Atatürk Arboretum, one of Istanbul's hidden paradises, is a unique refuge for those seeking peace in the heart of nature. This special place, where you can escape the bustle of the city, stroll to the sound of birdsong, and savor the colors and scents, welcomes anyone who seeks a momentary escape from the hustle and bustle of life. Atatürk Arboretum is more than just a plant museum; it is also a fairytale land that touches the soul with its nature, renewed with each season. This green oasis evokes the healing power of nature and reminds you of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's love for nature and science.
What is an arboretum?
An arboretum is a type of botanical garden where trees and other woody plants are grown and exhibited for scientific and educational purposes. Arboretums are areas created for the protection, promotion, and study of various tree species.
Where is the Ataturk Arboretum?
The Atatürk Arboretum is located in the Bahçeköy district of Sarıyer, Istanbul. This arboretum, which is also near the Belgrade Forest, is approximately a 35-minute drive from Beşiktaş, Istanbul.
You can click here to find out its location.
A Little-Known Imitation of Paradise in 12 Objects at the Atatürk Arboretum«
How to get there?
By private car:
The Atatürk Arboretum is fairly easy to reach by car, and since there's a parking lot in front, you'll usually have no problem finding one. To get there by car, head toward Maslak-Sariyer. After passing the Regional Forestry Directorate and Hacı Osman, you can reach Bahçeköy along the Kilyos Road.
By public transport:
You can get to the Ataturk Arboretum by metrobus or subway, but in this case you will have to transfer to a bus, since the metrobus or metrobus stop is far from the arboretum.
Here are some of the bus lines you can use:
42T Taksim-Bahçeköy
It departs from Taksim and passes through Beşiktaş, Ortaköy, Bebek, Istinye, Tarabya and Çayırbaşı stops.
Reaches Bahçeköy.
The typical travel time is 50 minutes, but may vary depending on traffic conditions.
One ticket can be used with the Istanbul Card.
Metrobus 42M stops Zincirlikuyu - Bahçeköy
The bus departs from the Zincirlikuyu metrobus stop.
It passes through the Levent, Maslak, Forestry Department metro stations, and the Hadji Osman and Chayirbashi stops.
Reaches Bahçeköy.
Travel time is 50 minutes, but may vary depending on traffic conditions.
153 Sariyer-Bahceköy
Departure from Sariyer.
It passes through Büyükdere Caddesi, stops at Çayırbaşı and reaches Bahçeköy.
42HM Metro Haci Osman-Bahcekoy
It departs from Hacı Osman stop, which is the final stop of the M2 Yenikapı-Hacı Osman line.
Reaches Bahçeköy.
The travel time is approximately 23 minutes.
59RK Rumeli Hisarustu
It departs from Bosphorus University and goes to Arıköy.
You can also reach Boğaziçi University by transferring to Levent station on the M2 metro line.
The travel time is about 50 minutes.
What is the entrance fee?
How much does it cost to enter the Atatürk Arboretum, which is home to over 2,000 plant species and is regularly maintained by the General Directorate of Forestry?
From 2024, the entrance fee to the Ataturk Arboretum will be:
Midweek:
6 Turkish lira for students 17 Turkish lira for adults
Weekend:
17 Turkish lira for students 45 Turkish lira for adults
On certain special days, admission is also free:
On March 21, World Forestry Day, admission is free.
On April 23, all elementary school students and their chaperones will be able to enter free of charge.
If you're planning a group visit, you can book a table online. The Arboretum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday through Sunday, and closed on Mondays.
9 of the world's most beautiful botanical parks, preserving the unique colors of nature
When to visit Ataturk Arboretum?
All four seasons are suitable for visiting the Atatürk Arboretum, as each offers its own unique beauty. To find out what to expect at the Arboretum in each season, please find information on seasonal events below.
In autumn, the Atatürk Arboretum transforms into a riot of color. Orange, red, purple, and pink leaves create a mesmerizing spectacle, especially at midday, thanks to the play of shadows cast by the sun's rays on the trees. This visual feast of autumn is an unforgettable experience for nature and photography enthusiasts.
During the summer months, the arboretum is bustling with activity. Thousands of species of birds, insects, and small mammals are active during this season. The sweet scents of flowers, the croaking of frogs, and the chirping of birds and insects create unforgettable memories for visitors. It's a wonderful place to relax in the cool shade of nature on hot summer days.
Spring is the time of year when the arboretum truly awakens. Flowers bloom, trees blossom, and squirrels roam around. It's hard to imagine a better place to celebrate Istanbul's springtime natural rebirth than the Atatürk Arboretum.
The arboretum may be cold in winter, but when it snows, it looks like a postcard.
Rules of the Ataturk Arboretum
Pets: Pets are strictly prohibited on the arboretum grounds. Therefore, if you plan to bring a pet, please be aware that they will not be allowed inside.
Group visits: Groups such as schools, clubs, companies and associations wishing to visit the arboretum must make an appointment in advance by telephone.
Food and drinks: Bringing food and drinks into the Arboretum is strictly prohibited. Bags will be checked at the entrance, and if you have any snacks, you will be asked to leave them behind. Only baby food and water are allowed inside.
Photo: You can come with a professional camera, but if you bring a tripod, it will be considered that you are shooting for commercial purposes and an additional fee will be charged.
Entry in costumes: If you wish to enter the arboretum in costume, such as a wedding dress, it will be considered an engagement, wedding, or circumcision photo session and a fee will be charged.
Other items: Due to the increasing number of visitors, items such as kites, bicycles and balls are prohibited from being brought inside to protect natural vegetation and prevent environmental pollution.
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