Nakkaştepe Nation's Garden (Nakkaştepe Millet Bahçesi)

Climb the hill above Kuzguncuk's colourful houses and the whole width of the Bosphorus opens up in front of you. Nakkaştepe Nation's Garden (Nakkaştepe Millet Bahçesi) is a large park in Üsküdar, on Istanbul's Asian side, on the ridge between Kuzguncuk and Altunizade. Its wooden terraces face the Bosphorus and the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, still widely known as the Bosphorus Bridge.

The story

The park was created on land that had long been a military zone. It opened on 8 December 2018 as a project of Üsküdar Municipality. Reports at the opening put its size at around 50,000 square metres.

Existing trees were kept, and new planting added pine, juniper, camellia, rosemary and bay. Part of the lighting was designed to run on solar power. "Nation's gardens" are a newer type of large public park in Turkish cities, and Nakkaştepe became one of the best known thanks to its view.

What to do

The signature feature is the flying terrace, a raised viewing platform that juts out from the slope. From here the Bosphorus, its bridges and the European shore fill the view. Wooden boardwalks wind through the trees.

There is also a biological pond with an artificial waterfall, picnic areas, playgrounds and outdoor fitness equipment. Archery and camping areas and nature workshops for children were announced at the opening; check what is running before you go.

Weekend afternoons are busy. At sunset the terraces fill up as the light drops behind the bridge onto the European side.

Visiting

The park sits above Kuzguncuk in the Üsküdar district. Buses from Üsküdar and Altunizade stop nearby. You can also walk up from the Kuzguncuk waterfront, but the climb is steep. It is a free public park; check current opening hours before you go.

Tip: pair it with Kuzguncuk. Watch the view from the top, then walk down for coffee in the village below.