Car-free & grand · Prince's Islands
💰💰 Mid-rangeThe largest of the Princes' Islands — no cars, horse-drawn carriages, Victorian mansions, and the most beautiful escape from Istanbul.
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A historic garden café near the top of the island with views across the Sea of Marmara. Worth the uphill walk or carriage ride.
Büyükada, Adalar💡 Order the island breakfast and take your time. There is genuinely no rush on Büyükada.
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, AdalarSeveral excellent fish restaurants near the harbour serving fresh Marmara catch. The setting — sea air, no cars, the sound of horse carriages — is unlike anywhere else.
Büyükada Limanı, AdalarThe 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.
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.
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 or take a horse carriage. Many visitors tie a string along the path up — a traditional wish-making custom.
The streets above the ferry landing are lined with ornate 19th-century wooden mansions — Istanbul's finest collection. Just walk and look.
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