The 12 best day trips from Istanbul

04.11.2023 - 17:15 / lonelyplanet.com

With thousands of years of history and a lively contemporary culture, Istanbul has plenty to keep visitors occupied. But a day trip to nearby beaches, forests, and sleepier towns at the edges of the city and around the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea serves as a welcome break from the concrete jungle. Two history-filled former Ottoman capitals are within reach as well.

Here are the best day trips for an adventure outside Istanbul.

A scenic ferry ride away from the city, the Princes’ Islands (known as Adalar in Turkish) is a favorite outing for Istanbul residents and tourists alike, with their historic mansions, scenic views, small beaches, waterfront seafood restaurants and relaxed seaside vibe. The largest of the four main islands, Büyükada, is also the most popular with visitors; its hilltop Church and Monastery of St. George is elaborately decorated with Greek Orthodox iconography and has grand panoramic vistas. Neighboring Heybeliada has lush pine groves and its own landmark monastery. Bucolic Burgazada and beach-dappled Kınalıada are less visited but have their own charms. No cars are allowed on the Princes' Islands, so be prepared to walk or rent a bike on the serene (but hilly) streets.

Seaside cafes, ice cream shops and (largely interchangeable, often overpriced) fish restaurants abound around the harbor area of each island. Kalpazankaya around the back of Burgazada has a sublime setting and better-than-average meze and seafood, while Heyamola Ada Lokantası on Heybeliada is generally regarded as one of the islands' best restaurants.

How to get to the Princes' Islands from Istanbul: City-run Şehir Hatları ferries depart from the Kabataş docks to the four main Princes' Islands, calling at Kadıköy en route, near-hourly in summer (less frequent in winter) from around 7 am to 11 pm or midnight. There are also a handful of daily departures from Beşiktaş. The trip takes roughly one to 1.5 hours, depending on your destination. Avoid visiting on summer weekends and holidays if possible, as the ferries and the islands can be packed.

Set amid a beautifully wooded nature park, Istanbul’s “Polish village” was founded by Polish emigrants in the mid-1800s and retains a small population of Polish speakers. The village’s sights include a Polish church (Our Lady of Częstochowa) and cemetery, as well as a historic home that’s been converted into a small museum of local memorabilia. Most visitors come here to while away a late morning or afternoon over brunch or a barbecue picnic at one of Polonezköy’s numerous restaurants. A few have Polish specialties like pierogi on the menu alongside Turkish dishes. A stroll in the woods on the walking path (yürüyüş parkuru) that starts from the edge of town is a great way to