Best time to travel to Istanbul

Tulips in Istanbul

Millions of flowers in Istanbul's valleys are proof that Turkey is the real world capital of tulips

Best time: late March–early May

Tulips
Tulips

Spring covers all of Istanbul with a generous carpeting of tulips. Flowery displays start in late March and continue into early May. The local government has been planting flowers since 2006, and nowadays the city's valleys boast millions of tulips. The top 7 parks to enjoy this Turkish beauty include Gülhane Park, Emirgan Korusu, Yildiz Park, Soğanlı Bitkiler Park, Beykoz Korusu, Göztepe Gül Bahçesi, and Büyük Çamlıca Korusu. Apart from tulips, there are other spring flowers like daffodils or hyacinths, but the real draw is the tulips.

Practical info

When is the best time to see tulips in Istanbul?

The tulips in Istanbul are at their best from late March to early May. During this time, the valleys of the city are a magnificent carpet of varied tulip species in a myriad of colors. Visitors to Istanbul during this time can't help but be awed by the stunning beauty on display everywhere they look. Show more

Where can I find the most tulips in Istanbul?

Istanbul is home to several parks, including Gülhane Park, Emirgan Korusu, Yildiz Park, Soğanlı Bitkiler Park, Beykoz Korusu, Göztepe Gül Bahçesi, and Büyük Çamlıca Korusu, that boast millions of tulips. Visitors to these parks can see tulips of various types arranged in beautiful patterns, which leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits them. Show more

What type of tulips can I expect to see in Istanbul?

Over 100 species of tulips are native to Turkey, and Istanbul is home to many of them. Visitors to the city can see a wide array of tulips, from the Ruby Giant tulips to the Dream Touch tulips with their pastel hues. Each park in the city offers a unique selection of tulips, ensuring that visitors have plenty of options to admire and take pictures of. Show more

How long has the local government been planting flowers in Istanbul?

In 2006, the local government of Istanbul began planting flowers with the intent of making the city more colorful and appealing to tourists. Since then, they have been planting millions of tulips and other flowers every year, making Istanbul a breathtaking floral paradise come springtime. Tulip lovers from around the world flock to the city to see this magnificent display of nature organized by the government. Show more

Are there any other spring flowers present in Istanbul besides tulips?

In addition to tulips, Istanbul features other spring flowers like daffodils or hyacinths. However, tulips are the star of the show, with their intricate patterns and vivid colors captivating visitors from all over the world. Visitors to Istanbul might also catch a glimpse of other spring flowers such as cherry blossoms or magnolias, although these flowers are not as abundant as the tulips. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin