Sultanbeyli Go Kart

In Sultanbeyli, on the Asian side of Istanbul, this open-air circuit offers karting in the south-east of the metropolis, on Fatih Avenue. 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 dense district, after a dose of speed without heading into the city centre.

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.

Sultanbeyli is a working-class district of eastern Istanbul, backed by the wooded hills of the hinterland. Close by, the forest and the summit of Aydos, the highest point in the city, offer fine walks and views over the metropolis, while the coastal villages of Şile and Ağva, on the Black Sea, are within reach by road for a weekend escape. The historic centre of Istanbul, with Hagia Sophia and the Topkapı palace, remains reachable by transport to extend the day. Its position, near the main roads of the Asian side, makes it a handy stop.