Bookmark these best weekend getaways from Istanbul

Bookmark these best weekend getaways from Istanbul

From hot springs in Pamukkale to temples in Ephesus, find the best weekend trips from Istanbul in this guide.

Once known as the Byzantine capital of Constantinople, Turkey’s largest and most famous city, Istanbul, is filled with centuries of history, culture, and architectural wonders. For travelers needing a break from city life, Istanbul isn’t far from unforgettable destinations perfect for a weekend getaway. Visit the sandy beaches of Princes’ Islands or take a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia. Admire ancient temples in Ephesus or hike the rocky shores of Şile. With so many amazing places to visit in Turkey, this guide rounds up the seven best weekend getaways from Istanbul that you can’t miss. 

Best weekend getaway from Istanbul, according to your interests

Best weekend trips for outdoor activities: Cappadocia and Şile

Best weekend trip for relaxation: Pamukkale

Best place for a romantic weekend: Princes’ Islands

Best weekend getaways for culture: Ephesus, Bursa, and Gallipoli

Photo: Aurélien Cubeddu

Soar above Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys in a hot air balloon.

1. Cappadocia

Recommended for

Outdoor adventure enthusiasts

Top things to do in Cappadocia over a weekend

Looking for the best scenery outside Istanbul? Look no further than Cappadocia, a must-see outdoor adventure destination in central Turkey. Known for its recognizable “fairy chimneys,” the tall, cone-shaped rock formations are a sight to behold at sunrise in Monks Valley or the city of Göreme. Take to the skies in a hot air balloon or venture across the otherworldly landscape on an ATV for the quintessential way to experience this once-in-a-lifetime destination. 

Best way to travel from Istanbul to Cappadocia?

Flying is the best way to make the 458-mile (738-kilometer) trip from Istanbul to Cappadocia. The domestic flight takes about 1.5 hours, and tickets are often cheaper than booking a rental car, depending on the time you visit.

Photo: Hakan AKGUN

Savor fresh seafood by the sea in Şile, a delightful retreat for the best weekend getaways from Istanbul.

2. Şile

Recommended for

Outdoor enthusiasts and seafood lovers

Top things to do in Şile over a weekend

Tourists and locals needing a break from city life can find respite in the quaint village of Şile, one of the oldest towns in Turkey and a hub of outdoor recreation. Whether you enjoy fishing, hiking, kayaking, or rafting, the Black Sea Coast offers an adventure for everyone. Explore the Şile lighthouse, take a dip at Agva Bay, and finish the day with dinner at one of the many restaurants serving up freshly-caught seafood.

Best way to travel from Istanbul to Şile?

Accessible by car, the 54-mile (87-kilometer) trip to Şile is about an hour from Istanbul. Traveling by bus is the cheapest and most popular transport option, but it will add about two hours to your trip due to extra stops along the way. 

Walk on the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, a surreal natural wonder.

3. Pamukkale

Recommended for

Spa lovers and history enthusiasts

Top things to do in Pamukkale over a weekend

If relaxation is at the top of your agenda, you’ll find it in the city of Pamukkale, one of Turkey’s most famous tourist destinations. Known for its mineral-rich hot springs, the hillsides of Pamukkale are covered in calcium carbonate deposits that coat the thermal pools in a sparkling white sheen, giving the destination its name, which means “cotton castle”. Tour the neighboring town of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the ruins of an ancient city.

Best way to travel from Istanbul to Pamukkale?

The best way to get to Pamukkale is to take a 1.5-hour domestic flight, as the city is 358 mi (576 km) from Istanbul.

Relax by the sea and explore the charming wooden mansions of the Princes’ Islands — an ideal getaway from Istanbul.

4. Princes’ Islands

Recommended for

Couples and beachgoers.

Top things to do in Princes’ Islands over a weekend

Experience the cluster of picturesque islands that make up the Princes’ Islands region on one of the best weekend getaways from Istanbul for couples. Soak up the sun with a day at the beach or enjoy a peaceful cruise on the Marmara Sea. The pedestrianized islands are mainly car-free and best explored on foot or by bike. 

Best way to travel from Istanbul to Princes’ Islands?

The easiest way to get to Princes’ Island from Istanbul is by taking the ferry. The scenic ride takes about 1.5 hours. Ferries leave from several locations in Istanbul, including Kabataş, Beşiktaş, and Kadıköy.

Photo: Selman Arif Golbasi

Explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus, including the iconic Library of Celsus.

5. Ephesus

Recommended for

History buffs and culture enthusiasts

Top things to do in Ephesus over a weekend

Explore the excavated remains of a city that holds centuries of history, from ancient Greece to the Roman Empire, on a weekend trip to Ephesus. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an unmissable weekend trip from Istanbul and one of the most enriching cultural experiences in the world. Hear an experienced guide explain the history of the famous Temple of Artemis, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Library of Celsus on a walking tour of the archeological remains.

Best way to travel from Istanbul to Ephesus?

The easiest way to travel the 325 mi (524 km) from Istanbul to Ephesus is by plane. Book a domestic flight to Izmir, the closest airport to Ephesus, to arrive in about one hour.

Photo: Burak Başgöze

Explore the stunning Grand Mosque in Bursa, built between 1396 and 1399.

6. Bursa

Recommended for

Culture and history enthusiasts

Top things to do in Bursa over a weekend

From iconic historical sites to spectacular mountain views and delicious local food, the city of Bursa offers something for everyone. Discover the stories behind Bursa’s Green Mosque, built in 1424 for the fifth Ottoman sultan, Mehmed I Çelebi, or explore the region’s best ski slopes at Uludag Mountain. Try Iskander kebab, Bursa’s signature dish of roasted lamb and tomato sauce, or take a cable car up the mountain for a bird’s-eye view of the sprawling city center.

Best way to travel from Istanbul to Bursa?

Traveling the 97 mi (157 km) to Bursa from Istanbul takes two hours by car. 

Learn about the ANZAC legacy at Gallipoli’s well-preserved sites, one of the best weekend trips from Istanbul.

7. Gallipoli

Recommended for

History and culture enthusiasts

Top things to do in Gallipoli over a weekend

Tour a UNESCO World Heritage Site, uncover the secrets of the ancient city of Troy, and explore somber World War I memorials and battlefields on the Gallipoli Peninsula. History buffs of all ages will enjoy a scenic ferry ride on the Dardanelles Strait to see the 3,700-year-old city walls that still stand in Troy. The area is also full of natural beauty, such as beaches, bays, and a salt lake. 

Best way to travel from Istanbul to Gallipoli?

By car, you can travel 173 mi (279 km) from Istanbul to Gallipoli in about 3.5 hours. For the best experience, book a guided tour of Gallipoli that includes transportation. 

FAQs

What are some nearby destinations for a weekend trip from Istanbul?

Princes’ Islands and Şile are two of the best weekend trips from Istanbul under two hours away.  

What are the main transport options from Istanbul?

While buses are the cheapest transport option, traveling by car or plane is the most efficient way to get around Turkey. Domestic flights between major cities are often more affordable than rental cars.

Where can you drive easily from Istanbul?

Roads between major cities in Turkey are clearly marked with excellent signage. Bursa and Şile are both easily reached by car for a weekend trip from Istanbul. 

When is the best time to take a weekend trip from Istanbul?

It’s best to take a weekend trip from Istanbul in the shoulder seasons, between April and May or September and October. The average daily temperatures rarely fall below 40 F (4 C) or exceed 78 F (25 C), and smaller crowds make travel more enjoyable than in peak tourist season

What are the best places for families to visit for a weekend trip from Istanbul?

Turkey offers many family-friendly activities for a weekend getaway from Istanbul. The Black Sea Coast, Princes’ Islands, and Bursa are three popular options within driving distance of Istanbul.

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