Suburbs and getaways near Istanbul
Polonezköy
Inhabited by Polish people taking refuge in the Ottoman Empire after escaping Poland in the 18th century, this sweet village is an ideal place to take a break from the exhausting air of the city. Polonezköy, 24 km from Beykoz on the Anatolian side, is a former Polish village where Polish refugees were settled by the Ottoman Empire in the 18th century. The village is named after the refugees.
The locals of this Polish- and Turkish-speaking village live by running lodging houses and restaurants. Enjoyed by Istanbulites as an escape from the city, the green village offers a perfect day trip, often starting with traditional Turkish breakfasts with homemade jams and assorted cheeses or a delicious lunch in village restaurants, followed by long walks through nature. Many locals also provide lodging-house service in their residences for visitors who prefer a short stay instead of a day visit.
When you are in Polonezköy, there are many places to visit, such as the museum house where Atatürk stayed during his visit to the village, the houses and tombs of the first Polish people inhabiting the region, and the Village Church. If you are coming from the European side, cross the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Bridge and follow the signposts for Polonezköy, located 12 km from the Kavacık exit.
Şile
This coastal town along the Black Sea coast is well known for its long beaches, fish restaurants, and the special Şile fabric manufactured in the district. About 70 km from Istanbul, Şile is a popular choice for a short escape near the metropolis. The road to this Black Sea town on the Kocaeli Peninsula takes about 40 minutes from Üsküdar according to the original guide.
Make sure you do not leave before visiting Şile Lighthouse and the Genoese Castle, the landmarks of the town. Şile is especially appreciated for its vast beaches and cool sea breeze. The town offers a wide range of lodging houses, hotels, and restaurants. Ağlayan Kaya, Kumbaba, İmrenli, Ayazma, and Sahilköy are among the beaches most often mentioned.
Take special care while swimming, because the Black Sea is famous for its rough waves. One of the classic pleasures here is to enjoy fish and seafood. Şile offers many seafood restaurants where you can taste sea bass, mullet, horse mackerel, haddock, and more. Before leaving, stop by the stores selling clothes made of “Şile fabric,” a local product used especially in summer dresses and blouses, often decorated with needlework.
Ağva
Located between two streams along the Black Sea coast, Ağva offers attractive alternatives such as fishing or sailing on the river surrounded by nature, as well as a feast of fish and seafood. Meaning “the village between two streams” in Latin, Ağva is another coastal town near Şile. The district lies between the Göksu and Yeşilçay rivers and is 115 km from Istanbul.
With its popularity rising in recent years, the town offers many lodging houses and restaurants along both rivers. In Ağva, you can take a pleasant boat trip on the river surrounding the town, or go out on a canoe or pedalo. For groups, fishing by boat can be especially enjoyable. You can also swim in the rivers, or head to the cool waters of the Black Sea if you prefer the sea.
Ağva attracts visitors not only with nature but also with historical sights. The Roman church and tombstones in Kalemköy, and Gürlek and İnkese caves, were founded in the 4th century AD. Christians took shelter in these caves against the wrath of Romans. The castle remains in Hisartepe and the mountain mill in Sungurlu are among the other places to visit.
Another important feature of Ağva is the range of fresh fish thanks to its coastal location. Restaurants along the sea and river serve seasonal fish and seafood, often cooked in the oven, on the grill, over wood fire, or on a clay tile. If you prefer meat, village restaurants also serve quail, chicken, and kebab cooked in tandoori ovens. If traveling by road, follow the Ümraniye–Şile route, then take the Kabanoz, İmranlı, and Kurfallı direction after Şile. The original guide also notes hourly coaches to Şile–Ağva from Üsküdar; for updated transport details, check official public transport resources such as IETT.
Kilyos
Renowned for its beautiful beaches, Kilyos ranks high among the favorites of Istanbul youth thanks to open-air festivals and beach parties. This summer town lies along the Black Sea coast in the suburbs of Istanbul, around 25 km from the city.
Reached through Belgrad Forest, Kilyos is one of the best addresses for a short break from the big city, especially if you want wide beaches and a lively summer atmosphere. As with other coastal towns, Kilyos offers various lodging houses and restaurants. Because Istanbul is an events metropolis, Kilyos also hosts many parties and rock festivals attended by internationally known DJs. During such events, the beaches fill with young visitors who enjoy the sea by day and the nightlife after dark.
Following the Sarıyer coastal road, you can reach Kilyos in about 45 minutes from the city center according to the original text, though the road can be very crowded on weekends. Another route is the Bahçeköy forest road.
Kemerburgaz
Kemerburgaz is described as a place of luxury building complexes, golf, and hunting clubs. It draws the attention of Istanbulites in every season through its nature and easy access via Belgrad Forest, and it is counted among the major excursion spots around the city.
Nestled in greenery, Kemerburgaz has gained value with luxury villas built in the area in recent years. The region also hosts sports facilities, horse-riding, golfing, and hunting clubs. For Istanbulites looking for sports and long walks on weekends, it remains a practical option. Newer restaurants have also added extra dynamism to the district.
Kumburgaz and Silivri
Kumburgaz and Silivri are also among the preferred getaway areas for Istanbulites. With a line of summer houses along the seaside, the region becomes especially popular on weekends. Its lengthy beach makes it an appealing alternative for sea lovers, while five-star resorts in both provinces answer accommodation demands. The original guide also notes golf facilities in Silivri.
Princes' Islands
Princes' Islands consist of nine islands in total, five of which are in very close proximity to Istanbul. Büyükada (Prinkipo), Heybeliada (Halki), Burgazada (Antigoni), Kınalıada (Proti), and Sedefadası (Antirovithos) are the best known and most populated. Sivriada (Oksia), Yassıada (Plati), Kaşık Adası (Pita), and Tavşan Adası (Neandros) are either restricted for settlement or relatively hard to reach.
The Princes' Islands enjoy a different climate due to Mediterranean influence. Kınalıada is the closest to the mainland, while Büyükada is the farthest. In these secluded places, you do not hear urban traffic and horns. Instead, the traditional image is one of island tours, quiet streets, and mansions wrapped in bougainvillea and robinia gardens. Accommodating people of different religions, languages, and backgrounds, the islands have been among the most loved getaway locations for years.
Each island has a character of its own. Büyükada, the largest and most crowded, can be visited as a day trip or for a longer stay. Rumor says your wishes will come true if you climb the path to Hagia Yorgi Church, especially on April 23 or September 24. Even outside those dates, you may still enjoy touring the island, dining at a seaside restaurant, or stopping at a pleasant patisserie. History lovers may be interested in the houses where Leon Trotsky and Reşat Nuri Güntekin lived, as well as the churches and synagogues.
Heybeliada preserves its coastal town feeling with cafés and restaurants along the shore. Burgazada often brings to mind Sait Faik, whose house was turned into a museum, and Kalpazankaya, famous for its sunset view. The islands are also easy to reach by ferry. For current schedules, check official operators such as Şehir Hatları.
Historic mansions near the city center
If you would like to escape to an older, quieter setting without going very far, Istanbul also offers a range of historic mansions and pavilions. Many are surrounded by greenery, and some serve as restaurants or patisseries.
In the center of the city, secluded from the crowd and wrapped in green, Malta Mansion in Yıldız Park is a favored getaway for families on weekends and for couples on weekdays. Ihlamur Palace feels like a small oasis in Beşiktaş, with two separate buildings under ancient trees. The smaller Court Pavilion (Maiyet Köşkü) is suited to a short rest.
Located between Kanlıca and Çubuklu, Hidiv Mansion is another noteworthy choice with its patisserie, restaurant, accommodation services, and a structure dating to 1906. Although once considered far from the city, Maslak Mansions are now much closer than many people imagine. These buildings, which display fine examples of 19th-century Ottoman architecture, stand amid greenery and look toward the waterway connecting the Golden Horn and greater Bosphorus landscape to the Black Sea in the broader geography of Istanbul.
A must-do list for places near Istanbul
- Have a delicious fish meal at Anadolu Kavağı and eat Turkish doughnut (lokma) afterward.
- Take pictures of the blue-green glimmer of the Bosphorus from Rumeli Kavağı.
- Sit on the ledge of Silivri Mendireği and enjoy the sunset.
- Ride horses at Kemerburgaz.
- Take a romantic walk on the lengthy beach of Kumburgaz.
- Play golf at the clubs of Kemerburgaz and Silivri.
- Have a barbecue at the “cook yourself-eat yourself” restaurants of Kilyos.
- Go to a night party at the beach clubs of Kilyos.
- Have a breakfast with honey and marmalade at Polonezköy on a Sunday morning.
- See the caves of Ağva.
- Buy homemade marmalade from Polonezköy.
- Stay in one of the lodges on the riverbank at Ağva and enjoy the scenery.
- Canoe, pedal, or enjoy a boat ride at Ağva.
- Buy dresses made of Şile cloth at Şile.
- Visit the lighthouse and fortress of Şile.
- Enjoy a meal of rakı and fish on Burgazada.
- Rent a boat and enjoy the moonlight scenery of the Princes' Islands.
- Have a bicycle tour on Büyükada.
- Climb the path up to Hagia Yorgi.
- Have a delightful meal of fish, rakı, and appetizers at the beachside restaurants of Büyükada.
If you want to combine these escapes with major sights in the city before or after your trip, you can also explore a Bosphorus Cruise or visit landmarks such as Dolmabahce Palace.
