Mihrabat Grove is a nature park located on the Asian part in Beykoz district, situated southeast of Kanlıca neighborhood next to the Bosphorus. It covers 20.12 hectares and was established in 2011.
The grove covers approximately 210,000 square meters and includes a restaurant, cafeteria, walking path, amphitheater and areas for special events and cultural activities. From this location you can watch both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, making it a favored destination for visitors seeking views, outdoor recreation and relaxation away from the city’s centre.
Quick Facts
| Address | Mihrabat Caddesi No. 50, Kanlıca, Beykoz, Istanbul Google MapsApple MapsYandex Maps |
|---|---|
| District | Beykoz |
| Metro | Üsküdar (M5, Take bus 15E or 15M toward Beykoz, get off at Mihrabat Caddesi stop; 25–30 minutes total) |
| Admission | Admission charged; parking fee separate |
| Best time to visit | Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the most pleasant weather and clearest Bosphorus views; trees are in bloom or showing color. Summer is hot, shaded forest paths help, but crowds increase on weekends. Winter visits are quiet and fresh; daylight hours are shorter. Weekday mornings are the most peaceful time to visit. Arrive by 9–10 a.m. to experience the grove before weekend crowds gather around the restaurant. |
| Website | mihrabatkorusu.com |
What Is (and Isn't) Part of a Visit to Mihrabat Grove?
| Part | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grove entrance and walking trails | Included in the standard ticket | Admission includes access to all walking paths, forest areas and viewpoints within the 20-hectare site. |
| Restaurant and cafe | Included in the standard ticket | Food and beverages available on-site; restaurant and cafe are part of the grove facilities but charge separately for food and drinks. |
| Parking | Separate ticket or institution | Vehicle parking charged separately from grove admission. |
| Event spaces and wedding venues | Separate ticket or institution | The grove rents out outdoor spaces for weddings and private events at additional cost; requires separate booking. |
| Playground and sports courts | Included in the standard ticket | Children's playground and open-air basketball and football courts are part of grove access. |
| Kanlıca neighborhood | Outside / not part of it | The famous Kanlıca yogurt shops are in the village below the grove, not part of the park; reachable by walking downhill or returning to the main road. |
| Bosphorus waterfront access | Outside / not part of it | The grove overlooks but does not provide direct beach or dock access to the Bosphorus; ferries depart from Kanlıca pier in the village, not from the grove. |
Why Visit Mihrabat Grove?
The grove has a 3-kilometer walking trail through the forest and magnificent views stretching from Ortaköy Beach, Rumeli Fortress and İstinye Bay. It features gardens with monumental cypresses, umbrella pines, Judas and bay trees. The nature park offers outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, cycling and picnicking. An open-air restaurant and snack bar serve visitors, making it ideal for morning breakfast or coffee with a view. The combination of accessible nature, peaceful atmosphere and Bosphorus scenery appeals to families, photographers and locals seeking a green escape.
How Mihrabat Grove Is Laid Out
The grove features walking trails through pine forests, cafes, restaurants, playgrounds and large parking. Entry is at Mihrabat Caddesi No. 50. Once inside, the main walking route leads through forest sections with varying elevation; the paths connect viewpoints overlooking the Bosphorus. There are open-air basketball courts and a football field. The restaurant and cafe areas occupy cleared sections with seating facing the water. Most visitors follow the main loop trail, which takes 1–2 hours at a leisurely pace. The highest point offers the broadest views toward both bridges and the European shore.
Highlights of Mihrabat Grove
Bosphorus Panorama from the Upper Terrace
The grove has been a place that has witnessed entertainment of the Bosphorus for many centuries and hosted sultans. From the elevated viewing areas, the sight spans from Ortaköy on the European side to the Bosphorus Bridge and beyond. You can watch both European and Asian sides of Istanbul from the same vantage point. The view is especially clear in morning or late afternoon light. Tip: Arrive early or on weekdays to photograph without crowds.
Tip: Early morning light is best for photography; weekday visits are less crowded than weekends.
Forest Walking Trails
The grove has a 3-kilometer walking trail in the forest through native trees. The trees include monumental cypresses, umbrella pines, Judas trees and bay trees. The trails wind uphill through shade, making them pleasant in warm months. The routes have moderate elevation gain of about 141 feet and are rated as medium difficulty. Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes; about 40% of the main route is uphill.
Tip: Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring water; portions of the path are steep and shaded.
Ottoman History and the Mihrabat Pavilion
The grove was established in the area during the reign of Mahmud I; it is claimed to be named after the Mihrabat Pavilion, which was built by Nevşehirli Damat İbrahim Paşa and presented to Ahmet III. The pavilion was destroyed by burning and demolition during a Janissary rebellion. Despite its glorious history, Mihrabat Grove has been reduced over time, but it still features small bridges and underground water reservoirs. Tip: Look for the old stone foundations and channels as you walk—they mark remains of Ottoman-era water systems.
Tip: Ask staff or look for interpretive plaques marking Ottoman-era structures and water features.
Traditional Turkish Breakfast with a View
The grove includes restaurants and cafeteria areas. You can enjoy your cup of coffee or have an enormous breakfast while looking at the glorious Bosphorus view. The large place consists of a cafe, a restaurant, a playground for children, a hiking/walking trail and two open air spaces for wedding events. Visitors often order coffee, pastry or full breakfast spreads while seated at tables overlooking the strait. Tip: Book ahead for large groups; arrive before 11 a.m. for the fullest breakfast selection.
Tip: Reserve a table in advance if visiting with a group; breakfast service is busiest until mid-morning.
Inspiration for Poets and Artists
Mihrabat Grove, where Yahya Kemal preferred to spend time away from the public eye, has been a source of inspiration for various writers and poets with its beautiful view. The combination of historical significance, natural beauty and Bosphorus scenery has attracted cultural figures for generations. Several Turkish poets have written verses about the grove and its atmosphere. The quiet setting, mature trees and water views create the contemplative mood that drew artists in the past and continues to inspire visitors today.
Tip: Visit in late afternoon or at sunset to experience the same atmosphere that inspired writers of past centuries.
Atmosphere
Pine trees scent the air as you enter the grove. The paths wind through mature forest with shaded areas and occasional clearings. On weekday mornings, the atmosphere is calm and restful, with birdsong and rustling leaves. Weekends bring more families and groups, especially around the restaurant and viewing areas. The restaurant terrace fills with locals enjoying breakfast and coffee. Views open suddenly as you reach higher elevations, revealing the wide Bosphorus with ferries and tankers passing. The site feels removed from city noise despite being accessible by public transport. Weathering and stone work hint at Ottoman-era structures scattered through the trees.
History of Mihrabat Grove
The grove was established in the area during the reign of Mahmud I, descending from the Fıstıklı slope to the gulf. It is claimed that the Mihrabat Grove was named after the Mihrabat Pavilion, which was built by Nevşehirli Damat İbrahim Paşa and presented to Ahmet III.
The Mihrabat Pavilion was destroyed by burning and demolition within a week during the Janissary rebellion. Despite its magnificent history, the Mihrabat Grove has gradually diminished. Mihrabat Grove has been reduced over time, but it still features small bridges and underground water reservoirs.
Mihrabat Grove was gifted to the wife of Egyptian Abbas Halim Pasha, Rukiye Hanım by Necibe Hanım, the wife of Sadullah Pasha, the Ambassador of Berlin of Sultan Abdulhamid II. Yahya Kemal preferred to spend time at the grove away from the public eye, and it has been a source of inspiration for various writers and poets with its beautiful view.
The modern Mihrabat Nature Park was established in 2011. In the Ottoman period it was used as a recreational area; in the 19th century mansions were built around it with landscaping work; today it retains its historical traces while preserving its natural character and serving as an important green space in the city.
Legends and Myths about Mihrabat Grove
The Mihrabat Pavilion and the Janissary Uprising
Legend – historically unreliable. The Mihrabat Grove is said to be named after the Mihrabat Pavilion built by Nevşehirli Damat İbrahim Paşa for Ahmet III, but it was destroyed by burning and demolition during a Janissary rebellion. According to myth, the pavilion was destroyed because of Janissary riots, and though the Mihrabat Grove lost its most important feature, it still has small bridges and underground water reservoirs.
Tickets and Booking for Mihrabat Grove
| Ticket | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Grove admission (adult, international visitor) | ₺ | Access to all walking trails, viewpoints, forests and recreational areas; parking charged separately. |
| Grove admission (child) | ₺ | Child admission at reduced rate includes trail access and use of playground facilities; parking separate. |
₺ budget · ₺₺ moderate · ₺₺₺ upscale · ₺₺₺₺ splurge. Price levels are estimates compared with typical prices for visitors.
Entry tickets are purchased at the gate upon arrival; online advance booking is not available for day visits. Same-day entry is available unless the site reaches capacity (uncommon on weekdays). Note that parking is charged separately from grove admission.
Admission rates for Turkish citizens and concession holders (students, seniors, children under 5) differ from international visitor rates and are charged at lower rates. For current ticket prices and all categories, consult the official website at mihrabatkorusu.com or call +90 216 425 86 16. Hours of operation are daily 8:00 a.m. to midnight.
Suggested itineraries Mihrabat Grove
1–2 hours
Follow the main walking loop through the pine forest. Start at the entrance, take the primary trail uphill to the main viewing terrace overlooking the Bosphorus. Rest at a viewpoint, then return via the same or alternate path. Stop at the cafe for coffee or tea. Best for those with limited time.
2–3 hours
Combine forest walking with breakfast. Arrive early, head uphill on the main trail, spend time at the upper viewpoint, then descend to the restaurant terrace for a full Turkish breakfast (menemen, fresh cheese, bread, olives, tea). Allow time to explore the playground and cafe areas.
3–4 hours
Full exploration of the grove. Walk all three kilometers of trails, including side paths and connections between viewing areas. Visit multiple viewpoints at different times of day (morning light, afternoon, late-day glow). Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the restaurant or cafe. Visit the historical remnants (old stone features) and explore the sports facilities.
How to Get to Mihrabat Grove
By metro and bus: Take Metro Line M5 to Üsküdar station. Exit and follow signs to the bus station. Board bus 15E or 15M heading toward Beykoz. Get off at Mihrabat Caddesi stop. Walk uphill along Mihrabat Caddesi following signs or maps. Total journey: 25–30 minutes from central Istanbul. The route is clearly marked but steep near the entrance.
By car or taxi: Head to Beykoz district on the Asian side. Use GPS or app navigation for “Mihrabat Caddesi No. 50” or “Mihrabat Korusu.” From the second Bosphorus bridge (Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge), follow signs toward Beykoz. Parking is available on-site (fee charged). Taxi or ride-share from central Üsküdar takes 20–25 minutes.
By ferry: Take a ferry from Eminönü or Beşiktaş to Kanlıca pier. From the ferry terminal, walk or take a local bus uphill toward Mihrabat Caddesi. The walk is steep and takes about 15–20 minutes.
Accessibility
The main walking route has moderate elevation gain and is rated as medium difficulty. Several areas are accessible by car to the parking lot near the restaurant and cafe. The upper viewing terrace is reachable on foot but involves climbing; not suitable for people with mobility issues or strollers. The cafe and restaurant areas on level ground are wheelchair-accessible. Specific accessibility facilities (ramps, accessible restrooms, benches) are not detailed on the official site; call +90 216 425 86 16 to confirm current accessibility options.
Food Nearby
The grove includes a restaurant, cafeteria and cafe areas serving Turkish breakfast, coffee, tea and light meals with Bosphorus views. In Kanlıca village below the grove, traditional yogurt shops and small fish restaurants line the waterfront; these are a 15–20 minute walk or short drive down the hill. Standard Turkish breakfast spreads (cheese, olives, bread, jam, honey) and grilled fish are typical offerings. No international cuisine or fast-food chains inside the grove itself.
What to Bring
Wear sturdy walking shoes with good grip; the paths can be uneven and steep. Bring water, especially in summer and autumn. A sun hat and sunscreen are useful for the open viewpoints, though much of the trail is shaded. In cooler months, carry a light jacket for morning chill. No special restrictions on bags or cameras, but keep belongings secure in crowded areas on weekends.
Best Views and Photo Spots of Mihrabat Grove
Main upper viewing terrace
Panoramic sight spanning the Bosphorus from Ortaköy on the European side through the twin suspension bridges to the Asian shore. Ferries and ships pass below; the view extends 5–10 kilometers across open water. Framed by pine trees at the edges.
Best time: Early morning (7–9 a.m.) for golden light and clear atmospheric conditions; late afternoon (5–7 p.m.) for warm, dramatic shadows and fewer crowds.
Forest path with dappled shade
Sunlight filtering through pine canopy creates patterns on the trail. Mature trees tower overhead; moss-covered stones and undergrowth suggest age and undisturbed nature. Atmospheric and moody, especially in autumn.
Best time: Midday when sun angles are strong, creating distinct light and shadow patterns; autumn for fallen pine needles and leaf color.
Lower viewpoint near cafe area
Bosphorus view with the cafe and restaurant terrace in the foreground, tables with visitors. European shoreline and urban development visible across the water. Softer perspective than the upper terrace.
Best time: Morning when the cafe opens and visitors begin gathering; late afternoon as the day winds down and light becomes warmer.
Historic stone structures and water channels
Weathered Ottoman-era fountains, small bridges and water channels partially obscured by moss and roots. Details hint at 18th- and 19th-century engineering. Quiet, intimate framing.
Best time: Overcast days or shaded afternoon hours when stone texture and details are most visible without harsh shadows.
Photography Rules
Photography is permitted throughout the grove, including on walking trails and at viewpoints. No drones, tripods or professional video equipment are allowed without prior permission. Flash is not necessary indoors; the cafe and restaurant areas are well-lit naturally. Bringing binoculars can enhance wildlife viewing and distant Bosphorus scenery. The best light for landscape photography is early morning or late afternoon.
Family Suitability
The grove is suitable for families with children. Playgrounds are available on-site, and the mix of walking and resting makes it manageable for varied energy levels. The main trail is navigable by children aged 5 and older with adult supervision; younger children may find the uphill sections challenging. Strollers cannot navigate the forest paths due to terrain, but the cafe and restaurant areas accommodate families. The site includes a cafe, restaurant, playground and walking trail. Saturday and Sunday mornings attract families. The quiet, safe atmosphere and views appeal to all ages.
Istanbul Vibes Tips
- Visit on a weekday before 11 a.m. for the most peaceful experience and the best breakfast selection at the restaurant. Weekends after noon become crowded with locals and tour groups.
- Wear sturdy walking shoes with gripping soles; the forest paths are uneven and about 40% of the main route is uphill. Some visitors underestimate the effort needed.
- If driving, confirm parking rates on the day of visit; charges change seasonally. Parking fills quickly on holiday weekends. Arrive early or consider public transport on busy days.
- The grove operates until midnight, but forest paths are not lit and are unsafe after dark. End your forest walk by late afternoon; use the restaurant and cafe in the evening if you wish to stay.
- Bring binoculars to spot birds and ferries on the Bosphorus from the viewing terraces. The quiet morning hours offer the best wildlife watching and clearest views.
- Do not confuse the grove with Kanlıca's famous yogurt shops, which are in the village below. The grove is uphill; yogurt shops are at waterside. Both are worth visiting but are separate destinations.
Explore Nearby Mihrabat Grove
Sights near Mihrabat Grove
Göztepe Park – about 14.0 km away · typical visit: 1–2 hoursOpen 24 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Hidiv Grove – about 1.1 km away (~18 min walk) · typical visit: 2–4 hoursOpen daily 08:00–23:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge – about 800 m away (~13 min walk) · typical visit: 30 minutes to 1 hourOpen 24 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Borusan Contemporaryabout 1.4 km away (~23 min walk) · typical visit: 1.5–2 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Sakip Sabanci Museum – about 1.4 km away (~23 min walk) · typical visit: 2–3 hoursOpen 10:00–18:00, closed MonMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Anatolian Fortress – about 1.5 km away (~24 min walk) · typical visit: 1–2 hoursOpen 10:00–17:30, closed MonMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
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FAQ: Mihrabat Grove
Is admission to Mihrabat Grove free?
No. Admission is charged at the gate. The grove is a managed nature park. Parking is charged separately from grove admission. Current rates differ for Turkish citizens and international visitors; check the official site mihrabatkorusu.com for exact prices.
Can I bring a stroller or wheelchair?
Strollers and wheelchairs cannot navigate the forest walking paths; terrain is uneven and steep. The cafe and restaurant areas on level ground are wheelchair-accessible. Call +90 216 425 86 16 to confirm accessible routes and facilities in advance.
How long does a typical visit take?
Most visitors spend 2–4 hours. A quick walk and coffee takes 1–2 hours. A full forest exploration with breakfast or lunch takes 3–4 hours. Plan according to energy and interest.
Is there food at the grove, or should I bring a picnic?
The grove has a restaurant, cafe and cafeteria on-site serving Turkish breakfast, coffee, light meals and drinks. Picnicking is not officially allowed; dining is at restaurant tables or cafe seating. Check the official site or call for current food service hours.
What is the best time of year to visit?
Spring and autumn offer ideal weather and clear views. Summer is hot but manageable in shaded forest sections. Weekday mornings are quieter than weekends. Visit by 9–10 a.m. to avoid crowds.
Is Mihrabat Grove the same as Kanlıca's yogurt shops?
No. The grove is an uphill nature park with walking trails and a restaurant. Kanlıca's famous yogurt shops are in the waterfront village below. Both are worth visiting but are separate attractions. You can combine them in one outing.
How do I get there by public transport?
Take Metro M5 to Üsküdar, exit and board bus 15E or 15M toward Beykoz. Get off at Mihrabat Caddesi stop and walk uphill. Total journey is about 25–30 minutes from central Istanbul.
Are photography drones and tripods allowed?
Standard cameras and phones are welcome. Drones and professional tripods are not allowed without prior written permission. Contact the grove at +90 216 425 86 16 or info@mihrabatkorusu.com to request permission for commercial shoots.
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Hotels near Mihrabat Grove
Restaurants near Mihrabat Grove
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Distances are straight-line, from OpenStreetMap data.
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This guide is created with the help of AI and is based on official sources where available. Mistakes can still happen. Opening hours, prices, rules and other details are given to the best of our knowledge as of the date shown and can change without notice. It offers general recommendations only, not professional, legal or travel advice. Please confirm important details with the official source before you travel; you are responsible for your own plans and decisions.
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