A peaceful family trip on the greenest side of the Bosphorus, from the spiritual atmosphere of Joshua's Hill to the coolness of historical groves.
Beykoz's most important spiritual stop is the shrine of Hz. Yuşa (Joshua), located on a hill dominating the Bosphorus. Known for its 17-meter-long grave, this place attracts visitors from all over Istanbul. After visiting the tomb and praying, watching the unique view of the Bosphorus from the hill gives deep peace. The surrounding souvenir shops and pancake (gözleme) houses offer an alcohol-free and sincere environment suitable for spending time as a family.
Beykoz Grove, also known as Abraham Pasha Grove, is one of the largest green areas of the district. It is a complete oxygen depot with huge plane trees, sequoia trees, and well-kept walking paths. There are social facilities belonging to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality within the grove. These facilities are ideal for families with alcohol-free, reliable, and affordable food options. While your children play in the parks, you can enjoy nature.
The place with the best angle of the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge is undoubtedly Otağtepe (Fatih Grove). This is not a picnic area, but a botanical park and viewing terrace; therefore, it is very quiet and clean. Since lighting fires or spreading out on the grass is prohibited, it is away from noise. It is one of the most decent spots in Beykoz to sit on benches and watch the Bosphorus, pass by the water lily pool, and take magnificent photos.
If you want to escape the crowds of Istanbul but not leave the city, your route should be Beykoz. Located on the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus, where the sea embraces the green, this district is both a spiritual sanctuary and an oxygen depot. The hill where the tomb of Hz. Yuşa (Joshua) is located, groves covered with century-old trees, and hills offering the most beautiful views of the Bosphorus make Beykoz indispensable for conservative families.
Anadolu Kavağı, Beykoz's gateway to the Black Sea, rests your soul with its seaside town atmosphere. The most important stop here is Yoros Castle, remaining from the Genoese, at the top of a steep slope. When you go up to the castle, you see the magnificent view where the Bosphorus meets the Black Sea. On the way down, you can eat fresh fish in the Anadolu Kavağı bazaar or take a break at famous ice cream shops. Most restaurants in the area are family-friendly.
Polonezköy, the backyard of Beykoz, is one of Istanbul's most popular addresses for weekend breakfast and nature walks. The 5-kilometer walking trail inside the lush forest is great for family sports and getting fresh air. There are garden breakfast spots and cafes in the village offering alcohol-free service. For those who want to completely disconnect from the city noise, Polonezköy is a hidden paradise within the borders of Beykoz.
Located on the ridges of Çubuklu, the Khedive Palace is a structure built by Abbas Hilmi Pasha, the Khedive of Egypt, fascinating with its architecture. The large grove surrounding the palace turns into a visual feast especially during tulip time (April). You can eat alcohol-free and halal-standard meals in the restaurant section operated by Beltur, go up to the tower with the historical elevator, and watch the Bosphorus from a bird's eye view. It is a great environment for a family walk and feeding squirrels.
Beykoz is one of the rare places where you can rest both your soul and body in one day. You can greet the morning with a spiritual visit, spend the afternoon in the shade of century-old trees, and complete the evening sipping tea against the Bosphorus. This green district, with plenty of alcohol-free venue options, awaits you to collect peaceful memories with your family.
