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09

Beyond Istanbul

One extra day can change your trip

Islands, fishing villages, forests and the first Ottoman capitals. Times are estimates, each way from the centre.

Day trips

1½ hr by ferry from Kabataş or Eminönü

The largest Princes’ Island: wooden mansions, pine hills and no private cars. Hire a bike or walk.

1–1¼ hr by ferry

A quieter island with a naval school, monastery and pine walks; easy to combine with Büyükada.

1½ hr each way by ferry from Eminönü

Long Bosphorus Tour

The public ferry zigzags up the strait to Anadolu Kavağı, with a castle walk at the top.

2–2½ hr by fast ferry and bus or car

The first Ottoman capital: Green Mosque, silk bazaars and İskender kebab, with Uludağ above.

2½–3 hr by bus or car

Sinan’s Selimiye Mosque, a UNESCO site, plus old bridges and liver frying on the market streets.

1½–2 hr by car

A Black Sea lighthouse town and a river village with fish restaurants; quiet off-season.

45 min–1 hr by car

Oak and beech woods with walking loops, Ottoman water dams and picnic spots.

Good to know

Check ferry timetables

Winter schedules mean fewer island and Bosphorus sailings; check Şehir Hatları before you go.

Watch the weather

Wind can cancel fast ferries to Bursa. Keep a road option in mind.

Off-season islands

Some cafés and bike rentals close in November; carry water and snacks.

Start early

Traffic out of the city is heavy; leave before 08:00 for road trips.

08 Istanbul with children

10 Choose your experience

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