1 – Ağva

Ağva is the first place that comes to the mind for those who want to get away from the chaos and the noise of Istanbul to have a break and relax. The best time for Ağva is spring and summer, but the prices of the boutique hotels are also high at this season if you’d like to have an overnight stay. You can do trekking, swimming, canoeing or nothing but enjoy the green nature. Choose the weekdays to avoid crowds. It’s about 2 hours driving on the Northeastern part of Istanbul.

2 – Sapanca

It’s a place where Istanbul people go especially on weekends for eating fish by the lake of Sapanca in the open air. It’s a quiet and peaceful place to enjoy a relaxing time. It’s less than 1,5 hours drive on the East of Istanbul.

3 – Edirne

Being a capital of Ottoman Empire till the conquest of Istanbul, Edirne is a small city where great mosques, museums, monuments and history remains. Selimiye Mosque which has the highest minarets in Turkey, Beyazid II Kulliye Health Museum, Meric Bridge Alipasa Bazaar are must-visit, famous fried liver served with onions is must-eat. Edirne is in Thrace having a border to Greece and Bulgaria 200 km from Istanbul – less than 2 hours from the highway.

4 – Abant

Abant is a natural beauty – a lake among the mountains in Bolu – 250 km from Istanbul. The place is beautiful in all times of the year, but the best in winter – with the wonderful landscape under white snow. You tour around the lake on foot or by a coach, then have a lunch in one of the restuarants by the lake or do picnic in open air. The route to Abant can be difficult on winter days with hard snow.

The island’s name means saddle bag in Turkish, deriving it from the two hilltops that embrace the lower harbours, though the Greeks called the island Chalki.

1 – Visit Halki Seminary:
Dating from 1844, it was the main school of theology of the Eastern Orthodox Church’s Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. It’s on the top of a hill covered with pines; and the harmony of the dark green and dark blue adds to the beauty of this old seminary. You can visit the monastry except on Sundays. Reservation: 0216 351 85 63 – 0216 351 84 17.

2 – Have a breakfast at Halki Palas:
It’s the oldest and the most glamorous hotel in Princess Islands dating back to 1850s, renovated after a fire in 1991. The hotel rooms have a wonderful view, it’s a good weekend break for Istanbul residents. If you are on a daily visit to the island breakfast at this hotel is highly recommended. You can also enjoy the swimming pool from June to the end of August.
Check their website here.

3 – Eat at a fish restaurant in the marina:
There are many restaurants close to the marina with good service quality and delicous food, especially fish with the combination of beautiful mezes and raki.

4 – Relax at Değirmenburnu:
It’s a picnic area with a broad view of Anatolian coast of Istanbul and other Princess Islands with a walking distance of 5 mins from the marina. A bottle of beer at the sunset would be a highlight for your Heybeliada visit.

1 – Go to Kalpazankaya:
The best way to get to Kalpazankaya is by foot, because the nature on your way is beautiful, and it takes around 30 minutes. You may also use the coach, but it would be more costly (around 15 USD one way). When you get to Kalpazankaya, under the shadow of the pines, you’ll see a wonderful foreland creeping into the sea with a wonderful view of Heybeliada. You may enjoy a lunch or a drink in the outdoor restaurant, sunset is the most recommended time for this beautiful place. During weekends, early reservation is a must.

2 – Visit Church of Agios Ioannis Prodromos:
Dating back to 830s, this church was re-established in 1896. Today, it is the parochial church of the Greek residents of Burgazada. The church is close to the center.

3 – Eat at Barba Yani:
It’s a Greek restaurant very close to the marina with delicious mezes, raki, fish and a wonderful hospitality. The music gets louder in the late hours, and you may eventually find yourself dancing on the table thanks to the music, ambiance and raki.

4 – Do Trekking and go to Bayrak Hill:
Don’t use the trackway, but use the direction with the bushes and trees to the get to the highest point of Burgazada (160m). It’s not a very difficult or long trekking route; and when you reach the top you’ll be rewarded with a 360 degrees view of the Marmara Sea including all the Princess Islands and the coast of Istanbul.

Büyük means big and it is the biggest of the Prince’s Islands. Trotsky lived on this island for four years in his exile like some of the Byzantian emperors.

1 – Rent a bike and tour the island:
You’ll see many bike renting shops in the center of Büyükada close to the marina. There are two routes for biking: One of them is Büyük Tur, which tours around the coast of the island (12 km), and Küçük Tur which is about half of the other one. With the longer route; you will have the chance to see the non-residential area of the island with a wonderful Marmara view. If you are couple, choose the two-seated bikes. The cost is around 10 TL for a few hours. You can chill out at a coffee after you’re done– Kahve Dünyası which is a coffee chain close to the marina having a good view, relaxing atmosphere and decent Turkish coffee.

2 – Visit Church of Saint George (Aya Yorgi):
Dating back from 1750s, the church is located on the top of a hill overlooking the island and the coast of Istanbul. You can reach very close to the church by a coach or by a bike; but the last 100 m of the route is a very steep one, and you should walk till the top. The church is a small and an old one but what you get is the wonderful view; while enjoying the scenery, you can eat at the outdoor restaurant, and taste the house wine.

3 – Jump on a coach and tour the island:
If you’d like to have a nostalgic tour in the island; you may hire a coach and make the Büyük Tur or the Küçük Tur. It would be more costly than a bike (around 30 YTL for half an hour journey).

4 – Eat Ice Cream at the Market:
Roma Dondurmacısı has the most popular ice cream in the island. Ice cream with figs and mastika are highly recommended.

Istanbul is famous with its breathtaking view of Bosphorus, day or night you must enjoy it with a nice cocktail at a roof.

We tried to list the best 4 roof bars in Istanbul for you as below;

1 – Lebiderya :

(Friday – Saturday 11:30 – 03:00 Other days 11:30 – 02:00)

It is at the top floor of Richmond Hotel on İstiklal avenue. All tables are Bosphorus view and beside the tables there is a large oval bar, where you can taste coctails specially prepared by fresh fruit and our suggestion will be ‘ Derya’ which is made of apple vodka, apple juice, mint, lemon and sugar.

Click here for reservations and directions.

2 – 360 :

(Week days 12.00 – 02:00 on weekends 15.00 – 04:00)

It is also on İstiklal avenue at the top of a popular 19th century apartment (Mısır apartmanı). Its name comes from its exclusive decoration all around is covered by large windows that enables you to enjoy the beautiful İstanbul view from 360 degree angles , at the weekends you can also enjoy live performances of DJs and professional dancers. We suggest 360 especially for bar after dinner .

For directions and reservations, click here.

3 – Vogue :

(Monday – Saturday 12:00 -02:00 / Sunday 10:30 – 01:00)

Vogue is located in Beşiktaş, on its large terrace you can enjoy the marvellous Bosphorus view and by the help of the large mirrors  view is also available indoors. They serve lunch and dinner and brunch on Sundays but also you can have only a Mohito at this lovely roof bar.

The restaurant/bar is located in Spor Cad.  BJK Plaza A Blok Floor: 13.

0 212 227 44 04

4 – Ceylan Inter Continental / City Lights Bar :

(Open everyday between 2:00 pm – 2:00 am)

Unique Bosphorus view very close to Taksim will accompany you to have a relaxed and enjoyable time. Exotic cocktails and tasty snacks will be offered with five star quality service.

Click here for directions.

Although there are some alternatives to go for swimming in Istanbul, if you have a few days to spend for sun and sea, some beautiful places are available out of Istanbul. These places can be reached by motorway, and since you’ll need mobility where you visit, you are recommended to rent a car.

1 – Bozcaada:
Bozcaada is a tiny island on North Aegean Sea, with wonderful food, wine, beaches and a bohemian atmosphere. There’s something that makes you feel peaceful and happy on this island as soon as you get off the ferry. There are many pensions and guest houses to stay in the center which are owned by local, friendly people. The sea is crystal clear and it’s usually cool even at the hottest time of the year.

2 – Gokceada:
Gokceada is the greatest island (more than 40 km from one to the other end) in Turkey, being on the furthest west of the country. The island is not very touristic and this makes it a bit more unique and peaceful. The sea is clean and beautiful, and it’s also a suitable place for windsurfers. If you want to see natural beaches, old villages and eat good food as fish or the famous puding with mastic, Gokceada is the place.

3 – Assos:
It’s a tiny town on the shore in the North Aegean Sea where Aristotle lived before. Though the town is historic and offers old stone houses, temples, castle; it also has beautiful beaches in the surrounding areas. The restaurants in the center serve delightful fish with a wonderful seaview.

4 – Kıyıkoy:
A small village on the shore of Black Sea with a beautiful beach. It’s a wonderful spot where nature is still untouched and having the features of Black Sea and Meditarenean climate together. You can enjoy the sea, food, nature all at once.

1 – Belgrade Forest
In the North of the city, it’s a popular place for the citizens who like to go jogging or walking in the forest. It might be crowded in good weather, especially on Sundays. Water channels for the city come from this forest since the Byzantine period. Click here for transportation alternatives to the Forest.

2 – Yıldız Park
Down the slopes from Yıldız Palace, this park has chalets serving as restaurants or tea houses. It’s a good place to walk around and have a breakfast with a Bosphorus view from above. Walk up the Barboros Street from Beşiktaş and you’ll get there.

3 – Caddebostan Park
A beautiful park close to Bagdat Street on the coast of Marmara where people walk, ride their bikes, make jogging, play basketball or sit on the grass watching Prince’s Islands. It’s highly recommended for a relaxing activity in good weather. It takes 20 minutes from Kadiköy to reach the park by bus or minibuses. Your starting point should be behind Migros Supermarket in Caddebostan.

4 – Polonezköy
A beautiful town of Anatolian side in the North, where Polish community lives since mid 19th century. People come here for the wonderful green nature; to have barbeque in open air. It was designated as Istanbul’s first national park, having beautiful pathways among the forest with streams and wooden bridges. The best time to come here is from May to October; it is usually crowded at weekends. Public transport would take too much time, private vehicles are recommended.

<

1 – İnci Pastanesi

If you like chocolate, you must taste delicious “profiterol” in İnci before you leave Istanbul. It is a very old pastry shop with 5 small tables, most of the time you have to wait at the queue just to get a portion but when you taste it we bet you will order the second immediately. It on the right of Istiklal Street No. 124/2.

2 – Bahar Pastanesi

Since 1973, they are popular with their pastries. They are the right adress for breakfast or for 5 o’ clock tea, and they have several branches.

a) Bahar pastanesi at Tesvikiye, very small shop, maybe it is better to pack the breakfast. (Atiye Street No. 3/A).

b) Bahar pastanesi at Arnavutköy, beautiful view of Bosphorus, freshly brewed Turkish tea and simit (Turkish bagel). (1st avenue no.48).

c) Bahar pastanesi at Kınalıada, it is on one of the Prince’s Islands, easy to go by ferry (suggested for summer), it can be a very good choice also for breakfast before renting a bike or making an island tour. (Ali Boran Square 1/1).

3 – Baylan Pastanesi

It is located at Asian side of Istanbul, if you have time to take the ferry from the port of Karakoy or Besiktas, close to the old city, you will also enjoy the nostalgic ferry trip. They are serving amazing tastes since 1923 but mostly famous with ‘Cup Griye’ vanilla ice cream with caramel sauce, toasted almond, pistachios and served with freshly baked cats’tounge biscuits.

4 – Gezi Pastanesi

Next to İstanbul Opera and Ballet center (AKM) in Taksim Square, they are famous with home made chocolates but all type of pastries are delicious, it is very convenient to have a cup of coffee with small snacks after a tiring day or just before a concert (For your information, AKM is under reconstruction).

Even cleanliness is one of the basics of the Muslim religion, during the Ottoman Empire hamams are not used only for this purpose; Turkish Baths are also places where people from different ranks gather and forget their status. Their original architecture will also attract you besides the perfect relaxation massage. The entrance fees for the ones below are about 20 Euros, with massage the price may go up to 40 Euros.

1 – Cağaloğlu Hamamı

Florance Nightingale, German Emperor II  Wilhelm, Harrison Ford and Cameron Diaz were the visitors of this famous historical Hamam. Newyork Times chose as one of the 1000 places you have to see in the world and its popularity does not come only because its historical value but also the magical atmosphere inside. It was built in 1741 by II Mahmut to bring in revenue to support St Sophia. It is open for gentlemen from 8:00 am till 22:00 and for ladies from 8.00 am till 20.00. You can have the full therapy or just lie on the hot platform and enjoy the place. It has also a juice bar and a restaurant inside.

It’s located on Yerebatan Street – visit their website for specific directions and other information.  

2 – Çemberlitaş Hamamı

It is one of the unique marks of the Great Architect Sinan in the Old City. It is 424 years old and recently renovated. The dressing room areas are roofed with large domes which are called as cold section. Entrance from the hot area to the bathing area is through a wooden door built under the middle dome. It is open everyday between 06:00 – 24:00.

It is located on Çemberlitas Square on Divanyolu Street  - visit their website for directions and other information.

3 – Süleymaniye Hamamı 

It is another original Turkish bath built by Sinan. It is very close to the Old City. Both men and women sections are open between 07:00 – 24:00. Its capacity is 32 people, so most probably you will need a reservation. Tea & Coffee, hookah and lemonade are also served after the therapy.

It’s on Mimar Sinan Street, Süleymaniye. For directions, click here.

4 – Üsküdar Çinili Hamam

It is built in 1641 by one of the powerful queens of the Ottoman Empire – Köşem Sultan. Its name came from the beautiful tiles in the mosque next to it. Men’s section is open between 07;00-22:00 and for women it is open between 8:00 am till 18:00. Men’s section also has a sauna. Its original structure is kept well formed with many renovations till now.

It is located at the Anatolian side. Its address: Murat Reis Mahallesi, Çavuşdere Street, Üsküdar, you can take a taxi from Üsküdar and it would cost about 10 TL.

TIPS:

It is obvious that if it will be the first time in a Turkish bath you will feel that it is far from a Far East massage therapy. In all Turkish baths, men & women sections will be separate.

There are three main sections in a hamam: First section will be soğukluk where you will get undressed and after you left your dresses in a locker you will be given a pestemal (a cotton body wrap) and you will pass into the lukewarm section to adapt your body temperature. Next section will be the hot area where the central heating stone platform is located, it is surrounded by small basins (kurna) and private bathing cubicles. In this section you must keep in mind that overall heat will be high for pregnant women and people also who suffer from heart diseases or tension.

According to your preference, you may lie on this stone platform and get your bath on one of the basins or an attendant can help you for the scrub and massage, normally massage can be a tough than you have tried before that it is better to talk with your masseur before the therapy.

Bosphorus is always beautiful, especially in the mornings. It’s a great start for a day to have your breakfast with a view of Bosphorus, and the places below are the ones that you can enjoy the view and have a good breakfast. People in Istanbul mostly choose to have their breakfast outside their house on weekends, so if you want to skip the crowds, choose to go to these restaurants on weekdays.

1 – Bebek Cafe
A popular place for a long time, nothing luxurious, it is operated by the same people for years and everything is set up to get relaxed and listen to the Bosphorus. It is always busy and it is not easy to find a table next to the Bosphorus, you will enjoy your linden tea with your ‘peynirli simit’ (Turkish bagel with cheese).
It’s just next to the dock in Bebek, close to the park.

2 – Lokma
With its perfect location, this place serves breakfast from a menu of a lot of choices. Get your book with you and come to Lokma in the morning to see one of the best views from the European side, including the view of Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge on the Bosphorus. After breakfast, there’s also a beautiful walking route from Hisar to Bebek, Arnavutköy, and Ortaköy depending on how strong you got your breakfast.
From Taksim or Sultanahmet you should get to Kabatas by tram, and get on a bus to Rumeli Hisari – bus 22RE, there are also direct buses from Taksim. Taxi from Taksim should cost maximum 20 TL.

3 – Ortaköy House Cafe
House cafes are now 7 branches throughout İstanbul, all have the same comfortable large chairs with a low lounge music and finely selected dishes on a menu. If you would like to add also a beautiful view of Bosphorus bridge and Ortaköy Mosque that is the place, you can have a large breakfast with all the specialities but if you like the place (we bet you are) why don’t you also come for a sunset drink? Do not forget you will be just one meter away from the Bosphorus.
When you come to Ortakoy, anyone can give you directions to the House Cafe.

4 – Mangerie
Actually their style is similar to House Cafe located at Bebek – very popular place with nice cafes & restaurants, especially at weekend you will need a reservation to take your seat on the Bosphorus view large balcony, you will sip your tea with freshly baked bread and cakes.
It’s on Cevdetpasa Street 69, Bebek.