Day Trips from Istanbul

Popular choices are the Princes' Islands (Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada and Kınalıada), Bursa with its Ottoman-era tombs and historic silk market, and the lake and forest scenery of Sapanca and Maşukiye. The islands suit a relaxed half or full day; Bursa and Sapanca are longer trips that are easiest with an organised tour.

By ferry across the Sea of Marmara. Several of the island tickets listed here are round-trip boat tickets with an audio guide, and there is also a guided islands tour with lunch served on the boat.

Büyükada is the largest, known for its grand wooden mansions and the hilltop Aya Yorgi church; Heybeliada is greener and quieter; Burgazada and Kınalıada are smaller and closest to the city. A combined Büyükada & Heybeliada ticket lets you see two islands in one day.

No — the islands are car-free. Visitors get around on foot or by bicycle, which is a big part of their slower, village-like appeal.

Yes, if you are interested in Ottoman history: Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and is known for the Green Tomb with its Iznik tiles and its centuries-old silk market. It is a long day, so a guided day trip with hotel pickup takes care of the journey.

A guided full-day visit to the film studios in Riva, Beykoz, on Istanbul's Black Sea side, where the sets of the Turkish series Diriliş: Ertuğrul, Kuruluş: Osman and Destan are located.