Tulip Festival in Istanbul. Beauty in April.

Istanbul is a beautiful city in the spring, but one special aspect of the city makes all the difference:

The tulips

"Lale" in Turkish, the tulips that are famous in the Netherlands actually came from Turkey. Istanbul in particular takes great pride in this beautiful flower, and the city hosts a month-long festival all around the city to celebrate, the Lale Festivali.

Most major roads are bordered by tulips in the month of April, and many of the metro stations are decorated with fake tulips or art to showcase the month.

The center of the festival, though, belongs in the gardens and parks around the city. The largest part of the festival takes place in Emirgan Park, which is located by the Bosphorus in the district of Sariyer. It is accessible from Besiktas by bus, and during the festival there are usually ferries that specifically run to the park to help with traffic congestion. I suggest getting to Bebek and then walking to Emirgan along the water.

Once at Emirgan Park, you will inevitably become a part of the crowds who have come to see the tulips. The tulips and other flowers are usually made into detailed displays, such as a blue river with tulip-decorated swans which you can walk over on a small foot bridge. There are also many sets, such as a Cinderella-like carriage, that are set up among the garden areas for photographs. You will probably spot about 15 brides taking pictures while at the festival - keep count and make it a game with your friends!

Make sure to google Lale Festivali Istanbul to see when the festival will begin and what kinds of activities will be included each weekend. There are often artists doing performances, as well as music and dancing. You will want to save a whole day for this festival at Emirgan Park alone because there is so much to see and do.

This is an amazing and unique festival in Istanbul that you will not want to miss!

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