Top Outdoor Activities in Istanbul

Ogzala

This friendly bunch organize pleasant weekend and one day walking tours through forested mountain ranges and tranquil rivers near the beautiful lakes, mountains and waterfalls in the districts of Yalova, Izmit, Adapazari and Bolu (all within three hours of Istanbul). They also do week-long mountaineering expeditions across the scenic Kackar Mountains on the Black Sea coast.

Bahçesehir Atli Spor Kulübü

Some find it hard to believe that you could actually find a place to ride a horse within Istanbul's city limits. Fortunately, you can. This lovely little ranch located on the fringes of suburbia, in the quaint village of Hosdere Köyü, is just the place to do it if you don't have time to get out into the proper countryside. The friendly owners offer both indoor and outdoor riding facilities. Prices include all equipment rentals.

Istanbul Riding Club

Istanbul Riding Club is a centrally located club in town; what was once the lush virgin countryside is now surrounded by imposing skyscrapers. Despite the feeling of being constantly watched, it's pleasant enough if you're desperate for a quick ride and don't have lots of time to spare. There is a large track for some fairly unimaginative horse riding. The horses are for hire and riding lessons are available. Some of the staff speak a little English.

Galleria Ice Skating

It's a sweltering 35°C in the shade. Feel like some ice? What about an entire rink full of it? Ice skating in Istanbul is probably more a retreat from the summer heat than a real sport, but it's popular all the same. Despite their lack of skill, the place is always crammed with cheerful skaters that seem to spend more time on their posteriors than they do on their feet. Galleria is the only rink in town open to the general public and it's very relaxed and lots of fun. Ice-skating classes are available in the evenings. Rates are $6 per 45 minutes.

Conrad International Pool

One luxurious option to escape the sticky summer heat of the city is to take full advantage of the special day-passes and seasonal memberships available at some of the five-star hotels. At the Conrad, as with most deluxe hotels, it's always best to call for information in advance before showing up with swimming togs and a towel. Prices and terms can change without notice. None of the hotel pools have lanes; it's pretty much a swim-for-all. The Conrad's outdoor pool is 77-feet long. Lockers and towels are included in the fee.

Ali Sami Yen Stadium

In one of the most crowded areas of Istanbul, you can find Ali Sami Yen Stadium, home to the football club Galatasaray SK. If you happen to catch a game here, be prepared for what the locals and fans call 'Hell' and the intimidating and enthusiastic support for Galatasaray is often enforced by torches, smoke, drums, flags and huge posters.

Ataturk Olympic Stadium

Able to seat 81,283 spectators, Ataturk Olympic Stadium (or Atatürk Olimpiyat Stadı in Turkish) is the largest-capacity stadium in Turkey and is located in İkitelli, a district in the western outskirts of İstanbul. The Turkish national football team, Istanbul Büyükşehir Belediyespor, is resident to the stadium.

BJK İnönü Stadium

Beşiktaş İnönü Stadium is the home of the football club Beşiktaş J.K. in Istanbul, Turkey. According to the great Brazilian football legend Pelé, BJK İnönü Stadium has the most beautiful view among any other stadium in the world, making it one of the world's most beautiful football venues in the world.

Istanbul Park

Istanbul Park, otherwise known as the Istanbul Racing Circuit (originally Istanbul Otodrom), is a motor sports race track near Istanbul. With 14 turns and a length of 5.34 kilometers (3.32 miles), this incredible race track is sure to excite all who come to see the races here.

Fenerbahçe Þükrü Saracoðlu Stadium

With the growing football craze around, Instanbul felt the need for a football stadium to host matches. Ottman Sultan Abdülhamid II duly obliged to lease his royal land for the Turks to build the same. The newly-built stadium went on to be used by all major Turkish football clubs, namely Besiktas, Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe. But the emergence of improved venues like the Ataturk Olympic Stadium finally led to Fenerbahçe being the sole owners of the ground. Subsequent domestic successes and renovations has made the stadium one of the best in Europe today, even being chosen to host the 2009 UEFA Cup Final.