The Best Places Near Istanbul You Can Visit for the Weekend

Istanbul is not only a big city, but also in the middle of two continents. Moreover, it allows you to go many places. Most of the main roads in Turkey are fine. So, if you have time, you can visit some beautiful places around. Plane is not a viable option for both. You may try local buses, but I think it is better to rent a car. Many big car renting companies and local ones offer you different cars with different prices.

Let's take a look at some of the best places you can visit for a day or two.

1. Gebze - Ballikayalar Natural Park

This one is the nearest to Istanbul. Gebze, which was once a province of Istanbul, is only one hour drive away. You can come here with family and friends, have a picnic together, and walk around in nature. Ballikayalar also attracts climbers, because it has spacial rock formations. (Ballikayalar means "rocks with honey" in Turkish.)

Green and natural (Photo is just after winter)

Looks like Meteora.

2. Bursa - City Center - Uludag - Cumalikizik Village - İznik (Nicaea)

Bursa is a very special city. It was once the capital of Ottomans. There are many important mosques like Yesil Camii in its center. The center is also the origin of the famous Iskender Kebab. Cumalikizik is a village that is almost half an hour away to the center. The village offers you the beautiful view of traditional Ottoman houses, as well as home made marmalades and pickles.

The provinces of Bursa are also special. Inegol houses the second largest cave in Turkey, Oylat Cave. Oylat neighbourhood also have a highland and hot springs. Uludag is one of the favourite ski centers in Turkey. In my opinion, don't squeeze it inside your Bursa plans and stay there at least one night.

We should mention Iznik separately. Iznik, namely Nicaea, is very crutial in Christian History. Nicaean Councils took place here, and 7th council took place in Haghia Sophia Church. The church is converted into a mosque in 2011. It is still disputed that it should be a museum. There are also ancient ruins here and there of the city. The view of the lake is also nice.

Inside of the Iznik Haghia Sophia Mosque

Some ancient ruins.

3. Adapazari - Masukiye - Kartepe - Lake Sapanca

This route is also close to Istanbul, just a two hour drive. Adapazari is the name of the province. Masukiye is the beautiful neigbourhood of Adapazari. It is very popular among Istanbul residents. It is green and it has falls. Actually, many places around there have falls. Sapanca is another neighbourhood like that. There is also Lake Sapanca with a beautiful view. Just like Uludag, plan Kartepe separately in winter, because it has a more and more popular ski center. However, in summer you can add it to your Adapazari plans.

Sapanca has many small falls.

A cow at Sapanca

4. Edirne - Historical Tour - Selimiye Mosque

Edirne is almost four hour away from Istanbul. So, it's up to you to stay there or not. You may also visit other provinces like Tekirdag, and Kirklareli, which will be mentioned below. Edirne was also one of the capital cities of Ottoman Empire. So, there are important historical artefacts, such as Selimiye Mosque, of which architect is renowned Mimar Sinan.

5. Canakkale - Troy - Assos - Bozcaada

This is a very pleasant route and it may take more than a weekend. Canakkale takes almost seven or eight hours. Troy, Assos and Bozcaada are all at separate places. So, you'll need time. Troy is one of the most famous ancient cities of all times. Come here and imagine those times among the real remains. You can go to Troy passing Ezine, which has delicious cheese and cheese desserts. Assos is an ancient city in Behramkale neigborhood, which is also famous for its hotels and beaches. Assos is one of the biggest ancient cities in Turkey. It is also important, because the famous philosopher Aristoteles spent three year in Assos. Lastly, Bozcaada is one of the biggest and the most special islands in Turkey. You can go there with ferry from Geyikli. The island is well protected. Even nylon bags are forbidden. There are beautiful cafés, beaches, and red wine exclusive of the region.

Assos Ancient City with a beautiful Aegean view.

This Trojan horse is symbolic.

6. Kirklareli - Igneada

Kirklareli has many historical remains, but the most special part of it is the natural wonder, Igneada. Igneada takes three or four hours with car. It is one of the top places of ecological tourism. It has been a center of attention since ancient times. Unfortunately, as most national parks of Turkey, Igneada is threatened to be destroyed. So, at weekends activists gather to protest this distruction.

7. Bolu - Lake Abant - Yedigoller (Seven Lakes)

Bolu province can be visited in all seasons, because it has Lake Abant and Yedigoller! Both offer you picturesque views. Lake Abant is ideal for family trips and honeymoon, but the hotels around may be expensive. It is better to go Yedigoller with a car or a bus, because there is a long road to go and there is no hotels around. There are six natural lakes and an artifial lake at Yedigoller National Park. You can camp in the park.

One of the lakes with a small cloud.

One of the lakes with a beautiful reflection.

8. Eskisehir - Odunpazari - Porsuk Cayi

Eskisehir is a province which is famous for Anadolu University, which is one of the top choices of Erasmus students. The city itself is very well cared for and only four hours away from Istanbul. Odunpazari houses are colourful and traditional Ottoman houses that look very lovely. Eskisehir City Park has an artificial beach, an articifial island, and real fish. Porsuk Cayi is the longest branch of Sakarya River and it feels like Venice with its gondolas. There is also Sazova Park, which is a paradise for children with its fairy tale buildings and scientific events.

Old Odunpazari houses are examples of traditional Ottoman architecture.

Porsuk Cayi looks like a small Venice.