Things to Do in Spring in Istanbul (or Any Time of Year)

Istanbul has it all, with more than 2,500 years of history, culture, traditions, amazing landmarks, vibrant nightlife, and breathtaking views to offer travellers. Below you may find top recommendations by the Concierge teams of Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus and Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet.

• Take a note of Tulip Festival. Every April, three million tulips bloom across Istanbul's parks and public spaces in an array of designs and colours just in time for the International Istanbul Tulip Festival. The tulip is so essential to Turkish history that some people refer to the entire reign of Sultan Ahmed III as the "Tulip Era." After touring the tulips through town, visitors should head to the centre of this free festival, Emirgan Park, to enjoy concerts, art exhibitions, photo competitions, and live performances by marbling artists.
• Take a cruise on the Bosphorus. It is the best way to discover the sights along Istanbul’s shores. Multiple ferries depart daily from the Eminonu Pier and make several stops before landing at Anadolu Kavagi, a small fishing village on the Asian side of the city where you’ll find the ruins of Yoros Castle and a several fresh seafood restaurants. Do note that if you decide to get off before the last stop a taxi may be your most convenient transport back to the city centre. 
• Recharge with an afternoon break at one of Istanbul’s many tea and coffee spots.
• For a scenic walk outside the busiest areas of Istanbul, follow the Eminonu-Yenikapı seaside route along the shores of the Bosphorus. Many of Istanbul’s notable sites are also within comfortable walking distance. Starting from Arnavutköy, amble through Bebek-Rumelihisarı, Emirgan, İstinye, Yeniköy, Tarabya, Sarıyer, Emirgan Park and Yıldız Park. 
• Buy a ticket for a concert in Haghia Irene Church during Istanbul Music Festival.
• Take a stroll around the Karakoy, visit small private galleries and have a stop at one of the coffee shops.
• Visit Bosphorus villages, Ortaköy, Bebek, Rumeli Hisarı or Emirgan during weekdays to enjoy a glass of Turkish wine with views or experience a morning run by the Bosphorus to make the most of your time also by exercising. 

Especially for Couples: Romantic Experiences

• Book a private motor yacht from the Hotel Concierge and enjoy the opportunity of seeing from up close gorgeous waterfront palaces, mosques, private estates and Yalis all along the shores of Istanbul. The second busiest strait in the world, the Bosphorus never yields the same view twice.  
• Take a day cruise to the Princes’ Islands. South of Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara, these islands were once a haven for exiled royalty and historic figures including Leon Trotsky. Here you’ll find horse-drawn carriage tours (motor vehicles are not permitted), churches and monasteries, and quaint Victorian mansions where couples can enjoy a horseback ride or a bicycle tour between pine forests and historical wooden Turkish houses. Ferries to the Princes’ Islands depart several times daily from Kabatas.

Family Fun:  Best Activities with the Kids

• With several playgrounds and great historical pavilion cafes, families can enjoy a picnic at Emirgan or Yıldız Park.
• Vialand Disneyland park, Miniaturk Open Air amusement park, which houses about 120 miniatures of Turkish and Ottoman monuments and historical sites such as the Hagia Sofia and the Galata Tower, and Istanbul Sea Aquarium are great places to spend time for families with children.
• Housed in a historical villa, the Istanbul Toy Museum in Göztepe is a great place to spend the afternoon with kids. More than 4,000 toys are on display, including many antique ones.