Yildiz Park

Rising above the area of Besiktas, Yildiz is a welcome relief from the noise of the city, with woodland and landscaped gardens. Sultan Abdul Hamit built them for the Ciragan Palace (now a 5-star hotel over the main road) where Sultans strolled and hunted since the 17th century. It is now more popular with courting couples and picnicking families and is busiest at weekends. At the top are Malta Kosku and Cadir Kosku, two attractive 19th-century pavilions originally part of the palace, whose guests included Winston Churchill and Charles de Gaulle, and now operating as restaurants and cafes. The park also houses Yildiz Palace Museum, Imperial Porcelain Factory and City Museum.

Yildiz Park, Ciragan Caddesi, Besiktas.Tel: (0212) 258 9020.Opening hours: Daily, dawn till dusk.Free admission for pedestrians; charge for taxis.