Arnavutköy is a district located on the European Side of Istanbul, our country’s Marmara Region, distinguished by its cultural values, natural beauties, and stunning Bosphorus views. Those coming to Arnavutköy from outside the city can purchase plane tickets or bus tickets. For transportation within the city, there are many different options such as metro, tram, metrobus, shared taxi (dolmuş), bus, and ferry, depending on your location. This district, whose origins date back to ancient times, is particularly rich in historical buildings. If you are curious about places to visit in Arnavutköy, this article is just for you. The history of the district extends as far as Trikos Castle located on the shore of Lake Terkos. This district, which carries traces of various periods such as Ottoman and Roman, also has spots where you can spend time close to nature.
There are multiple transportation options to Arnavutköy. Visitors coming from outside the city to one of Istanbul’s distinguished districts, Arnavutköy, can choose either road or air transportation. If you are coming by your own car, we would like to inform you in advance that you should also consider the famous Istanbul traffic. Your first point of arrival for reaching the district should undoubtedly be our city of Istanbul. If your preferred transportation method is air travel, you can consider Istanbul Airport serving the European Side as your destination. For this, purchasing a plane ticket from your location is enough. After arriving at the airport, you can use the metro line that operates between the airport and the district. Besides this, you can also evaluate options like buses or take a taxi for direct and quick transportation. Another alternative for transportation is traveling by bus.
Visitors planning to come by bus can plan Esenler Bus Terminal, which serves closest to the district, as their destination. For this, purchasing a bus ticket from your location is sufficient. After arriving at the terminal, you can go to the district by using other public transportation vehicles. Since traffic within Istanbul is quite heavy, unfortunately, we cannot provide exact information on when you will be able to reach the district. When you come to Arnavutköy, the must-visit and explore touristic spots include Şamlar Nature Park Picnic Area, Arnavutköy Yeniköy Public Beach, Durusu Lake, Boğazköy Mosque, Ottoman Mosque, Hadımköy Martyrs' Cemetery, and Haraççı Roman Bridge. You can add these remarkable spots of the district to your travel list and enjoy a pleasant trip with your loved ones.
Şamlar Nature Park Picnic Area
At the top of our list of places to visit in Arnavutköy is Şamlar Nature Park Picnic Area, which captivates visitors with both its nature and its fresh air.
Located in the Hacımaşlı Neighborhood of the district, this picnic area is especially frequented by locals. It is one of the touristic places visited by those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of Istanbul and spend a quiet day. At this picnic area, you can spend peaceful times with your family or friends. Covering an area of approximately 50 thousand acres, you can encounter many different types of trees and plants here.
Additionally, you have the opportunity to closely observe various animal species ranging from rabbits to martens, foxes to squirrels, and moles to hedgehogs. Here, you can have a picnic with your loved ones, engage in animal watching activities, run on jogging tracks, and enjoy pleasant hours.
Arnavutköy Yeniköy Public Beach
By purchasing an Arnavutköy plane ticket, you can visit Arnavutköy Yeniköy Public Beach, one of the district’s highlights, and fully enjoy the sea.
This public beach, which draws attention with its clean and deep blue sea, has a shoreline fully covered with sand. It is one of the spots frequently preferred by locals for swimming. At Arnavutköy Yeniköy Public Beach, you can spend peaceful hours away from the crowd. Here, you can enjoy the trio of sea, sand, and sun and cool off in the cold waters of the Black Sea. If your travel plan coincides with the summer season, we especially recommend including this beach in your list.
Durusu Lake
Another popular destination you must see during your Arnavutköy trip is Durusu Lake, which stands out with its natural beauties.
Also known as Lake Terkos, this lake and its surroundings are a true natural wonder. If you are interested in water sports, you can perform various fun water sport activities here. Additionally, this area hosts many rare and endangered animal species such as the Siberian Crane.
By purchasing an Arnavutköy bus ticket, you can discover this place with its magnificent lake view and spend time in close contact with nature. We would also like to emphasize that fishing is possible here.
Boğazköy Mosque
Another touristic spot on our list of places to visit in Arnavutköy is Boğazköy Mosque, which attracts attention with its historical atmosphere.
We mentioned at the beginning of our article that the district is culturally rich. One of these cultural riches is this mosque. Built in the form of a basilica, this historical mosque also resembles a church in appearance. Some parts of the building are constructed with cut stone, and we suggest adding this site to your travel list.
Ottoman Mosque
Another historical site you can get a chance to see closely by purchasing an Arnavutköy bus ticket is the Ottoman Mosque.
This mosque, which has a single minaret with one balcony, has three different entrances from the west, north, and south. Built in 1595, its appearance follows the Horasan style. You can also visit this historic mosque, which consists of a single floor, and obtain more information about its history.
Hadımköy Martyrs’ Cemetery
The next stop on our list of places to visit in Arnavutköy is the Hadımköy Martyrs’ Cemetery, which is also extremely important like the historical mosques.
This cemetery is where those who lost their lives at the Hadımköy Military Hospital and during the Balkan War are buried. After visiting this cemetery, you can also see the historically valuable Hadımköy Fountain nearby and get the chance to examine this structure by purchasing an Arnavutköy plane ticket.
Haraççı Roman Bridge
Another historical spot you can visit during your Arnavutköy trip is the Haraççı Roman Bridge. These bridges have managed to stay intact until today due to their solid structure.
After visiting this historical Roman bridge, if you want to have some fun and clear your mind, you can also stop by Arnavutköy City Park, which covers an area of approximately 84 thousand square meters, and spend pleasant hours with your loved ones.
