Otagtepe Park

Otagtepe is a quiet green hill in the Beykoz district, near Fatih Forest, from where Istanbul looks particularly calm. Once, a military tent stood here before the city's conquest, and at the end of the 20th century, the place was turned into a neat park for walks and recreation. The hill offers a panorama of the Bosphorus: Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror Bridge, Rumelihisarı Fortress, and ships slowly moving through the strait are visible. Below, there are well-maintained paths, benches, picnic tables, an ancient cistern, and a small pond where turtles bask in the sun. Thousands of plants grow among the trees and flowerbeds, creating the feeling of a botanical garden. The park is open during the day and closes early, so sunsets here are a rare treat, mostly in winter. Entrance and parking are free, there is no cafe inside, but a viewing terrace is easily found nearby. It's quieter on weekdays, and climbing the trails requires comfortable shoes and a bottle of water.