Most tourists hit Sultanahmet around 10am when everything opens, but Gülhane Park at 7-8am is completely peaceful. Walk the rose gardens and tree-lined paths without fighting crowds, morning light is beautiful.

Connects to Topkapi Palace grounds so you can wander both areas while they're quiet. Locals use it for morning exercise and dog walks - nice glimpse of daily Istanbul life before the tour groups arrive.

Several marked trails, about 2km of total paths with some decent elevation for a workout. Good benches for rest stops with Bosphorus views.