Day Trip Ideas From Instanbul

Istanbul spans the mighty Bosphorus Strait and stretches into both Europe and Asia, combining the cultures of these two continents in a vibrant and exciting mixture. A massive city and a truly formidable travel destination, there are infinite adventures to be had within Istanbul as you wander through the ancient streets, sip Turkish tea, and haggle with merchants in the marketplaces. With a quick flight to Turkey, and many airlines offering direct routes to Istanbul, reaching this cornucopia of culture.

However, if you are staying in Istanbul for a while it is also a great idea to take a trip outside the city. There are many interesting destinations with a short drive or ferry ride from Istanbul, and here are a few ideas to get you started exploring:

Ataturk Arboretum

This is a “living tree museum”, a botanical garden only a short drive away from the city containing many living examples of Turkey’s native plants, and it is the perfect day trip from Istanbul for nature lovers. The best time to visit this beautiful setting is in the autumn when the leaves change into brilliant shades of orange, yellow, crimson, gold and even purple. Up on the hilltop there is an observation tower where you can enjoy an amazing view over the forest and the Bosphorus. Bird watchers keep your eyes peeled, as this area is located along one of the main routes of migration for many birds making their way from Europe to Africa.

The Prince’s Islands

These gorgeous islands off the southern coast of the Asian side of Istanbul were once a place of exile for members of the royal family during the Byzantium Age, and then were used as summer holiday retreats by the wealthy and powerful of Turkey. The islands are only a half-hour away from Istanbul by seabus, and a fantastic place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. As soon as you arrive you will find yourself lulled into a much slower pace of life, as there is no motorized transport on the island at all and the only way to get around is by charming horse-drawn carriage. When you are slowly meandering down the rustic lanes past Victorian-style clapboard houses, languid beaches, and domestic donkeys, you will feel as if you have slipped into a simpler and more relaxing time.

Edirne

This beautiful city was once the capital of the Ottoman Empire, and is rich with history. If you rent a car in Istanbul, you can drive here within two hours and so it makes a great day trip from Istanbul, but if you want to explore the city at a more leisurely pace you can stay overnight. While you are in Edirne, be sure to check out the Selimiye Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was built during the Ottoman Empire of the 16^th century and is considered the ultimate example of Ottoman architecture. It is also wonderful to stroll through the Old Quarter of the city, where you can see many elaborate wooden houses decorated with delicate carvings.

These are just a few of the interesting nearby destinations you can visit on a day trip from Istanbul.

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