, and casual café visits.
Whether you’re a local looking for a break from city life or a visitor wanting to explore Istanbul beyond the usual tourist spots, this park offers a refreshing and quiet retreat.
Our Day Out at Fethi Pasha Park with Friends
Last weekend, my friends and I decided to take a break from the city’s fast pace and spend a relaxing day at Fethi Pasha Park. Located on the Asian side of Istanbul, this park offers a peaceful escape with stunning Bosphorus views, and we couldn’t have picked a better spot for our get-together.
A Scenic Start to the Day
We started our morning by taking the ferry from Beşiktaş to Üsküdar, enjoying the fresh breeze and watching the seagulls fly alongside the boat.
Once we arrived, it was a short and scenic walk to Fethi Pasha Park, passing through charming streets and getting glimpses of the Bosphorus along the way.
As soon as we entered the park, we were surrounded by lush greenery, tall trees, and winding paths.
Even though we’ve visited many parks in Istanbul, something about Fethi Pasha Park felt different—it was quiet, calming, and not overcrowded like some of the city’s more popular green spaces.
The Perfect Picnic Spot
One of our main goals for the day was to have a picnic with a view, and we quickly found a great spot under a shady tree. We laid out our picnic blanket and unpacked a spread of simit, cheese, olives, fresh fruit, and, of course, Turkish tea in thermoses.
The best part? The uninterrupted view of the Bosphorus right in front of us. There’s something magical about watching the boats pass by while sipping on tea and enjoying good company.
💡 Tip: If you plan to have a picnic, come early to get a good spot, especially on weekends!
Exploring the Park & Café Break
After our picnic, we decided to walk around the park and explore. The paths were well-maintained, making it easy to wander without worrying about crowds or traffic noise.
There were plenty of photo-worthy spots, so we took our time capturing the stunning landscapes and city views.
After some walking, we stopped by Beltur Café, one of the park’s cozy cafes. We grabbed some Turkish coffee and desserts while sitting at a table overlooking the Bosphorus. The café was the perfect place to relax and chat before heading out.
A Beautiful Sunset & A Perfect End
As the afternoon turned into evening, we decided to stay and watch the sunset over the Bosphorus. The sky turned shades of pink, orange, and purple, reflecting beautifully on the water. It was the perfect ending to a day filled with laughter, food, and relaxation.
💡 Tip: If you visit in the late afternoon, stay for sunset—it’s worth it!
Would We Do It Again? Absolutely!
Our day at Fethi Pasha Park was everything we hoped for—relaxing, scenic, and filled with great conversations. It’s the kind of place where you can take a break from the city without actually leaving it.
If you’re looking for a peaceful day out in Istanbul—whether for a picnic, a walk, or just to enjoy the view—I highly recommend visiting this park. We’ll definitely be coming back soon!
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