Büyükada Travel Guide (Istanbul): 15+ Things to Do, Transport, Where to Eat + More

If you want to see the best of Büyükada — including grandiose mansions, lazy seaside strolls, and green pine forests — our Büyükada Travel Guide has everything you need to plan the perfect trip!

Despite being the farthest of the major Prince Islands from Istanbul’s mainland, the aptly-named Büyükada (meaning “Big Island”) is also the most popular — and for good reason. This 2 mi²/5.4 km² island is full of beautiful streets, epic hikes (and views!), and places to explore.

As soon as you step off the ferry, it feels like landing in another world (or another century!) One where cozy seafood tavernas beckon with the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses, where seagulls dot the air above you, and where the salty sea breeze wafts through the air. 

Wander a bit further, and the streets widen and become lined with grandiose mansions and summer houses. Keep exploring, and civilization gently fades into tranquil pine groves and peaceful forest trails.

Just by reading that, you can probably tell why Büyükada is one of the best day trips from Istanbul — and also one of the easiest to reach!

If you’re craving a break from the city’s bustle and chaos, keep reading, as this travel guide will tell you the best things to do in Büyükada, how to get to Büyükada from Istanbul, where to eat, and local tips to make your trip even better!

Buyukada Travel Tips

📅 The best time to visit Buyukada: Spring (April to early June) and Autumn (September to end of October) are the best months to visit Büyükada. We personally love early spring, when the island is bursting with blooming flowers, the weather is gentle, and the crowds haven’t arrived yet. 

However, we recommend avoiding April 23, as it’s the date of the annual pilgrimage to St. George Monastery and very crowded. 

On the flip side, summer (late June through August) is honestly the worst time to go to Büyükada if you’re not a fan of heat, long ferry lines, or crowded promenades. Day-trippers from Istanbul pack the island, especially on weekends and holidays.

Winter is peaceful and beautifully quiet, but a bit of a mixed bag. Some cafes and restaurants shut down for the season, and rainy weather is common — but if you’re lucky with sunshine, it can be wonderfully atmospheric and calm.

Finally, we highly recommend avoiding the first few days of Eid (after Ramadan), because the island becomes packed with local tourists and ferry lines stretch forever. 

You can read more info about traveling during Ramadan in our National Turkish Holidays blog post and our Traveling to Turkey During Ramadan post (including a fun story about how we accidentally visited Büyükada on the first day of Eid 🥲). 

🎟️ Get the Istanbulkart: You can use your Istanbulkart to pay for the ferry; there’s no need for a separate ticket!

🧥 Pack layers: Even if it’s warm in the city, the sea breeze can make Büyükada feel cooler, especially on the ferry or if you’re biking through the forested areas.

📆 Weekdays are better than weekends: If your schedule is flexible, try to go on a weekday. You’ll get the charming island atmosphere without the crowds (Istanbulites like to visit the islands on the weekend as a break from busy city life).

🚗 No cars allowed! Büyükada is a car-free island, which means your options are limited to walking, biking, or taking the electric bus. Wear comfy shoes, bring water, and wear a hat, especially if you’re planning to hike to the top.

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A (Not So) Short History of Buyukada

First things first: let’s get acquainted with Büyükada! The island is 4.3 kilometers (2.6 miles) long and 1.3 kilometers (0.8 miles) wide, with its highest point at 203 meters (Aya Yorgi Hill / Yücetepe).

Büyükada has gone by many names over the centuries, from Prinkipos (Greek for “Prince”) to “Princess Islands” to the modern Turkish “Büyükada,” meaning “Big Island.”

But don’t let the name fool you — originally, this island wasn’t the peaceful haven that you see today! In fact, during the Byzantine era, Büyükada had a much more sinister reputation as a dumping ground for political opponents. 

That’s right: Exiled princes, disgraced politicians, and unlucky nobles were ordered by rulers to be ferried off to this island to live out the rest of their days in isolation… Which, to be fair, was probably a gentler fate than being tossed into the Bosphorus (another popular method by some sultans of that time), but we digress. 😅

It wasn’t just men, either! Several empresses and high-ranking women were also exiled here, including Empress Irene (who once sent her own son to Büyükada so that she could take control of the empire), Empress Zoe, and Anna Dalassena. Some were sent away after political power plays while others simply fell out of favor.

As you can probably tell, this is why the island got the name Prinkipos, in honor of the original princes who were exiled here. 

The island has also seen its fair share of famously exiled residents. For example, in the 1930s, Leon Trotsky spent four years on Büyükada after being exiled from the Soviet Union. 

In the mid-1850s the island got a new (and much better) reputation after a regular ferry service from mainland Istanbul made the islands more accessible. Suddenly, exile gave way to leisure! Wealthy Istanbullites began building elegant wooden mansions (many of which still stand today) and Büyükada became the place to enjoy long summer days.

For the truly stylish escape artists who didn’t have a summer home, the Splendid Palace Hotel was built in 1908 and features a beautiful red-and-white Art Nouveau style, an open courtyard, and retro charm. It still operates as a hotel to this day!

As the 20th century rolled on, Büyükada also became a haven for Greek, Turkish, and Armenian intellectuals, artists, bohemian bon vivants, and writers from Istanbul’s inner circles. Besides being a pretty escape, the island was also a place where progressive ideas, poetry, and politics quietly bloomed (often over long rakı-filled dinners in leafy garden courtyards).

Büyükada (and the rest of the Prince Islands) took off in the early 2010s, when tourism to the islands saw a major boom thanks to a rising interest in slow travel and “off the beaten path” destinations. Day-trippers came in droves, Istanbulites booked boutique hotels, and international travelers started adding the Prince Islands to their Istanbul bucket list. Suddenly, the sleepy summer isle was back in the spotlight.

Nowadays, the only “exiles” are voluntary ones — busy Istanbullites seeking a relaxing escape and curious travelers looking for something a little more unhurried than a typical package tour. 🙂 

⭐️ Fun fact: Büyükada has been home to many famous figures. Leon Trotsky, the exiled revolutionary, lived here from 1929 to 1933, and wrote significant works. Pope John XXIII (then Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli), served as the papal nuncio. Princess Fahrelnissa Zeid, a renowned artist and member of the Hashemite royal family, was born on Büyükada, while famed Turkish novelist Reşat Nuri Güntekin lived on the island.

The island has also been featured in various Turkish movies and series, such as Şakir Paşa Ailesi (Portrait of a Scandalous Family), İstanbul Kırmızısı (Red Istanbul), The Protector, and Exile in Buyukada.

How to Get to Büyükada 

You can reach Büyükada from the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, which we’ll talk about below. 

From the European side

Ferries to Büyükada depart from Eminönü, Karaköy, Kabataş, and Beşiktaş piers. Let’s take a look at each:

If you’re staying in Istanbul’s Old Town (Sultanahmet), the closest departure pier is Eminönü. 

You have two options. The first is to take a direct ferry from Eminönü to Büyükada via Mavi Marmara, which is about a 75 minute journey. You can see timetables here.

Alternatively, you can take the Turyol ferry from Eminönü to Büyükada — check timetables here.

If you’re staying near Beyoğlu or the Galata Tower area, you can walk down to Karaköy pier and take a Turyol ferry from Karaköy to Büyükada — check timetables here. The travel time is about 1 hour and 15 mins.

Finally, there are regular ferries from Beşiktaş and Kabataş to Büyükada via Şehir Hatları (the official city ferry lines). You can check the timetable here.

From the Asian side

From the Asian side, ferries leave from Kadıköy, Bostancı, and Maltepe. The ferry from Kadıköy to Büyükada takes around 60–75 minutes, while Bostancı is the fastest at just 30 minutes.

You can check timetables on the Şehir Hatları website. 

How to get Around Büyükada

One of the first things you’ll notice when you step off the ferry in Büyükada is how peacefully quiet it is. 

That’s no coincidence, because no private cars are allowed on the island! In fact, all of the Princes’ Islands are car-free zones, with only a few exceptions for government vehicles like police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances.

Some older travel guides might mention horse-drawn carriages (phaetons), but those were banned a few years ago (in 2020) over concerns over animal welfare. Now we have electronic buses instead! 

So how do you get around Buyukada? Easy! Let’s take a look:

🚌 Electric Shuttle Buses

Büyükada uses small electric shuttle buses that loop around the island (called Adabus). They run fairly frequently during the day (especially in high season) and are a great option if you’re not in the mood to walk or bike uphill. 

The Büyükada bus terminal is located just three blocks from the ferry station (about a 2-minute walk) and is where all of the buses depart from (📍 location). There’s an information booth in case you need directions, and each bus line has its own “platform.” 

Each bus has an LED screen in the front window that shows the line number and destination (for example, BA-2) and inside is a monitor with the next stop. 

💳 Payment is made by NFC credit card and IstanbulKart. If you don’t have an IstanbulKart yet (we highly recommend it!), there are dispensing points near the bus terminal. 

🚲 Bicycles 

Renting a bike is one of the best ways to explore Büyükada! You’ll find rental shops just a few minutes’ walk from the ferry pier. Prices are affordable, and helmets are typically included (be sure to ask just in case).

There’s a popular island loop ride (ask the bike rental office for a map) that takes you past pine forests, old monasteries, sea views, and grand old mansions — but be warned, some of the hills can be steep!

💳 The price of a bike rental in Büyükada is around 100 TL per hour (as of July 2025). Some shops may offer a discount for all-day rentals (typically about 400 TL per day). If you’re planning to visit Büyükada for a few hours, it might make sense to go for the day rental. 

When renting a bike on Büyükada, you might be asked to give a form of ID (such as a driver’s license or ID card) as a deposit. Don’t worry, you’ll get it back when you return the bike! 🙂 

Prefer a personalized Büyükada bike tour? This fun 4-hour e-bike experience comes with a local English-speaking guide, a customizable itinerary, and less need to pedal — perfect if you’d rather not waste time figuring out where to go on your own. Click here to check prices and availability →

👟 Walking

Last but certainly not least, you can enjoy all of Büyükada by walking! 

You can easily explore the island on foot, from the lively waterfront to the quiet pine forests. Just keep in mind that some areas (especially the route to the monastery) can get a little hilly, so comfortable shoes, a hat, and a water bottle are your best friends. 🙂

It’s also worth noting that Büyükada is a popular hiking destination in Istanbul, especially for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy panoramic views over the Sea of Marmara. Seriously, every time we go hiking on Büyükada we barely see any other people up there! (Most day trippers typically tend to cluster around the port). 

What To Do On Büyükada

Now for the fun part: what to see on Büyükada! From grandiose mansions to cute cobblestone streets, chic cafes, and glittering sea views, the island is packed with charm.

Even if you only have one day on Büyükada, you’ll find plenty of ways to fill it, whether that’s pedaling through beautiful streets, hiking up to Aya Yorgi Hill, or simply lingering over a long seafood lunch by the water. Here are some ideas to help you get started. 🙂 

Explore the Island by Bicycle

Yes, we mentioned it under the ‘Transportation’ section above, but riding a bike really is one of the most popular things to do on Büyükada! Since motorized vehicles aren’t allowed, the island’s leafy streets and shady avenues are best explored on two wheels.

It’s a good idea to plan this first, so you know how much time (and energy!) you’ll have left for other activities. Bike rentals are easy to find near the ferry pier, and prices are reasonable whether you go for an hour or a full day. 

Before you head out, please be sure to practice a few circles before tackling the hills — last time we visited, we saw three tourists (on two separate occasions) almost crash into us. :’)

If you’d rather skip the guesswork and see more of the island without tiring yourself, check out this 4-hour electric bike tour — complete with a local guide and flexible route. It’s an excellent way to explore Büyükada’s hills, hidden mansions, and forest trails without breaking a sweat! Click here to check prices and availability →

Admire the Historic Wooden Mansions

One of Büyükada’s most iconic “landmarks” are the dozens of grand wooden mansions scattered across the island. 

The majority of these houses were built in the late 19th to early 20th century, and are a lovely reminder of the island’s “golden era” as a summer retreat for Istanbul elites and wealthy families. 

The best way to get acquainted with these elegant mansions is by taking a walk along Çankaya Caddesi, which is often called the “Most Beautiful Street in Turkey” — and you’ll soon see why! 

Some of the most distinctive features of these wooden villas are the meticulous woodwork, delicate balconies, shuttered windows, and colorful façades that look like they belong in an old film reel.

We’ll look at some of the most famous mansions on Büyükada next. 🙂 

🗺️ Travel Tip! If you fell in love with these gorgeous houses, be sure to check out Kuzguncuk on Istanbul’s Asian side. This is another colorful neighborhood with wooden houses, cozy streets, and the same nostalgic charm. Click here to see photos and read our Kuzguncuk guide →

See Leon Trotsky’s Mansion

While we’re on the topic of mansions, there’s a certain address that needs its own entry: the Yanaros Mansion, where Leon Trotsky lived during his exile!

Built in the 1850s by a local banker called Nikola Demades, it eventually became Trotsky’s home during his stay in Turkey (yes, the irony of a communist living in a grandiose mansion built by a banker isn’t lost on us ;)). 

Trotsky lived here for four years while working on his book, History of the Russian Revolution, and even wrote a poignant description of the island in his Farewell to Prinkipo essay: “Prinkipo is an island of peace and forgetfulness. The life of the world reaches here after long delays and hushed down.”

Unfortunately, time hasn’t been kind to the mansion. It hasn’t been maintained since Trotsky left in 1933 and has become a former (dilapidated) shell of its glorious past. It was even put on the market for $4.4 million USD, but nobody has bought it. 😅 

Thankfully, some of the walls and part of the roof are still standing (for now), so be sure to check it out before it fully collapses.

Don’t Miss Mizzi Kosku 

Alright, now it’s time for one of the most beautiful mansions on Büyükada: Mizzi Mansion!

This striking red-and-yellow mansion was built in the late 1800s for a local lawyer, amateur astronomer, and businessman called Mr. Mizzi (hence the name). If you look closely, you’ll see that the top of the tower has an observatory, where Mizzi reportedly spent his evenings gazing at the stars. 😌

Fun fact: Mizzi Mansion was designed by architect Raimondo D’Aronco, who was also commissioned to design the beautiful pavilions at Yıldız Palace (another must-visit Istanbul attraction!)

See Istanbul’s Skyline from the Greek Orthodox Monastery of St. George

Do you want to see one of the best viewpoints of Istanbul? Then you better get your hiking boots ready! 😉

The Hagios Georgios Koudonas Church is located at the highest peak of Büyükada (Yücetepe) and requires a bit of a climb, but the views are worth it! 

After taking in the skyline, be sure to stop by and look at the beautiful mosaics inside this Greek Orthodox monastery. While you’re looking around, let me tell you some interesting facts. 🙂 

The name Hagios Georgios Koudonas translates to “St. George of the Bells” and has a very interesting backstory. The legend goes that a shepherd boy was walking around the area, tending to his sheep, when he heard the sound of bells ringing underground. 

Curious, he dug into the ground and uncovered an icon of St. George that had been buried for centuries (to protect it during the crusaders in the 1200s). After this discovery, the monastery was built and the original icon was transferred to the main Orthodox Patriarchate church (also named Saint George Church 😉) in Balat.

The monastery also has an interesting tradition: every April 23 (and to a lesser-extent, September 24), thousands of pilgrims walk barefoot and in silence up the hill to the monastery to celebrate St. George’s feast day. Once at the church, they make wishes and receive a small bell or key as a charm. Tradition says that once their wish comes true, they must return the item to the church.

See the Büyükada Greek Orphanage

Less than 2 kilometers (1.24 mi) from the St. George Monastery is another famous Büyükada landmark: the Prinkipo Greek Orthodox Orphanage (or Rum Yetimhanesi in Turkish). 

This gigantic building is believed to be the largest wooden structure in Europe and the second-largest in the world (for those wondering, the Todaiji Temple in Japan holds the record). It was originally built in the late 1890s by famed architect Alexander Vallaury, who also designed the Pera Palace hotel and many other important buildings in Istanbul. 

After Sultan Abdülhamid II (of Yildiz Palace fame) denied its casino license, it was bought by a wealthy Greek woman, who renovated and eventually donated it to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate to be used as an orphanage.

The Prinkipo Greek Orphanage had a total of 20,000 sq. meters and 206 rooms, and housed over 6,000 orphans between its opening in 1903 and eventual closure in 1977. 

While it’s definitely one of the most unique places on Büyükada, unfortunately it doesn’t have a happy ending. The building was damaged by a fire in 1980, involved in multiple legal battles, and decayed over the years. There were recent talks (in 2021) about restoring the building, but it would require over 20 million euros to do so. 

As you might imagine, the building isn’t open to visitors (it’s falling apart and very dangerous), but you can see what it looks like inside thanks to this video that a local vlogger did a few years ago. Nonetheless, it’s still interesting to see from the outside and imagine what it looked like back in its glory days! 

Learn More at the Museum of the Princes’ Islands

If the Prince Islands have captured your interest, why not learn more about their fascinating history at the Adalar Museum? 

Opened in 2010, the museum has about a dozen various exhibits that talk about the history, culture, architecture, flora and fauna, and anthropology of the various islands. When we visited this summer, they had a special exhibit about the recently popular Turkish series, Portrait of a Scandalous Family (Şakir Paşa Ailesi). 

The entry fee is 300 TL as of August 2025 and the museum is closed on Mondays. Plan to spend at least 30 to 60 minutes inside — although if you’re the type who loves reading every last information board (like Ms. Kedi 😉), you could easily stretch it longer.

Take a Break at the Taş Mektep

Bookworms, art fans, and cafe lovers will all feel at home at Taş Mektep. This beautifully restored stone building is one of Büyükada’s newest cultural spaces — and a perfect spot to take a break from cycling and sightseeing. 

Its name literally translates to “Stone School,” and the building itself has quite the backstory. It was originally built in the second half of the 19th century by the Greek Orthodox Patriarch Sophronios and served as his summer residence for many years. In 1922, it was bought by the Istanbul government and used as a primary school until 1980 (hence the name).

After decades of neglect, the structure was beautifully restored by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) and reopened in 2023. Today, it’s a cultural center with a library, workshop spaces, a gallery, a bookstore, and a cozy indoor/outdoor cafe.

The climb up is steep, but the sweeping island and sea views are worth it. Don’t skip the art gallery on the second floor — both the exhibitions and the views over Büyükada are gorgeous! 

Relax at Büyükada’s Beaches

Being an island, it’s no surprise that Büyükada has plenty of places to swim and sunbathe. 

Just don’t expect long stretches of wild sandy shores, as most beaches here are actually beach clubs with an entry fee, sunbeds, umbrellas, and small cafes serving food and drinks. 

A few smaller coves are free, but they’re usually rocky and get crowded quickly in summer.

Some of the most popular Büyükada beaches include Yörük Ali Beach, Kumsal Family Beach, Nizam Beach, and Prenses Koyu. 

Eat Ice Cream at Clock Square… 

As the quintessential symbol of Büyükada, the Clock Tower (Saat Kulesi) has been greeting visitors as they step off the ferry for over a century. 

Much like the Bull Statue in Kadıköy or the Republic Monument in Taksim, it’s long been a classic meeting point, both in the old days before mobile phones made coordinating easier, and even today when friends need an easy spot to find each other.

One of the simplest (and sweetest) pleasures on Büyükada is to grab a cone of creamy  dondurma (ice cream)  from one of the nearby stands and just wander around the square. Locals and day-trippers alike do the same, turning this little ritual into part of the island’s charm. 🙂 

While you’re eating your ice cream, why not take a cute photo in front of the clock tower to announce your arrival at Büyükada? 

… Or Drink Gazoz at a Cute Retro Shop

If you’re not into ice cream, no worries — just two minutes from the Clock Tower you’ll find Sevda Gazozcusu, a retro-style shop dedicated entirely to gazoz, Turkey’s beloved fizzy soda. 🙂

Gazoz is a carbonated drink that comes in different flavors, and at Sevda Gazozcusu Büyükada, there are more than 100 flavors! Here, you can try gazoz from different regions of Turkey, like saffron soda from Safranbolu, sweet almond soda from Datça, or apricot soda from Malatya (the apricot capital of the world).

Psst: Sevda Gazozcusu also has a branch in Balat, so you can get your fizzy fix on the “mainland” too!

Relax at Dilburnu Nature Park

This is one of our favorite places on the island. 🙂 

Tucked away in the pine forests on the western side of Büyükada, Dilburnu Nature Park is perfect for a stroll under the trees or enjoying the sea views away from the crowds. 

We like to relax at Aşıklar Adabahçe Cafe (📍location) and enjoy the views through the pine trees (and the gözleme! 🤤). You can also play on the swing or lounge in one of the hammocks — or play with the local cats who always like to hang out here! 

It’s also one of the best places on Büyükada to see the sunset!

Explore Other Islands

Don’t just stop at Büyükada — there are plenty of other islands to explore! 😉

Here are some of the most popular Prince Islands other than Büyükada:

📍Heybeliada is famous for its pine forests wrapping around more than 70% of the island, cute mom-and-pop shops, and hilltop monasteries. Click here to read our Heybeliada guide →

📍Burgazada is literary to its core thanks to the Sait Faik Abasıyanık Museum, plus unhurried swims and golden-hour dinners.

📍 Kınalıada is the closest island to “mainland” Istanbul and is famous for its reddish, henna-colored soil (hence the island’s name, which translates to henna island). 

Each island has its own character, and together they make for an easy breezy escape from Istanbul.

Where to Eat on Buyukada

Any trip to an island demands fresh seafood (preferably in a traditional taverna), cute cafes, and refreshingly cold ice cream. Here are the best cafes and restaurants on Büyükada:

🐟 Milano Restaurant — A local staple since the 1960s and one of the most popular seafood restaurants on Büyükada! You really can’t go wrong with seating: inside you’ll be treated to beautiful Ottoman Art Nouveau-style mosaics and wood paneling, while outside you have views of the sea.

🍪 Büyükada Bakery — Another iconic spot with baked goods and friendly employees. They’re especially famous for their lokum cookies — don’t forget to buy a box before taking the ferry back to mainland Istanbul (our favorite ritual whenever we visit). 🙂 

🌲 Aşıklar Adabahçe Cafe — We already mentioned this spot in the ‘Relax at Dilburnu Nature Park’ section, but it’s so cute that it deserves another shoutout here! Hidden in the pine forests on the western side of Büyükada, this cute cafe offers yummy snacks and drinks. A perfect way to relax and recharge before continuing your bike ride or hike. 📍Location

🥪 lup büyükada — A modern bistro with a focus on European cuisine like bruschetta, bowls, sandwiches (the focaccia is delicious!), and more. This is also one of the rare places that serves vegan and vegetarian food on Büyükada. 🙂 

🥟 BOWLMANTI — Some of the best mantı (Turkish dumplings) that we’ve tried so far! The employees are super friendly and we love that they have books about Büyükada that you can browse while waiting for your order. 

☕ Maple Coffeeshop Büyükada — A cute little cafe right across from the bus terminal. Great spot to get some caffeine before starting your adventure. 🙂 

🥐 Johnson’s Bakery Büyükada — A sweet bakery near the center that’s famous for their fresh-out-of-the-oven croissants and Turkish breakfasts. 

Where to Stay on Buyukada

We originally wanted to write our favorite hotels in Buyukada here, but the list got so long that we had to create an entirely new blog post to fit them all! 😅

Click here to read our full post on where to Stay on Buyukada, including budget-friendly stays, cute boutique hotels, and even historic mansions → (Coming soon!)

Frequently Asked Questions