Büyükada, IstanbulA neighborhood guide for the Smileys community

Car-free & grand · Prince's Islands

Mid-range

The largest of the Princes' Islands — no cars, Victorian mansions, pine-forested hills, and the most beautiful escape from Istanbul.

0 past events2 local members

About Büyükada

Büyükada is one of Istanbul's car-free & grand neighborhoods, on the Prince's Islands, generally mid-range by local standards. It's close to Heybeliada and Burgazada. Smileys members based in Büyükada connect through neighborhood events, meetups, and each other — this page tracks who's around, what's on, and what's nearby.

Nearby: Heybeliada, Burgazada · all neighborhoods

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Local members (2)

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Ersin

Tony

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New events are added weekly — check back soon.

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Smileys Curated

Coffee & Breakfast

Yücetepe Kır GazinosuSmileys Pick

A historic garden café near the top of the island with views across the Sea of Marmara. Worth the uphill walk — or take the electric island shuttle part of the way.

Büyükada, Adalar

Order the island breakfast and take your time. There is genuinely no rush on Büyükada.

İskele Meydanı Kafeler

Cafés and tea houses right at the ferry landing with views of arriving boats and the island's Victorian mansions. Perfect for the first coffee of the day.

Büyükada İskelesi, Adalar

Food

Büyükada Balık RestoranlarıMust Visit

Several excellent fish restaurants near the harbour serving fresh Marmara catch. The setting — sea air, no cars, bicycles gliding past — is unlike anywhere else.

Büyükada Limanı, Adalar

Ada Pastaneleri

The island has wonderful traditional pastry shops selling island-style börek, gözleme, and sweets. Perfect for a picnic on the hills.

Büyükada Çarşısı, Adalar

Buy your picnic supplies at the bazaar near the ferry landing before heading up the hills.

Things to Do

Cycling the IslandMust Do

Rent a bicycle at the ferry landing and cycle the perimeter road — one of the great simple pleasures of Istanbul. No cars anywhere.

Büyükada İskelesi, Adalar

The full perimeter takes about 90 minutes at a relaxed pace. The south coast has the best views.

Aya Yorgi KilisesiSmileys Pick

A Greek Orthodox monastery at the top of the island's highest hill with extraordinary views. A peaceful pilgrimage for any faith.

Yücetepe, Büyükada

Walk up (electric shuttles reach the base of the path). Many visitors tie a string along the path up — a traditional wish-making custom.

Victorian Mansion WalkHidden Gem

Local Tips

·Ferry from Kabataş (45 min) or Bostancı (30 min). Fast ferries also run from Kadıköy. Check İDO and Şehir Hatları for timetables.
·There are NO cars on the island — only electric shuttle buses, bicycles, and your own feet. (The famous horse carriages were retired in 2020.) Plan accordingly.
·Go on a weekday in spring or autumn. Summer weekends are extremely crowded and the ferry queues can be long.
·Bring cash — many small vendors and restaurants don't accept cards.