The 9 Best Day Trips From Istanbul

The picturesque Princes’ Islands are an archipelago of nine islands off the Istanbul coast, in the Marmara Sea. So named because princes and other royalty were banished to them in Byzantine times, they are especially tranquil as cars are banned. Each rewards you with beautiful scenery, and a tour of three of the four islands open to the public, Kınalıada, Heybeliada and Büyükada, is a relaxing break from Istanbul city. Sail across gleaming coastal waters, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch of Turkish delicacies and learn about the history of the islands from your guide. This nine-hour tour finishes with a horse-drawn carriage ride on Büyükada – the perfect end to an exhilarating day. You can start this tour from Bosporus Tour Pier or Taksim Square.

Just a short flight from Istanbul, Pamukkale-Hierapolis lies in southwestern Anatolia and can be visited in one day. This UNESCO World Heritage site comprises the well-preserved ruins of the Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis and the geographical phenomenon Pamukkale (‘cotton castle’ in Turkish), a succession of stunning white terraces of travertine rock formed by calcium-rich thermal springs, garnished by waterfalls and stalactites. Do as the Romans did and take a soak in the thermal hot springs used as a spa since the second century BC on this unforgettable day trip from Istanbul. Hotel pickup, return flights from Istanbul to Denizli, private transport, a guide and an appetising lunch are included.

Visit the archaeological site of Troy, the setting of the Trojan War in Homer’s Iliad, on a day trip from Istanbul and feel the magic of the legend that captivated readers around the world. See a replica of the Trojan Horse and explore the ancient city on a comprehensive 18-hour tour. Visit the 3,700-year-old city walls and numerous remains of the UNESCO World Heritage site, including everyday houses of the time. Lunch is provided at a restaurant in Eceabat, once the ancient city of Madytos, located on the shores of the Dardanelles Strait. A return ferry trip across the Dardanelles to Çanakkale is included, as is pickup from your Istanbul hotel.

The extensive ruins of the Ancient Greek city of Ephesus are a must-see for history lovers, and this 12-hour tour with return flights from Istanbul to İzmir makes it possible to visit in a day. Immerse yourself in an array of stunning monuments – souvenirs left behind by the Byzantine, Ottoman, Persian, Roman and Greek empires that once ruled Ephesus. Visit striking sites such as the Temple of Artemis and the Celsus Library, as you walk the ancient streets of Ephesus in the footsteps of inhabitants from centuries ago. This tour includes round-trip, same-day flights from Istanbul to İzmir and pickup from your city centre hotel.

Escape the bustle of Istanbul to the tranquillity of Lake Sapanca and Masukiye in the Gulf of İzmit. This 14-hour trip to the pretty freshwater lake and picturesque village of Masukiye includes a relaxing lunch under a canopy of trees and a hike up Kartepe Mountain, with the option of a ski-lift ride for non-hikers. You will be picked up from your Istanbul hotel for this tour.

In the summer, most of Istanbul can be found along the beaches of Kilyos, cooling off in the water and lazing in the lavish sunshine. If you’re searching for a beach club with a youthful vibe, including a party in the evening with some of the best local and international electronic music DJs, Suma Beach is definitely your spot. We recommend getting there early to snag a good spot and to bring extra clothes so you can transition from day to evening partyin effortlessly. The nighttime dance floor by the DJ booth, located in a wooded area by the beach, has become rather infamous for its wild parties that last until the morning.

If there is one thing missing in Istanbul, it’s nature. That’s why a lot of residents take a trip to Belgrad Ormanı (Belgrade Forest) on the weekends to spend some much-needed, quality time with the trees. Just a 40-minute drive from the city, you’ll find a lush forest where walking, jogging and hiking are most welcome. Named after the thousand of Serbians that Suleiman the Magnificent transferred to Istanbul after the Siege of Belgrade in 1521, the 5,000 hectare, protected forest is home to some hidden, historical remains, such as Ottoman dams and abandoned old churches inundated by the force of nature.

With the BUDO ferry departing on a regular schedule, it’s quite easy to reach the city of Bursa for a day of sightseeing. As the first major capital of the Ottoman Empire, this city has a lot of beautiful edifices on show from the former empire as well as the mausoleums of early sultans. Make sure to see the famous Ulu Camı (Ulu Mosque), a landmark of early Ottoman architecture, as well as the historic central markets right behind it. In the winter Bursa’s Uludağ mountain has some of the country’s best ski resorts but it’s also worth a hike, or a cable car ride, outside of the skiing season just to enjoy the spectacular view from the mountain’s peak.

Located at the intersection of the Marmara and the Black Sea, Anadolu Kavağı is a little seaside village quite far removed from the city’s urban landscape. Little, colourful, wooden houses line the small coast while the Yoros Kalesi (Yoros fortress) overlooks the sea from its green perch. Make a whole day of the trip out of Istanbul by taking the Bosphorus Cruise, which takes off from Eminönü and getting off in Anadolu Kavağı. Hike up to the historic fortress, which was built in 1190 by the Genoans to protect the straits, and then choose one of the many seaside restaurants for a meal of fresh fish.