Küçükçekmece GoKart

In Küçükçekmece, in western Istanbul, this open-air circuit offers karting near the large lagoon that gives the district its name. The outdoor layout is driven in the open air, and people gather as a family or with friends to string together timed laps. It is a local option for the residents of this populous part of the European side, after a dose of speed without crossing the whole metropolis.

Karting stays open to all, with no licence or experience: a briefing, a helmet, and you head off to find the best line. The format suits families, groups of friends and birthdays, in the relaxed mood typical of neighbourhood tracks. As the activity takes place outdoors, it is best to check opening times and prices by season before coming. People rarely leave after a single run, the friendly rivalry and the urge to do better soon taking over.

Küçükçekmece spreads around a vast brackish lagoon linked to the Sea of Marmara, fringed by parks and stroll areas such as Menekşe beach. The district, well served by the metro and metrobus that run along the coast, puts the historic centre of Istanbul within reach by transport: Hagia Sophia, the Topkapı palace and the Grand Bazaar remain accessible to extend the outing. Its position, to the west of the city and near the motorway, is handy for anyone arriving from Thrace or the airport. The metropolis offers a thousand other discoveries once the race is over.