You’ve had a long and busy week, and now it’s time for a well-deserved, relaxing weekend. You can either rest at home or engage in various activities to make the most of your time. If you prefer to stay indoors, reading a book, watching a good movie, or preparing a delicious meal can be excellent choices. However, if you are looking for an adventure, Istanbul offers fantastic outdoor options for a perfect weekend. Whether you opt for a day trip or an overnight stay, we have curated the best weekend travel routes for you. Let’s dive in!
Historic Peninsula Tour in Istanbul
The Historic Peninsula can be explored as a day trip, or you can enhance the experience by staying overnight in one of its historic hotels. Our recommended itinerary starts with Topkapi Palace, one of the largest palaces in the world. Once the administrative and residential center of the Ottoman Empire, it was also the first museum of the Republic of Turkey.
The second stop is Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), which offers free entry and is an iconic architectural masterpiece. After visiting the mosque, head to Sultanahmet Square, where you can admire the Obelisk of Theodosius and Serpent Column, remnants from the Roman Empire. A visit to Hagia Sophia follows—once a Byzantine church, later converted into a mosque by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. After serving as a museum, it was reopened as a mosque in 2020.
Other must-visit sites in the area include Aya Irene, Istanbul Archaeological Museum, Basilica Cistern, Gülhane Park, and Beyazıt Square.
On the second day, take the tram or walk to Eminönü and Sirkeci, where you can visit the Spice Bazaar, Grand Bazaar, and Galata Bridge. In Eminönü, you’ll find the magnificent Süleymaniye Mosque, built by the legendary architect Mimar Sinan for Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. The mosque, which sits on one of Istanbul’s seven hills, offers breathtaking views of the Golden Horn, the Marmara Sea, and the Bosphorus.
For a unique experience, head towards the Balat and Fener neighborhoods in Fatih. Here, you can explore the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, walk through vintage streets, and enjoy charming cafés.
Princes’ Islands Tour in Istanbul
Istanbul’s Princes’ Islands, an archipelago consisting of nine islands, are one of the most popular getaway spots in the city. The four main islands accessible to visitors are Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, and Kınalıada. You can easily reach these islands by ferry from different parts of the city.
Kınalıada is the smallest island and can be explored in just 30 minutes on foot. Key attractions include Kınalıada Mosque, Panayia Greek Orthodox Church, Surp Krikor Lusavoriç Church, and Hristos Monastery.
Heybeliada, the second-largest island, is home to Aya Yorgi Cliff Monastery, Bet Yaakov Synagogue, Rum Orthodox Seminary, and Hüseyin Rahmi Gürpınar Museum.
Burgazada, one of the most scenic islands, features Kalpazankaya, Aya Yorgi Garibi Monastery, and Sait Faik Abasıyanık Museum.
Büyükada, the largest island, offers a bicycle tour, swimming spots, and historical attractions such as Aya Yorgi Church, Adalar Museum, and Büyükada Greek Orphanage.
Must-See Coastlines in Istanbul
Istanbul is a city famous for its sea and coastlines. Whether in summer or winter, these seaside areas offer a unique atmosphere and various activities. You can take a break at both Asian and European coastal locations and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
Here is the best route we have prepared for you;
Best Coastal Spots on the Asian Side: One of the most beautiful coastal areas on the Asian side is Üsküdar Coastline, where you can sit and admire the view of the Maiden’s Tower. In Çengelköy, you can enjoy a traditional Turkish tea, while at Caddebostan Seaside, you can relax on the grass with music in summer or sip a hot coffee in winter. Kuzguncuk Seaside offers stunning views for photography, and Moda Seaside Park is ideal for long walks. If you’re looking for a quieter getaway, you can visit Anadolu Feneri, a charming village known for its lighthouse and coastal scenery.
Best Coastal Spots on the European Side: On the European side, Beşiktaş, Ortaköy, Bebek, Emirgan, Rumelihisarı, İstinye, and Tarabya follow one another along the Bosphorus coastline, offering museums, boutique shops, famous cafés, and lively bars. Florya and Avcılar coastlines are great for weekend getaways, with parks and green spaces to explore. The Balat waterfront is perfect for fishing, jogging, or taking scenic walks. Zeytinburnu Coastline, on the other hand, is known for its large picnic areas, making it a great place to gather with family or friends.
Weekend Getaway Routes in Istanbul: Ağva and Riva
For those looking for quieter destinations, Ağva and Riva are two perfect options.
Ağva is a hidden paradise just two hours away from Istanbul by car. We highly recommend a weekend stay here for the best experience. The boutique hotels in Ağva, including charming bungalows, offer a unique atmosphere. You can enjoy a riverside breakfast or a romantic dinner by the fireplace. The Göksu and Yeşilçay rivers provide serene nature views, where you can go boating, canoeing, or simply relax by the water. If you’re into outdoor activities, you can go hiking, take a boat tour, or explore the beaches. Ağva Beach is known for its clean waters and golden sand, offering the perfect escape from city crowds.
Riva is another excellent getaway, about 1,5 hours from Istanbul, located on the Black Sea coast. This small town is ideal for water sports, nature walks, trekking, surfing, and canoeing. You can enjoy paddle boating on the Riva River or try fishing. Cycling along the coastline, having breakfast by the river, or dining with a view are some of the best experiences here. Riva Beach is a great summer spot for swimming and sunbathing. We recommend staying overnight, especially if you’re engaging in water sports. Riva hotels offer a variety of accommodations close to the river and forest, with options like traditional village breakfasts, pools, and spa facilities.
Best Skyline Views in Istanbul
Have you ever seen Istanbul’s breathtaking skyline from above? If not, you’re missing out! Emaar SkyView, the city’s first and only glass observation deck, offers an unforgettable panoramic Istanbul experience. From this 360-degree glass terrace, enjoy stunning views of the Historic Peninsula, the Bosphorus, and the Prince Islands. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, this must-visit attraction provides one of the best views in Istanbul. Plan your visit now! Explore the interactive Panorama Guide or read more here. Don’t miss out on Istanbul’s top sky-high attraction!
