Istanbul is an unforgettable cityโbut step outside it for a day, and youโll find peaceful islands, mountain-backed towns, and historic gems from the Ottoman Empireโs early years. Whether you’re after scenic ferry rides or UNESCO-listed mosques, these day tours from Istanbul offer the perfect city break with cultural depth and fresh air.
In this guide, we highlight three top destinations: the ํ๋ฆฐ์ค ์์ผ๋๋, Bursa, ๊ทธ๋ฆฌ๊ณ Edirneโincluding what to see, how to get there, and when to go.
๐๏ธ 1. Princesโ Islands (Bรผyรผkada): A Seaside Escape by Ferry
Just an hour by ferry from Istanbul, Bรผyรผkada is the largest of the Princesโ Islands and a favorite summer escape.
๐ข Tour Highlights:
- Car-free streets with horse-drawn carriages or bikes
- Ottoman mansions and pine forests
- Monastery of St. George (with panoramic views)
- Fresh seafood by the waterfront
๐ Best Time to Visit:
Late spring to early autumn (MayโOctober) for swimming, shade, and relaxed cafรฉs.
โฑ๏ธ Travel Time:
- 1โ1.5 hours by ferry from Kabataล, Eminรถnรผ, or Bostancฤฑ
๐งญ CTA:
๐ [Book a Princesโ Islands Day Tour with Hotel Pickup โ]
๐ 2. Bursa: The First Capital of the Ottoman Empire
History, mountains, and thermal baths await in Bursa, a UNESCO-listed city just south of Istanbul.
๐ฐ Tour Highlights:
- Green Mosque and Green Tomb: Ottoman architectural treasures
- Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami): 20 domes and spiritual calm
- Silk Market and Koza Han: Historic shopping
- Optional: Ride a cable car (teleferik) up Mount Uludaฤ
๐ Best Time to Visit:
Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Winter is great for snow-covered Uludaฤ excursions.
โฑ๏ธ Travel Time:
- ~2โ3 hours via ferry + bus or direct private tour van
- Most day tours include lunch and a guide
๐ CTA:
๐ [Book a Bursa Day Tour from Istanbul (With Ottoman Sites + Lunch) โ]
๐๏ธ 3. Edirne: Imperial Mosques & Balkan Charm
Once the capital of the Ottoman Empire before Istanbul, Edirne is filled with elegant mosques, bridges, and Balkan influences.
๐ Tour Highlights:
- Selimiye Mosque: Masterpiece by Mimar Sinan (UNESCO-listed)
- Old Ottoman Bridges and riverside walks
- Local Edirne cuisine: ciฤer tava (fried liver), almond desserts
- Ottoman bazaars and peaceful town vibe
๐ Best Time to Visit:
Spring and summer for festivals and river walks. Fall is also ideal for quieter exploration.
โฑ๏ธ Travel Time:
- 2.5 to 3 hours each way by highway
- Best visited with a full-day guided tour
๐๏ธ CTA:
๐ [Explore Edirne on a Guided Day Trip from Istanbul โ]
๐งณ Tips for Planning Day Trips from Istanbul
- Book early in high season: Bursa and Bรผyรผkada are popular in summer
- Wear layers for early mornings and coastal breezes
- Join a tour with hotel pickup to avoid transport stress
- Bring a power bank + water bottle
๐ See More Than Just Istanbul
A well-rounded Istanbul itinerary includes at least one day trip. Whether you ferry to peaceful islands, trace the footsteps of sultans, or explore hidden Ottoman capitals, these destinations add cultural richness to your journey.
๐ Start your escape:
๐ [View All Day Tours from Istanbul โ]
๐ [Bundle Day Trips + Bosphorus Cruise + Palace Entry for Savings โ]