The city’s rhythm tends to swallow up your first few months in Istanbul. Eventually though, the novelty wears off. Once you settle into ‘real life’, you might find yourself needing a break from the concrete.
Here are several options for weekend adventures out of Istanbul, most of which require only a few hours on the road.
Edirne
Edirne makes for an easy day trip, located just two and a half hours west near the Greek and Bulgarian borders. This former Ottoman capital is home to the Selimiye Mosque, Mimar Sinan’s architectural masterpiece. The easiest and cheapest way to reach Edirne from Istanbul is to take a bus. Foodies should hunt down the city’s famous pan-fried liver (tava ciğer) before heading home.
Gallipoli and Troy
The Gallipoli peninsula juts out from the Thracian mainland between the Gulf of Saros and the Dardanelles, about four hours southwest of Istanbul. Although the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge has simplified the drive, many expats still opt for coach tours to save energy. Crowds gather on Anzac Day to visit the World War I battlefields. Just across the water is Troy, a UNESCO site that recently added the award-winning Troy Museum to its attractions.
Polonezköy
Historically known as Adampol, Polonezköy is a forested hideout in the Beykoz district on the Asian side. Istanbulites flock here during the humid summer months to cool off under the trees. Village restaurants serve massive Turkish breakfasts alongside traditional Polish meals, although you can also find guesthouses if you want to stay overnight.
Sapanca Lake
Sapanca Lake (Sapanca Gölü) is located to the east and draws crowds looking for a quick nature fix. It is only a couple of hours from the Asian side, so families often head here for fresh air and lakeside breakfasts. Driving offers the most flexibility, but you can also catch the High Speed Train (YHT) to the nearby Arifiye station. While doable as a day trip, the area’s many wellness hotels are worth a full weekend.
Skiing in Kartepe
Kartepe is the closest ski slope to Istanbul – just a two-hour drive away. It works for a quick snow fix, but serious skiers might find the small resort and limited lifts underwhelming compared to European standards. The road up the mountain also frequently gridlocks on winter weekends. For better runs, try Uludağ further east, although you will likely need a two- or three-day trip to make the journey worth it.
Bursa and Iznik
Bursa is about 12.5 miles (20km) inland from the Sea of Marmara. The Osman Gazi Bridge has slashed driving times, yet many travellers still prefer the relaxing fast ferry (IDO or BUDO) crossing. This former Ottoman capital is famous for the Grand Mosque and the historic silk market. Nearby Iznik, on the eastern shore of its namesake lake, produced the empire’s celebrated glazed tiles. There is enough to see in this region to fill a solid two- or three-day itinerary.
The Princes’ Islands (Adaları)
The Princes’ Islands are a chain of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara, just a short ferry ride from the mainland. Private fuel-based vehicles are banned here, so the streets are surprisingly quiet. Electric buses and taxis recently replaced the traditional horse-drawn carriages, but cycling is still the best way to explore the pine forests and old villas.