Running can distract you from the typical tourist path and lead you to locations you might not otherwise see. You can gain sight and learn about the many hidden beauties of the city while exercising, especially in Istanbul. You need to dress accordingly and work up a sweat to burn off your hectic agenda, as we list the top running spots in Istanbul in this post. Together, let’s explore the running paths in Istanbul! But first, apply for a turkey visa online.

A stroll through the Bosphorus Strait

You may already know that Istanbul spans two continents and the Bosphorus Strait. Have you ever considered the city’s waterfront districts as a running route? You really ought to!

Istanbul’s most attractive running routes are found along the Bosphorus, which runs from Kuruçeşme to Tarabya. On Istanbul’s European side, these districts offer stunning Bosphorus views that captivate runners. There are lovely houses and residences from the Ottoman era, hip shops, famous restaurants, and third-generation cafés. There are numerous locations along this route where you can stop for a moment to get a drink of water or sit down and breathe deeply while running.

A district along the Bosphorus that comes to mind is the wealthy Bebek district of Istanbul. Bebek has plenty to be proud of, including a beautiful entrance with a view of the Bosphorus Strait. Many people want to come here to run in this region, which is incredibly close to Türkan Sabanci Bebek Park.

A 5km circle around the Historical Peninsula

If you want to take a running tour of Istanbul, we recommend running close to Tarihi Yarimada, which is Turkish for the city’s Historical Peninsula. The Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque and Hagia Sophia are two buildings in this area that have come to represent the entire city. It is best to begin your run early in the day before the peninsula is swamped with tourists.

To go to Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace grounds, you can start at Sultanahmet Mosque and proceed through Sultanahmet Square. After passing through the palace’s neighbouring Gülhane Park, you will reach J.F. Kennedy Street, a 4-kilometre waterfront path.

A waterfront route in the Golden Horn

Here’s another running path if we catch you at the “waterfront”: The Golden Horn (Haliç). In this area, you can build custom running routes of various lengths. You may either make a longer route by starting in the Fener (Phanar) neighbourhood and stopping close to Haliç Park, or you can begin with the Galata Bridge and run down to the Haliç. If you choose the latter and finish the return route, your run will be negligible under 7.5 kilometres long. Some colourful homes along this path, which locals refer to as the Balat neighbourhood, can entice you to pause and take a snapshot. It includes several highlights, similar to the other routes, including the famous Phanar Greek Orthodox College, also known as the Red Castle and the Istanbul Greek Orthodox Patriarchate.

It would help if you got an early start for these first three running routes because they might be swamped with domestic and foreign tourists later in the day. Consider the options listed below if you’re looking for quieter running paths.

A personalized run in İstanbul’s rich forestry

Istanbul offers extensive forests and running paths. Belgrade Forest and Aydos Forest are the two we’ll mention in this post. You can pick one of these based on where the area of Istanbul you’ll visit!

Belgrade Woodland, 15 kilometres north of Istanbul, is a shady forest with numerous hiking and running trails. Local fitness lovers who come here to work out in groups adore it because it is ideal all year round. The 6.5-kilometre running track is located in a forest that covers over 5,000 hectares, so you can design your course at any length you like. Nine nature parks, a lake, and many recreational places are all located within the forest. You’re likely to be impressed by its abundant fauna and gorgeous greenery! There is also a well-known, drinkable spring in the woods named Neşet Suyu (Neşet Spring). You may reach the Atatürk Arboretum, a botanical collection of endemic plants and trees located in Belgrade Forest, by travelling 2.5 kilometres north of the spring.

The trailheads of Aydos Forest are situated in Istanbul’s Kartal district and are easily accessible by public transit. The city’s highest point is covered by a forest, which provides a vantage point from which to view the city’s sights.

A lovely lake can also be found in the forest. Make sure to visit Aydos Forest if you are staying in Istanbul’s Asian district or can drive across the city.

Waterfront trails on the Asian side

The Caddebostan coast, the Moda coast, and the Dalyan-Pendik coast, the latter of which is the longest, are among the waterfront running trails on Istanbul’s Asian side. Your run will be 27 kilometres long if you run through the palm-lined parks along the coast from Dalyan to Pendik. This running path is still a little-known treasure and is less crowded than the other ones we’ve previously described. Running along the about 6-kilometre-long Suadiye-Fenerbahçe will allow you to make a shorter trip.

Between Kadiköy and Kalamis, the Moda coast is one of the most popular running routes. The route is 1.2 kilometres long and runs from Yogurtçu Park to the end of the beach. It is definitely among the most idyllic locations on the Asian side.

İstanbul’s parks

There are many parks in Istanbul where you can go for a run. Maçka Park, Gezi Park, Yildiz Park, and Fenerbahçe Park are the four that we have chosen for you.

Maçka Park is perfect for stair exercises and advanced training. The track here is around 2.5 kilometres long, but it’s pretty enjoyable and lets you build circuits of any size. Given that they are so close to one another, and that Gezi Park is an addition to Maçka Park, you may think of them as one park. You’ll need to do this by beginning in Taksim Square and moving through Gezi Park to get to the cable car station close to Maçka.

Yildiz Park, situated in Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district, is a favourite among runners. Because of its tough construction, it is ideally suited for advanced running and cross-training.

On the Asian side of the city, Fenerbahçe Park serves as a different running route. As said in the title “A stroll through the Bosphorus Strait,” this park offers breathtaking views of the Bosphorus and the Historical Peninsula.

Princes’ Islands – A more tranquil option

Istanbul’s Princes Islands are among the best areas to run if you have time for a day trip. We’ve settled on Büyükada, one of the nine islands in the Marmara Sea off the coast of Istanbul. Following the perimeter road, you can create your unique tour of the entire island. An added plus is the view of its Ottoman-era homes and endless greenery.

You can run freely on the island because cars are not permitted there; be careful of bikers and electrical carriages. It would help if you visited the island during the workweek when conditions usually are quieter. Remember to look at the boat cruises’ itinerary.

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