An Istanbul honeymoon means a Bosphorus hotel, sunset at the Maiden's Tower, dinner on the water and a quiet day on the Princes' Islands. Five days cover the city; Cappadocia or Sapanca make a perfect second stop.
Where to stay
We recommend Bosphorus hotels in Beşiktaş, Ortaköy and Bebek — sea-view rooms, some in former Ottoman palaces with hammams and spas. Boutique hotels in Sultanahmet with sea-view terraces are a lovely lower-budget option. See where to stay in Istanbul.
Romantic experiences
- Private Bosphorus yacht at sunset or with dinner — our most requested honeymoon extra.
- Maiden's Tower, reopened to visitors after restoration, then sunset from the Üsküdar seafront.
- Dinner on the Bosphorus in Ortaköy, Bebek or Arnavutköy, or a dinner cruise — see the Bosphorus cruise guide.
- Pierre Loti Hill by cable car for Golden Horn views.
- Princes' Islands — no cars, two bikes and pine-lined roads.
- Couples' hammam in a historic bathhouse or your hotel spa.
Suggested 5-day plan
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival, private transfer, dinner on the Bosphorus |
| 2 | Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, sunset at Pierre Loti |
| 3 | Private yacht, then Ortaköy and Bebek |
| 4 | Princes' Islands |
| 5 | Maiden's Tower and Üsküdar, shopping, spa |
Add Cappadocia, a Sapanca chalet or the Turquoise Coast.
Your honeymoon package with Alwan
Alwan is a travel agency licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism (Group A, licence no. 9151), with its office in Fatih, Istanbul, since 2015. We build the full package — hotel, transfers, yacht, dinners and domestic flights or drives — with small in-room surprises on request. Start from the Istanbul travel guide or message us on WhatsApp at +90 555 853 56 56.
Request an Istanbul honeymoon packageFrequently asked questions
Is Istanbul good for a honeymoon?
Yes — Bosphorus hotels, stunning sunsets, halal food and easy add-ons such as Cappadocia, Sapanca or the coast make it a favourite for couples.
How many days do we need?
Five days in Istanbul is ideal; add two days in Cappadocia for a balloon flight or two nights in a Sapanca chalet.
When is the best time for an Istanbul honeymoon?
April to June and September to October, when the weather suits walks and cruises.
Cover photo: Dickelbers — CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
