Beylikdüzü GoKart

In Beylikdüzü, on the European side of Istanbul, this circuit sets up its track in the area of the Perlavista shopping centre, in the west of the metropolis. It is a local option for the residents of this seaside district on the Sea of Marmara, after a dose of speed without crossing the whole city. People come as a family or with friends, for a few timed laps where everyone tries to set the best time.

Karting stays open to all, with no licence or experience: a briefing, a helmet, and you set off on the track. The format suits accompanied children as much as adults out to challenge colleagues or a group. As the activity depends on the season and how busy it is, it is best to check opening times and prices before setting out, especially at weekends. People rarely leave after a single run: the urge to better their lap time soon takes over, and the friendly rivalry does the rest.

Beylikdüzü is one of the districts of western Istanbul, valued for its landscaped seafront, its parks and its long green valley, the Yaşam Vadisi, that runs through the area. The Gürpınar marina and the walks along the Sea of Marmara make it a pleasant part of town, away from the bustle of the historic centre. That centre, with Hagia Sophia, the Topkapı palace and the Grand Bazaar, remains reachable by metro and metrobus. Its position, at the western entrance to the city, is handy for anyone arriving by motorway from Thrace or the airport.