12 Amazing Day Trips from Istanbul

Istanbul boasts a vibrant cultural scene, countless attractions, and a fantastic dining experience for every budget, making it nearly impossible to feel bored in the city.

However, it's definitely worth stepping away from this urban paradise to explore the beautiful beaches, lush forests, and delightful towns just outside the city limits. Any stress from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul's streets will quickly fade when you take in the views of the Sea of Marmara.

Begin planning your Turkish escapades now with our top picks for day trips from Istanbul.

1. Princes’ Islands

Travel Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Just a scenic ferry ride from the city, the Princes’ Islands (known as Adalar in Turkish) are a beloved getaway for both locals and tourists, featuring historic mansions, breathtaking views, quaint beaches, waterfront seafood restaurants, and a laid-back seaside atmosphere.

Büyükada, the largest of the four main islands, is also the most popular among visitors; its hilltop Church and Monastery of St. George is richly adorned with Greek Orthodox art and offers magnificent panoramic views. Nearby, Heybeliada boasts lush pine forests and its own notable monastery. The charming yet less frequented Burgazada and beachy Kınalıada each have their unique appeal. With no cars allowed on the Princes' Islands, be ready to walk or rent a bike along the peaceful (though hilly) paths.

Harbor areas on each island are lined with seaside cafes, ice cream parlors, and (often similar and overpriced) fish restaurants. Kalpazankaya at the rear of Burgazada offers a stunning location along with excellent meze and seafood, while Heyamola Ada Lokantası on Heybeliada is considered one of the finest dining spots on the islands.

Getting to the Princes' Islands from Istanbul: City-operated Şehir Hatları ferries depart from Kabataş docks to the four main Princes' Islands, with stops at Kadıköy along the way, running nearly every hour in summer (less frequently in winter) from about 7am to 11pm or midnight. A few daily departures also leave from Beşiktaş. The journey takes around one to 1.5 hours, depending on your destination. It's best to avoid visiting on summer weekends and holidays if possible, as the ferries and islands can become overcrowded.

2. Polonezköy

Travel Duration: 1 hour

Nestled within a stunning nature park, Istanbul’s ‘Polish village’ was established by Polish immigrants in the mid-1800s and still has a small community of Polish speakers. Key attractions include a Polish church (Our Lady of Częstochowa), a cemetery, and a historic house turned into a quaint museum showcasing local memorabilia.

Most visitors come to enjoy a leisurely late morning or afternoon brunch or a barbecue picnic at one of Polonezköy’s many restaurants, some of which offer Polish dishes like pierogi alongside traditional Turkish fare. A walk on the scenic hiking trail (yürüyüş parkuru) that begins at the town’s edge is a delightful way to build up an appetite.

Getting to Polonezköy: The drive to Polonezköy from central Istanbul takes about an hour, depending on traffic conditions. The nearest public transport hub is Kavacık, located on the Asian side of the city near the second bridge. A taxi from there takes around 20 minutes.

3. Kilyos

Travel Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes

The coastal village of Kilyos, located about 35 km (22 miles) north of Istanbul's historic areas, boasts lovely sandy beaches that draw large crowds during summer weekends. Overlooking the main beach are fish restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops, all situated just below Kilyos' center.

While the beach is open to the public for free, it may not always be pristine. Many beach clubs in the vicinity charge an entry fee but provide amenities like sun loungers, umbrellas, and parking, along with on-site bars and restaurants that sometimes host vibrant DJ parties in the evenings. One of the top choices is Burç Beach.

Getting to Kilyos: The 151 bus departs approximately every 30 minutes from Hacıosman metro station to Kilyos. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Sarıyer (25G from Taksim, 25E from Kabataş, 40B from Beşiktaş, or 25 from Hacıosman metro) and then a dolmuş (shared taxi) to reach Kilyos. The journey takes about 1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

4. Thrace Vineyard Route

Travel Duration: 3 to 4 hours

The Thrace region, which spans Türkiye, Bulgaria, and Greece, has a long history of wine grape cultivation, and contemporary Turkish vintners continue this tradition. A collection of boutique vineyards has come together to form the Thrace Vineyard Route (Trakya Bağ Rotası), aimed at highlighting the region's wines alongside its cuisine, history, and natural beauty. Most vineyards offer tours and tastings, with some featuring excellent dining options as well.

Getting to the Thrace Vineyard Route: The primary winery regions are located around Tekirdağ, Şarköy, Kırklareli, and Gelibolu, all within a three to four-hour drive from Istanbul. Some vineyards, such as Arcadia, Barbare, and Vino Dessera, provide boutique hotel-style lodging and offer package deals that include meals and wine tastings.

5. Şile and Ağva

Travel Duration: 3 hours

The coastal towns of Şile and Ağva, situated along the Black Sea coast east of Istanbul, offer a delightful, laid-back retreat. Şile is renowned for its unique striped 19th-century lighthouse, which overlooks a rugged coastline close to the bustling fishing harbor and its adjacent beaches. While Ağva also features a beach, it's particularly celebrated for its two winding rivers perfect for canoeing or fishing. The lush forests surrounding Ağva boast hiking trails and picturesque waterfalls. Both towns provide a range of accommodations—including pensions, hotels, cabins, and camping options—making it easy to extend your relaxation beyond a single day.

Getting to Şile and Ağva: You can take a local ferry from Eminönü, Karaköy, Kabataş, or Beşiktaş to Üsküdar, where you can catch the 139 bus to Şile or the 139A bus to Ağva (which passes through Şile). Buses depart approximately every hour. From Istanbul, the journey takes around three hours to reach Şile and about 3.25 hours to arrive in Ağva.

6. Rumelifeneri and Garipçe

Travel Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes

The fishing village of Rumelifeneri marks the northernmost point of Istanbul, where the Bosphorus meets the Black Sea. Its lighthouse, constructed in 1856, was established to oversee the strait during the Crimean War. Close by, you'll find the evocative ruins of a 17th-century fortress and arsenal, perched atop its twin turrets with waves crashing against the remnants of its walls.

Much less remains of the fortress in Garipçe, located about two miles to the south. Both villages are favored by Istanbul locals for a relaxed weekend breakfast or a seaside fish dinner. They feature small beaches that aren’t particularly appealing, but you might see surfers catching waves near Rumelifeneri.

How to reach Rumelifeneri and Garipçe: The 40 bus departs from Taksim and travels to Rumelifeneri, stopping at Garipçe along the way. Alternatively, you can take the metro (M2 line) from Taksim to Hacıosman station and switch to the 150 bus, which also services both villages. The one-way trip takes around 1.5 hours, but if traffic is heavy (which is often the case), the second option might be faster.

7. Termal

Travel time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

The charming hillside town of Termal, located about 40km (25 miles) across the Sea of Marmara from Istanbul, is renowned for its hot springs. Surrounding forests offer waterfalls, lakes, and hiking trails. The main attractions are Termal’s hammams (Turkish baths) and spa facilities. Nearby Yalova features the Karaca Arboretum and Yürüyen Köşk, a quaint waterfront mansion once used as a summer residence by Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey.

Getting to Termal: İstanbul Deniz Otobüsleri operates several car ferries daily (approximately every two hours from 7:45 am to 9:45 pm) from Yenikapı to Yalova. From Yalova, it’s a short 14km (8.5-mile) minibus or taxi ride to Termal. Overall travel time is about 1.5 hours.

8. Yeşilköy and Florya

Travel time: 1 hour

The coastal suburb of Florya is home to the Atatürk Marine Mansion (Atatürk Deniz Köşkü), a stunning modernist structure perched on stilts above the sea, which served as a summer residence for Türkiye's founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and now functions as a small museum. Nearby, you'll find the Florya Güneș Plajı beach club, and just a short distance inland is the Florya Atatürk Ormanı, a large public park featuring ample play areas, picnic tables, trees, and paths for cycling and walking.

East of Florya along the Marmara Sea lies the quaint neighborhood of Yeşilköy, known for its charming harbor, historic wooden homes, and hidden churches in its backstreets (including the late-19th-century St. Etienne Latin Catholic Church, open daily to visitors), as well as numerous restaurants and cafes. The Istanbul Aviation Museum, located on the periphery of the old Atatürk Airport, showcases military planes and equipment in a primarily outdoor setting.

Yeşilköy and Florya are linked by an expansive waterfront promenade and park, popular among local families enjoying picnics or leisurely walks. The path meanders past the Istanbul Aquarium, which houses over 1500 aquatic and terrestrial species; an old-fashioned amusement park (lunapark); two small public beaches with basic amenities; and various locations for renting bicycles, scooters, and pedal cars.

Getting to Yeşilköy and Florya: Take the metro (M2 line) from Taksim to Yenikapı, then transfer to the Marmaray rail line, which stops at Yeşilköy (across from the Aviation Museum), Florya Akvaryum (by the aquarium), and Florya (near the Atatürk Marine Mansion). The entire journey should take less than an hour each way.

9. Edirne

Travel time: 3 hours

The western border city of Edirne served as the Ottoman Empire's capital after Bursa and before Istanbul. It is renowned for hosting the masterpiece of Mimar Sinan, the architect behind many of Istanbul’s iconic mosques and monuments.

In addition to Sinan’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Selimiye Mosque, Edirne is rich in cultural heritage, featuring a 15th-century hospital and medical school complex, a beautifully restored 1906 synagogue, and numerous grand mosques and quaint museums.

The city is renowned for its Kırkpınar oil-wrestling festival, a distinctive Turkish sporting event held annually in late June or early July. Edirne offers numerous hotels if you wish to extend your visit.

How to get to Edirne: Many travel companies provide regular, comfortable coach services from Istanbul’s main bus terminal (located above the Otogar metro station on the M1 line) to Edirne. The journey takes about three hours.

10. Belgrad Forest

Travel time: 1 hour

The expansive 13,590-acre Belgrad Forest (Belgrad Ormanı) on the city's northern edge is a favorite spot for walkers, runners, mountain bikers, and picnickers. While most visitors stay near one of the nine nature parks equipped with picnic tables, parking, and facilities, those who explore the many trails will find themselves surrounded by tranquil greenery almost entirely alone.

It's advisable to bring a GPS since the trails are unmarked. Hidden among the trees are seven impressive Ottoman dams, some dating back to 1620, constructed to supply water to the city through an extensive network of aqueducts and channels. The Atatürk Arboretum in the forest features lakes, walking paths, and nearly 2,000 varieties of trees and plants.

There are charming café-restaurants near the parking areas of some nature parks in the forest, such as Ayvat Bendi and Falih Rıfkı Atay, along with plenty of spots for self-catered picnics. However, a strict no-food-or-drink policy is enforced within the Atatürk Arboretum.

How to get to Belgrad Forest: Take the metro (M2 line) from Taksim to Hacıosman station, then catch the 42HM bus to Bahçeköy, the closest village to the forest. From there, you can either walk into the forest or take a taxi to the more popular picnic spots. However, hailing a taxi for the return can be more challenging. For the Atatürk Arboretum, disembark at the Kemerburgaz Yolu bus stop just before the village center. The journey from Taksim metro station takes around an hour.

11. Anadolu Kavağı

Travel time: 2 hours

Once a quaint fishing village perched by the water, Anadolu Kavağı now serves as the endpoint for the scenic Bosphorus tour (uzun Boğaz turu) offered by Istanbul's ferries. The roughly two-hour journey each way presents breathtaking views of waterfront palaces, grand mansions, and historic fortresses.

Upon reaching Anadolu Kavağı, visitors have nearly three hours to explore before the return journey. This ample time allows for a hike to the ruins of the local castle, which overlooks the rugged Black Sea, as well as a leisurely walk back through town to enjoy a meal at one of the fish restaurants along the harbor.

How to get to Anadolu Kavağı: The city-operated Şehir Hatları ferry company runs daily tours departing from Eminönü at 10:35 am, with the return trip scheduled for 3 pm from Anadolu Kavağı.

12. Bursa

Travel time: 2 hours

As Türkiye's fourth largest city and a vibrant modern hub, Bursa is rich in historical significance as the first capital of the Ottoman Empire in the 14th century. It boasts magnificent mosques, traditional markets, and elaborate mausoleums of the early sultans.

The city's thermal springs feed into various hammams and spa hotels. Towering over Bursa, Uludağ, known as the 'great mountain,' provides skiing in winter and hiking in summer, along with access to the world’s longest cable car year-round. While a day trip is feasible, the wealth of attractions in Bursa justifies an overnight stay at one of its numerous hotels.

How to get to Bursa: Ferries operated by BUDO and İDO travel approximately two hours from Istanbul (departing from Eminönü and Yenikapı, respectively) across the Sea of Marmara to Mudanya, running about six times daily. From Mudanya, take a bus or taxi for the remaining 20 miles to reach central Bursa.