Istanbul has two major tourist attractions that will take almost a full day out of your holiday: a visit to one or more of the Princes’ Islands and a boat tour on the Bosphorus. People rightfully ask me if it’s worth sacrificing one or two days of their often already short stay in Istanbul?
That is a tough question to answer, and completely based on personal preferences. So let me explain what you can expect from a daytrip to the Princes’ Island, and how to best go about.
What Are the Princes’ Islands of Istanbul
The Princes’ Islands (Kızıl Adalar or just Adalar) are a chain of nine rather small islands in the Sea of Marmara. They evolved from a place of exile during the Byzantine era, to a popular destination for tourists and Istanbulites alike to escape the hectic city life for a day. Of those nine islands, only four of them are open to the public: Büyükada, the biggest and most popular, Burgazada, Heybeliada and Kınalıada.
Princes’ Islands Features
Horse-drawn carriage on the Princes' Islands.
The main feature of any of the Princes’ Islands is the sound of … silence. All motorized vehicles are banned, making the islands an oasis of peace and quiet. The only sounds you’ll hear are bicycle bells and the typical sounds of horse hoofs. Yep, that’s right. Horse-drawn carriages and bicycles are the main transportation means on the islands.
But that’s not the only feature that makes the Princes’ Islands unique. You’ll find yourself walking or riding through narrow streets flanked by either untouched pine-forests or fine, wooden Victorian cottages. How is that for a unique fin-de-siècle flash back?
How to Get to the Princes’ Islands … and Back!
By boat, that goes without saying. But there are different ferries to choose from. Luckily, all are operated by IDO – the official ferry and sea bus company of Istanbul. There are the sea buses (fast ferries), and the regular ferries. The sea buses depart from Kabataş — easily accessible from Taksim with the funicular or from Sultanahmet via the tramway. If it stops at all the islands, the trip will last for 55 minutes maximum and sets you back for 8 TL per person — one way.
The regular ferries also depart from Kabataş, but they are slower and can take as much as 100 minutes, depending on the amount of stops it makes. The upside is that they are cheaper (only 4 TL per person) and make more runs back and forth.
Take my advice! If you plan to visit the islands, make sure you get on the very first sea bus (fast ferry) to the islands on any given day. You’ll beat the (local) crowd to the islands — and check upon arrival when the last ferry (fast or conventional) departs back to Istanbul! Although some islands have nice hotels, you don’t want to miss the last ferry. Then, spend as much time as you want on (one of) the Princes’ Islands, and return to Istanbul with whichever ferry you prefer.
The IDO timetables change according to the winter or summer season, so make sure to check the exact departure dates of the sea buses (fast ferries) or the conventional ferries. (Look for Adalar or Island)
{ 99 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you for this information about Princess Islands.
I’ll be there in 7th November, 2011. I plan to stay 3 days in Istanbul, 2 days in Antalya, 1 day in Bursa, and 1 day in Lilava.
Hi, I visitewd “Big Island” many years ago and took one of teh horse carriage tours but recall it was a bit expensive. Any idea what i should expect to pay ? Thanks
Hi Charlie,
These days, on Büyükada (the big island), the prices are 40 TL for the small tour, and 50 TL for the big one.
Hi Erlend
We are planning a stop over at Istanbul on our way to New York.
We land 05:40 11 July 2012 in Ataturk Airport. Would like to spend one night in Heybeliada Island. Which is the best and most affordable way to get there? Please can you provide me with as much info as possible.
Thanks so much!
Louise
Hi Louise,
Assuming you arrive without delay at 05:40, and it will take you approximately 1 hour to get out of the airport, I’d suggest to take a taxi to Kabataş (15TL). You could take public transportation of course, but then you may not catch the first quick ferry to the island. On weekdays, the very first ferry to go to Heybeliada leaves Kabataş at 08:15 and you should be at the island at 08:50, just in time for breakfast
Here is the official IDO timetable.
Hi Erlend,
My family and I are planning to visit Istanbul this year, I have 2 kids which I am sure would love to go for a ride on this horse-drawn carriage, my concern is my husband whose a handicapped. Is the Island accessible for him?
Hi Laila,
Well, since there are no cars on the islands, the streets are for pedestrians, cyclists and horse and carriage. I don’t know to what degree your husband’s handicap is, but you must keep in mind that except for the center of Büyükada for instance and the boardwalk of most islands, there are some steep hills to deal with if you want to do the full tour of the islands.
Erlend
Hi Erlend ,
I would like to ask if we can sleep there in the island ?
Thank u ,
Anthony
Yes, there are a few hotels on the islands. Just type in the name of the island + hotel in Google. Do make reservations though.
hello, i would like to know if we can swim at the princes island and if there is water activities to do there like jet ski etc… thank you
Hi,
Yes there are some beaches. Upon arrival, you’ll see people with small boats to take you there. They are not free of charge though.
Hi Erlend
we would like to go to the Büyükada island this coming weekend 17-18
where and what time does the first ferry leave from istanbul and the last ferry leaving on saturday night to istanbul, how long is each trip and how much does it cost?
thank you,
sarah
Hi Sarah,
Please follow the links at the end of the article for the most up to date timetables.
Have fun.
Hi Erlend
I can’t tell you how pleased I am to have found this brilliant website where you answer all our queries relating to Istanbul. Thank you so much for providing this excellent service, especially to tourists like me who are visiting for the first time. I intend to visit Princes’ Island on 12 Sep 2012 with my aged grandparents. How cold/rainy will it be? I’ll be staying in yenikapi. What is the most convenient & reasonable way to visit Princes’ Island? Should I take a taxi to Kabastas? The cheapest price of a tour is 45 euros per person. I believe that if we go ourselves, it’ll be much cheaper as 3 return tickets on the ferry will cost 48 liras and a carriage ride will cost 40 liras. How much will the taxi cost?
Sahar
Hi Sahar,
Thanks a lot for your sweet words.
I of course can’t predict the weather, but generally September is dry and mild (25C). If a tour to visit one island is 45 € per person, you’re definitely better of doing it yourself.
A taxi ride from Yenikapı to Kabataş would set you back for 15-20 TL. From there you’ll take the quick ferry which is rather cheap.
Have a nice stay.
Thanks for the information. I am traveling to Istanbul from December 24th to December 30th. Is it advisable to visit the Princess island end of December or is it too cold? We are from Canada so winter is not a huge deal but wonder if there will be any activities. I have three kids aged 4 to 9 years. How much time should we set aside if we go to princess island? Thanks again.
Hi Tan,
Temperatures in Istanbul don’t go below -5 Celcius, so that shouldn’t feel too cold for you. You can always visit the islands. Hiking or making a tour on a bike doesn’t take too long (2h), but you would spend most of the day there because of the ferry rides back and forth.
Hi,
I’ve found out so much from reading your web site, and following people’s questions. I want you to know how much I appreciate your work, and to thank you for your very useful information!
Thanks a lot Denise!
Comments like yours make all the hours in front of the PC worthwhile.
Thanks again,
Erlend.
Hi Erlend,
I really appreciate all that I’ve read so far on your website – I visited Istanbul about 3 years ago and am about to go back so it’s good to know what I missed the first time round. It’s great that you take the time to answer everyone’s questions – I can’t begin to think how many different people’s experience of Istanbul you have enhanced
Every time I have thought to ask a question, I’ve found the answer somewhere on here, so decided just to post my appreciation instead
Kind regards,
Ben
Thanks a lot Ben,
That is so sweet of you to take the time to show your appreciation.
You really made my day!
Kindest regards,
Erlend
Hi Luka,
Thank you for the wonderful work of answering questions and the article. This is a great source of information and thank you for your time in individual replies.
Regards,
Mrunal
Thanks a lot Mrunal, these words make work lighter.
I will to Princes Island and at the hotel I am staying are charging me for 65EURO with dinner for the trip if I do it through a agent. But after what you wrote I don’t think it is neccssary to do it. I can take the ferry myself. I though to ask you for advice.
Thanx Khalid
Hi Khalid,
65 Euro is almost 150 Turkish liras. After deducting the ferry fares (and maybe bus/tram fares), that leaves you with 140 for dinner. That is plenty to have a really nice one for TWO people. So yeah, I’d do it without an agent.
Hi Erlend,
I am a big Egyptian fan of your great work in this site. Well done. Would appreciate your reply to my inquiry:
1) how long timewise is the short and long carriage tours?
Hi Abdalla,
The longer tour takes just short of 1 hour, the shorter considerable less.
Dear Erlend,
Seems that you have become a local celiberity for Istanbul information. I would be in Istanbul during Mid of October. I have planned 4 full days. I am planning 1 day to princess Island now based on you information provided above. I wanted to know if
1. Is it a safe place?
2. How bumpy is the waters during october (my wife is pregnent so i would want to be a bit more careful)
3. We want to relax and enjoy a view and walks, are there any recommended beaches or hills around there where we can enjoy the quite nature and the sea?
4. which would be the best clean/hygenic restaraunt on the island? Is there some beach music and bonfire place around there (i am expecting too much here but you never know whats the harm in asking?) right
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Warm Regards
KK
Hi KK,
The islands are very safe. Since you’ll be here mid October, taking a dip in the sea will however be a very chilly, hence not popular activity by then.
For the most hygienic restaurant, I would say the one of the Princes’ hotel in the town center. It has a nice terrace and ditto view too. This is not to say others are of less standards, but that one came to my mind first and I have some nice memories of it.
Have a nice trip,
Erlend
Hello. I will be travelling to Turkey for the first time in December this year, Is it advisable to travel to Prince’s Island and do the Bhosphorous cruise as I have read that its the rainy season in Turkey?. Thank you for the valuable info. I will definitely be using most of it.
Hi Shreya,
Neither the Bosphorus tour nor the Princes’ Islands are ideal when it’s raining hard. But since none of these activities need upfront reservations, I suggest to wait and see what the weather is like. It’s so unpredictable. I prefer the islands on a sunny but cold winter day, the air is so fresh then.
Erlend
Hi Erlend
Thanx once again – I was planning on booking my tours from SA as I feel its safer for 2 ladies travelling. I am just worried about the weather.
And can you also suggest a decent nite club. And what it costs to enter these clubs.
I am totally clueless about Turkey as its my first trip.
regards
Shreya
hello Erlend
we are planing to visit Istanbul , Taksim from 24 october to 28 october , and as you know it is the kurban bayrami time, so i would be thankful if you can tell me what are the places that i can visit, as well where can i have shopping since the grand bazar and the spice bazar are closed, also if the blue mosque, topkapi palace, and the hippodrome are closed
best regards
bahaa
Hi Bahaa,
Have you checked our special article about the Feast of the Sacrifice? I’m sure you’ll find some good tips there, and don’t forget to read my replies in the comments section. Alternatively, you can also read the latest comments in post on Istanbul Shopping.
Have a nice stay,
Erlend
Hi! We will be there next week. We will be staying in the hush hostel which is in Kadikoy. Where should we get the ferry going to Buyukuda? We are planning to go to European side in the afternoon. Which route should we take?
Hi Quenn,
In that case, I’d suggest you take the conventional ferry from Kadıköy, check the timetable link at the end of the article for the latest updates. An hour later you’ll be in Büyükada.
In the afternoon, you can take a similar ferry back, which will first go to Kadıköy and then continue to Kabataş, which is on the European side. From there you can take the tramway to Sultanahmet or the funicular to Taksim.
Have fun,
Erlend
Hi Erlend !
I was thinking of taking regular tours to Istanbul and Princes island which costa Euro 75 & 65 but after reading your comments I am inclined to do it on my own and use the money for shopping and enjoyment.
Is there any problem doing the local tour of Istanbul city and Bosphous on own ? Do I have to walk quit a bit ? Anyway to cut down on walking ?
___SP
Hi SP,
I’m not sure I understand your questions, but I’ll try.
Taking the ferry on your own to the Princes’ Islands is not difficult at all. How much you walk there depends on you of course. I wouldn’t recommend trying to walk the whole island though.
As for your Istanbul tour I’m a bit puzzled. I assume it’s the hop on hop off bus tour you’re talking about. Yes, you can do everything they do on foot. You’ll probably see even more and really experience local life. When tired, you can always hop on a tramway or metro.
Kind regards,
Erlend
we are planning holidays in April 2013 to Turkey for 5 nights.
We Intent to spend 4 nights in Istanbul, and one night in Princess Island.
Can anybody advise me if the planning is fine. I tried to get hotels through Booking.com but the name “Princess Island -Turkey ” is not appearing on their site.
will appreciate the guidance.
Hi Baqer,
The name of the group of small islands is Princes’ Islands. When you type that plus hotels in Google, you will get targeted results.
Or you can try to look for accommodation on a specific island (see names in the article). I can’t really recommend one since I only stayed one night in Büyükada. I stayed in the hotel with the island’s name in the town center. Rooms were basic, but the dinner round the pool with its lovely view was great.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Hey Erlend,
Thanks for your article, it’s really helpful.
I’m planning on visiting Istanbul this coming February. However, I cannot find the adequate timetables for going from Istanbul to the islands at the end of that month… Could you provide me with those or tell me how to get there? It woud be highly appreciated.
Good night
Svenja
Hey Erlend,
thanks a lot for the article above, very helpful. i will be travelling to istanbul next week for 5 days. any suggestions on how i could spend my time there. have done my reserach on visiting the historic places and mosques and off course the grand bazaar. but it would be nice if you could give me some more ideas on what else can be done.
Thanks
Olivia
Hi Olivia,
Since you already did your research on the most popular sightseeing areas, including the Islands, another nice place my dad insists on visiting every year is the Istanbul Aquarium. Maybe a good idea for a bad weather day. Forum Istanbul is also a popular destination for rainy days.
Enjoy your stay,
Erlend
Hello Erlend,
Thanks alot for all these useful information!
I am visiting Istanbul from Nov15 to Nov20. This is my 4rth visit, and I am in love with the city.
This time I am planning to have a “Sufi” night, you know with the sufi music and the dance.. I am staying in Taksim. Do you know a good place that is not too expensive nor commercial?
Someone recommended ” Galata Mevlevihanesi”, do you know it? Or any other good place?
teşekkürler
Hi Malak,
Have you taken a look at this page already, with a lot of info on the Whirling Dervishes?
Have a nice stay,
Erlend
I’m visiting Istanbul for the New Year’s eve. For now I have no questions for you, but I just want to thank you for the good job you are doing in informing us about Istanbul.
Well done and keep up with the good advises.
Thanks a lot Inas. Much appreciated.
Dear Erlend, what a wonderful job you make thank you for the website really it is so helping I am planning to visit Istanbul for 3 or 4 days starting 6 dec as we have a wedding there on 8th but it will be in the Asian side I would ask your advice for the sightseeing we can visit in istanbul we can stay 2 nights in taksim for visiting sultanahmet and go to the Asian side for 2 nights is this appropriate or u advise something else. Thank u so much
Hi Rasha,
Thanks a lot for the kind words.
Since there are more sightseeing spots on the European side, if it will be your first time in Istanbul, I’d stay 3 nights on the European side and one in Asia. But again, this is very personal.
Erlend
Hi,
I want to visit Istanbul by Jan-13 any recommendations what is the best week in jan or may be the time of sale in istanbul ? and what are the places could be visited in such weather ?? Many thanks in advance
Hi,
I think your planned time to visit is just fine. You can do the same sightseeing activities in winter as in summer, you just have to dress accordingly.
Erlend
Hi Erlend,
We really appreciate your generosity and valuable guidance provided through this website to all of us.
Need your expert advice .., we are visiting istanbul in mid december for three days and will be staying in taksim. i have following questions:
a). Can be combine bhosporus cruise with visit to princess island? Is it worth
b). For Bhosporus cruise should be take short cruise from eminou to kadikoy or ortakoy which one is better
Thanking you in advance
Gupta
Hi Gupta,
Thanks for the nice words.
I’m afraid you can’t really combine a Bosphorus cruise with a trip to the islands. They are two different lines, and in winter, even if you wanted to do one after the other, the time tables wouldn’t match.
But don’t let this set you back. A trip to the islands will take until early afternoon, but a short tour on the Bosphorus will only take two hours.
I’m a bit puzzled about what you mean with your second question. The short Bosphorus tour (which is actually not that short at all) leaves every day in Eminönü at 14:30 and goes non-stop to we’ll past the second bridge and back.
I think you are confused with regular stopping ferries that locals use to commute. They follow the same route to a certain extend, but stop a lot to let people on and off. Of course, if don’t want to go too far and/or want to get off in let’s say Ortaköy, then that’s the best way to go.
Have a nice stay,
Erlend
Thanks for the tips…. Will check this place out tomorrow.
You’re welcome. Let us know how it went.
Hi Erlend,
I am coming to Turkey friday 15 march,into Sabhia Gokcia airport for 19.00.I shall be leaveing for Keyseri on saturday evening.I would like to spend the 24hrs+ on one of the Princes Islands .Can I make the ferry crossing from Pendik or nearby either preferably late friday evening or early saturday morning. If not would Yavlova be as
good as a substitute trip for the same 24+period. As you can tell on my way into Turkey I am trying to avoid going ‘downtown! I shall have more time for those pleasures on my way out!!
Thanking you in anticipation, Cheers Mike.
Hi Mike,
The last ferry for the islands leaves from Bostanci at 19:40, which you won’t be able to catch if you land at 19:00. And even if you were, you would have to leave the islands the next morning at 8:25 already.
You could do the Yalova trip though, here you can find the Pendik-Yalova time table.
Kind regards,
Erlend
hi Erlend
is it possible to visit princess islands in february and march? how is the weather in these months?
tnx a lot
Hi Mona,
It’s perfectly possible to visit the Princes’ Islands in the winter. Be aware that there are less frequent transfers though, so check the latest timetables to make most of it.
As for the weather, who can predict that. To give you an example, today the weather was foggy in the morning, sunny and rather hot in the afternoon. And for tomorrow they predict rain. Only snow was missing to have all four seasons in one day!
Once come May the weather is stable, being sunny and (at times extremely) hot, until September/October, sometimes even November.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Hi Erlend
Thanks Erlend, I presume that is a No for ferries from Pendik to the Princes Is.
However I can now see that Yalova is a possibilty. I would greatly appreciate your advice as to whether or not Yalova is worth a trip for just 24hrs and if not is there any where on the shore of the Marmara Sea within striking distance of the Sabhia Gokcia airport that would be worth a short stay?
Many Thanks Mike
Hi Mike,
A trip to Yalova is certainly worth it if you like the thermal springs, which are especially fun in winter, and spa resorts.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Hi Erlend,
Really appreciate the info you are providing here.. Certainly a great help for first timers like me..
I’m intending to visit Istanbul during the first week of April for 5 nights and have considered the below itenenary. We are a family of 4 including two kids aged 9 & 7 who haven’t shown too much patience in taking long walks!!!
Your feedback will be really appreciated.
Day of arrival – evening istiklal/ tak sim
Day 2 – topkapi / Haga Sophia / blue mosque
Day 3 – Bosporus cruise / princess island
Day 4 – miniaturk / galata
Day 5 – grand bazaar / spices bazaar
Day 6 – return in the evening
Appreciate your views and many thanks in advance
Warm regards,
AB
Hi Anees,
Here we go.
Day 2 – This will be a full day, but certainly doable, also with two kids. They will have a good time in Topkapi (boys will enjoy the weapon room, girls will enjoy the treasury I’m sure; without being sexist here, but it’s the way it is). They may be less impressed by the Hagia Sophia and/or the Blue Mosque, so I would suggest to do the Hagia Sophia first and be there 30 min before opening. Ticket lines tend to grow. If you can, split up and have one adult go buy the tickets for the Topkapi Palace as well and meet back to visit the Hagia Sophia. When done, up to Topkapi it is. Take as much time as needed. Then come back for a lunch, and rest your legs. Last I’d do the Blue Mosque.
Day 3 – It’s hard to predict, but ferries will probably still be in winter regime. This will make it impossible to do both (even in summertime). I’d just do the Princes’ Islands, a family day out with horse and carriage, a bicycle tour, and/or walk. Try to have your breakfast at Büyükada if the weather is nice. The Bosphorus tour will move to day 5.
Day 4 – Good idea. Maybe squeeze in Dolmabahçe Palace in the morning if you can.
Day 5 – Spend a few hours in the Grand Bazaar, and walk down to Eminönü docks for the Bosphorus tour. You may want to buy tickets before you go to the bazaar if you want to make sure. Don’t lose track of time in the bazaar! Then, after the tour, you can still visit the spice bazaar and the adjacent alleys.
Day 6 – Have a night flight back.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Hi Lucca
Sorry to bug you but I wondered if you could come back with some thoughts (re. Yavlova) 0n my enquires of Feb.6th.
Cheers Mike
Hi Erlend,
Apologies for not responding earlier. But really appreciate your views and comments – thanks a million. You’ve made us feel much more relaxed about the holiday
Thanks again and will post our feedback post holiday…
Kind regards,
Anees Basheer
Hi, thank you so much for your website, it is really helpful. I’ll be visiting Istanbul next june with my wife on our honeymoon, so I’d really appreciate some comments on where to stay, and unique experiences outside the most known wonders of the city. Regarding the islands, what can you do when you get there? Are any beach clubs where you can hang around, or are any monuments to visit? I’m not familiar with the dress code for women, can they wear a bikini on the beach? Thank you very much, I’ll be waiting for your comments. With best regards. Gonzalo
Hi Gonzalo,
Congratulations with your upcoming wedding.
A typical visit to the islands (especially Büyükada) includes an early ferry trip to it, followed by a breakfast at the town square. After that, people either walk, rent a bike or do the (big) tour of the island with horse and carriage.
That won’t take a full day. I used to take the first ferry out, have the breakfast, then rent the bike for a full day. Upon almost completing the big tour, 20 min. before entering the town again, I stopped at Naki Bey. He runs a basic but well maintained facility to enjoy the sun and have a dip in the sea. Keep in mind the entrance is not free. There are more so liar facilities. Concerning your worries about dress codes for women, bikinis are just fine at the beach.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Hi Erlend,
Your suggestions and advice are very much appreciated by people like me who are first time travellers to Istanbul. I would like to ask which budget hotel is nearest to kabatas so i can go to princes’island the earliest time possible? Thanks and God bless you more patience and strength to answer all queries that come your way evryday.
Hi Lily,
Don’t worry about finding the closest hotel to Kabataş. There are almost none in that area anyway. Pick one you like best. Whether you choose Beyoğlu (the closest) or Sultanahmet district, you’ll never be more than 15-20 minutes away from the ferry dock.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Hi,
I and my wife will be visiting Istanbul later this month (March 2013) for a week.
How can I do a full-day Bosphorous Tour, Prince Island Tour on my own? The official tours seem to be costing 60 Euro per person for each tour!
I will be staying in Sultanahmet.
Thanks a lot in advance for your kind help!
MA
Hi MA,
I’m afraid I don’t understand your question. I have two posts on what Bosphorus tour to take and how to best get to the Princes’ Islands, the page you just read.
Both explain in detail what to do, to stay clear of private companies. Any of my suggestions will cost you 12 euros or less per person.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Hi Erlend,
I am planning to visit Turkey in April along with my wife for honeymoon. My stay is for 6 nights. I will be arriving at Istanbul on 14th April and leaving on 20th April. Initially I was planning to spend all 6 nights in Istanbul and I have also booked a hotel in Sultan Ahmet, but most of my friends are saying that 6 nights are too much to stay in Istanbul and I should add one more city in the tour.
I need your advice to spend all my stay in Istanbul or add cappadocia in my trip. Are there enough places in Istanbul to see and visit . Please note that as I am coming from Saudi Arabia so i will not be intrested in bars / clubs or shopping.
If you can give a sample itenenary that would be very greatful.
If I choose to go to cappadocia please give me a rough expense estimate.
Thanks and waiting for your reply.
Hi Hamid,
You can spend two weeks in Istanbul and still haven’t seen everything. It all depends on your preferences. If you want to stick to the most popular sightseeing spots, sure 4 days can do. In such case a trip to Cappadocia may be a nice extra.
Since this blog is focused on Istanbul, you should contact a travel agency for prices.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Thanks for the great replies.
I and my family (6 adults + 5 children ) will be visiting Istanbul second week of Istanbul and we will be staying in a hotel in SultanAhmet area. I received an offer from a travel agency for a visit to the princes islands including horse-drawn carriage tour and lunch for 520 euros (private tour) and 420 euros (if we join a group). Do you recommend we do it on our own and what would be the cost if we do? children ages: 2 babies (< 3 years) and 3 childs (7, 8 and 9).
Thanks for your assistance
Hi Fouad,
Let me put it this way: the big tour on Büyükada with horse and carriage costs 70 TL. So, you’ll need two of those for your party, which makes 140 TL. Of course you still need to get to the island. This costs with akbil 11 TL per person for a round trip. Times 9 people makes 100 TL. Now, if you deduct this from the 1150 TL (520 Euro), that leaves you with 900 TL for lunch. I have yet to find a place on the island where a lunch costs 100 TL per person, 30-40 is more likely.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Hi, thank you so much for such clear and much useful information. We are visiting Istanbul in mid April, and would love to visit the Island (need to look up info on the Bosphorous Tour next), we will be staying in the Sultanahmet area (if I have the name correct) which is close to Gulhanepark. I would like to ask you how do I get to the Island from there, and how much it would cost. I am hoping not to spend too much as I have 2 children with us.
How much will a carriage charge us and will it be per person, or for the whole carriage.
Thanks.
Hi Sandra,
You have two options. The first is to walk down to the Eminönü docks to catch the slow ferry to the islands. Secondly, you can take the tramway to Kabataş, and take the IDO quick ferry there. Always check the latest ferry schedules beforehand.
A big tour on the island by horse and carriage costs 70 TL, regardless the amount of people in the carriage.
Kind regards,
Erlend
My wife & i are coming to Istanbul at the beginning of September 2013 and are very curious of the princes island. Can we just catch the local ferry ourselves at that time of year and be able to hire a buggy or horse & cart?
Can you recommend the best way to wing it ourselves?
Hi Johnny,
Yes, you can, just like explained in the article and its comments.
Erlend
hi, thanks for such a informative site. I am planning to visit istanbul in august beginning with my wife and 2 kids. ( 3 yrs & 7 yrs) they both r used to sleep with us. Can u suggest me what kind of accomodation or hotels to look for, since i hv heard frm my friends that the hotels over there r european standards and they dont allow 2 + 2 accomodation.
Hi Sandeep,
You are right, most hotels follow European standards and are normally only one extra bed per room (often because of space restrictions). The fact that you come in high season won’t facilitate things.
Having said that, I’m sure you can find some hotels that will be happy to add two small beds. The only advice I can give is contact your favorite hotels and ask.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Hello there! Me and my family are visiting istanbul this week, princes island tour included , do you think its a good time to swim /for beach activities there? Im from lebanon and its already summer time and i heard istanbul is a bit colder then here.. So i m not sure if its recommended to swim there And what sort of activities you recommend ? Thank you
Hi Farah,
Summer kicked in a week ago in Istanbul. If you know that the sea takes a long time to heat up …
Erlend
Hi Dear
Thank you very much for your useful information.I will be visiting Istanbul from 22nd of May this year for six days. I would like to go to the Princes’ Islands along with my son aged 11 for one day. Would you please let me know as to which one of the nine tiny Islands is most attractive and worth visiting. What is the best and cheap medium of transport to hire to explore the Island?
Many Many Thanks
Hi Javed,
I would go for Büyükada. The nicest way to explorer the island is by bicycle. If your son is a bit sportive, I would opt for that over a horse and carriage ride. There are two pretty steep slopes, but other than that it’s easy peddling. Also, try to take the big tour. No need to make a race out of it, just enjoy the scenery.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Dear Erlend,
Thank you so much for the great info about Istanbul.
We are going to Istanbul in a few weeks and would like to visit Buyukada. But when I check IDO´s website for a timetable it only shows times for weekends and holidays. We like to go on a friday. Is it only Sehir Hatlar that goes on working days?
Another question about the ferry. I read that it´s also possible to go from Eminönu, but I can only find two departures at 13.10 and 18.00 – do you know if thats all?
Hi Ernst,
You’re right that IDO’s quick seabuses currently only operate during weekends and holidays.
If you want to visit the Princes’ Islands during the weekdays, you should take the ferry from either Kabataş or Kadıköy (Asian side). They leave approximately every half hour, and the trip from Kabataş takes about 1,5 hours. Here is the current time schedule.
You can easily reach Kabataş from Eminönü by taxi or tramway.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Dear Erland,
Thank you for the quick reply!
When I click the link you posted, I can only see a timetable where the ferry’s leave every second hour. Are you sure that they leave every half hour? That would be great, because the 8.40 ferry is to early for us and the 10.40 is a to late (the departure times are taken from the link).
Hi Ernst,
You’re right, they leave every 2 hours. I’m sorry.
Erlend
Hello,
Thank for all the information,
We are planning to travel to Turkey beginning of June with our 2 daughters aged 9 and11.
Which would be the best places to visit? Especially in Istanbul, cappadochia, Izmir
It’s our first time so basically I’m a bit clueless….there are just too many places to visit in turkey.
Please get back to me when you get a chance..
Many thanks,
Aamen
Hi Aamena,
This site focuses on Istanbul, so I’m afraid I won’t be able to help you with Cappadoccia and Izmir.
Since this would be your first time in Istanbul, I would start with the classics: Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Dolmabahçe Palace, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar and of course a Bosphorus Tour. I prefer the Süleymaniye Mosque over the Blue Mosque.
Have fun,
Erlend
Hello Erland,
I found the information you have provided to be most interesting but there’s something that still worries me. I wonder if you can help. My wife and I are planning to visit the Princes’ Islands in October. According to my TK EYEWITNESS TRAVEL guide of Turkey (on Page 158) it states that there is a “ferry from Eminönü or a sea bus from Kabatas to the islands”. For the life of me I cannot find the timetables for a ferry from Eminönü, only from Kabatas. Can you please confirm if there is, in fact, a ferry from Eminönü and if there is, on which website will I find the timetables?
Kind regards
Ron
PS. You mentioned that the cost of the big tour on the horse and is 70 TL but I could not find on your website any mention of the cost of the short tour. Do you know what it is?
Hi Ron,
You’re right, currently both the regular ferry and the sea bus operate from Kabataş. As for the small horse and carriage tour, I don’t know this year’s price yet, but I’d say to set 50 TL aside.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Dear Erlend,
How many people does a regular carriage fit on the horse ride?
Hi Ernst,
Four adults comfortably.
Erlend
Hi, I made reservation at Big Is Splendid palace for 6/12. I hope the hotel is good. we are leaving from Sirkeci Konak hotel and checking into Witt on 6.13. should we take tram or taxi?
Hi Skim,
I would take a taxi. It’s a small distance, but you don’t want to carry your luggage up the hill from Karaköy. It should cost you max 10 TL.
Erlend
Hi Erlend,
You’ve done a great job in helping everyone and am hoping you can help me too. I am thinking to visit Istanbul in the last week of June till first week of July. Is this a nice time to visit? We’re a family of 4 (2 kids: 2 yrs, 5 yrs) and would it be comfy to move around/see all the sights, etc. in the weather at this time? We plan to do the cruises to the Islands and Bosphorus and walk around/use tram everywhere in Istanbul, utilizing the daylight hours as much as possible/as the kids allow but I can’t gauge how much that would be possible ‘cuz of the weather. An input would be wonderful and most helpful. Thanks !
Hi Fareeha,
June/July are great times of the year to visit Istanbul. Of course, given the age of your children, you’ll have to take it a bit slower. If they still use buggies, you may consider bringing these backpack-like devices to take them across the city.
Kind regards,
Erlend