Istanbul hosts a tulip festival every April. The authorities plant around 11 million flowers in the city's parks and streets. Istanbul becomes not only a city of tulips, but the most beautiful city in Turkey. This is my favourite time of year to visit Istanbul. I tell you when the International Tulip Festival will be in 2024 (schedule and dates) and share my personal ranking of the parks in the city where you can see the most beautiful tulips.
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When is the Tulip Festival in Istanbul
The Tulip Festival in Istanbul usually starts on April 1st and lasts until the end of the month.
However, the exact dates may vary depending on the weather and the blooming season. If the spring is cold, the tulips may be planted later and bloom later.
Therefore, the best time to visit Istanbul for the Tulip Festival is the second or third week of April, when you can expect to see the most tulips in full bloom.
The Tulip Festival is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists, so you should plan your trip in advance. Here are some tips to help you prepare:
- book your hotel several weeks before your trip to secure a good deal and a convenient location.
- order tours online to skip the lines at the entrance of the main sights of Istanbul..
- book a taxi from the airport to avoid the hassle of public transportation and enjoy a smooth ride to your hotel
You can find some interesting tours in Istanbul on Viator or GetYourGuide.
Which parks to visit during the Tulip Festival in Istanbul
During the Tulip Festival, you can find tulips everywhere in Istanbul, but some parks are especially worth visiting for their variety and beauty. If you stay in a hotel in the Sultanahmet area, you will be surrounded by tulips wherever you go. But if you want to see the most impressive displays, you should check out these parks:
1. Sultanahmet Park
This is a small park located in the heart of the city, between the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia.
This park is a great place to relax and enjoy the sight of tulips in a peaceful setting. However, it can also be very crowded with tourists and vendors, so be prepared for some noise and hustle.
2. Gülhane Park
This is the oldest and most historical park in Istanbul, located in the Fatih district, near the Topkapi Palace.
This park is a must-see during the festival, as it offers a serene and scenic atmosphere with thousands of tulips. You can also enjoy the views of the Bosphorus from this park.
3. Emirgan Park
This is the largest and most popular park in Istanbul, and the main venue of the Tulip Festival.
Here you can see over 120 different types of tulips, arranged in stunning patterns and designs.
You can also visit the Tulip Museum, where you can learn about the history and culture of this flower in Turkey.
- The museum is located in the southwestern part of the Emirgan Park, and the entrance fee is 15 Turkish lira.
- The museum is open from 9 am to 7 pm every day except Monday.
The easiest way to get to Emirgan Park is:
- by taking a boat from Eminönü to Emirgan, which will also give you a chance to see the city from the water.
- take a bus from İtü-Ayazağa İstasyonu metro station,
- or a taxi if you prefer.
You can find more information on how to pay for public transportation in Istanbul in this article.
One thing to keep in mind is that the parks can get very busy on weekends, especially during the Tulip Festival.
Many people from Istanbul and other cities in Turkey come to see the tulips, so you may encounter large crowds and long lines. If you want to avoid the crowds, try to visit the parks on weekdays.
Tulips are also planted near the main entrance to Yildiz Park, but to be honest, much less than in other parks. If you go to Yildiz, it is not for the tulips, but for the history and beauty of the park.
When is the best time to visit Istanbul for tulips
Based on recent experience, the best time to visit Istanbul for the Tulip Festival is around April 20th, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the tulips are at their peak.
However, you should also be aware that April 23rd is a national holiday in Turkey, which means that many people will travel to Istanbul for the weekend. This can cause some inconveniences, such as:
- Higher hotel prices and limited availability,
- Traffic jams and crowded public transportation,
- Packed parks, squares, and attractions.
Therefore, if you want to enjoy the Tulip Festival and Istanbul without the hassle, I recommend visiting Istanbul from April 17th to 22nd. This is the ideal time to see the city in full bloom and explore its rich history and culture.
So mark your calendars and plan your trip accordingly to experience the beauty and wonder of Istanbul's Tulip Festival for yourself. You won't regret it!
You may find useful the article How to Get from Istanbul Airport to the City and a Hotel.
