5 best day trips from Istanbul

Istanbul's day trips include the Princes' Islands, Bursa, Edirne, and across to Asia.

How: 1h 30m ferry Travel time: 1h 30m When to go: May-Sep

Car-free islands with Ottoman-era mansions + beaches

How: 2h via fast ferry + bus Travel time: 2h When to go: Year-round

Ottoman first capital — Grand Mosque + Iskender kebab birthplace

How: 3h bus Travel time: 3h When to go: Year-round

Selimiye Mosque (Sinan's masterpiece) + grease wrestling festival in June

How: 1h 30m bus Travel time: 1h 30m When to go: Jun-Sep

Black Sea beach towns popular with İstanbullular

How: 1h by car Travel time: 1h When to go: Year-round

Polish village inside Istanbul's forest — pierogi for lunch

Best day trips from Istanbul