Istanbul, Turkey

Bosphorus River: Kuruçeşme to Bebek

Running along the Bosphorus River is the most popular place to run in Istanbul and is one of the few places you might see other runners. It is a nice break from Istanbul’s crowded, chaotic streets. The best spot for running along the river is near the 15 July Martyrs Bridge along on the European bank of the Bosphorus, in the Kuruçeşme area, and heading north toward Bebek, as far as the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, a distance of nearly 6km (3.8 miles) one-way. You’ll see plenty of boats in the water, seagulls, fisherman, and in the Arnavutköy and Bebek neighborhoods, Ottoman-era mansions, cool boutiques, and modern restaurants. There’s a Starbucks in Bebek, with pleasant seating on the water, should you need a bathroom and a spot for a break.

This is not a dedicated ‘river path’. It’s a mix of sections along the road, on a waterside path, and through parks.

Essentials
  • As much as 6km one-way between the two bridges
  • 140 feet
  • Any spot. Can start in Kuruçeşme and head north to Bebek
  • A bus runs along the road. Metro Stop Boğaziçi Üni. İstasyonu on the M6 Line is 1.5 km from the river in Bebek

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Essentials
  • As much as 6km one-way between the two bridges
  • 140 feet
  • Any spot. Can start in Kuruçeşme and head north to Bebek
  • A bus runs along the road. Metro Stop Boğaziçi Üni. İstasyonu on the M6 Line is 1.5 km from the river in Bebek