Istanbul has a reputation as one of the most romantic cities in the world, and it earns it. The trouble is that its most romantic spots are also its busiest. A sunset over the Bosphorus is beautiful. A sunset over the Bosphorus with a few hundred phones in front of you is a different experience.
This guide starts with the classic romantic things to do in Istanbul, with a few tips for enjoying them. Then it suggests something most visitors never hear about. A day for two in the green north of the city, with a horse ride on the Black Sea beach at sunset.
The classics, and how to enjoy them
A Bosphorus ferry. Skip the tour boats and take a regular public ferry between the European and Asian sides. Sit outside on the upper deck, order a tea and watch the city go by. It is cheap, simple and always works.
Waterfront walks. The shoreline at Bebek, Arnavutköy and Ortaköy is lovely for an evening stroll. Go early on a weekend morning and you will have it nearly to yourselves.
Viewpoints. Galata, Pierre Loti and Çamlıca Hill are popular for views over the city. They are at their busiest around sunset, so expect company.
The Maiden’s Tower. Having tea on the Üsküdar shore while looking out at the tower is one of the most familiar Istanbul scenes, and still a nice one.
All of these are in the heart of the city, with traffic and crowds to match. If you want time that feels like it belongs to just the two of you, head north.
Why the north of Istanbul
North of Sarıyer, the city fades into forest and villages. Belgrade Forest (Belgrad Ormanı) is a large area of protected woodland, and beyond it the land drops down to the Black Sea near Kilyos. It is a side of Istanbul that feels far from the old city, and you get forest and sea on the same day.
Kerem Bey Horse Farm is here, in Uskumruköy, Sarıyer, on the edge of Belgrade Forest and close to Kilyos and Zekeriyaköy. It is 5-10 minutes from the Uskumruköy toll gates on the Northern Marmara Motorway.
Getting there
Most visitors come by taxi, ride hailing app or rental car. From Taksim or Sultanahmet you head north towards Sarıyer, and the journey time depends a lot on traffic, so allow extra time on weekday evenings. Show your driver the address, Uskumruköy, Ayvacık Sk., Sarıyer, or message us on WhatsApp and we will share the map pin.
A day for two, two ways
The slow day, sunset on the beach
Arrive in the late afternoon. Settle in at one of the garden tables at the farm’s restaurant with a tea or coffee. No rush.
Ride to the beach as the sun goes down. You set off from the farm on horseback, ride through the forest and come out onto the sand, then follow the waves along the beach. Sunset is the most popular time for this ride, and you will see why. The light softens, the beach goes quiet and the photos look wonderful.
The beginner beach ride takes 45-60 minutes and costs 3,500 TL per person. A guide stays with you the whole way, so it is fine if neither of you has ridden before. Our guide to beach horse riding in Istanbul explains how the ride goes, and the beach ride page has the route details.
Dinner after. Finish with something from the grill and let the day wind down slowly.
The active day, breakfast and an ATV for two
Start with breakfast. A Turkish village breakfast is a spread of small plates for the table, and here you eat it in a garden close to the forest. See the restaurant page.
Then an ATV ride. One passenger can ride on the back of each ATV, so you can take one between you or one each. A guide leads the way, helmets and protective gear are provided, and there is a short driving briefing and practice run before you set off. Expect dust, forest trails and a lot of laughing. Our ATV tour guide covers the routes, and booking details are on the ATV tours page.
Prices for two
| Activity | Duration | For two people |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner beach ride (horse) | 45-60 min | 2 x 3,500 TL = 7,000 TL |
| Forest ride (horse) | 30 min | 2 x 1,500 TL = 3,000 TL |
| Forest ATV, one ATV + passenger | 30 min | 2,000 TL + 500 TL = 2,500 TL |
| Forest ATV, one ATV + passenger | 45 min | 2,500 TL + 500 TL = 3,000 TL |
| Beach and Belgrade ATV, one ATV + passenger | 60-90 min | 4,000 TL + 500 TL = 4,500 TL |
Food prices are on the online menu. The full price list is on our prices page.
Planning a proposal
A beach at sunset, a horse beside you and the sea behind. It is hard to imagine a better setting for a marriage proposal. The farm organises proposals, engagements and other celebrations, and a professional photographer can be added so you do not have to hide a phone in a bush.
Tell us what you have in mind and we will put together a personal quote. Planning can all be done in English on WhatsApp. If it is a surprise, mention that in your message and we will plan the timing around it. See the events page, and for light and posing tips read our guide to a photoshoot at a horse farm.
Before you come
- Clothes. Long, comfortable trousers and closed, flat shoes for riding. The same works for the ATV, and expect some dust.
- A light jacket. The coast can be breezy in the evening.
- Book ahead. Sunset slots and weekends go first.
- Weather. In bad weather, rides are moved to another day for safety.
Booking
Use the booking form, which turns your choices into a ready WhatsApp message, or write to us directly on WhatsApp at +90 546 414 00 89. English is fine. Include the date, which activity you would like, whether you have ridden before and whether you want the sunset slot. The farm is open every day from 09:00 to 19:00 and closed on Thursdays.