Sodermalm is the name of the big island south of Gamla Stan, the old town of Stockholm. While the hipster takeover of the island is expanding in all directions, the area called SoFo, “South of Folkungagatan” is the heart of it. It is a pun driven from SoHo in NY, as the area is transforming into a hub of Swedish fashion designers.

A brief look at the map will quickly hint that you will be spending most of your time in SoFo. With that said, there are a few noteworthy stops on the outskirts of the island, mostly bars and Fotografiska, a must-see photo gallery.

Sodermalm Map

Getting In

– You can walk from Gamla Stan though Slussen. It takes about 20-30 minutes.
– Alternatively, you can get in by taking a subway to Medborgarplatsen (3 stops from Gamla Stan, 4 from T-Centralen which is the Central Station). Skanstull, the next stop after Medborgarplatsen is also fine.

Things to Know

Working Hours: If you want to come early, there are a few nice places for breakfast not much goes on in the neighborhood until noon. Most shops don’t open until 11 or 12 and close around 6-7. On Sundays, some shops open for shorter hours while others do not open at all.

SoFo Nights: The last Thursday of each month is the SoFo night. Shops stay open until 8 or 9, host events such as workshops or DJ performances. On some days they even hand out little treats like coffee and snacks. Sometimes they will make special discounts too. You can follow the related announcements here.

Itinerary: If you are new to Stockholm, it is a good idea to plan Gamla Stan for the first half of the day, and Sodermalm for the second. You can check out our recommended Stockholm itinerary here.

Where to Stay

$

When we are talking about low budget accommodation, it means that we can’t have it all. Loginn Hotel and Den Röda Båte are both boats converted budget hotels. They are both parked in very convenient locations and they have excellent views on Gamla Stan. The downside is that the cabins and windows can be small. On the upside, they have huge decks where you can enjoy your drinks and breakfast. If you prefer to trade a great location of the boats with comfier rooms, STF Zinkensdamm Hostel is an affordable option in Hornstull (southwest of Sodermalm). It is about a 30 min walk to SoFo and 35 mins to Gamla Stan.

$ $

Only 1.5 km from Fotografiska, Outstanding Soho Studio offers an apartment includes 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom with a shower, a seating area, and a kitchen with a dishwasher. Ideal for 3 person. Biz Apartment Hammarby Sjöstad is a bit far away from Sodermalm district ( aprx. 2 km) but it is a great choice for big families. If you prefer a place to stay which is close to the vibrant Sodermalm streets so you can pick Hellstens Glashus.

$ $ $

if you fancy a bit luxury, these charming boutique hotels NOFO Hotel; BW Premier Collection, housed in a building from 1780 or its sister Hotel Frantz, BW Premier Collection would be the right choice. But you should know that Hotel Frantz’s rooms are a bit tight. Hotel Rival is just another hotel which is housed in a 1930s Art Déco building.

Breakfast

Pom & Flora ♡

With its menu comprised of healthy juices to Instagrammable breakfast bowls & beetroot lattes, Pom & Flora is like Bali with a Swedish accent. Yes please!
The design is simple, clean, typical Swedish style. Click for location.

Café Pascal ♡

My personal favorite brunch spot in SoFo is Pascal Cafe. It is also recommended by the Michelin Guide. The sandwiches and salads are heavenly. It is also a very popular fika spot thanks to its yummy baked good and renowned coffee. Unfortunately, that may translate into congestion but it is worth the wait. Click for location.

Gildas Rum

Gildas is one of the classics of SoFo. It is not your polished cafe, rather a kitsch neighborhood hang out. Its decor has a nostalgic feeling to it. You will find tartines and grilled sandwiches, light salads and home-baked pastries on the menu. On sunny days its outdoor seating is very popular. Click for location.

Louie Louie

Louie Louis is another modest neighborhood classic. Yes, it is named after the Louie Louie song and it feels pretty much an Amerikan Dinner.  They serve breakfast until 11:00, so don’t be late. If you arrive later, you will find mostly quick fixes like sandwiches and salads and if lucky some DJ action. Mostly popular among the younger crowd for its reasonable prices. Click for location.

Things to Do

Walk & Shop

If you like nordic design, you will find some very tempting stores here. But make sure to come with a stacked wallet, as an Acne basic knit sweater costs around 350 Euros or a Stutterheim rain jacket around 300. If your eyes popped out at the price tags, you can check out the vintage stores. For a nice stroll, I would recommend sticking to Sofo, which the area between Folkungagatan Street in the north, Ringvägen in the south, Erstagatan in the east and Götgatan in the west.

Nytorget Square

In the heart of SoFo is Nytorget Square with a playground and a small park. As most popular hangouts are in this area, in the summer months the park offers a vibrant social scene. If you get hungry, go to Urban Deli at the corner of the park. It is a great place for everything from oysters to ice-cream.

You can also consider extending your visit to Bergsprängargränd. It is some stairs up the hill from the corner of the park. There you will find a cluster of iconic red Swedish houses. They used to be houses of the working-class man, now they are mostly summer retreats but  I got to admit that’s all there is to it. Click for location.

Rent a Bike

If you want to explore beyond SoFo, it is better to hop on a bike. The city has a shared biking system with plenty of docking stations. For SoFo, the most convenient stations are at Katarina Bangata and Gotgatan. Now that you are ready to venture out of SoFo, we can dig into larger Sodermalm area recommendations:

Fotografiska ♡

A top recommendation not just from Sodermalm but from Stockholm is to see Fotografiska. It is a contemporary photo exhibit where they host world-class photographers’ works. While it is off of SoFo, it is still an easy walking distance. It has a cafe/restaurant with great city views so make sure to stop by the top floor. Click for location.

Vita Bergen Park

Vita Bergen a bigger and steeper thanks to which it offers nice city views. In the summer you can catch a concert or a performance at the open-air theatre of the park. Click for location.

Monteliusvägen View Point ♡

For views of Gamla Stan, the old town, head to Monteliusvägen. It is said to be one of the best viewpoints in the city. Click for location.

The post SOFO, SODERMALM – COMPLETE GUIDE TO STOCKHOLM’S HIPSTER CAPITAL appeared first on Biz Evde Yokuz.

That makes me a cross between a tourist and a local. I am insider enough to know where the best spots are but also outsider enough to still have the excitement to carry around a camera. Equipped with the best of the 2 worlds,  I put together what I think is the best way to explore Stockholm for the first-timers. You will find a 2-day itinerary.

Best Time to Visit Stockholm

Summer: The best time visit Stockholm is in the summer. The city awakens, the streets lively up, and the weather is pleasant. Days are very long, indeed you can expect 18 hours of daylight around midsummer (24 June)! Bear in mind that while Swedes will put on their swimsuits and rush to the parks and beaches, you will find yourself putting on a sweater. So make sure to pack in warm layers. On the upside, it is the perfect sightseeing weather. Also keep in mind that most rain falls in the summer, especially in July.

Fall: Many argue that fall is a good option to visit Stockholm but the weather starts to get unpleasant after September. However, the snow doesn’t start falling until December.

Winter: Winters are very cold in Stockholm. On top of that daylight is very limited which makes it gloomy. On the shortest day (21 Dec), the sun sets as early as 14.48 making your days shrink. It feels like the whole city goes into a hibernation state. It is the least favorable time to go there but on the upside, you can go ice-skating at the frozen lakes of the sea.

Spring: The temperatures will gradually warm up but snowfall is still possible in March and early Spring. In May, however, it starts to feel pleasant.

How Many Days In Stockholm

You would need at least 2 days to cover the main attractions in Stockholm. However, you will be on a tight schedule and it won’t leave you much time for shopping or getting local. 3 or 4 is better if you are coming in the summer. This way you can even spare time to going island hopping.

Understanding Stockholm

Stockholm is home to 2 million people which is about 20% of Sweden’s population. It is one of the most diverse cities you will find in the world.  Thanks to its policies that ensure a work-life balance, it has been attracting some of the brightest minds from around the world. There are also many refugees who take shelter in Stockholm. Standing in a subway car, you may see more foreigners than Swedes. Thus the food in the city is cosmopolitan as well. While I can not say that the food scene is as vibrant as Copenhagen’s, you will find some great eats.

The city is built on 14 islands, at the intersection of Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea. However, most tourists do not discover further than 3-4 islands where most tourist attractions are accumulated.

Stockholm is very beautiful but some might feel that it is not as delightful as they expected. It takes a while to understand and appreciate the charm of this city as it is not evident from the façade. Glamour does not resonate with Stockholm. Instead, everything is programmed to be cleverly simple. Simplicity is seen as the ultimate form of sophistication. Sweden’s mindset of prioritizing a society where everyone is socially & financiallu secure shows itself the fabric of the city. Nothing is sub-standard nor very fancy. Its charm unfolds as you experience the city. The more you understand the fundamentals of the Swedish culture, the more you appreciate Stockholm.

2 Day Stockholm Itinerary

Here are some of the main areas where you  will be spending time:
Gamla Stan: The old town
Sodermalm: Hipster quarter
Djurgarden: Where all the best museums are
Norrmalm: Downtown & shopping street

I think that the best way to plan your 2 days in Stockholm is to spare the first day for exploring the old town and the artsy district of Sodermalm and the next day to see the center and visit some museums.

If shopping is a priority for you, you should know that chain stores such as Zara, H&M, Stadium, and Urban Outfitters are concentrated at Drottninggatan and the area between Sergels Torg and Kungsträdgården (they fall roughly under the circle of Norrmalm). On the other hand, Sodermalm offers design stores and Nordic brands such as Acne and Stutterhaim which are nicer but also more expansive. Finally, there are fewer stores in Sodermalm.

If you want to shop in both areas without rushing, you should consider making the following amendments to our proposed itinerary: Skip the town hall, go directly to the shopping areas, catch a walking tour in Gamla Stan and cross to Sodermalm in the afternoon. A few tips for shopping in Norrmalm: Åhléns City and NK (Nordiska kompaniet) are great department store where you will find a big variety of brands, including Swedish designers. MOOD Stockholm is a popular mall if you prefer to be indoors.

Then you can spend the entire second day museum-hopping on Djurgarden Island.

Where to Stay in Stockholm

It makes the most sense to book a hotel in the areas marked on the map above as that is where you will be spending your time. My favorite neighborhood to stay is  Sodermalm but Norrmalm is the best connected of them all. You can read about where to stay in Stockholm and our specific hotel recommendations here: Where to Stay in Stockholm

Touristic Map of Stockholm

Click to open in GoogleMaps

[column size=one_half position=first ]1. Hötorget
2. Drottninggatan
3. T-centralen
4. Sergel’s Square
5. Hobo Hotel
6. Tak
7. Kungsträdgården Station
8. Kungsträdgården
9. Royal Palace
10. Gamla Stan
11. Stockholm City Hall
12. Sjöcafeet[/column][column size=one_half position=last]13. Nordiska Museum
14. Vasa Museum
15. ABBA The Museum
16. Gröna Lund
17. Skansen
18. Rosendals Trädgård
19. Oaxen Slip
20. Fotografiska
21. Meatballs for the People
22. Södermalm
23. Boulebar
24. Trädgården
25. ThaiBoat[/column]

1st Day: Downtown & Old Town

1. Visit the City Hall

In most cities the most gilded building with be the cathedral but in Stockholm, it is the city hall. I think it is very symbolic of the Swedish political model where power truly lies in the hands of people. As it is an actively used state office building visitors are only allowed to visit with guided tours. Sadly you can not buy your tickets online or in advance, it is on show-up basis. The Nobel banquet also takes place here. The guided tour takes you to Gyllene Salen, the Golden Hall, where the guests, winner, and royalties dance after the dinner admiring 18 million gold mosaic tiles. You can check for tour hours here. Duration: 1 hr. Working Hours: 8.30- 16.00. Click for the location.

Note: It is a bit removed from all the main attractions so if it is going to cost you the time you don’t have, skip it and start your day with Gamla Stan. 

2. Explore Gamla Stan (Old Town)

Gamla Stan, which means old own in English, is where Stockholm was founded in 1252. It is one of Europe’s biggest and best-preserved medieval centers and evidently the heart of tourism in the city.

Join a Free Walking Tour

I highly recommend joining a free walking tour to discover the area. They will take you to all the interesting spots and explain to you how Stockholm evolved to be what it is today. I was pretty shocked to hear that back in the days, the city had no garbage removal system and trash was left to accumulate on the streets. Eventually, the sewage and trash grew so much that it became a hill and part of the old town is built on top of that. On a side note: Today Sweden is leading the world in waste management, recycling 99% of its waste.

Several companies offer free walking tours. They have different start times but I highly recommend catching the 10 am one as you need start early to be able to cover central Stockholm. The duration varies from company to company between 1,5 to 2,5 hours. You need to reserve your spot online. You do not pay for tickets but you are expected to tip around 5-10 euros per person at the end of the trip. Here are some companies:

Nordic Freedom Tours  / Duration: 1,5 – 2 hours
Free Tour Stockholm / Duration: 1,5 – 2 hours
The above two are the most popular. If they are booked out here are the other options:
Free Tour / Duration: 1,5 hours

Discover Gamla Stan On Your Own

Read our Gamla Stan Guide here.

3. Stop for a Fika

Fika is sometimes translated as coffee time but it is an oversimplification. Fika connotes slowing down, making space for quality time over a cup of coffee. And let me say coffee is huge in Sweden. They are among the world’s biggest coffee drinkers with an average of 3-4 cups a day. The widely used explanation is the energy it provides to push through the dark and cold  Swedish winters.

For a proper fika open up time in your schedule and go to a feel-good cafe. I would also recommend pairing your coffee with a kanelbullar, which is Sweden’s traditional cinnamon roll. It looks like a breakfast pastry but that is not how the Swedes eat it. You are very likely to see more tempting desserts such as fudge cake or healthier options such as chia pudding in the window (Swedes also eat a lot of sweets) but why not give kanelbullar a try while you are here?

4. Changing of The Guard at Kungliga Slottet (The Royal Palace), Gamla Stan

Kungliga Slottet is one of the biggest royal palaces that still serves its intended function today. Sweden is a unitary parliamentary democracy meaning that today the monarchy’s role is symbolic and representational. Kunglinga Slottet is their royal palace but they mostly live in te 1981 built Drottningholm Palace just outside Stockholm.

A very popular tourist attraction is to watch the royal changing of the guard ceremony. From April 23 to August 31, it takes place every day at 12.15 at the outer courtyard of the palace, with the exception of Sundays at 13.15. For other seasons you can learn about the change of the guard ceremony hours here.

It is also possible to visit the royal palace. Kungliga Slottet is enormous with 600 rooms and several museums inside. You can buy the entrance tickets which cost 160 Kr online. The guided tours cost another extra 30 Kr but you have to purchase them at the ticket office. You can check for guided tour hours here. Click for the location.

Next it is time to hit the hipsterdom Sodermalm. You can either walk or take a shared scooter.

5. Lunch at Meatballs For The People, Sodermalm

You will be very hungry by the time you make it to Sodermalm so we should first take care of that. There are many nice restaurants in this neighborhood. You will have a range of options from Indian cuisine to oyster bars. If you want to try the Swedish meatballs (no, not IKEA meatballs), head to Meatballs For The People. The classic Swedish meatball are made with mixed minced pork and beef and served with a side of cream sauce, potato purée, lingonberries, and pickled cucumber. If you don’t eat pork, you will be happy to hear that they also have ox, moose, and veal meatball varieties. Click for the location.

If you want to eat something else, I would recommend Nytorget Urban Deli. It is a market/restaurant where you will find local & international specialties like fish stews and oyster happy hours as well as plant-based options like quinoa. It has outside seating near the Nytorger Park which great people-watching spot in the summer. Alternatively, you can go to Nytorget6 which is a jazz bar/ restaurant with modern European cuisine.

6. Stroll Around the Hipster Central: Sodermalm

Welcome to my favorite part of Stockholm! Sodermalm is Stockholm’s artsy bohemian district where you will find vintage shops, Nordic designer boutiques, record stores, healthy cafes, workshops of artisans and artists and people a unique sense of fashion. Awareness and creativity drive this neighborhood. I tried to cram in all the visit-worthy spots here but it took over the article. So I posted a separate Sodermalm Guide. Just keep in mind that most shops close around 6 pm. You are very lucky if you happen to be there on the last Thursday of the month, which is called the SoFo night, when shops host live music and offer drinks until 8 or 9 pm.

7. Fotografiska

Frequently referred to as the Fotografiska Museum is actually not a museum. Rather it is a lightly selective, very well-curated photography exhibition space. You might be surprised to see that I left it to the end of the day. That’s because it stays open as late as 1 am and it has a great restaurant with a great view for dinner.

After having walked around all day you might be getting tired but you should most certainly push yourself to see Fotografiska. Photography Museums rarely excite me but here they put together very creative and powerful exhibits. Many experts say it is the world’s leading centers for modern photography.

If you plan to have dinner here, make sure to reserve. It is also a very popular brunch spot on the weekends or to work during the week. Click for the location.

8. Dinner & Party at Thaiboat or at Boulebar or Trädgården

The Thaiboat is a very charming and yummy dinner option. It is considered to be one of the best Thai restaurants in Europe yet the prices are reasonable for Stockholm standards. Try to book in advance on their website, because it gets very crowded.

It has a deck extension with an artificial beach which is a very popular place for late afternoon drinks. In the winter they put 2 igloos on the deck. Although the view isn’t great, it is a fun and cozy late night option. On some nights they host electronic music parties which continue until 1 am. Click for the location.

Alternatively, you can go to Boulebar in Sodermalm. It is a laid-back outdoor bar where you can play the French game boules, grab a bite or a drink. It is an epidemic in Sweden with 8 locations in Stockholm alone. If you don’t know how the game is played, you can also book a guide to initiate you. Otherwise, you can just go there to chill and watch others play. Do not underestimate the food here, you won’t find just deep-fried finger food but proper yummy meals. Open only in the spring and the summer. Make sure to reserve, especially if you want to play boules. Click for the location.

Finally, another great option is Trädgården. This is probably the hottest place in town. It is a big courtyard under the bridge, where there are ping-pong tables, outdoor parties and a few places to grab a bite. If you want to have a proper sit-down kind of dinner, inside there is a vegan restaurant called Växthuset. If you like electronic music, you might end up having a long night out dancing here. In that case, opting for the burger shack might be more filling. Once the weather gets nasty, they scale the venue down to indoor areas and it pretty much becomes an electro club called Under Bron. You can check out the program here. Click for the location.

9. World’s Longest Gallery: Subway Art

If you decide to skip on the late night-out option or return home before the subway closes at 1 am (on the weekends it can be later), you can squeeze in a few subway galleries. Similar to Moskow, Stockholm’s Tunnelbana is famous for its art displays. When they started building the subway in the 1950s, they decided to make art more accessible by bringing it to public space. Over 90 of the 100 subway stations of the city are decorated with murals, installations, and statues, which became very popular tourist attractions thanks to Instagram.

With that said, I have to admit that the art in some stations is not as striking as some of the others. So here is my personal shortlist of the favorite stations:
– Solna Centrum
– T-Centralen
– Stadion
– Mörby Centrum
– Kungstradgarden

Note: If you are doing our recommendations on your own schedule, keep in mind that taking clean photos is very difficult between 3-6 pm which is the rush hour. 

2nd Day : Djurgarden (Museums) & Norrmalm (Downtown)

If your second day in Stockholm is a Sunday, I have some good and bad news: Sweden doesn’t enforce the blue law (closing on Sundays) like most other European countries. So most malls and shops do work on Sundays, but just with shorter hours. So many shops work between 11  or 12 until 4 – 6 pm. Some smaller shops do not open at all. So Stockholm definitely feels less alive on Sundays which makes it a great museum day.

There are 4 major museums and an entertainment park at Djurgarden. If you skip downtown you could potentially see all the museums but if you want to do both, you will have to choose.
My recommendation is to prioritize Vasa and Skansen museums over the others.

10. Check Out Downtown Stockholm

Stockholm’s hearth pumps in the southern tip of Norrmalm yet I do not find this area very special. I don’t think you will be charmed, it is almost disappointing, but it is still worth a brief visit, just to see what the center of Stockholm looks like. It is also the main shopping area in the city. As I already gave my tips on shopping above, here I will briefly go over the main areas to see:

– Sergels torg is the most central public square of the city. You will see rollerbladers practicing, people chatting on the stairs and so on. But it is mostly a meeting point than a place people spend time at. Click for the location.
– Hötorget, the old hay market, is another major square in the city. It is very vibrant on the weekend thanks to the flea market that has been held here since the 1990s. On Saturdays, you will find  fruits & veggies stalls and on Sundays thrift shops. Click for the location.
– Drottninggatan is the shopping area with the chain stores. Usually, shopping areas are fun and vibrant but it is difficult to say so for Drottninggatan. If you ask me, it is not charming at all. Click for the location.
– Kungsträdgården is the livingroom of Stockholm. When the weather is nice, people come here for picnicking, playing with their kids and mostly to get some sun. Click for the location.

30 mins to 1 hr should be enough to see this area.

11. Lunch at Rosendals Trädgård

One of the best things about Stockholm is how close it is to nature while being one of the world’s leading cities. Located in the midst of a huge park on Djurgarden is Rosendals Trädgård, Stockholm’s leading is a wonderful farm to table garden cafe.

They grow their own organic and biodynamic produce on the site which turns into yummy meals, salads, and sandwiches. Even the bread they serve comes from their in-house bakery. You can either eat at the beautiful greenhouse or outside. They also do workshops on biodynamic cooking and gardening. There is a flower garden where you can pick your own flowers for a bouquet arrangement. It is delicious, healthy and very pleasing to the eye. Strongly recommended! Click for the location.

Note: To get there, cross the Djurgårdsbron bridge and follow the canal. There are some signs on the way.

12. See the Open Air Museum of Skansen

Skansen is an open-air museum where they display an impressive collection of around 150 historical Swedish houses from all around the country. The best part is it is a “living” old village. You can go into these houses and interact with the old-time saddlers or pharmacists, and so on. It is equally fun for kids as for adults.

It was brought to life in 1891 by a visionary teacher called Artur Hazelius. He realized that the traditional way of doing things will soon go extinct. Thus he proposed the creation of a theme park where Swedish life is reenacted for the future generations to see. Today it also has a zoo with Nordic animals such as moose, wolf and lynx.

It closes earlier that the other museums on the island, so I recommend that you make it your first stop.

1 January – 28 February: Weekdays from 10:00-15:00, weekends 10:00-16:00.
1 March – 30 April: Everyday from 10:00-16:00
1 May – 19 June: 10:00-20:00
Double-check working hours here.
Click for the location.

13. Scandinavia’s Most Visited Museum: The Vasa

Welcome to the most visited museum in Scandinavia. Vasa is a warship that capsized and sunk a few minutes after it started of its maiden voyage in 1628. It stayed underwater until 1961. After some years-long painstaking restoration, they managed to put together the world’s only remaining ship of this scale from the 17. century.

King Gustavus Adolphus who made Sweden the biggest power of the north, was at war against Poland-Lithuania. Vasa was one of the 2 ships he ordered his expansion. Sweden, once a great military power, is one of the most pacifist countries today.

Vasa is a must-see in Stockholm regardless of your interest in marine history because it surpasses all expectations. The ship is very impressive but also the museology is also worth a round of applause. There is a free tour with your ticket every half hour if you want to join.

Working hours:
1 September – 31 May: Everyday 10:00-17:00 (Wednesdays until 20:00)
1 June – 31 August: Everyday 8:30-18:00
Expect for holidays:
Click to double-check visiting hours.
Click for the location.

14. If You Have Time Left: Nordiska Museum or ABBA Museum or Kayaking

If you still have some time left before dinner, here are some options:

– Nordiska Museet takes you from a to z about the Swedish culture, ethnography, and history. Click for the location.

– ABBA Museum covers the story of the legendary Swedish band. It has some really features like a piano that is connected to Benny’s piano at home and plays whatever he is playing at the moment. Click for the location.

– Paddle or bike around Djurgården Island! Of the 3 recommendations here, this one is favorite (if the weather permits!). You can rent them from Sjöcafeet which is a popular cafe on the island. You can check out the rental fees from the link. Click for the location.

15. Dinner at Oaxen Krog & Slip

Oaxen, one of Stockholm’s hippest restaurants, is a great place to end the day, especially in the summer because you get extended daylight. It offers 2 venues; the Oaxen Krog which is a fine dining option with 2 Michelin stars, and the cozy Oaxen Slip if you prefer a more laid-back & cheaper option. The Slip is also a popular brunch choice among the Swedes. Make sure to reserve before you go. Click for the location.

–

That is it for 2 days in Stockholm. Of course, there are a million different ways to plan a 2-day itinerary in Stockholm but this is what we think is the best way to cover the highlights in a time-efficient way. You will have covered a big chunk of Stockholm’s best in 2 days but you can easily spend 3-4 days in the city without getting bored. Especially if you are coming in the summer, I would recommend taking 3 days. That way you can take it slow and also make time to enjoy nature which is one of Stockholm’s biggest assets.

More Days In Stockholm? Check These Out

16. Quick Photo at Stadsbiblioteket (National Library)

Stadsbiblioteket, a branch of the national library, carries over 1 million books in over 100 languages. It is a typical example of the Nordic Classicism from the 1920s. So it is no Hogwarts, instead, you will find a very clean, peaceful and accessible design which norms pretty much became the pillars of all later Swedish design from furniture to clothing. With that said, we have to note that there is not much to do here for tourists besides taking a quick photo. Click for the location.

As it is a bit off of all the tourist attractions, you might consider skipping it unless you have a special interest in design or Instagrammable spots. The working hours also don’t help planning much: Monday – Friday: 10 am – 9 pm (except Tuesday at 12 pm), Saturday – Sunday 11 am to 5 pm, and is closed on holidays.

17. Rooftop Tour

This is a very cool way to explore Stockholm for those who are not afraid of heights. As the name implies, you will be walking on a roof with a beautiful view. Needless to say, you are secured in with climbing gear. The guide explains to you about the history of Stockholm from the rooftop. However, to set your expectations right, I must also warn you that you walk only a short stretch on the Parliament building at Riddarholmen. It costs 65 Euros and it can be booked at Takvandring. Click for the location.

18. Ice Skate Stockholm

One of the coolest activities in the winter is to explore the Baltic Sea in Stockholm’s Archipelago or Lake Mälaren (the 5th largest lake in Europe) by ice-skates! It is a full day activity, taking 8-9 hours so it is the hand in hand romantic skidding in Central Park. If that sounds a bit intense, you can take the 3-4 hour beginner package which requires no previous experience. Check out Stockholm Adventure‘s ice-skating tours before global warming replaces it with scuba diving. Click for the location.

19. Subway Art Tour

As I briefly explained above, the Stockholm subway is famous as the world’s longest art gallery. There is a free guided tour you can take which explains you the art, artists, and the “cave station” architecture. You only pay for your subway ride. This is a warm activity for those coming in the winter. Check out meeting times & places here.

20. Island-hopping

One of Stockholmers favorite summer activities is to go island-hopping. The city itself consists of 14 islands but that is nothing compared to the archipelago it is in. Many people own cabins on the water where they go for a peaceful weekend. A day trip will usually suffice but if you need a retreaat you can book a hotel in one of the islands. Thanks to its proximity to Stockholm and its historical castle, Vaxholm is one of the most popular islands. You can learn about the other islands at Stockholm Archipelago, and make sure to check their food recommendations before you head out. Also when you are buying a ticket or a pass, remember to ask for a Waxholmsbolaget’s island-hopping map. Click for the location.

21. Drottningholm Palace

Drottningholm Palace is where the royal family resides. It is also one of the only 3 World Heritage Sites in Stockholm. It was built in the 17th century in French style but many refinements and changes were made over the years. The 18th century Palace Theatre is one of the most important highlights. It is still being used for performances. Another big highlight is the Rococo – oriental style Chinese Pavilion. Like many other European nations in the 18th century, Sweden also had an East India Company for trading with Asia which allowed many oriental goods such as the furniture and porcelains in this pavilion to be brought to here. Click here to see work hours or to buy tickets online. Click for the location.

22. Open-air club Trädgården

I really hope that you are coming to Stockholm in the summer because many of the most fun things in the city are available (or at least enjoyable) for from May to September, such as rooftop bars, island-hopping or outdoor entertainment venues.

I already mentioned Trädgården so I will move on to my other recommendations:
– Slakthuset is a rooftop bar and an electronic dance music Nightclub situated in an old slaughterhouse in Stockholm’s meatpacking district. Click for the location.
– Tak is another hot restaurant and rooftop bar in Norrmalm. Click for the location.

23. Gröna Lund

Djurgården is also home to Gröna Lund, which is an amusement park with great views. All Stockholmers have teary-eyed childhood memories here, either from excitement or fear. My family and their friends with kids would meet here, sit at a table all day while sipping beer and enjoying the luxury of a kids-free conversation. And us kids would be even happier, jumping from one ride to the other. There are rides for all ages; carousels and teacups for the little ones and state of the art roller coasters and giant drops for the older ones. If you are looking for something to do with kids, I would recommend planning Gröna Lund and Skansen for the same day. Click for the location.

24. Millesgarden

Away from it all is this art-induced zen cacoon of artist Carl Milles and his wife Olga Milles. They wanted to live in an artsy house. So they bought this plot, built a house and a studio on it and made a sculpture garden where you can see Carl Milles’s works. Click for the location.

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Without a doubt, the Princes’ Islands, formerly known as the Prinkipos Islands, is the most beautiful place in Istanbul (especially during the spring). Well, it’s located off Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara only about an hour ferry ride away. And the ride is worth it. The islands that make up Princes’ Islands are dotted with historic villas nestled among the pine trees. You can easily ride a bike only five minutes to get to a beach, as well as experience the island culture – all within a short ferry ride from the center of Istanbul!

The islands remind me of the old Istanbul which is slowly disappearing. My heart hurts a bit whenever I go to Princes’ Islands because I see just how beautiful Istanbul used to be. Both the architecture and nature of the island are breath-taking. It’s also why, if you’re in Istanbul, then you should take advantage of checking out the islands. The island’s local culture is also slowly starting to disappear as so many tourists come – too many for an island like Büyükada to handle. With quantity goes quality.

It’s possible to feel two very different things while on Büyükada. You can either feel like you’re visiting an charming Aegean island or a crowded bus station. In this post, you’ll be able to find tips that help you distinguish between heaven and hell on Büyükada.

Buyukada Island In The Summer

Our first tip – and it hurts us to say this – is to avoid going during the summer. Unfortunately, it’s the time where you’ll want to go the most. Even if you’ve only been in Istanbul a short time, it can be a great way to escape the chaos of the city, even if only for a day. But you’ll find that it’s so crowded during the summer – even during the week – that it might be hard to enjoy yourself. Of course, if your trip to Istanbul happens to fall on the summer, then you could still go, but keep the crowds in mind. If you can, wait until September to go to Büyükada or go in May before the crowds set in.

Ok, now that we’ve addressed the potential problem of crowds, let’s start talking about the tips & things to do on Buyukada we mentioned earlier.

You can view the map by zooming in.

Places to See

1. Aya Yorgi Church
2. Anadolu Club
3. Splendid Palace Hotel
4. Reşat Nuri Güntekin House
5. Büyükada Greek Orphanage
6. Hamidiye Mosque
7. Anastasia Meziki Hotel
8. Trotsky’s House
9. Museum of the Princes’ Islands
10. Sedef Island

Where to Eat

1. Yücetepe Restaurant
2. Eskibağ Terrace Restaurant
3. Roma Dondurma
4. Prinkipo Dondurma Waffle
5. Fıçı
6. Yalovalı
7. Büyükada Pastanesi
8. Lale Büfe
9. Ada Kahvaltı
10. Milto
11. Prinkipo Meyhanesi Fıstık Ahmet’in Yeri

TOP 11 THINGS TO DO BÜYÜKADA IN 1 DAY

We prepared an itinerary for you to experience the best side of Büyükada in the course of only one day. Everything is listed in the order we think you should do them.

1. Island Brunches That Make You Feel Like You’re On an Island Vacation

Come to the island hungry, and you’ll be able to start your day off with an island breakfast. By “island breakfast,” it’s not anything too special, particularly if you’ve already adjusted to Turkish breakfast. But even just eating bread and cheese on the island will feel different. It’s hard to explain. Eat breakfast on the island, so you can feel like you’re taking a vacation on an island, not visiting Turkey’s biggest metropolis. If you’re not sure where to go, then you can head over to our Breakfast on Büyükada post for all our recommendations.

2. Decide Whether or Not You Want to Swim or Sightsee. For Swimming:

If you don’t want to go swimming, then you can skip down to number three.

Is Buyukada island safe to swim? Most Istanbulites refrain from swimming in the Marmara Sea, except for the locals of Buyukada who pretty much swim everyday and it is pretty much their favorite thing to do.

If you want to swim on Büyükada, then the best thing to do is to take a boat and go out swimming that day. When you get off the ferry onto the island, you’ll be able to get on one of the boats in the harbor. If you decide to go on a boat ride, then you can skip down to number five. If you don’t want to be tied to a boat during your Büyükada visit, then you can check out our articles on the most popular beaches: Beaches on Büyükada.

3. Rent a Bike and Make Your Way to the Top

We suggest that you rent a bike as soon as you set foot on Büyükada island and escape from the crowds along the shore and in the bazaar. Ride to the top without losing much time. Along the way, you’ll pass through streets full of enchanting beauty, and you’ll be able to breathe in the sweet air among the pine trees. We can guarantee you that the best way of touring around Büyükada is by cycling. This is best tip we can give you for things to do in Buyukada.

While there are cafes and restaurants throughout the island, you can also have a picnic if you want. So make sure to pack a picnic blanket or towel and get some snacks and drinks, and you’ll be able to find a quiet corner of the island away from the rest of the crowd.

You’ll be able to see places to rent bikes near the bazaar on almost every street, but some of the bikes can be quite old and neglected. Be careful.

A few important warnings

– Don’t forget to check your brakes before renting your bike; Büyükada is quite hilly, and you’ll be going downhill a lot.
– Although bicycle tourism has developed on the island, there are no routes aside from the 14-km big tour and the 12-km small tour. The smaller route is called the Aşıklar Road. You can also easily do this on foot.
– You have to go to the center of Lunapark to start this tour. This is the starting point for both the big and small tour. Don’t worry, there are signs that will point you in the right direction.
– Nizam Road is nice, but it is quite crowded with tourists and cyclists. The way there is much calmer if you walk or cycle down Maden. It lasts for about 75 minutes, and the small tour lasts 1 hour.
– Also, there is no bicycle path. Vehicles and bikes all use the same road. Just be aware.

Make sure to make a note of these magnificent mansions while pedaling

4. Navigate the Nostalgic Streets Full of Magnificent Mansions

If you’re cycling, then you can navigate the island as you please. The main appeal of Büyükada island is the historical and ornately decorated mansions made out of wood. You’re likely to come across a mini palace on every street. Hop on your bike and go mansion hunting. The most beautiful mansions on the island are concentrated in the Nizam region, but there are also some beautiful structures in the Maden neighborhood. Don’t worry; you’ll find these places in our Places to See in Büyükada section.

You can wander around aimlessly until you reach your final destination of Aya Yorgi Hill. It’s important that you come here before the sunset.

5. Our Favorite Place is the Aya Yorgi Church on the Aya Yorgi Hill

Ok, so we’ve rented bikes to reach the hills of the island to bypass the unpleasant crowds, and now we are headed to Aya Yorgi hill. To get to Aya Yorgi, you first have to pedal to the Lunapark area located about three kilometers from the pier. As we mentioned earlier, Lunapark is the starting point for both the small and large routes. Park your bikes there as you’ll have to up a steep slope, and you’ll have a difficult time with your bike – and also, they don’t allow for bikes or any vehicles up to the church. You don’t have to be in shape to go up the hill, but it lasts about 25 minutes. At this stage, most of the tourists will have been gone, and you’ll be left to your own devices on the delightful hill above. There are three great things here: one is the Aya Yorgi Church, the other is the Yücetepe Kır Gazinosu, and the last is the sunset.

Aya Yorgi Church

When you get to the church, then you can light a candle and make a wish. The original name is the Agios Georgios Greek Orthodox Monastery and was built for St. George in 1751. There are two days in the year when the church is full – April 23rd and September 24th with people from all walks of life who come here to make wishes.

The most valuable thing in this church is the Saint George icon, which has a story. According to popular belief, during the Byzantine period, priests of the church buried the icon and other sacred relics so they wouldn’t be destroyed while during times of occupation. Years later, Aya Yorgi began dreaming of a shepherd. The shepherd told him to dig, and so he listened to this prophecy and found the icons buried under the church.

This church is considered as an important pilgrimage place for Christians – similar to the Virgin Mary’s House near Ephesus – on April 23 to celebrate the coming of spring and on September 24 to commemorate Saint Thekla. They go up the church without wearing shoes or speaking, and they tie pieces of cloth to the branches of trees and make wishes as they go up to the church. When they get to the church, they get a key or a bell from the church. If you want your wish to come true, then you have to bring back the key or the bell for the church. But let’s warn you ahead of time that the island is insanely crowded during these two days. If you want to visit the church as a tourist, then definitely don’t come during these two days. Of course, it’s a different story if you come here to experience those religious days. Click here for the location. Number 1 on the map.

6. Eat Turkish Meatballs While Enjoying the View from Aya Yorgi Hill Yücetepe Kır Gazinosu

The view is worth it to bike three kilometers and climb uphill half an hour. Yucetepe Kır Gazinosu, which has been in operation next to Aya Yorgi Church since 1978, has never lost its soul. You’ll understand what I mean as soon as you walk in. It’s a shabby, family-run restaurant with wooden tables and chairs. But of course, it serves up one of Turkey’s staples: meatballs, or köfte.

You’ll also be able to find a special type of sausage, homemade stuffed grape leaves, and cheese filled pastry. Our favorite is eating meatballs while sipping on a beer. If you have to come here during a full moon, we guarantee you that your moon will be incredible. This is a great place to eat lunch – but be forewarned that it’s not one of the places right on the beach. Save dinner for later. The business is open all year, and we think it’s one of Istanbul’s best-kept secrets. Click here for the location. Number 1 on the map.

7. Watch the Sunset at Aya Yorgi, One of the Most Beautiful Views in Istanbul

Be careful who you bring with you. If you haven’t already fallen in love with them while doing one of the first seven items on this list, then you definitely will while watching the sunset. Kır Gazososu has the best view on the island. The sunset is spectacular. We think it’s on the top five of best sunset spots in Istanbul. And what’s so great about it is that it’s a place that not many people have discovered: when you leave Aya Yorgi, go to the rocks behind the restaurant. The view is just…terrific. There’s a great rock where you can sit and watch the sunset. If no one is there, grab it for yourself!

8. Eat Dinner at the Eskibağ Terrace Restaurant

When you’re walking around the island, you’ll see a ton of restaurants on the shore. But the restaurant that we recommend is located in the back at the furthermost point of the island. At this restaurant, you’ll be able to eat by ordering from a simple menu and sitting on wooden chairs. But if you’re looking for something nicer or more adventurous, then you can check out our What and Where to Eat in Büyükada post. Click here for the location. Number 2 on the map.

9. A Büyükada Island Classic: Eating Ice Cream (But at a Local Favorite)

As soon as you get off the ferry, you’ll see people eating ice cream on a cone stacked five scoops high. These massive ice cream cones have become a tourist attraction in themselves on Büyükada.

But we wanted to go to a place that is preferred by the local islanders – so save your sweet tooth for an ice cream maker named Yunus. He makes his ice cream from whatever fruit is the freshest and in season. This is a family-run business, and the family prepares the ice cream fresh every day, and they sell them from wheelbarrows. Often, the cart is parked in front of the Anadolu Club – there aren’t that many varieties – lemon, cherry, peach, chocolate, and cream. The process of making this ice cream in crushing the fruit means the flavors are intense. Also, the ice cream is less creamy and has more of a sorbet consistency. Another characteristic of Yunus’ ice cream is that when he scoops it to put it on the cone, it’s in the shape of a rose, not a ball.

If you can not find Yunus

– The head to Sariyer Dondurmacısı. The milk ice cream (sütlü dondurması) is delicious.
– And if you want another option, then you can go to Roma Dondurma on the left when you’re leaving the square. Their signature flavor is melon, but they have a lot of other options. Click here for the location. Number 3 on the map.

Tarihi Prinkipo Dondurma & Waffle is known for their waffles and different types of cones covered in chocolate, nuts, and other sweets. But this is the most touristic place out of the options we’ve provided, so don’t be surprised if you have to wait in line. Click here for the location. Number 4 on the map.

10. Eat Sunflower Seeds in a Tea Garden and Mix with the Locals

Well, to be honest, it doesn’t appeal to us very much, BUT the classic thing that locals do here is to go to a tea garden on the shore with friends after a meal. Here, they play games such as backgammon and dominoes and munch on sunflower seeds. If you want to hang out with the locals for a bit, this is the place for you.

PLACES TO SEE IN BÜYÜKADA

1. See the magnificent mansions of Büyükada

With a bike, you’ll easily be able to reach every corner of the island. There are tons of wonderfully ornate historical buildings on the island, and you’re guaranteed to see one on every street you ride down. But there are different neighborhoods on the island:

On Yirmiüç Nisan Street

– This street is full of mansions right on the beach. These are the mansion you’ll see when you approach the island by ferry.
– 2 icons of Buyukada, Splendid Hotel and Anatolian Club, are on this street. Anatolian Club is a very populer posh hang out amongst the elders of the island. Both its historical atmosphere and clients give it a very cozy and nostalgic vibe. Unfortunately, only offers affordable prices for its members. Click here for the location. Number 2 on the map.

The other icon of the island Splendid Palas Hotel is unfortunately not the most hospitable place. So we would not suggest staying over night but you should stop by a visit. As soon as you walk into the lobby, you’ll be transported back to the 1920s with its grand piano, red curtains, and an elegant lobby full of art. The hotel, which has been passed down six generations, is a serious historical artifact.

The hotel was built in 1908 by Kazim Pasha after he retired from the Ottoman army to recreate European hospitality. Even though it has some French influences, it also has eastern influences in its architecture like its domes. Although the hotel was not open for customers, Atatürk liked to come here when he was in Büyükada to have dinner. Click here for the location. Number 3 on the map.

In The Nizam Area

– Çankaya Street is home to some of the most beautiful and historic mansion on the island. On this street, you’ll see the Fabiato Pavilion, Izzet Pasha Pavilion, Con Pasha Pavilion, Mizzi Pavilion (which is also known as Al Palas), and the Yalman Mansion, which is the set for a famous soap opera in Turkey. On this street, there are now Adalar Cultural Center. 

– You’ll see the Azaryan (Seferoğlu) Mansion on Nizam Street and Kuyumcuyan Mansion, which is also known as the Mazlum Bey Mansion.

– The house of Reşat Nuri Güntekin, who is a famous Turkish writer, is located on Yılmaz Türk Street. Click here for the location. Number 4 on the map.

On The Road To The Forest

– The Greek Orphanage, which is the second-largest wooden structure in Europe, is located on the road that goes to the Hagios Sotiros Christou Monastery. It’s a dilapidated building that has not been in use since 1964 and has suffered a lot of weather damage since then. They’ve closed most of it off, so there’s not much you can see. Because of this, we don’t recommend that you come here in vain. The Greek Orphanage was selected as one of the seven endangered cultural heritage sites in Europe so it’s currently under renovation. Great news! So be on the lookout in the next couple of years to see if it’s been renovated. Click here for the location. Number 5 on the map.

In The Maden Area

– Check out Hamidiye Mosque and Meziki Mansion (Click here for the location) Number 6 on the map. on Malul Gazi Street. The mansion is now used as a hotel and a film set. Click here for the location. Number 7 on the map.

On the side of the is the Trotsky house, which was the house of the famous Russian politician while he was exiled. Even if it’s not in good condition and you can’t make it inside, you can still stop by and see it from the outside. Click here for the location. Number 8 on the map.

2. If You Have Time, Check out Adakule for a Great View

Büyükada has a lesser-known hill called the Hızır İlyas Hill in addition to the Aya Yorgi hill. On the Hızır hill, there is a fire tower named Adakule, and all of the island can be seen from here. If you’re used to climbing up hills, then go for it. It’s much more secluded than Aya Yorgi. You don’t need me to tell you, but I will anyway – wonderful views await you here. To get here, walk only 700 meters from Lunapark.

3. Explore the Adalar Museum

Nikola Hangari’s permanent exhibition called “Princes Islands in 10 Minutes” provides a comprehensive history of the formation of the islands to life today. It is open every day except Monday. Website Click here for the location. Number 9 on the map.

HOTELS ON BÜYÜKADA ISLAND

If you can fit it into your Istanbul itinerary, we strongly advise that you stay in Büyükada one night. It’ll do you some good, believe me. This way, you won’t have to worry about getting in all the attractions the same day and running to catch the ferry on the way back to Istanbul. Our dream has always been to rent a place on the island for the summer, but we haven’t yet. We’ll have to settle for staying one night. And the great news is that the island provides accommodation options for people on all budgets. I can not tell you so well.

**Important Reminder **
Turkey has complicated relationships with Booking.com:
– If you are abroad, you can book a hotel in Turkey on Booking. It is best to do your bookings while you are away.
– If you are in Turkey, you can no longer book on Booking.com. So you need to connect with VPN in order to use Booking or you can switch to Agoda which is also owned by Booking.com.

Aya Nikola Boutique Hotel

Click here for more details and to make a reservation: Its not available on Booking or Agoda

Çenar Konak

Located just 200 meters from the shore, the Çenar Konak, with its lush gardens, is a small hotel with 7 rooms to let. The home, which contains its own cafe/bar, has a terrace that overlooks the island and the Marmara Sea. The establishment also offers breakfast. Click here for more details and to make a reservation: Agoda / Booking

Sergüzeşt Otel

Just 600 meters from the shore, the Sergüzeşt Otel is equipped with gardens and rooms with a sea-view. Breakfast service is provided for each room, the wifi works, but pets are not allowed. Click here for more details and to make a reservation:  Agoda / Booking

Ada Palas Hotel Buyukada

Click here for more details and to make a reservation: Agoda / Booking

WHAT & WHERE TO EAT ON BÜYÜKADA

Relax, if you’ve finished our one-day itinerary that we recommended for you, then you won’t miss much. But because some people reading this might come back to the island several times, we wanted to add more for some variety. And we also realize that people might want to go to some popular places even if they are a bit touristy so we inclueded those too. For more options, check out our Büyükada Restaurants post.

1. Popular Places to Eat on Büyükada

Here, we’ll list some other signature places. Let’s warn you from the beginning – this is list is not for everyone.

1. If you’re feeling adventurous and don’t mind eating fried things, then you can head over to Altın Fıçı in Büyükada’s market to eat fried mussels (midye tava), grilled sheep’s intestines (kokoreç), french fries as well as a beer to go along with it. Click here for the location. Number 5 on the map.
2. Also located inside the bazaar is the deli market (sarküteri) called Yalovalı. Their signature dish here is potatoes croquette. This specialty is an island classic. Click here for the location. Number 6 on the map.
3. Büyükada Pastanesi is one of the island’s most established businesses. You can come here for breakfast to nibble on some pastries with powdered sugar while sipping on some çay (tea). This bakery is also famous for its other baked goods such as its Turkish delight and flour cookies. While you’re here, you might as well get some cookies for the road. Click here for the location.Number 7 on the map.
4. Eat some famous Büyükada ice cream. You can find our favorite ice cream makers in number 10.
5. Taste some seafood such as sardines and mackerel widely consumed on Büyükada. You can find the restaurants lined up on the beach. We’ve listed our favorites down below.
6. Up until a couple of years ago, one of the best things to do on Büyükada was to go see a movie at the Lale Open Air Cinema– but unfortunately, it closed. But right next to the cinema is Lale Büfe. They are known for making incredible toast that blends salt and sweet. They make a grilled sandwich that has both chocolate and kashar cheese that is oddly good. Click here for the location.Number 8 on the map.
7. Another favorite food item in Büyükada is watermelon jam. You can taste and/or buy watermelon jam at Ada Kahvaltı. Click here for the location.Number 9 on the map.
8. We know that you’ve probably stuffed yourself, but hang in there a little longer. After 5 pm, you can find a guy selling pickles near the clock tower. Turkey has a long history of pickling different vegetables, and you can pick your favorite combo. Our suggestion is to drink some pickle juice before leaving – if you can stomach it.
9. You’ll also be able to find someone who sells pişmaniye, which is the Turkish version of cotton candy. If you happen to see the guy selling it, then definitely buy some from him to taste it if you haven’t already.

2. Eat Appetizers and Fish and Drink Raki

If you like seafood and are interested in taste testing Aegean food – which can be incredibly refreshing if you’ve spent the whole day in the sun – then you have two options on Büyükada island.

1. If you don’t mind intermingling with the tourist crowd, then you can eat at one of the restaurants right on the shore. All of Büyükada’s restaurants that serve appetizers, fish, and raki (a Turkish spirit flavored with anise) are lined up one after another on the coast. In terms of quality and cost, they are all about the same. But we’ve gone ahead and chosen one for you: Milto. 

2. But of course our top picks are located far away. One is the Eskibağ Teras Restaurant that we mentioned in the section about breakfast, and the other is Fıstık Ahmet’s Place (Fıstık Ahmet’in Yeri) Prinkipo Restaurant that we talk about down below.

Fıstık Ahmet’s Place Prinkipo Restaurant

This place is known as being an island class and is located after you pass the line of restaurants on the coast and is owned by Fıstık Ahmet. This is a great place to come to have some appetizers and drink some rakı. There’s also live music on Fridays and Saturdays. Click here for the location. Number 10 on the map.

Milto

As we said before, most of those restaurants that are lined up on the coast on Büyükada are all about the same regarding price and quality. But if you were to ask us for the best option out of all of them, then we would have to say Milto. Here, you can try the grilled meats, calamari, octopus, and fish, which are all lovely but might be a bit more expensive compared to the other places we’ve listed in this post since this is a touristy place. Click here for the location. Number 11 on the map.

BEACHES ON BÜYÜKADA ISLAND

There are several places where you can swim on Büyükada. For a list of the cleanest and most well-maintained places, then check out our Beaches on Büyükada post.

IF YOU STAY ON BÜYÜKADA OVERNIGHT, HEAD TO SEDEF ADA THE NEXT DAY

This is a great traveler’s tip we have for you: Sedef Island is a paradise that is little known to tourists and locals alike. The island is just composed of a couple of places to swim and a couple of restaurants. The best thing to do here is to go swimming during the day and to have a meal at Elio Sedef Restaurant.

As we said, there aren’t that many places to choose from. One is Elio Sedef Restaurant that owns that beach in front of it, and the other is Liya which also provides services for the beach. There is also a public beach where you’d have to pay to get in, but we don’t recommend it. If you’ve come all this way and are going to spend money, then it should be at Elio Sedef Restaurant or Liya.

There isn’t frequent transportation to Sedef Island, but you can find boats that leave from Büyükada that provide transportation for Elio and Liya customers. The other option is that if you’re with a group of people, then you have the option of renting a boat or taking a sea taxi. Click here for the location. Number 10 on the map.

HOW DO I GET TO BÜYÜKADA?

There are two ways to get to Büyükada: by boats operated by private firms and state-owned ferry boats (Şehir Hatlar).

Boat To Buyukada

You’ll be able to find plenty of options if you go with a private company. A company called Mavi Marmara (it’ll say it on the boats) go to Büyükada from Beşiktaş, Kabataş, Eminönü, Yeşilköy, Kadıköy, and Bostancı. If you’re staying close to Sultanahmet, then you’ll want to leave from Eminönü. Click here to find the timetable for both the winter and summer seasons.

Prens Tur also has some boats leaving from Kartal going to the island. Click here to find the timetable.

Turyol‘un also has some boats going to the islands. Click here to find the timetable.

Ferry To Buyukada

You can find ferries run by Şehir Hatları going to Büyükada from Eminönü, Kadıköy, and Bostancı. From the European side, the trip there lasts 1 hour and 20 minutes. It’s shorter from the Asian side – it’s half an hour from Bostancı and 1 hour from Kadıköy. Click here for prices and times.

Also İDO has some ferries going to the islands. Click here for prices and times.

The post COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE BUYUKADA ISLAND, ISTANBUL appeared first on Biz Evde Yokuz.

Many Turks and foreigners own summer houses in Bodrum. Since a big part of Istanbul’s population and wealth migrate here for the summer, it is frequently referred to as “little Istanbul”. It is massive, with its size doubling most Turkish cities in the summer which means there is a lot going on but not everything is worth your time.  It can be tricky even for the Turks to find the right spots.

So as your local friend who spent around a dozen of summers in Bodrum, we prepared you Bodrum guide explaining where to stay, how to plan and get around, and the top things to do in Bodrum.

Things to Know Before You Go To Bodrum

Bodrum vs. Bodrum Peninsula

A common confusion is what Bodrum refer to. Bodrum is 2 things:
1. In the map above you see the administrative regions of the city of Muğla. The peninsula marked in yellow is called Bodrum. So it is the name of a grand administrative region.
2. The Bodrum Peninsula takes its name from a town called Bodrum which we commonly refer to as Bodrum merkez, meaning central Bodrum.

Why Go to Bodrum

The obvious answer is the sun & the sea but being a peninsula country Turkey has no shortage of beaches. So why Bodrum?

Back in the 80’s when there was nothing but a fishing village here, artists and intellectuals started hanging out in Bodrum. Then its fame spread among the elite. As artists and rich people are the 2 favorite topics of the paparazzi, Bodrum found itself in the spotlight. You know how it goes from here.

It is no longer the modest bohemian town it used to be. Today we can speak of 3 Bodrums:
– The posh Bodrum with marinas where you see boats worth millions, world-famous beach clubs chains like Nikki Beach, and restaurants where a single meal costs about the minimum monthly wage in. (Mostly around Yalıkavak and Türkbükü regions)
– Local’s Bodrum. (Spread around the peninsula)
– Cheap tourists’ Bodrum, which is nothing like Bodrum. Irish Pubs, tacky bars, and so forth. (Mostly in Gümbet and around Bodrum center)

So the long answer to the question is that it offers everything from some of Turkey’s most luxurious hotels & hangouts to simple pensions.

Where To Stay

As you can deduct from above, each region of Bodrum has a different character. Commuting between them can take hours because of the traffic jam. So you do not want to be stuck in the wrong part.

Our recommendation is renting a seaside villa with a pool in a traffic-free region. It is far more pleasurable and affordable than a hotel, especially if you are more than 2 people.

If that sounds good to you, I recommend Nirvana Residence. It is in Güvercinlik which is one of the only few places in Bodrum where you can enjoy both the forest and the sea together. Plus, it is conveniently located halfway between the center and airport which allows you alternative routes to by-pass the traffic. Since it used to be fisherman’s village there are plenty of great fish restaurants in the village.

The villa has terrific sea views, a pool, a garden and American style BBQ area. Owners are exceptionally nice people. I say no more, you can check it out for yourself on AirBnB: Nirvana Residence

Best Time to Go

Mid- May to Mid-Sept: This is the best time for Bodrum. As soon as the schools close for the summer vacation (usually in June), Bodrum gets very busy and it stays that way until the schools reopen in the first half of Sept. The obvious high season is the months of July and Aug when there are plenty concerts and parties but it is also very crowded and expansive in this period. Too hot? Yes, but that is the point of going to Bodrum anyways.

April & May: I have swum in April but most Turks would consider it too early. The upside of spring is that is very green and cheap.

Oct – Mid May: Bodrum is clear of tourists and it is a good time to get really local. If you go to Bodrum off-season, make sure to stay in the center which is the liveliest part of the town.

Warning: There are 2 religious holidays when Turks have an extended vacation; Kurban Bayramı and Şeker Bayramı, known as the Eids. Because Islam uses the moon calendar, they fall into a different month every year. Never go to Bodrum during Eid if it is in summer. It gets so packed that traffic jam starts inside the airport.

Getting Around

Bodrum, as a region, is so vast and the things to do here are so spread out that renting a car is the most practical option. Sure, minibusses called dolmuş that shuttle you from one place to the other, but the routes can be so winding and the connection stops so numerous that you will lose a lot of time.

As for taxis, forget it. The taximeters are so merciless that you will lose half your budget. Car rentals, then, are the most practical and affordable option.

Top Things To Do In Bodrum

You can view the map by zooming in.

Places to See

1. Bodrum Castle
2. Karakaya Village
3. Etrim Village
4. Zeki Müren Art Center

Where to Eat

1. Doy Doy Balık Restoran
2. Lagün Fish Restaurant
3. Limon
4. Gelato Pioppo
5. Marmarina Saraylı Restaurant
6. Xuma Village
7. Midyeci Şehmus Usta’nın Yeri
8. Havva Ana Kahvaltı Evi
9. Toprak Ana Gündoğan
10. Mahmut Kaptan
11. Kısmet Lokantası
12. Katip Cocktail Bar
13. Savra Bodrum
14. Zai Bodrum

1. A Trip to the Beach

Although the area is best experienced outside the tourist season, splashing around in typical tourist fashion is still one of the best things to do in Bodrum.

It has with 67 blue-flag beaches, which is a stamp of approval given only to cleanest waters. However, as the temperature starts to rise, the beaches begin to crowd out – but there are plenty of hidden options for you to avoid the chaos.

We go into detail on these in our Bodrum Beaches article. Whether you are looking for a beach club or public beach, some isolated corner or a popular beach, you can find your answers there.

2. Historic Places: Bodrum Castle & Underwater Archaeology and Halikarnas Mausoleum

Don’t be fooled into thinking Bodrum is nothing but beaches and clubs. In fact, there are plenty of things to do in Bodrum that are bursting historical intrigue.

Two of the foremost of these are the Halikarnas Mausoleum which is listed as one of the 7 wonders of the world and the world’s most important shipwreck.

Halikarnas Mausoleum was destroyed as a result of a catastrophic earthquake. Not much is left of this former wonder of the world, though the artifacts uncovered from the site and the shipwreck made and impressive meseum today. Underwater Archaeology Museum is located in the Bodrum Castle. Click here for location. Number 1 on the map.

3. The Ultimate Fish Dinner at Bargilya or Güvercinlik Towns

Güvercinlik 

Güvercinlik is an old fishing village which has managed to retain its character as just that, despite the construction of a number of hotels on the outskirts. It’s situated in our favorite bay in the area, as it is one of the few places around Bodrum where you can enjoy the sea as well as lush vegetation. It offers a nice stretch of coastline ideal for walking off dinner over.

As people who have sampled the delights of many sea-food restaurants, we recommend Doy Doy Restaurant if you are going for fish even though there are places whose overall decor is more pleasant and inviting. One of the most relaxing things to do in Bodrum is to watch the sunset over dinner here. Make sure you reserve your seat beforehand, though!

Tel: 02523746230 Click here for location. Number 1 on the map.

The Lagün Restaurant is our favorite fish place in Bodrum. The establishment is situated right next to the lagoon from which it gets its name. This saltwater lake is a natural habitat for flamingos and various mollusks and fish, providing the most peaceful and beautiful setting. It is a bit far from everything else, but very close to the airport. So you can stop by on your way in or out of Bodrum. Note: This place is often confused with another restaurant in Bargilya so make sure you the contact information provided below.

Tel: 0535 768 6426 Click here for location. Number 2 on the map.

4. Watch the Flamingos in Bargilya

Yes, Flamingos. If you’ve checked out the location of the Lagün Restaurant, you’ll see there is a small ford connecting the road to the island in the middle of the lagoon. The beauty of this place is astounding in terms of natural beauty and wildlife. In the winter months, it is a favorite stop-off point for migrating flamingos.

5. Hippies-Gone-Mainstream: Gümüşlük

Gümüşlük is certainly a part of Bodrum which has earned a reputation as a boho hip and happening get-away location. The only problem is that too many people have discovered it. Although we prefer the place at emptier times of year, it always seems to deliver. In terms of dining options, the fish restaurants along the coast are fine – but they can not beat Lagün nor Doy Doy restaurants.

Gümüşlük, rather, we love for the chance it gives you to have a relaxing walk along the sea, enjoy a beer and a musical showcase at the Jazz Cafe, to check out the sale items at Cadı, and part at Limon in the evening.

Gümüşlük is also ideal for nature walks. A pleasant 40 -45 minutes can be spent heading to Bayraklıtepe enjoying the view of the islands and scent of sage. Gümüşlük also has the MOS (Museum Of Sweets) that has more than earned its reputation for cheesecake. In the evenings, you can also catch good live performances as Off Gümüşlük.

6. Hiding from Pirates in Karakaya Village (Gümüşlük) 

If Karaköy is a little on the quiet side, it’s only to evade detection from pirate raids. The village, that lies on the other side of Mount Peksimet near Gümüşlük, was built by locals in the 16th century, thanks to its ideal, hidden location around half a kilometer from the coast on a hill with a commanding view of the bay.

And this was not all they did to secure their location: the locals plastered their hovels in mud and straw camouflage. Although the village was abandoned and left in a state of despair around thirty years ago, life returned as it has welcomed the investment and restoration projects. Around half of the 60-odd homes that make up the village are now once again occupied.

Two signs are visible upon entry forbidding the entry of any vehicles and banning smoking on the site. The main draw is undoubtedly the view, which at sunset is simply magnificent.

Though the town is alive again, there are no cafes or restaurants, not even a gaudy supermarket in sight. So not much to do here but it is nice for a quick visit. Luckily the village makes a great stop-off point on the road from Gümüşlük to Yalıkavak. So you can easily drop by. Click here for location. Number 2 on the map.

7.  Limon (Gümüşlük)

Turkish writer Ali Rıza Kardüz wonderfully lists off the small pleasures gifted by the natural fruits and vegetation of this region: “Poppy syrup from the garden poppies, fig vodka from the local figs, liquor from the neighbors’ strawberries and cherries, and tea mixed with thyme…”

It’s such small, natural wonders like these that the Limon restaurant best showcases. This boho garden establishment offers far-off views of the village of Gümüşlük and the Greek isle of Myndos, not to mention some awesome local meat dishes and mezzes.

As visitors are invited to eat in the garden, you should probably leave the high-heels and come in a mood to relax and have fun. The place is an ideal choice for both breakfast and dinner. Don’t forget to reserve and to come before the sun is down.

Together with Lagün, they are my 2 favorite restaurants in Bodrum.

Tel: (0252) 394 40 44, (0554) 740 62 60 Click here for location. Number 3 on the map.

8. Dive Down to the Wreckage of a Sunken Plane 

Although diving activities are available all over Bodrum, the experience barely competes with other areas. Diving in Kaş is considerably more exquisite, by far. It’s, unfortunately, a sorry state that our seas are in when you can barely see any marine life.

If you are a diving enthusiast looking for things to do in Bodrum, however, you still might get some joy from the wreckages of a C-47 Dakota fighter plane or a SG115 coast guard ship on the sea floor. The set-up is wholly artificial, but still quite impressive. There are a number of tours and courses for beginners available.

Blue Escape specialize in a choice of two types, and come highly recommended.

9. Cycle Around Mumcular 

Physical outdoor pursuits are not recommended under the July heat. But from October until May, visitors to the area have a vast window in which to enjoy the lush hills, mountains, and abandoned villages by bike. Mumcular and Kızılağaç are ideal – as well as Etrim, as we detail at number 16.

– Erkan Şehirli is a biking and trekking expert who we highly recommend renting bikes and trekking guides from. He is based in central Bodrum, but organizes tours throughout the region. Whatsapp him on 05322762574
– If you want to rent a bike in central Bodrum, call or write NeO Bisiklet on: 0533 215 0744.
– Plus, if you want to go along on an organized bike tour with our cyclists, the Bodrum Bike Club is a good group to look up, even for recommendations on where to rent your equipment from.

10. The Posh Side: Yalıkavak and Türkbükü

As the destination of countless Turkish pop and movie stars, Yalıkavak and Türkbükü have a reputation for being a flashy. Maybe so, but there are some flashy places worth visiting if you have the chance.

Yalıkavak

1. Yalıkavak is a little far-out, but the view certainly makes the journey worth it.
   2. Gelato Pioppo is an ice cream vendor worthy of its reputation. You won’t find anything similar elsewhere. Click here for location. Number 4 on the map.
   3. Palmarina is the more up-market end of the village with a number of amazing clothing shops selling designer and vintage wears. Marina Saraylı, based in the marina, also specializes in some amazing traditional Ottoman summer treats, like melon ice cream for one. Tel: 0533 510 20 30 Click here for location. Number 5 on the map.
   4. The coastline around Yalıkavak is known to be a little choppy, so we recommend Xuma Village’s popular Beach Club for a dip. 0 252 385 47 75 Click here for location. Number 6 on the map.
   5. Havva Ana. All will be revealed about this place below…

Türkbükü

The shoreline around Türkbükü used to be accessible only by boat in my childhood. Although it is now a far cry from that humble fishing village of old, its beaches remain beautiful as ever. The only problem is that none of this is public, and so you’ll have to pay to swim or to stay. As you can expect the prices are steep.

1. Evening Markets– Check out the jewelry on show at the stalls set up along the beach.
2. Le Kabbak– Our favorite Bodrum-based designer was Le Kabbak, who make home decorations and souvenirs with seashells and natural materials.
3. Midye Şehmus Usta – This is a hut specializing in midye – or mussels filled with fried rice. This is a favorite street food in Turkish coastal communities and the prices at Şehmus Usta are reasonable. Click here for location. Number 7 on the map.

11. Havva Ana Breakfast (Yalıkavak)

Time to get local (somewhat). Havva Ana (Mother Havva) is a villager from Bodrum and she turned her cozy garden to a breakfast place. She offers breakfast/ brunch spread in a garden lined with vegetables and herbs and surrounded by orange and lemon groves.

She serves Turkish breakfast and things keep coming to your table from her oven; böreks, pies, bread and so on. The portions are impressive and much of the produce is natural and home-made.

This used to only be known to a special few, but the place has since grown so much in popularity you need to book to reserve a place. The only issue, as might be expected with such popularity in Bodrum, comes with the prices. Click here for location. Number 8 on the map.

If that sounds like a push, then we have heard equally good reviews about Toprak Ana in Gündoğan, which is a similar type of place but more reasonable. Click here for location. Number 9 on the map.

12. Give Captain Mahmut a High Five (Bodrum Center)  

Unfortunately, as Captain Mahmut hits the high seas during the summer months, this rakı and fish restaurant, or meyhane, is closed in the high season. At least this should give you even more reason to enjoy Bodrum during the autumn or spring season.

Mahmut Kaptan Yeri offers the best atmosphere to enjoy a good evening of food, drinking, music, and bonhomie in Bodrum. The cozy, quaint establishment is guaranteed to be full most days of the week. Don’t forget to book ahead.

Tel: 252 316 3864 Click here for location. Number 10 on the map.

13. The Mandarin Gardens of Bitez and Ortakent

Countless visitors come to Bitez and Ortakent every summer hoping to take their pickings of the mandarins that grow here. Unfortunately, they go home empty-handed, because the real pickings are available in October and November. It is around this time of year the fruit ripens and the weather eases up.

14. Free-Diving Activities in Bodrum

Free-diving is an experience that deepens body and soul in every sense of the word. No other activity seems to focus one’s mental sharpness and control in the same way.

We would have never got the same experience, however, if it hadn’t been for our instructor, Memo: Possibly one of the most qualified teachers imaginable.

15. Windsurfing  

Bodrum’s windmill-lined northern shores are especially famous for their winds. For beginners, there are a number of bays where the winds are constant enough that you have time to master your craft.

One of the more professional courses available in the area has been launched by Turkish windsurfing champion Lena Erdil.

16. A Sumptuous All-Day Boat Tour

Bodrum has a special wooden ship called gulet. You can see it in the above photo. The best way to enjoy the sea in Bodrum is by gulet.

There are boat tours that depart every morning from every town of Bodrum. They are cost-efficient but we don’t enjoy them much because 1) they are so packed it is not relaxing, 2) the service quality is mediocre. So consider doing a private boat tour.

Although the cost of an all-day private boat tour might seem extortionate, it’s really a question of doing the math. If you gather up 4-5 friends to split the costs it, in fact, comes out reasonable. Also, the smaller the boat, the cheaper it is to hire. You depart around 10 and return around 18, lunch is included.

There are many operators to choose from, but it is best to avoid those working right out of central Bodrum. This is because, with so much demand, they tend to cart travelers off to the same series of nearby bays every time. Some bays start to feel like a bus terminal so it beats the point of a boat trip.

Rather, board one of the operators a little further out for a more tailored experience. We especially recommend boats heading out from Torba and the Yalıçiftlik area. At least find some way of getting out into the pure, open water when planning things to do in Bodrum.

You need to go to the harbor of the town to arrange a deal. Better do 1-2 day in advance.

17. Etrim Village  (Mumcular)

The village of Etrim is a small hamlet outside Mumcular that specializes in woven rugs and carpets. Traditional life continues much unchanged here. The local women continue to weave their products, and even offer to give you a taster course in their techniques. While here, you definitely also ought to stroll along to Mazı to enjoy the beautiful bay area. Plus, on the return, make sure to have a bit of sea-food at either the Güvercinlik or Bargilya restaurants. Click here for location. Number 3 on the map.

18. Kısmet Restaurant (Center)  

Kısmet in the summer is an experience that deserves a separate article all by itself. It could be the best, casual, decently-priced, cafeteria-style restaurant in the country and diners can pick out portions of what takes their fancy from countless options. The best choices here are Mediterranean and Aegean flavors that give Turkish mothers’ secret recipes a run for their money. As it is only open in the day, it’s an ideal stop-off for lunch. Click here for location. Number 11 on the map.

19. The Zeki Müren Center  

Zeki Müren was a legend of Turkish “sanat music” – an emotional and elaborate style that has had a huge influence on Turkish songwriting since its hey-day. Müren is remembered not just for his songs, but his elegance, fashion style, and charming persona – not to mention his love of Bodrum. In fact, the artist spent the last six years of his life hiding away in his Bodrum summer house.

The house has since been taken over and managed by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and now serves as a museum and art center. For Turkish music fans, a visit is a veritable pilgrimage and the most sacred of activities in Bodrum. To check out some of his works, click on this link and perhaps you might like to pay homage to the man himself with a visit.
Address: Kumbahçe, 48400 Bodrum/Muğla Tel: (0252) 313 19 39 Click here for location. Number 4 on the map.

Opening Times

Summer opening times: 08.00- 19.00
Winter opening times: 08.00-17.00

20. Festivals & Music Activities in Bodrum

A number of big musical events take place in Bodrum throughout the summer, including the Chill Out Festival, Sun Splash Festival, Ancient Amphitheater Concerts, Bodrum Ballet Festival, Gündağan Sucuk Party, open-air cinema showings, and Bodrum Mandarin Festival. With so many artists and musicians having taken residence in the area, it’s little wonder arts and cultural activities in Bodrum are so rampant throughout the year.

21. Walk Along a Stretch of the Karia Round

The Karia Road is one of Turkey’s top four walking routes. That said, this should be top of the list for those looking for active things to do in Bodrum. The road spans an 820 km network of routes over the countryside between Muğla and Aydın. Two of routes stretch through Bodrum.

22. Kâtip Cocktail Bar

As the home of the Sandoz Shot cocktail, many Bodrum activities are capped off with this drink in the evening. Sandoz is a mix of vodka, mandarin, sugar, local orange liquor, and ice. This is the ideal place to sample this before enjoying mojitos and other cocktails. There are bars to be explored and discovered all over town, but our favorites were definitely Katip, Adamik and Gekko. For more recommendations on clubs and night haunts, have a look through our Bodrum Nightlife article. Address: Çarşı Mahallesi, Meyhane Sok. No:23, 48400 Bodrum/Muğla Click here for location. Number 12 on the map.

23. Enjoy Dinner and Live Music at Savra

Savra is one of Bodrum’s most sumptuous boutique hotels. But it is also a successful restaurant in its own right. The menu is rich in olive oil-based mezzes and fruits de mer presented in a fusion of Mediterranean, Aegean, Italian, Spanish, and South American styles. The place also offers an extensive choice of wines and even uses vegetables and herbs sourced from its own garden as a matter of ethics. Dinner here is also usually followed by performances by some rather note-worthy and well-respected Turkish singers and jazz performers.

Address: Bitez Mahallesi, Adliye Cd. No:85 Tel: (0252) 363 04 63 Web Site:www.savrabodrum.com Click here for location. Number 13 on the map.

24. Geek Out on Literature at Zai Bodrum

Last year saw the opening of a different kind of library in Konacık. Zai, (the root form of the term for olives in most Eastern languages) holds regular events ranging from talks and signing days from new authors to concerts and exhibitions. Mostly, however, it’s just a great place to enjoy books over a coffee. Address: Çırkan Mahallesi, Halide Edip Adıvar Cad. No:7, 48400 Click here for location. Number 14 on the map.

BONUS 25. A Ballet Summer Camp at Ortakent!

Source: www.yoncabale.com

Ortakent holds a summer ballet camp hosted by Turkish State Opera and Ballet artist Mutlu Cankup. Accommodation is included for the duration of the eleven-day course. The course is open for all kids who wish to learn ballet who are over the age of nine and studying at private schools or conservatoires. The language of instruction is Turkish, however. For more details, check out www.mutlucankup.com Click here for location.

DINING

We barely had room to fit the best of Bodrum’s dining option in this article alone. But fear not! If you want to hear more of our essential culinary advice from this fish-lover-friendly resort town, go on to our Bodrum Restaurants article.

THINGS TO DO IN BODRUM AT NIGHT

We explore Bodrum’s famous nightlife options in our Bodrum Nightlife article.

The post COMPLETE GUIDE TO BODRUM BY THE LOCALS appeared first on Biz Evde Yokuz.

The aurorae (plural of aurora) also happen in the southern hemisphere and they are called southern lights or aurora australis. They appear in Tanzania and New Zealand. However, as the northern lights are easier to access and you have more options. So, in this article we are mostly focusing on the northern lights.

The Best Place To See The Northern Lights

There are the most common places to aurora hunting locations. But this should only be a starting point of your research. Each location has its pros and cons. For example, Russia is cheaper than all but there are fewer things to go and it is far less leisurely. Some locations provide better views, some locations among them are said to have higher probability of seeing them. We suggest you check out our Aurora Location article for more insights on all aurora locations.

The Aurora Belt

The thick green area is where the northern lights are seen even when the aurora activity is not very strong. The outer thinner green circle is how south they can be spotted on days when there is extreme activity. But that happens rarely so they are not higher probability locations. One interesting note; on rare occasions, like once in a decade, the Aurorae can be spotted as south as the Mediterranean!

As you can tell from the map, there is no aurora in the North Pole. So the myth about the lights getting better the more north you go isn’t exactly true. However, the further north you are inside the aurora belt, the higher your chances are. It has been measured that the aurora belt itself has been shifting southward over the years.

But simply going to a place which is on the aurora belt is not enough to see the northern lights. To be able to pick the best aurora spot, first, we need to understand the factors that determine the occurrence and visibility of the northern lights.

Tips For Increasing Your Chances of Seeing the Northern Lights

1. Solar Activity

Put simply, the Northern Lights happen because electrically charged particles dispersed by explosions in the sun excite the gases in our atmosphere. Earth’s magnetic poles pull these particles toward itself – both north and south -, creating the aurora belt.

So, the intensity of the solar activity – how dense and fast the solar wind is – determines how spectacular the lights will be. There are days when solar activity is very low, there are days it is very high. There are applications for tracking solar activity which will be your best friend in this venture. I will get to what those are and how to use them in a bit.

The solar wind reaches our planet in around 4 days. So when you book a trip to see the northern lights months in advance, you really are rolling the dice. I suppose it is part of its thrill.

2. Clear Skies

The second important is to thing is to have clear skies. When it is cloudy or snowy, it casts a curtain between the sky and earth obstructing the view. For example  İn Lofoten Islands in Norway, the steep mountains hold the clouds that are drawn in over the ocean, therefore, getting in the way of seeing the lights. So if your priority is seeing the northern lights, there are safer bets.

In summary; you need a combination of high solar activity and clear skies.

Statistically, that combination seems to appear most often in Abisko, Sweden. It is a safer bet than most locations which is why we went there. We stayed 3 nights and 1 night we were blessed with an incredible show of the northern lights. It was out of this world. But remember; no matter how much you increase your chances, it is always a bet, never a sure deal. It is also possible to find yourself setting in cloud covered Abisko, while the lights are going crazy on the same day in Norway. Being lucky is a prerequisite for seeing the Northern Lights.

Best Weather Forecast for Nordic Countries:
For all the Nordic countries, this Norwegian website is pretty accurate at weather forecasts. It is not a bad idea to rent a car and chase around good weather on days of high solar activity.

Also keep your eyes open if you are flying after dark. Once you get over the clouds, the sky clears and you might be able to catch some great aurora views.

3. Light Pollution

The darker it is, the better your eyes can see the aurora. So you need to go as far as you can from the city lights. That is why most aurora hotels are in the forest, away from the cities.

4. Avoid a Full Moon

It is better to choose dates when the sky is as dark as possible. Here is a calendar for you to see the moon’s phases. The moon doesn’t completely distract seeing the lights, but the darker the better.

5. Face North & Keep Your Horizon Clear

When the solar activity is high, the Northern lights are all over thy sky. They dance and shine. However, when the activity is low, it looks like city lights reflecting on the sky and it is cluttered on the horizon in the north and it doesn’t move much. So if you have some trees or hill in front of you, it will obstruct your view. It is best to go someplace high or near a lake. They will both provide you a clear horizon.

6. Give Yourself Enough Time

You can increase your chances by traveling a longer period in the aurora zone. You will have more shots in a week than a weekend. So, you also need to consider a region where you can keep yourself entertained for a long period. We did a 10-day road trip to the Swedish and Finnish Arctic region. It was packed with really fun activities and we were blessed with some strong Northern Lights for 4 days. You can check out our recommended itinerary here.

7. Sunspot Cycle

Solar activity has a rhythm. It goes through roughly 11-year long cycles. All cycle long, there is solar activity and thus northern lights but scientist found that the biggest geomagnetic storms happen at the peak of the 11-year sunspot cycle or three years after the peak. So if you can arrange to go during those years, there is a chance you will get extraordinary sightings.

So should you wait for the peak or 3 years after? Not necessarily. We went at the bottom of a cycle (March 2019) and your guide informed us that it has been a spectacular year of northern lights. We even had the chance to catch a few coronals.

Best Time to See the Northern Lights

When to Go

The northern lights are visible between Sept and March.

Best Time: In a lot of sources you might read that, the best months for watching the northern lights are Sept and March especially around the two equinoxes.  There is no scientific evidence we could find regarding those dates but there are articles even on NASA’s website why the tilt of the Earth during the equinox drives the strongest solar winds towards the planet’s poles during equinoxes.

Sept – Oct: If you choose to go in September or in October, you will get warmer weather. The water bodies will not freeze yet, so you can take nice reflection photos of the northern lights. The downside is that there won’t be much snow for winter activities such as ice-fishing, ice-karting, etc…

Nov – Jan: The length of day-time gets extremely short in the Arctic regions during the winter. The further north you head, the less day time you will get. For example if you are in Abisko, you might be getting 4-5 hours of daylight a day. It can be quite a unique experience. Longer dark hours does mean more chances to spot the aurora but also restricts the activities you can do outside. Also, the temperatures are at their lowest, so there is a lot of snowfall which can block the view.

Feb – March: We like March the best because it gets warmer, the skies clearer and there is plenty of daylight for day activities and winter activities available.

April – Aug: In the summer the solar activity is there but the sky doesn’t get dark enough. That brings us to our next point.

Lenght of Day Time

Cool Science Dad made this chart for Iceland, but it is more or less the same for all aurora locations.

What Time of The Day

Generally speaking, the lights are best visible from 8 pm to 1 am but it depends. Sometimes they do become visible as soon as it gets dark or they can keep you waiting much later into the night. During our trip, once they came out at 12 am and kept going till 5 am. So you need to keep your eyes on the sky at all times but also make sure to check the app.

How Much You Can See with Naked Eye vs. Photos

It all depends on the level of activity. For the comparison below, we assume you know how to take long exposure shots.

Very Low Aurora Activity

On the day we took this photo, we couldn’t see any activity with our eyes. Our eyes are not sensitive enough to pick up very low lights but the cameras can.

You can try to take a few photos but you need to have a good camera and good post editing skills. Editing low light puts a lot of stress on the image’s quality. A few different people tried to save this photo and this is the best it gets.

Low Aurora Activity

Yes, you can see with your own eyes! It looks like a green haze, or a green cloud, similar to the edited version on the above photo but in real life. The cameras still see better than the human eye.

Medium Aurora Activity

It creates beautiful clear lines in the sky. You might even get a short glimpse of dancing lights. You can see with your eyes but the cameras still out-perform the human eye. Medium level of activity is very suitable for taking photos. You see mostly green, and maybe some whites too. If you see this, you will already be pretty impressed.

High Aurora Activity

This when things get absolutely spectacular. The sky looks like a Winamp visualization with the dancing lights for those who are old enough to recall. The lights become very bright & intense, they move upward into the sky from the horizon. You start seeing multiple colors (mostly green, white and pink) and the lights dance and dance… Dancing lights and coronas are the jackpots of the northern lights.

In the video above you will see several coronas filmed on the same day in Abisko. A corona happens when there is an unusually big amount of discharge from the sun. You know it is coming when the lights move right above your head, splitting the sky in 2 with a tunnel of light. Then things get crazy. Fluid dances like ink dropped in water, bursting bright & multiple colors, the whole package.

High activity is fantastic to watch but they don’t photograph well because there is too much light and movement for long exposure shots. It just washes the sky with light, shapes, and colors get lost. But don’t worry, it is so mesmerizing that you will not even think of taking photos. If you have a camera which can handle high ISO levels and a lens with large aperture below 2, you can even shoot videos of the lights as above.

Aurora Colors

The most common aurora color is green but sometimes you can also see red to pink, blue and purple as well. I will quote directly from NASA: 

The color of the aurora depends on which gas is being excited by the electrons and on how much energy is being exchanged. Oxygen emits either a greenish-yellow light (the most familiar color of the aurora) or a red light; nitrogen generally gives off a blue light. The oxygen and nitrogen molecules also emit ultraviolet light, which can only be detected by special cameras on satellites.

How to Take Aurora Photos

You can’t just point and shoot the northern lights. You need to get your camera on a tripod and get the right settings. It is nothing difficult but it requires knowing your camera well and some knowledge of photography techniques. You can earn them here: How to Shoot the Northern Lights

Even after you apply what you learn here, it still takes some practice to get it right. That sort of sucks because you need the lights to be able to practice but it can also be your one and only chance to see them. If you are new to photography or you don’t want to risk having a great photo with the northern lights, you can join an aurora photography tour. The only one we know of is Lights Over Lapland in Abisko, Sweden.

Tracking The Northen Lights with The Aurora App

There are a few applications for tracking aurora activity. They help you estimate if you will be able to the northern lights and how spectacular they will be. We used the application called Aurora, and it was pretty accurate for us but you can’t just rely on it. Keep your eyes on the sky.

The image on the left is the summary of that night’s expectation on the map. It also integrates your location to the map, so you know exactly where you are. Green means there is going to be activity, orange means even more activity and red means northern lights paradise.

Know that you know the factors that determine the intensity of activity, we recommend analyzing the data yourself. The app provides you with information like the density and speed of the solar wind. As a rule of thumb, we when you see a density above 3, wind above 300Km/s and Bz below 0, you can expect activity in 2 hours or so. (They alter the numbers of the y axes according to activity level, that is why you don’t see the mentioned values on the middle column)

We also used paid apps that sends you push notifications when there is activity but they are not so useful.

Once again, remember that on top of this, you also need to check the weather forecast to learn about visibility. For Scandinavia and Lapland, we recommend the Norwegian forecast.

Best Glass Igloos in the Higher Probability Locations

Aurora bubbles and glass igloos are the best for watching the lights. It is warm, comfy, romantic and unique. But they are also among the more expansive accommodation alternatives. So you want to make sure that you are renting it in a high probability area. Here are the best locations we found:

What to Wear

It is cold in the north, especially at night. The fact that you are standing still while watching the lights makes it worse. It is a constant battle between an urge to rescue yourself from the cold and a desire to watch the lights. Sometimes you spend 4-5 hours outside at -20° Celsius (-4° Fahrenheit) or below because it just keeps getting better or some aurora excursions take a long time. Here are our tips:

Your hands, face, and feet get affected the most.

– Standard ski/snowboard appeal: Thermal underwear leggings and top (wool or synthetic), fleece, snow pants & jacket, ski socks.

– Heated insoles: They are electrical warmers that keep you warm for several hours. You can also use them during the day. They are rechargeable so you can use them over and over again.

– Touchscreen gloves: No doubt you will be taking a lot of photos. When you remove your gloves to handle your camera or phone, you lose a lot of heat. Touching a metal like the body of an SLR or a tripod is the worst. Save yourself some pain by buying touch screen gloves. It is worth spending some money on a high-quality one because some gloves use their sensitivity completely over a few washes!

– Mittens: Touchscreen gloves will protect you but they are not enough to combat the cold alone. Get mittens to go over the touchscreen gloves. Your hands are much warmer when your 4 fingers are together. So mittens, not gloves.

– Neoprene face masks: Not a lot of people wear face masks but when you need it, you need it. Plus it is doesn’t cost much. Better safe than sorry.

– Polar expedition suits: It goes over your ski clothes and practically becomes your armor. If you join an aurora activity tour like snowmobiling or adventure photography, they provide you with these suits. It makes all the difference in the world.

– Sorel boots or Moon Boots: Not all winter boots are created equal. Sorel boots with rubber toes are the best. Although not as good, my Moon Boots performed alright, too.

– Others:
Extra batteries and power banks.
To see the northern lights you will go somewhere dark so a headlight comes in handy.

Conclusion

Going to Abisko in Sweden around the equinox in March is a good bet. But ultimately, it is a matter of luck, no guarantees that it will show itself.

When you are there make sure to track aurora activity from the app and the weather forecast from ny.no.

Good luck!

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The post COMPLETE GUIDE TO NORTHERN LIGHTS: WHERE, WHEN, HOW appeared first on Biz Evde Yokuz.

Not only did my brand new, not to mention super expansive camera dropped & broke on her first day in Andalusia but the efforts to get it fixed (which didn’t work out by the way) triggered a row of events which resulted in a shrinking my 2 day stay in Finca La Donaira to less than 24 hours. Sniff sniff.

“Not a big deal”, I thought. I could have never guessed that shortening a stay in a hotel would turn out to be so upsetting. It was a flash of paradise that passed in an eye’s blink. It was the best thing about our trip to Andalusia. No hard feeling Sevilla, you are a true gem but La Donaira was exactly what we needed.

What Makes It Special

Simply put, La Donaira a small luxury hotel with a huge organic farm and equestrian centre. It was voted the Best Luxury Eco Hotel in Spain Luxury Hotel Awards. In its 700-hectare land with great mountain views resides a  modern rustic complex with only 9 rooms.

There are more horses than people in La Donaira. Their care-takers and trainers are handpicked from around the world. It is no simple equestrian centre. They are breeding and training racehorses. And all guests are welcomed to do hop on one to explore the beautiful Andalusian landscape or take riding courses. All on the house. Sadly, since we arrived at sundown, and had to leave early morning, we didn’t have a chance.

There are different chefs cooking on different days of the week. The owner personally recruited them from around the world. They all live in the compound with their families. I briefly met the Norwegian chef and his son in the hotel’s pool. I appreciated that while being such a luxurious place, there are no barriers between the workers and the guests. It makes you feel like you are in a family house. The way the compound is organized, the coziness of the decoration and how meals are served are all designed to facilitate that feeling.

All 3 meals are included in your stay. Sadly, of all the 2 days x 3 meals we originally had, we were able to stay for one dinner and one breakfast. The meals are eaten around one big table with all the other guests. The food is made with the produce from the garden. Since one of the hotel guests was vegan, we all had to eat vegan. Well, my husband was very disappointed to hear that. He loves his meat and you know how difficult it can be to please meat people with vegan food. But the food was so good that we ended up having a discussion about how converting would be easy if such yummy food was always available.

They take their guests on tailor-made experiences such as gastronomy & wine workshops, trekking & picnic trips.

So I have a hard time reducing La Donaira to a luxury hotel. It is simply insane to run such a luxurious hotel for solely profit purposes. 9 rooms would never cover all the costs of running such a paradise. It is just too big, too personalized and too pretty. My feeling is that its owner Manfred Bodner dreamt of a sanctuary for himself and some privileged guests are welcomed to stay too.

Book Here

You can check out the hotel’s rates & avalibility on Booking.com.

The Common Area

The common area feels pretty much like the living room of a modern country house.

You are free treat yourself to the library or the bar.

I was told that the owner took the time to pick each and every piece in the hotel. It took him years to finish.

Antiques are blended in with modern furnitures to create a cozy look.

It is a very art-filled place.

I don’t only mean the paintings on the wall. They also throw a music festival. Small in size but with world-class musicians.

You don’t see so many people in the common living area during the day. Guests are usually out either in the pool or riding horses.

However when it is approaching a meal time people start to gather here as it is adjacent to the kitchen.

The Indoor Pool

When we arrived the sun was going down. Everything looked magical.
The first thing I did was to rush to the room to change to have a dip in the pool before it was dark. But the dinner was almost ready so I had to be quick so that the guests don’t have to wait for me to start.

The weather was good but surprisingly the indoor pool was more tempting to me. Usually, indoor pools feel like a garage so I don’t enjoy them. But this one was very tasteful and in the middle of the garden.

And it has great views!

There is also a hammam and a spa here which again I did not have the time to enjoy.

I dried myself up and ran to dinner.

Food

The food is without doubt one of the best parts of your stay here thanks to its top-notch chefs and its organic farm.

The farm provides fruits and vegetables, honey, olive oil and even the wine! The rest is sourced through local producers.

The lady in the photo was one of the many chefs. She is the one that specializes in vegan food. Upon your reservation, they ask you if you have any food restrictions.

Dinner is served at the same time for guests. You eat altogether at the big table you see in the first photo. It is not a-la-carte. They create a menu of the day according to the season and the dietary needs of the guests. So all the guests eat the same food. It was a 3-course menu and every plate was exceptionally good.

For breakfast, there is a small open buffet as you see in the second photo. From here you get your starters. For the main, you pick from a menu where you will find something for all tastes and diets.

I told them they should release a cookbook. I would surely buy one.

After dinner, we had a stargazing session with a fancy telescope. It was definately more than a hobbyist’s. A friend of the owner was sitting the hotel who was an amateur astronomer. It was really fun having an introductory session with him.

The Rooms

We wanted to continue watching the stars from the porch of our room. We took some smokes and wine from the bar and returned to our room.

One of the most beautiful things about this place is its respect for nature. Buildings occupy only a small portion of the land, and the landscape isn’t sculpted much, so it feels wild. Even the path to our room was barely lit which made it great for looking at the stars.

All rooms are designed by different architects/ interior designers. I was told that they were mostly the owner’s friends. I would have loved to see them all. Unfortunately, I only have the photos of the room we stayed in. I can say that since there is so much land the rooms are spread out and each is very private.

We stayed in the “yurt” which was designed by a famous Turkish architect. It had the feeling of a safari lodge without the lions mating under the platform of my tent. Yes, I had to try sleeping thought such a night in Botswana.

With glamping, I always worry that it might get too hot and the Andalusian sun was very strong even in April. But the yurt had some serious air conditioning so we had a sound sleep.

The Equestrian Centre

The feeling that this is a magical place and I had no time to explore it haunted me.

It totally made sense that the minimum stay was 2 days.

I made my husband promise me to wake up with the sunrise so that we could soak in a little more of this place.

Before breakfast, we rushed to see the equestrian center. I would have loved to go on horseriding expedition here but once again no time.

Instead, I walked around the center and watched the foals (baby horses), which also filled me with happiness.

The Outdoor Pool

This is the outdoor pool I met one of the chefs and his son.

So many things left unfinished… No time to take photos, no time to ride a horse, even no time for lunch before the plane. Yet, it was the best part of our Andalusia trip.

We will hopefully get another chance to come back to tick the list off.

How to Get There

Finca La Donaira is located on a remote village in Serranía de Ronda. It takes around 1,5 hours from Sevilla or 2 hours from Malaga.

You first drive to the La Posada in the village of El Gastor where you will meet the welcome crew. They will take your luggages in a new car and drive you 10 minutes further to La Donaira.

Address: Calle La Fuente, 49 · 11687 El Gastor (Cádiz) Spain
Click for location.

Contact La Donaira

Rates & avalibility:  Booking.com
Click for website
(+34) 680 654 454

The post FINCA LA DONAIRA – A DREAMY ECO-LUXURY HOTEL IN ANDALUSIA appeared first on Biz Evde Yokuz.

Let’s start with the basics:

How to Party In Turkey

What time does Bodrum nightlife start to pick up?
Depends on which kind of entertainment you are seeking.
– Jazz Clubs usually start early around 9 or 10. Make sure to ask what time they start.
– If you are going out dancing, it is better to wait for 12 am to head to a club. Otherwise, you can find yourself standing alone.
– It is also good to know that if the place is in a residential area and open air, they need to kill the noise at 12 am by law.

What to wear?
– For the most part, people put some effort into looking good but they dress casually.
– However, the bars in the upscale neighborhoods of Bodrum such as Yalıkavak and Türkbükü have a better-dressed crowds. So if you wanted to fancy up, this would be your opportunity.

Afterparty
The Turkish way of afterpartying involves eating one of the three things:
Midye dolma– Stuffed mussels. You will see the street vendors lining up around the bar. It is a must try!
Mercimek çorbası (lentil soup) or işkembe (stomach soup) – You can ask the waiters for a place.

Bodrum Nightlife Tips

– Live Music: Bodrum Yacht Club has a great jazz/funk band which plays international hits and goldies. Mavi and Mandalin regularly host famous Turkish bands.

– Beach Clubs throw great parties: Keep your eyes open for announcements. They usually post on the billboards. Happy hour parties at sunset tend to be very nice.

Xuma Beach and JuJu are are my 2 faves when it comes to beach clubs. I am not a fan but some of you might be happy to hear that the world-famous Nikki Beach has a branch in Bodrum too.

– Alternative Stuff: I’d loved to share a laid-back beach bar with a bonfire, people dancing barefoot on the sand but it just doesn’t exist. 

– Chill Out Festival: If you ask me Bodrum Chill Out Festival is the best part of Bodrum nightlife. They bring artists from around the world and it becomes a great beach party. If your Bodrum plans coincide with it, do not miss it!

So here, we present a list of some of the most popular places for nightlife in Bodrum:

Bars & Clubs In Downtown Bodrum

Mavi Bar

A great little bar along Bar Street popular for its live music – especially jazz performances.

Address: Kumbahçe Mah. Cumhuriyet Cad. No: 175 Tel: (0252) 316 39 32 Click for location

Mandalin Sound

A bar along the coast popular for world music performances with a cozy, fireside atmosphere and a view of the castle in the middle of the heart of Bodrum’s nightlife hub.

Address: Çarşı, Dr. Alim Bey Cad./1025 Sok., 48400 Tel: 0549 226 48 48 Web Site: www.mandalinsound.com Click for location.

Gekko Cocktail & Whisky ♡

The first choice when it comes to cocktail bars in Bodrum that have a hipster vibe. The bar also hosts cocktail-making workshops at regular intervals.

Address: Çarşı Mahallesi Dr Alimbey Caddesi 1025 sokak No:1/1 Tel: 0533 276 16 31 Click for location.

Moonlight Cafe Bar

Moonlight by name, moonlight by nature, this offers a great, expansive view of the sky above Bodrum along the shore. This is a good place to drink, chat, and relax uninterrupted by pounding sound systems. Casual but cozy.

Address: Çarşı, Dr. Alim Bey Cd., Tel: (0252) 313 20 85 Web Site:www.moonlightbodrum.com Click for location.

Kâtip Cocktail Bar ♡

One of the coolest little cocktail bars in Bodrum. Based in the courtyard of the Ha la Otel, the place plays hits from the 70s and 80s soul-funk at a level where you can still enjoy conversation.

Address: Eskiçeşme Mahallesi Davulcu Ali Sokak No 17 Tel: 0535 507 76 81 Click for location.

Marina Yacht Club ♡

The Marina Yacht Club has made a name for itself with some big Turkish pop acts in recent years, but if you would prefer to enjoy live bands without getting swamped in a tight crowd, other venues around the marina are open until late and offer a more chilled way to enjoy music.

Address: Eskiçeşme, Milta Bodrum Marina Neyzen Tevfik Caddesi No:5, 48400 Tel: (0252) 316 12 28 Web Site: marinayachtclub.com Click for location.

Kule Bar

Kule Bar is one of the best rock bars in Bodrum – and possibly even in all of Turkey.  This is a place you can enjoy live Turkish rock performances as well as a great view of the medieval tower – or kule – the bar gets its name from.

Address: Cumhuriyet Cad. Dr. Alim Bey Bedesteni No: 55 Tel: 0 (252) 313 28 50 Web Site: www.kulebar.com Click for location.

Fancier Side of Bodrum Nightlife: Yalıkavak Bars

The Agency

On the chiller side of the Bodrum nightlife is The Agency. Based in Palmarina Marina, this bistro & lounge is ideal for pre-meal happy hour drinks and live music and cocktails or wine in the evening. It is actually better as a stop-off on the way to your main destination for the night. It is small, so reservations are a must.

Address: Palmarina (Merkez Mah. Çökertme Cad. Yalıkavak) Tel: 90 533 056 5484 Web Site:www.agencybistro.com Click for location.

Fenix

The Bodrum branch of the Istanbul club of the same name, this club offers South American cuisine and open-air DJ sets. Good for those bored with the typical bar/club selections. Don’t forget to book before arrival.

Address: Yalıkavak Beldesi, AE Blok -1, 48990 Bodrum/Muğla Tel: 0549 790 18 06 Click for location.

Türkbükü Bars & Clubs

Ship Ahoy

In its hey-day day, this was the club that put Türkbükü on the map, but despite its star having waned in recent years, new management have brought the place back to life. The bar has more of a lounge  than raver vibe.

Address: Yalı mevki 95. Sk., Bağarası, 48483 Türkbükü  Tel: 90 252 377 5070 Click forlocation.

Maça Kızı

Maça Kızı is a long-serving beach-side hang-out in the day that transforms into party spot in the evening. Although we were not overly impressed, the view is matchless.

Address: Keleş Hanım Cd. No:27, Bağarası, 48483 Göltürkbükü Tel: +90 252 311 2400 Click for location.

Sess Türkbükü

Sess Türkbükü has by far become the busiest venue in Türkbükü. Although it doesn’t count among our favorites, its vast popularity means it can’t be ignored. Sess mostly caters for Istanbulite regulars with Turkish music and playing for tightly packed audiences. The club expands far beyond the constraints of a night club onto the shore, meaning you can add a night stroll of the beach to your fun in the evening.

Address: 103. Sk., Bağarası, 48483 Göltürkbükü Tel: +90 534 960 3909 Click for location.

Miam Restaurant & Bar

Another popular choice is Miam in Türkbükü. This establishment is not only a night haunt but also functions as a pleasant restaurant and bar in the day and is a great place to stop off for eats on the way to your final night-time destination. Open all year round and heated by atmospheric fireplaces in the winter.l

Address: Göltürkbükü Tel:+90 252 377 5612 Click for location.

Karpuz Bar

The shot and cocktail bar opened on Tekilacılar Sokağı in 2013. Open throughout the year, Karpuz Bar hosts live music every weekend.

Address: Çarşı Mah. Banka Sok. No: 13 (Tekilacılar Sokağı) 48400 Website Tel: +90 549 316 33 13 Click for location.

Batı Bar

A cute little bar offering an amazing view of the sunset from the Gümüşlük coast offering some of the funnest vibes in Gümüşlük.

Address: Gümüşlük Mahallesi, 1120. Sk., 48970 Click for location.

Off Gümüşlük

Off Gumusluk, is one of the most beautiful places on the Gumusluk beach. During the high season, this place runs as a bar, a restaurant, a beach and a perforamance venue. In the summer, it has events and concerts almost for all days of week. On saturday evenings, some barbecue parties are held on its garden, on sunday mornings it serves brunch named “long Sunday breakfast”. Address: Gümüşlük, 1120. Sk., 48970 Bodrum Tel: 0538 921 53 54 Click here for the location.

Club Gümüşlük

Club Gumusluk is just next to Off Gumusluk and serves as a restaurant, bar and performance venue. The Bodrum’s famous drink “Sandoz” can be found on the menu. If you find a chance, grab a place on the seaview. Address: Gümüşlük, Yalı Mevkii 1120. Sokak, 48970 Tel: (0252) 394 34 01 Click here for the location.

Stella Jazz Club

Located on a bit far from the center, Stella Jazz Club is the ideal place to listen to jazz music in Bodrum. It has an intimate and cozy atmosphere around the pine trees. During the summer season (except Tuesday evenings) between 19.00-01.00, there are lots of performances of local and foreign jazz bands accompanied by cocktails and snacks. You can follow its Instagram or Facebook pages for events’ informations. Address: Yalı, Selahattin Pınar Çiftliği 48430 Tel: 0531 299 25 75 Click here for the location.

The post BODRUM NIGHTLIFE – BEST CLUBS & BARS IN BODRUM appeared first on Biz Evde Yokuz.

You would think that finding a swimming spot would be an easy thing to do for locals but it is not. Unfortunately, Bodrum’s coastal stretches have been split between various pricey hotels, bars, and residential projects. During the summer months, Turkish tabloids thrive on the bikini bodies of the Turkish celebrities shot at the beach clubs or private yachts in Bodrum. And remains open to the public is often too crowded to enjoy.

While some people love the way Bodrum evolved to be a such a flashy summer spot, as the people who grew up playing on Bodrum’s untouched beaches, we are quite nostalgic about the way things used to be. That being the case, we decided to compile a list of the best Bodrum beaches where we like to go to while Bodrum is under the siege of visitors & businesses. 1-9 are some spots where you can find peace and simplicity.

With that said, fancy beach clubs are a part of the Bodrum experience. So for those who want to check out that scene, we have a few recommendations on those too (number 9). If being lazy on a beach isn’t for you, you can check out some great beach activities at number 10. For more Bodrum tips from locals, you can check out our Top Things To Do In Bodrum blog.

Map Of The Best Bodrum Beaches

You can view the map by zooming in.

1. Kargıcak Bay
2. Peksimet
3. Mazı Köyü Çakıllıyalı Bay
4. Mazı Köyü İnceyalı Bay
5. Mazı Köyü Hurma Beach
6. Gerenkuyu Smaller Beach
7. Gerenkuyu Larger Beach
8. Torba Beach
9. Adabükü Doktorlar Sitesi
10. Feza Güney Beach
11. Bardakçı Bay
12. Kumbahçe
13. Gümüşlük
14. Bitez Sarnıç
15. Aktur
16. Camel Beach
17. Türkbükü
18. Cennet Bay
19. Yalıkavak
20. Akyarlar

As you can tell from the map, they are all scattered about the Bodrum Peninsula and beach hopping just won’t work because of the distances. So, the best thing to do is to pick your hotel in the area where you like the beach. You will find our hotel recommendations from each area below.

If you have already booked your stay, you can see if any of the recommended beaches are close by. It is good to know that taxi is very expansive in Bodrum. Renting a car makes much more sense. If you don’t drive, you can try to hop on a dolmuş. It is a minibus that travels on an assigned path but unlike buses, it doesn’t have fixed stops so you can get on or off anytime.

Below you will see our recommendations from Gümüşlük and Yalıkavak but actually, they are amongst the worst places to swim in Bodrum. However, they are still the most popular 2 areas of Bodrum because of the social life around them. We incorporated beaches from them to offer solutions for those who are staying there.

1. KARGICAK BAY ♡

Let’s make one thing clear from the start: This is not the kind of secret you want to let friends in on unless they are the type to really appreciate it. In our view, Kargıcak is the most beautiful bay on this list. A small, undeveloped village which has only relatively recently become accessible by road. If you have rented so wheels for the trip, however, don’t breath a sigh of relief yet – as you’ll have to brace yourself for over 2 km of rather bumpy, winding road. But the pay-off is more than worth it.

The waters are a little murky due to the boat tours that used to take off from the harbor. The sudden arrival of tourists to this tiny community – not to mention the build-up of trash it resulted it – apparently led to some tense confrontations with tour operators. In the end, the police intervened and decided to solve the issue by barring the tour boats from ever returning to Kargıcak.

The effects of this ruling have been nothing short of magnificent. The village has since regained the simple charm and character of earlier times. This is not to say many people aren’t aware of its existence. But given its distance from Bodrum across Andhallenging road conditions, it is certainly only visited by those few most dedicated to its spirit.

Don’t Forget:

This is one of the most isolated beaches in Bodrum, so it pays to pack all the food and water you think you will need for the duration of the day. Also, don’t forget your sunglasses!

We would like to see Kargıcak’s charms shine on forever. That said, enjoy camping and picnicking while here – just make sure you don’t forget to pack up your things and bring your trash with you.

Kargıcak is a fishing bay area. At nearby Seagarden, one can head over to one of the many former tour boats that now serve grilled fish brought fresh from the surrounding waters, served deliciously with salad and fries. Click for location. Number 1 on the map.

Recommended Accommodation

The closest: Ipek Garden Palace Hotel. Click for details and booking information

The most sumptuous: Kempinski. Click for details and booking information

2. PEKSİMET

Peksimet is our most prized secret location. We discovered the place – which doesn’t even show up clearly on Googlemaps – almost by accident. When we arrived, however, no force could stop us from diving in its fine waters and wading over its inviting sands. There are only one or two restaurants based along the shore – much of which is still free for public use with sunbeds set out by the local municipality. The only issue is the lack of toilets and changing facilities along the shore. This is especially a winning destination to enjoy a beautiful view of the sunset. Click for location. Number 2 on the map.

3. MAZI VILLAGE ♡

You’d be forgiven for thinking this place was nowhere near Bodrum. Yet you would be wrong. We drove and drove mile and mile before getting to this lovely, isolated village. Mazı must be one of the most beautiful villages in all of the Bodrum region, with a scattering of homes lining its three bays and woods that go right down to the shore.

Çakılyalı Bay

The first bay, Çakıllıyalı, is nt really on the large side. The shoreline comprises of a single hotel with two or three small pensions with a beautiful little garden area. The place is entirely run and staffed by locals. You are more than welcome to pop over and set up a little tent on the shore in front of the hotel as locals take great pleasure in making visitors feel welcomed above all else. They even insisted we pop by to use their showers completely freely when we were done at the beach. Similarly, the restaurant is open to any and all.

İnceyalı and Hurma Bays

İnceyalı and Hurma are the second and third bay which together make up one whole separated by small, rocky outcrops. Given their larger scale, and unfortunately, like many other large beaches in Bodrum, the area is largely run and maintained by shore-side restaurants and hotels. Yet the sense of tranquility is just as all-pervasive here. It’s the perfect place to finish that novel and be at peace between ventures out to enjoy the pure, still waters of the bay.
The pebble beach and cozy waters are a sight to behold. Plus, prices in Mazı are much more reasonable than Bodrum. Our accommodation, which included three meals, came to just 125 lira each.

The traditional Aegean cuisine served up was full of olive oil goodness. The place is guaranteed to give you some much-sought-after respite from city life. Hiking and rambling fans also ought to note that a section of the Karia Road route runs through the area. Click on this link for more info.

Click for the location of 1st Bay. Number 3 on the map.
Click for the location of 2nd Bay. Number 4 on the map.
Click for the location of 3rd Bay. Number 5 on the map.

4. YALI, GERENKUYU BAY

This location is plain and beautiful – little wonder the Kempinski hotel chain choose it as their Bodrum location. In fact, until the Kempinski showed up, barely anyone knew about this quiet coastal strip and it has remained fairly low on visitor numbers even now.

What’s on offer?

Yalı has a larger and smaller stretch of coastline. The smaller of these has a cafe run by the local municipality, meaning decent food at affordable prices. Lunch for two can set you back as little as 40 Lira and beer is likewise well priced, so enjoy the sunset in style! The beach is also equipped with frequently cleaned toilets, changing rooms, and showers.

Gerenkuyu is the larger beach, which looks out over Yalı. There are few amenities around, except the fenced-off site of a future hotel. The beach remains nearly empty all year round, so it’s yours for the taking. Let’s hope it stays like this long into the future!

Gerenkuyu Smaller Beach and Municipal Cafe location. Number 6 on the map.
Gerenkuyu Larger Beach location. Number 7 on the map.

Recommended Accommodation

Most comfortable: Kempinski. Click for details and booking information

5. TORBA

Torba Bay lies on the right side of the road mid-way between Bodrum town and the airport. We are obsessed about Güvercinlik and the Torba area due to its beautiful wooded landscape. These areas are completely encircled by forested hills and mountains and although many rich and famous residents have upped sticks in the area, it is still a quaint and simple place and a far cry from the glitz of Yalıkavak. As the coast is dotted with pebble beach, the waters are pure and temperate.

Facilities

The municipal-run cafe on Torba beach is decently-priced and extremely well-run. The toilets, showers, and changing rooms are in pristine condition. The area is also extremely decently priced, but there are other dining options with more expansive menus.

Torba Cafe-Beach: Click for location. Number 8 on the map.

Our Favorites

1. In our view, the best parts of Torba are a little further out

You can get here on foot or by boat

On foot: Carry on straight past the Torba Cafe until the road starts to turn into a rough-and-tumble dirt track. You should arrive at an incredible, wide-open beach in around 35-45 minutes. It’s probably best to take some sturdy footwear for this walk to make sure you don’t give up halfway down the road.

By Car: We don’t recommend anything less than a 4X4 to traverse the terrain needed to get here, but if you have a suitable motorcycle or mountain bike, be sure that the tracks smooth out eventually. A car can get you to this untouched shore with its crystal clear waters in 15-20 minutes. You can be sure your picnic will be entirely undisturbed. Although a residential area lies just up ahead, thanks to its own harbor area, there is little need for locals to wander through this area of coastline.

2. This is the ideal place for a boat tour.

This area is far quieter and sees a lot less tourism compared to other beaches in Bodrum, meaning boat tours of the bays will allow you more time to swim and explore.

Recommended Accommodation

In our view, art-filled boutique hotel, the Casa Dell’ Arte is one of the best hotels in all of Bodrum. Click for details and booking information.

6. DOKTORLAR SİTESİ, ADABÜKÜ

The bays that Adabükü Doktorlar Sitesi stretches across are some of the most unspoiled beaches in Bodrum. Like Aktur, Doktorlar Sitesi is one of the oldest of the new residences constructed in Bodrum. The place is still amazingly calm, perhaps due to its being inhabited by middle-aged residents. The waters are crystal clear, but it’s just a shame its facilities are only open to those who live here. You’ll probably need to know someone here to get the best out of it.

Adabükü Doktorlar Sitesi Click for location. Number 9 on the map.

This being the case, we recommend trying the nearby Feza Güney Beach. Click for location. Number 10 on the map.

7. BARDAKÇI BAY, ESKİÇEŞME AND KUMBAHÇE BEACH

Bardakçı Koyu, located right next to Bodrum center is a place of crystal clear waters you can explore marine life at. Unfortunately, due to much of the shoreline being parcelled off between hotels and beach-club owners, there is nowhere to casually set-up at without paying a fee. There is a pıublic beach, but this is rather on the small side.

Bardakçı Bay location. Number 11 on the map.

Kumbahçe is another bay close-by Bodrum main. Kumbahçe’s pebble beach, opposite Bodrum Castle, is a little lacking, but nice enough. The view of the castle and city lights it offers in the evening is probably the best feature of this shoreline.

Kumbahçe location. Number 12 on the map.

8. GÜMÜŞLÜK

Gümüşlük isn’t quite fit to make it onto this list. In the high season, the beach crowds out and the sea itself is quite murky with seaweed. However, towards the start and tail-end of the tourist season, it is an ideal place to experience the magic trinity of sun, sea, and sand – with a host of activities on offer.

We enjoyed some long hours wading in the sea before lounging around on the sunbeds. We then walked to Rabbit Island, located just off the coast. We then enjoyed the stunning sunset on offer. We also rented out a canoe and paddleboard.

Gümüşlük Beyond the Beach

Come evening, it was time to nurse a beer at the Jazz Cafe before making sure we had enough room to enjoy a meal at our favorite Bodrum restaurant, Limon Gümüşlük. AThesimply and homely garden-setting requires an early booking and is located about 150-200 meters inland. Plus the Hayat Cafe, based in a secluded orange grove, is an ideal pitstop. The staff is friendly and the food is good quality and good value, with a lunch for two, including drinks, setting you back 40-45 lira. If you arrive in winter, you’ll also get the chance to pluck some of the ripened fruit.

Hayat Cafe location. Number 13 on the map.

Canoe Rental location.

Recommended Accommodation

Misket Hotel Details and booking information

9. THE POPULAR BEACHES

9.1 Sarnıç, Bitez

This is a very popular beach-club among the people who live near Bitez. The only thing missing is the beach! – rather, this establishment has been constructed over the rocks on the bay. If you’ve gotten all the way to Bitez, then it would be a sin not to sample the famous namesake ice cream parlor with its specialty blackberry flavor. For a more filling dining experience, head to the Kısmet Restaurant between behind the Finansbank on the main road heading towards Konacık – but there is not much food left after 4 pm here! Click for location. Number 14 on the map.

9.2 Aktur, Bitez

This is actually a small residential community, but it is possible to come to rent out an apartment for a few days and enjoy the clear, pure waters of one of the more private beaches in Bodrum. Click for location. Number 15 on the map.

9.3 Camel Beach (Kargı)

These areas are simply incredible in terms of their natural beauty, although the summer months can get a little too bustling. There are also camels available to mount and ride up and down the beach. Click for location. Number 16 on the map.

9.4 Türkbükü

There is a side of Bodrum only inhabited by Turkey’s rich and famous, where a light lunch can set you back the price of a domestic airfare, every stretch of sand is closed off by some exclusive hotel or beach-club, and what was once a small fishing village is no-where to be seen: That’s Türkbükü. Some of the most popular places here include Maça Kızı, Kuum, Maki and Sess and Ship A Hoy in the evening. Click for location. Number 17 on the map.

9.5 Cennet Bay  (Göltürkbükü)

Cennet Bay,is a hidden gem located far from the bustling crowds of Bodrum proper. With rough and tumble roads and no public transport, the place looks set to remain quiet for the coming future only visited by boat-captains who benefit from mooring up in its deep waters. Aside from the public beach, there are a number of more luxurious private stretches at the İl Riccio and Mandarin hotels. Click for location. Number 18 on the map.

9.6 Yalıkavak

Yalıkavak is undoubtedly one of Bodrum’s most popular locations, however, the northern waters can get rather choppy, so there are better options for swimming. That said, Palmarina Marina and Xuma Beach are popular dining and entertainment locations but there are calmer Bodrum beaches. Click for location. Number 19 on the map.

9.7 Akyarlar

Akyarlar is one of the best beaches in Bodrum in terms of its waters, that are clear, calm, and cool. This is a local’s favorite, as it has managed to stay quiet and well-hidden from the tourist droves over the years – although this may have started to change. Meteor Beach offers the best sands and has a good restaurant. Karaincir and Xanadu are good alternatives, although the latter is a little pricey. Click for location. Number 20 on the map.

10. Active Sea Options

If you get bored just lying on the beach, we have three suggestions (If the articles are in TR make sure to switch to En from the upper right corner)

1. In Gündoğan, you can learn free diving from a record-holding instructor!
2. Take yourself off to a windsurfing course, available at many beaches in Bodrum
3. Kitesurfing in Bodrum doesn’t quite compare to Akyaka, but courses are available.

Just click here for more.

The post BODRUM BEACHES – WHERE THE LOCALS GO TO SWIM (AVOID TOURISTY BEACHES) appeared first on Biz Evde Yokuz.

Ice Hotels Around the World

There are around 10 ice hotels located across various corners of the world; namely Finland, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Alaska, Canada, Andorra, Japan. So choose according to where you plan to discover.

Why Finland?

– We wanted to use the opportunity to see the northern lights and I strongly recommend you do the same. That said, Switzerland, Andorra, Japan were immediately eliminated. The next step was to choose between Finland, Sweden, Norway, Alaska, and Canada.

– We then looked into what offered the most experiences at the best price. Lapland (the Arctic parts of Sweden, Finland and Norway) stood out as the most interesting and fun destination thanks to its Sami culture and alternative activities like ice-carting and visiting reindeer farms.

– Norway has no ice-breaker ships to take a ride on – which is an essential Arctic experience. The country is also ruthlessly expensive, so that ruled that out.

– In Sweden, Lapland activities cost around 30-50% more than that of Finland. Finland also seemed a lot livelier.

And so, we said “hello Finland!”

** Budget Tips **

– We looked for an ice hotel located in Finland or Sweden as we could easily integrate any of them onto our itinerary. Snow Village offered a better package.

– Another thing we liked about the Snow Village was that it has rooms with 2, 3, 4 or 5 beds. Some hotels only have rooms with 2 beds. So if you are a family or a group you can make a huge budget cut by sharing 1 room (you can forget about romance when it is so cold anyway).

– If an overnight stay is still over your budget, or you are intimidated about sleeping in the cold, here is some news to cheer you up: It has an ice-restaurant and an ice-bar where you can be a part of the experience and visit the rooms as well.

Snow Village – The World’s Biggest Ice Hotel

200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle lies the Snow Village. What started as a 6 room hotel in 2001, is now the world’s biggest ice hotel. It has a huge ice restaurant, an ice -bar, an ice cinema, and an ice chapel that you can rent out for special occasions like marriages. It also has a 2 what is called warm areas (heated buildings); a warm restaurant and a warm house for overnight guests only.

The Hotel Melts Down Every Year

It is rather poetic that the entire village and all the art contained with it meltdown each April and disappear completely never to come back in the same form ever again. In a way, it reminds me of Burning Man. It is reconstructed with a different concept every November to reopen in December, just in time for Christmas. A team of builders and artists from around the world work together to build the entire hotel in only 6 weeks.

Every year, 15 million kilos of snow and 300.000 kilos of natural ice are used to build the hotel. They wait for the nearby river to freeze to get the ice blocks. Only when running water freezes, the ice is so crystal clear and solid. This ice at the ice hotel mostly used for decorative parts like furniture and sculptures. Sometimes nature likes to add its touch with trapped leaves or even fish inside the ice! For the construction of the hotel, they use natural and artificial snow. Once the walls are up the artists rush to carve and ornate. When it melts, everything goes back to nature.

However global warming has been a real challenge with temperatures not dropping on time to allow enough time for the construction. In 2019, the winter came 3 weeks late leaving them only 3 weeks to finish the hotel!

When to Go

Winter Months

The hotel is open from Dec to April. It is pretty much the same for all ice hotels. We prefer Feb and March because you get longer daylight (remember that in the north daytime can be extremely long in the summer and extremely short in the winter), and it is said that the chance to see the northern lights increases because the skies are clearer and supposedly there is more solar activity around the equinoxes.

I recommend you read on about how to maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights here: Complete Guide to Northern Lights: When, Where, How

Game Of Thrones Theme

It is 2019 at the time of writing, and like all fans of the show, we have been waiting for 2 freakishly long years for the last season. So when we learned that for this year’s theme, the hotel partnered up with HBO Nordic to curate a Game Of Thrones experience, we were thrilled.

Each room at the ice hotel was modeled after a different dynasty from the series. The bar, the common areas all had references to the show. Giant dragon heads, ships from Bravos, the iron throne and so on. It felt like Jon Snow was going to walk in any second.  I will let the photos do the talking. Even better, you can watch our video above.

Can I Stop By Just For a Visit?

Yes! Every hour the hotel organizes guided tours. You can visit all of it, even the rooms, drink at the ice bar, go in the chapel and take photos until 8pm (meaning the last tour departs at 7 pm).

It has a warm cafe with basic foods like sandwiches and muffins and a fine dining ice restaurant where we ate the best meal of our entire Lapland trip.

Tip: Make sure to try the cloudberry shot at the bar. These berries only grow in the Arctic and have a wonderful flavor.

Overnight Experience – How to survive?

Sleeping in an icy room is no piece of cake but don’t let it discourage you from trying this once in a lifetime experience. When will you ever get a second chance?

How cold do you feel?

The beds at the ice hotel are crafted of ice, unsurprisingly, but you are not sleeping on the ice itself. Inside the ice bed frames, there is a mattress similar to the one you have at home. And you are given polar sleeping bags to sleep in. They are said to keep you safe at temperatures as low as -30. Of course, that doesn’t mean a warm, cozy night’s sleep at those temperatures, it just means that you survive. But don’t worry, it never gets so cold inside the hotel anyways. Snow is actually very conductive, so even though the cold reaches as low as -20 or -30 degrees outside, the temperature inside remains a relatively toasty -5 to -1 degrees.

Still, you should not expect the comfort of your typical hotel room. If you decide that you can’t do it halfway through the night, you can always go to the couches in the warm room. That is what they are there for.

A few tricks to keeping warm in the sleeping bag:

– Make sure to bring thermal leggings and a thermal top. That is what you are going to wear to sleep.
– It is extremely important that they are synthetic material. Materials like cotton trap humidity so it gets very difficult to stay warm.
– It may sound counterintuitive but you stay warmer with fewer layers.
– A sleeping bag uses your body heat to warm up the air inside. So if you are a short person make sure to fold the extra length under your feet. Also, use your clothes to fill up the free space inside the sleeping bag. This way there is less air inside the sleeping bag to warm up.
– No do shower or go in the sauna the night of your sleep. Humidity is your enemy.
– Make sure to pee before you go to bed. There are no toilets in the rooms, they located in a warm area separate. The last thing you will want to do will be leaving your warm sleeping bags to run to the restroom in the cold.

Tip: Make sure to spare time for the sauna the next morning.

What is Included in the Over Night Stay

– They provide all the sleeping material but you need to bring your own thermals.
– Breakfast is included in your stay but all other meals are extra.
– You can get marshmallows to grill on the stick at night.
– All guests have access to the warm guesthouse where there is free tea & coffee and sauna.

How to Book?

We found that Booking offers great genius deals. Check them out here: Booking.com

The Ice Restaurant Is a Real Feast

Hats off to this chef! We had fantastic Lappish food.

The ice hotel’s ice-restaurant offers no a la carte menu, only a tasting menu of 3 courses. Traditional ingredients such as reindeer and Arctic fish are revisited in modern Lappish style. We were 4 people so we were able to taste everything on the menu. Each dish was better than the previous.

You can come for lunch or dinner but make sure to book in advance. Also, if you have had enough of the cold, you can ask to have it served in the warm restaurant.

Tip: When it comes to picking desert, most people do not go for the ice-cream because it is cold. But it is a big mistake! Spruce is the common Christmas tree and they make ice cream with it. It has a unique aroma and it goes very well with the bed of caramel-dough mix that they serve it on. I tasted all the deserts and the spruce ice cream surpasses even their chocolate fudge.

Crazy Wedding For Crazy Couples

In case there are any crazy couples out there who want to get married in the Ice Hotel: As we did the tour of the hotel, we were informed that they host weddings in the ice chapel. The groom arrives on a snowmobile and the bride on a sled. It costs 1.000 Euros for this package but it doesn’t include catering.

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But Buyukada breakfasts are not about the food itself. Rather, it is about the atmosphere and good vibrations one enjoys waking up on the island and heading out for an early morning munch among the clean, sea breeze and far away from the traffic and horn honking of the city. Otherwise, quite honestly, you do find more impressive breakfast choices in the city.

Of course, unless you are staying near a harbor on the nearby Asian side of the city, the hour and a half it takes to get to the islands might prove a little much just for breakfast, so this is ideally enjoyed as part of a weekend break – especially in spring.

We have eleven things to do laid out in our Büyükada article. But if it’s more breakfast places in the city you are looking for, then read about Istanbul’s Best Breakfast Places.

Finally, if you are reading this in winter, perhaps it would be better to check out Breakfast in Balat and the Balat Tour of one of Istanbul’s oldest areas.

In the meantime, let’s go through the run-down of the best breakfast on Büyükada. “Afiyet olsun”, enjoy your meal.

1. Ada Kahvaltı

Ada Kahvaltı (“Island Breakfast”) is a quaint little cafe in the Maden neighborhood that was transformed by an Islander family from their home into a beautiful cafe with a delightful garden. The breakfast includes the freshest of Turkish Essentials: thyme and olive oil, three types of cheese, olives, boiled eggs, peppered cottage cheese, salted cottage cheese, spicy peep paste, three types of jam, butter, honey and buttercream, tomatoes and cucumber, the pastry of the day (börek, poğaça, or katmer) and a little surpise that changes daily. The cafe is only open on weekends during the winter months. This is a top spot for breakfast on Büyükada. Click here for the location.

2. Bahçede Sinek Cafe

3. Eskibağ Teras Restaurant

This simple, but very nice place commands a beautiful vantage point along the road leading round the island. This is as ideal for breakfast on Büyükada as it is for evening rakı-and-fish dinners, and is a particularly nice way to enjoy a quieter atmosphere away from the main harbor area. Click here for the location.

4. Akasya Bar Restaurant

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