Florya Beach and Atatürk Marine Mansion from Bakirkoy

Florya beach is a coastal area west of central Bakırköy, home to Istanbul Aquarium (Florya) and Florya Atatürk Marine Mansion. From Bakırköy, you can get there by car in 15–20 minutes depending on traffic, or take the Marmaray to Florya stop; a beach walk and a mansion visit together make a calm half-day plan.

In this article we explain what to do on the beach, what to check before visiting the mansion and how to get there from Bakırköy. Food and drink options on the beach vary by season; simply check on the day you go.

What can you do on Florya beach?

Florya beach is an area known to people who want to walk by the sea on the European side of Istanbul. The things to do on the beach are simple but enjoyable:

• Walking: Walking by the sea without rushing is the main activity of the day.
• A break: Sitting at a spot facing the sea and having a snack break with the children.
• Photography: In the late afternoon light, the sea and the area around the mansion make a lovely backdrop for photos.
• Combining with the aquarium: Istanbul Aquarium (Florya) is in the same area; because it is indoors, it can be added before or after the beach walk.

Florya Atatürk Marine Mansion

Florya Atatürk Marine Mansion is the historic mansion on Florya beach that Atatürk used in the summer months. It is now arranged as a museum; visiting days, hours and entry conditions can change seasonally. Check current information from official sources before you go so you can plan your day comfortably.

The area around the mansion is a natural stop on a beach walk. Even if you do not go inside, seeing it from the outside is a good opportunity to tell children about Atatürk's summers in Istanbul.

How to get there from Bakırköy

On the Marmaray, the stop order after Bakırköy is Ataköy, Yeşilyurt, Yeşilköy, Florya Akvaryum and Florya. Use Florya stop for the beach and the mansion, and Florya Akvaryum stop for the aquarium. It is enough to check the walking route from the station to the beach on a map. For departure times, check the current timetable.

When should you go?

• Weekday morning: The beach is quieter; comfortable for walking and photos.
• Late afternoon: The light softens and the beach comes to life; weekends can be busier.
• Summer: Seek shade around midday and take a hat and water.
• Winter: The wind can be noticeable; combine a short walk with an indoor stop such as the aquarium.

For detailed suggestions by season, see a seasonal visit to Florya.

Things to keep in mind on a beach day

• Check current announcements about swimming and beach use from local sources.
• When walking near the water with children, watch out for wet and rocky ground.
• The wind on the beach can feel strong compared with the city centre; take a thin extra layer.
• Allow for the evening crowds on the Marmaray on the way back.
• Take your rubbish with you; the beach is a shared space for everyone.

A sample half-day route

For those who want to see the aquarium, the beach and the mansion in one go, the order below lets you explore the area without walking the same route twice:

With this order, you use one stop on the way out and another on the way back. If you want to skip the aquarium, get off directly at Florya and start the route from the beach. Checking the walking route between the stops on a map before you go makes things easier, especially if you are travelling with a stroller.

What to bring

• Istanbulkart
• Water and a small snack
• A thin jacket or cardigan against the wind
• A hat in summer and a beanie and gloves in winter
• Current visiting information that you have checked for the mansion and the aquarium

Stay in Bakırköy and explore Florya

We are in Zeytinlik, Bakırköy; you can reach Florya beach by car in 15–20 minutes, or by Marmaray in a few stops. In the evening, the Bakırköy market area is a 6-minute walk away and the Bakırköy seafront is a 14-minute walk away. So you can enjoy two separate seaside walks: Florya during the day and Bakırköy in the evening. The building has an elevator and security cameras; getting up to the floor with tired children after a day at the beach is easy.

We have collected our beach-day suggestions for families with children in a day at Florya and Yeşilköy beach with children. For the Studio apartment (1+0), One-bedroom apartment (1+1) and Two-bedroom apartment (2+1) options, see the apartments page, and send your dates and number of guests to 0532 655 43 32. You can write to us in English on WhatsApp.

Common questions