Cheap 7-Day Turkey Road Trip from Istanbul to Bursa and Sakarya

Your exciting road trip through Turkey starts when you reach the incredible city of Istanbul, where you'll stay for 4 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Istanbul and begin your adventure in Turkey.

Istanbul is a popular cheap holiday destination in Turkey with something to offer every traveler. When you're ready to explore the city, stop at some of the best places to visit in Istanbul and get this road trip adventure rolling.

A trip to the amazing Gülhane Park will make your cheap holiday in Turkey truly special. This attraction is a fascinating park that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 59,778 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best budget-friendly hotels or places to stay in the city.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Istanbul. An excellent example is the popular Hanzade Terrace Restaurant. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 5,898 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Turkey is Mivan Restaurant & Cafe. Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by 3,913 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the city's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful Garden Mezze | Steakhouse Restaurant | Fine Dining | Top Turkish Restaurant | Seafood | Breakfast. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 1,884 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

Arch Bistro is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 798 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

Another bar in Istanbul we recommend is Flekk, an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 576 customers.

Harab'be Cafe is also one of the best places to go to unwind and chat with locals. Over 2,610 bar-goers have rated it an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and cheap holiday experience in Turkey!

Day 2’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Istanbul, proving that cheap holidays in Turkey can be extraordinary.

You'll begin sightseeing at the extraordinary Hagia Sophia. This attraction is a minor basilica that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 127,439 travelers.

Another of the best travel destinations you can explore in this fun and cheap holiday destination is the spectacular Basilica Cistern. This popular place of interest is a stunning palace that boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 68,033 visitors.

To make your trip to Istanbul more memorable, spend time at the fascinating Sultanahmet Square. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 30,938 traveler reviews, it’s not surprising that the fantastic Sultanahmet Square is often mentioned in Turkey road trip itineraries.

The magnificent Sultan Ahmed Mosque is another stop you might want to add to your sightseeing plans. This mosque and popular travel destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 91,956 reviews.

Your discovery of Istanbul does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Istanbul on a personal level. Check out the fantastic selection of affordable tours and tickets offered on this leg of your journey across this top cheap holiday destination in Europe, Turkey.

After exploring some of the most remarkable sights in Turkey, you also have the chance to experience the country’s food culture. Eat at Saltanat Fish & Kebab House, one of the best restaurants in Istanbul. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,112 reviews.

You can also check out Divella Bistro Restaurant. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers in the city. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,711 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your road trip activities is Turkish Cuisine. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,399 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you a memorable dining experience in Istanbul.

When you’ve finished your meal, head to some of the most popular bars in Istanbul for an after-dinner drink. Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Vamos Estambul Restaurant & Cafe and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,447 customers.

Joker No.19 is another great place to hang out in and relax after a busy day in the city. This bar offers various drinks at affordable prices and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,483 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit Corner Irish Pub. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,406 customers, this bar is one of the best places to unwind and socialize in Istanbul.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible road trip adventure in the magical Istanbul!

Day 3’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Beyoğlu, proving that cheap holidays in Turkey can be extraordinary.

You'll begin sightseeing at the extraordinary Galata Tower. This attraction is a tower that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 169,479 travelers.

Your discovery of Beyoğlu does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Beyoğlu on a personal level. Check out the fantastic selection of affordable tours and tickets offered on this leg of your journey across this top cheap holiday destination in Europe, Turkey.

After exploring some of the most remarkable sights in Turkey, you also have the chance to experience the country’s food culture. Eat at İstanbul kebab cafe & restaurant, one of the best restaurants in Istanbul. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,220 reviews.

You can also check out Byzantion Bistro Restaurant. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers in the city. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,165 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your road trip activities is Gulhane Sark Sofrasi. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,078 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you a memorable dining experience in Istanbul.

When you’ve finished your meal, head to some of the most popular bars in Istanbul for an after-dinner drink. Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Last Ottoman Cafe & Restaurant and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,647 customers.

James Joyce Irish Pub is another great place to hang out in and relax after a busy day in the city. This bar offers various drinks at affordable prices and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,184 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit Old English Pub ® Cafe & Restaurant. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,963 customers, this bar is one of the best places to unwind and socialize in Istanbul.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible road trip adventure in the magical Istanbul!

On day 4 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Turkey, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Bursa and end your day in the city of Bursa, where you'll stay for 1 night. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Bursa is the amazing Bursa Botanical Park. This travel destination is a park that has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,439 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible İnkaya Historical Plane Tree. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 24,525 travelers, a visit to this well-known top-tier point of interest and sightseeing spot in Bursa is likely to make your vacation in Turkey even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Bursa is the outstanding Han Brass. This best-rated sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 5,612 visitors.

To make the most of your day in this cheap holiday destination in Turkey, drop by the popular Grand Mosque of Bursa. This attraction, an amazing mosque, has been rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by 38,739 travelers.

If you’re keen to explore more, you’ll enjoy the fantastic Koza Han. This bazaar is a popular attraction rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 29,902 visitors from all over the globe.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Turkey. To have the best affordable travel experience in Turkey, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Turkey unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Turkey.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Bursa. Bursa is another cheap travel destination in Turkey where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Turkey can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Bursa that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Bursa is Uzan Et Mangal. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 8,360 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Bursa, Kebapçı Hüseyin Usta is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,308 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Fikret Balık Restoran & Balık Market. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Bursa enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,924 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Bursa’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Turkey. For example, you can visit Radyo Pub Özlüce; Bira Bahçesi. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 834 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Newcastle Pub. This popular bar in Bursa has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,399 bar-goers.

You can also go to Cemil as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular Cemil is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 836 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Turkey!

Day 5 of your road trip across Turkey offers you the chance to visit the wonderful Gölyazı and the enchanting Bursa, two of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in the country. You'll begin sightseeing in Gölyazı and end the day in Bursa, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Buckle up because day 5 of your affordable vacation in Turkey will take you to some of locals’ and travelers’ most recommended travel spots!

One place travelers keep coming back to in Gölyazı is the magnificent Ağlayan Çınar. Around 14,261 visitors have rated this excellent park and travel destination an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

After capturing the beauty and rich culture of Gölyazı, you’ll get back behind the wheels and continue your road trip to the fantastic city of Bursa.

Start your sightseeing in this cheap holiday destination with a visit to the unforgettable Heykel. This popular site is a valued top-tier point of interest in Bursa and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,129 visitors.

Another must-visit in Bursa is the spectacular Green Tomb. This outstanding place of worship and sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from more than 3,861 travelers.

You can also stop at the popular Emir Sultan Mosque to make your cheap holiday experience in Bursa truly special. This mosque and place of interest has been rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 9,695 visitors.

If you’re interested in exploring more, check out the fantastic park, Ağlayan Çınar. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 14,261 travelers, the magnificent Ağlayan Çınar offers visitors an experience to remember.

Exploring one unique site after another provides you the much-needed variety during your self-drive tour across Turkey. But to satisfy your curiosity or need for adventure, we recommend you add excursions in today’s agenda. You have a great selection of popular and low-cost activities to choose from in Turkey. Make your cheap holiday experience in Turkey more memorable by doing something new, bold, or inspiring.

Sakarya offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Turkey. So anytime you need a break from your activities, you’re guaranteed a comfortable and affordable place to rest and stay in the city.

As this adventurous day progresses, satisfy your hunger at one of the best restaurants in the city. Many restaurants in Sakarya offer good food at even better prices, the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Turkey.

Köfteci Hacıbekir is a must try. This restaurant serves a mouthwatering selection of meals and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,824 diners.

Another popular eating spot in Sakarya is Pekara Kahvaltı, a local favorite. Serving diners fresh, delicious, and affordable meals, this restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,756 customers.

BEYLİK KEBAP offers customers flavorful food and good ambiance, making it one of the best places to eat in Sakarya. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,242 customers, this restaurant can get packed very quickly. Make sure you get to the restaurant early to save yourself a seat.

When night has fallen and you feel like enjoying a drink, head to some of Sakarya’s best bars. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can order a few drinks without compromising your budget.

Meraklı Köfteci (Hakan Şef) is an excellent example of a great bar in Sakarya offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 114 customers.

You can also hang out and have a drink at Baytar Steakhouse - Serdivan, another of locals’ go-to bars in Sakarya. Baytar Steakhouse - Serdivan is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 464 customers having rated it an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Pub Radio Performance Hall is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Sakarya. This bar has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from more than 381 bar-goers.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Turkey with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Turkey!

On day 6 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Turkey, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Iznik and end your day in the city of Istanbul, where you'll stay for 1 night. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Iznik is the amazing Lefke Gate. This travel destination is a top-tier point of interest that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 644 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Iznik Castle. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,884 travelers, a visit to this well-known best-rated sightseeing destination and sightseeing spot in Iznik is likely to make your vacation in Turkey even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Iznik is the outstanding Iznik Museum. This museum has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,661 visitors.

To make the most of your day in this cheap holiday destination in Turkey, drop by the popular Süleyman Paşa Madrasa. This attraction, an amazing top-tier point of interest, has been rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 634 travelers.

If you’re keen to explore more, you’ll enjoy the fantastic Hagia Sophia Mosque. This mosque is a popular attraction rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,630 visitors from all over the globe.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Turkey. To have the best affordable travel experience in Turkey, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Turkey unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Turkey.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Istanbul. Istanbul is another cheap travel destination in Turkey where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Turkey can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Istanbul that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Istanbul is Tuzla Seafood Restaurant. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 24,161 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Istanbul, Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 15,280 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is İBB Küçükçekmece Sosyal Tesisleri. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Istanbul enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 6,657 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Istanbul’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Turkey. For example, you can visit Lacivert. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,960 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Red River Pub. This popular bar in Istanbul has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,343 bar-goers.

You can also go to Karga Bar as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular Karga Bar is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 1,532 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Turkey!

It’s soon time to say goodbye to Turkey as your road trip vacation is about to end. Day 7 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Istanbul.

Depending on how much time you have before your flight back home, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing to make the most of your cheap holiday experience in Turkey.

If you'd rather pass time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Istanbul is the remarkable Beyazıt Square. This square and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 24,941 visitors.

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Istanbul, consider a top-rated restaurant like Beykoz Koru Sosyal Tesisi. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,704 customers.

İBB Kasımpaşa Sosyal Tesisleri is an excellent alternative if you feel like eating something else. This restaurant serves a variety of savory and budget-friendly dishes and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,846 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Istanbul and begin your journey home. You’ll leave filled with unforgettable memories from your terrific and affordable travel experiences in Turkey!