When the weekend comes, most of us have the same thought. See some green, get some fresh air, step away from the screen. Then the road, the traffic and the timing come to mind, and the plan often stays at home. Yet the north of Istanbul answers this wish without leaving the city.
In this guide we have brought together weekend nature activities in Istanbul. First we describe what the area offers in general, then what you can do at our own farm. At the end we sum up which activity suits whom in a short table.
Why the north of the city
Istanbul’s largest green areas are in the north. Belgrade Forest (Belgrad Ormanı), the villages of Sarıyer and the Black Sea coast lie close together. As you leave the centre and head north, buildings give way to trees and the landscape changes.
This closeness makes it easy to plan a day. You can be in the forest in the morning, at a village table at noon and by the sea in the late afternoon. The only thing to watch is weekend traffic, and checking the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality traffic centre page before you set off makes things easier. The roads north can get busy towards noon and on the way back in the evening, so an early start makes the rest of the day more relaxed.
What to do in the area
Forest walks
Belgrade Forest is one of Istanbul’s best known walking areas. The paths, dams and ponds inside the forest are lovely for a walk on weekend mornings before the crowds arrive. Walking shoes and some water are all you need. Visiting rules can change from time to time, so we suggest checking the announcements of the Istanbul Regional Directorate of Forestry before you go.
Picnics and time outdoors
The forest areas in the north are popular picnic spots for families and groups of friends. Rules on fires and barbecues vary by area and season. Do not forget to bring a bag to take your rubbish home.
Walks along the Black Sea coast
The beaches in the north of Sarıyer are crowded in summer and much quieter in spring and autumn. In the cooler seasons, a long walk on the sand with the sound of the waves and the wind is a good way to clear your head of the city. There can be currents in the sea, so pay attention to the warnings before swimming.
What to do at the farm
Kerem Bey Horse Farm is in Uskumruköy, Sarıyer, on the edge of Belgrade Forest. Because it sits in the middle of the natural areas above, it fits easily at the centre of a weekend plan.
Horse rides
We have forest, lake and beach routes. All horse rides are guided.
- 4 laps in the arena with an instructor, 500 TL. A first meeting for children and first-time riders.
- Forest ride, 30 minutes, 1,500 TL.
- Lake ride, 45 minutes, 2,000 TL.
- Beach ride, 45-60 minutes, 3,500 TL.
- Belgrade Forest and beach rides for experienced riders, 90-120 minutes, 4,000 TL.
Route details are on our horse riding tours in Sarıyer page. Our main guide to horse riding in Istanbul gathers tips for first-time riders.
ATV tours
For anyone who does not want to ride a horse, or who wants a bit more speed, there are ATVs. The forest tour is 2,000 TL for 30 minutes and 2,500 TL for 45 minutes. The beach and Belgrade Forest tours are 60-90 minutes for 4,000 TL. Prices are per ATV, and a passenger adds 500 TL per person. The trails are described on our ATV tours page. For first-time drivers, our ATV tour guide for Belgrade Forest is useful too.
Riding lessons
For anyone who wants to turn weekends into a habit, we give one-to-one riding lessons in the arena. A single lesson is 30-40 minutes for 3,000 TL. The 10-lesson package is 23,000 TL, the 10-ride trail package is 36,000 TL and packages are valid for 3 months. Children and adults can both take part. Coming at the same time every weekend is a regular excuse for both a lesson and some nature.
Turkish village breakfast
The farm restaurant serves a Turkish village breakfast and grills. Having breakfast next to the horses after a morning ride is the favourite part of the day for many guests. You can also come just for breakfast without riding. For the menu, see our breakfast at the horse farm page.
Which activity suits whom
| Who | What we suggest |
|---|---|
| First-time riders | 4 laps in the arena or the 30 minute forest ride |
| Families with children | An arena ride followed by breakfast |
| Experienced riders | Belgrade Forest or beach ride, 90-120 minutes |
| Speed lovers | ATV forest tour |
| Large groups of friends | Some on ATVs, some on horses, then one shared table |
| People looking for a regular hobby | A riding lesson package |
| People who just want to rest | A village breakfast and a short walk nearby |
Weekends through the seasons
Spring. The forest turns green and the weather is just right for walking and riding. The lake ride is especially lovely in this season.
Summer. Early morning is best for escaping the heat. The shade of the forest feels fresh compared with the heat of the city.
Autumn. The leaves change colour and the beaches quieten down. It is a good time for the beach ride and walks on the sand.
Winter. Weather and ground conditions can affect plans. In the winter months, ask us on WhatsApp whether rides are running before you come.
How to combine a day
The easiest pattern goes in this order. Set off early, start with a horse ride or an ATV tour, then have breakfast, then take a short walk in the forest or on the beach and head back before the evening traffic. For two example plans hour by hour, see our guide to things to do in Sarıyer, and for how to fit a ride and breakfast together, read our guide to horse riding and breakfast.
Before you come
- If you are coming at the weekend, book ahead or write to us on WhatsApp.
- Decide which ride you want and how long it is, and tell us how many people are in your group.
- Wear comfortable trousers and closed, flat soled shoes.
- If you are coming with a child, ask about suitable rides and conditions when you book.
- Directions and the map are on our contact page.
You do not need a big plan to get out into nature at the weekend in Istanbul. An early start, a morning ride and a good breakfast are often enough to shake off the week.