20 Places to Visit in Istanbul for a Weekend | The 20 Most Beautiful Places

Istanbul, with its unique location connecting the Asian and European continents, captivates not only with its rich historical and cultural heritage but also with its natural beauty. With the azure waters of the Bosphorus, the city's verdant forests, beaches for leisurely strolls, museums, and historical buildings, it caters to every taste. We've selected 20 places where you can create a mini weekend itinerary to escape the stress and chaos.

One of Istanbul's iconic landmarks, the Bosphorus, attracts both domestic and international tourists. Its deep blue sea, the European and Anatolian sides rising on either side, and its bridges captivate visitors. On the weekend, you can start your day with breakfast at venues overlooking the Bosphorus or, if you prefer, take a Bosphorus tour by boat. Bosphorus tours depart from locations such as Ortaköy, Kadıköy, Beşiktaş, Eminönü, and Kabataş. While cruising by boat, you can see the mansions, palaces, historical buildings, and natural beauties on both sides of the Bosphorus and take stunning photos. At sunset, you can take long walks along the beaches along the Bosphorus and enjoy a delicious dinner at a restaurant accompanied by the illumination of the bridges.

If you're looking for a quiet and peaceful place to escape the noise and chaos of Istanbul, you can choose Belgrade Forest. In Belgrade Forest, where you can be alone with nature, you can hike the paths, cycle, and enjoy a pleasant family weekend in the picnic areas. Especially in the autumn months, Belgrade Forest offers magnificent views with its yellow and orange leaves. Within the forest are historic dams and the Atatürk Arboretum. Here, you can relax with the fresh air and the sound of birdsong.

The Princes' Islands, among Istanbul's most touristic destinations, are ideal for a delightful weekend getaway. You can quickly reach Kınalıada, Burgazada, Heybeliada, and Büyükada by ferry from Istanbul. Enjoy the sea at the beaches in the summer, cycle along the colorful flower-lined paths in the spring, and enjoy a romantic dinner at restaurants perched on high hills, accompanied by sea and sunset views. The islands stand out not only for their natural beauty but also for their historical sites. You can visit the Aya Yorgi Greek Church and Stone School on Büyükada, the Seminary on Heybeliada, and the Sait Faik Abasıyanık Museum on Burgazada.

Located in the Eyüp district, Pierre Loti Hill offers some of Istanbul's most beautiful views. Named after the French writer Pierre Loti, the hill impresses visitors with its panoramic views of the Golden Horn. Up the hill, which you can climb by cable car or on foot, are tea gardens and cafes. Here, you can enjoy a Turkish coffee or tea while enjoying the view and the fresh air. After spending time at Pierre Loti, we recommend visiting the Eyüp Sultan Mosque and its surroundings below.

The Topkapı Palace Museum is located on the Historical Peninsula, home to Istanbul's historical and cultural heritage. Located in the Fatih district, the museum served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire for 400 years. Built after the conquest of Istanbul, the palace was converted into a museum on April 3, 1924. Covering an area of 700,000 square meters, the Topkapı Palace Museum houses over 300,000 archival documents. You can visit the Harem section, the Mantle of the Blessed Sacrament, the Privy Room, and the Garden of the Pavilions.

You can also examine in detail the portraits, costumes, and weapons of the sultans of the period in the Treasury of Documents section. With its world-class collections, the museum is a must-see for history enthusiasts. From the palace gardens, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara, and in sections such as the Chamber of Sacred Relics and the Treasury, you can learn important information about the Ottoman period.

The Istanbul Archaeological Museums, located in the Fatih district, house some of the world's most important archaeological collections and comprise three separate museums. Founded under the leadership of Osman Hamdi Bey, the museum comprises three separate museums: the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Ancient Oriental Antiquities, and the Tiled Kiosk. The Archaeological Museum displays a wide variety of artifacts, including sculptures, ceramics, mosaics, and written documents from Egypt, Mesopotamia, Anatolia, and the Aegean regions. Artifacts from the eastern regions of the Ottoman Empire are housed in the Museum of Ancient Oriental Antiquities. In the Tiled Kiosk, there are Seljuk, Ottoman and Islamic period works as well as ceramics. You can browse the collections.