Things To Do
in Sultanbeyli

Sultanbeyli is a densely populated, mostly residential district on Istanbul’s Asian side that grew rapidly from rural land into a commuter suburb over the past few decades. It’s characterized by high-rise apartment blocks, local shopping streets, and active neighborhood life rather than tourist attractions. The district offers easy access to green areas such as Aydos Hill and is well connected by road and public transport to central Istanbul.

Visitors will find everyday Turkish urban life, local markets, and friendly community atmosphere rather than a classic sightseeing itinerary.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring the Green Parks of Sultanbeyli
morning
:

Begin your day with a refreshing walk in the serene Sultanbeyli City Park, where the fresh air and lush greenery invigorate your senses. Enjoy a cup of traditional Turkish tea at one of the park's quaint tea houses while soaking in the morning sunshine. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the park’s sculptures and gardens before continuing your exploration.

afternoon
:

After a leisurely morning, head to the nearby Aydos Forest for a picnic lunch surrounded by nature. Spend the afternoon hiking along the trails that wind through the forest, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife as you enjoy the peaceful ambiance of this natural retreat.

evening
:

As the sun sets, make your way back to Sultanbeyli and indulge in a traditional Turkish dinner at a local restaurant. Savor delicious dishes like kebabs and mezes, paired with a refreshing drink. Conclude your day with a leisurely stroll through the vibrant streets, enjoying the lively atmosphere and perhaps stopping for some dessert at a local patisserie.

day 2
Cultural Immersion at Local Markets
morning
:

Start your day by visiting the bustling Sultanbeyli Bazaar, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and shop for fresh produce and handmade goods. Engage with friendly vendors who are eager to share their stories and offer samples of their delicious products. The vibrant colors and lively chatter create a captivating atmosphere that sets the tone for your day.

afternoon
:

After your market adventure, grab a quick lunch at a nearby eatery, enjoying authentic Turkish street food like simit or döner. Spend your afternoon exploring the nearby art galleries and cultural centers that showcase local artists and craftsmen. Participate in a workshop to learn traditional handicrafts, giving you a unique hands-on experience of Turkish culture.

evening
:

In the evening, head to a local café to unwind and reflect on your day while sipping on strong Turkish coffee. Enjoy live music performances that often take place in the cafés, immersing yourself further in the local culture. The warm ambiance and friendly locals make for a perfect ending to an enriching day.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-10
Cup of coffee / tea$1.50-3
🚌Public transport single ticket$0.75-1.50
🚕Taxi start + 5 km$3-8
🏠Monthly rent (1BR outside center)$250-450

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic local atmosphere and affordable daily life
  • Good access to nearby green spaces like Aydos Hill
  • Well connected by road and public transport to greater Istanbul
  • Not a tourist-oriented area — few attractions and limited English signage
  • Busy, dense residential environment with traffic congestion during rush hours
  • "Merhaba" - Hello
  • "Teşekkürler / Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
  • "Lütfen" - Please
  • "Affedersiniz" - Excuse me / Sorry
  • "Tuvalet nerede?" - Where is the toilet?
  • "Ne kadar?" - How much?
  • "Yardım edebilir misiniz?" - Can you help me?
  • "Hesap lütfen" - Check / bill, please

Places to Visit in Sultanbeyli

Visit one of these nice places.

Aydos Hill (Aydos Tepesi)

Highest nearby vantage point offering panoramic views of the city and sea on clear days — great for sunrise, sunset and landscape shots among pine trees.

Local Markets and Bazaar Streets

Colorful stalls, produce and candid street scenes that capture daily life and neighborhood character.

Neighborhood Rooftops and High Blocks

From residential rooftops and higher apartment terraces you can photograph layered housing, sunset light on buildings and urban textures.

Parks and Tea Gardens

Small parks and tea gardens provide intimate community scenes, portrait opportunities and seasonal flora.

Culinary Guide

Food in Sultanbeyli

Sultanbeyli’s food scene reflects everyday Turkish cuisine — hearty, home-style, and affordable. Expect simple lokantas (family restaurants), bakeries, street vendors and markets offering fresh produce and traditional snacks rather than high-end dining. Many nearby districts add wider restaurant options, but Sultanbeyli itself is best for genuine local flavors and comfort food.

Sultanbeyli Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Kebap (Kebab)

Grilled meat skewers or döner served with rice or pide; widely available at local grills and small restaurants.

Must-Try!

Mantı

Turkish dumplings topped with garlic yogurt and melted butter/chili; often found in local eateries and special restaurants.

Börek and Simit

Börek (filled pastry) and simit (sesame‑crusted bread ring) are common breakfast and snack options at bakeries across the district.

Menemen

A scrambled egg dish with tomato and peppers, popular for breakfast at neighborhood cafes.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Local Weekly Bazaar

Open-air market days where vendors sell fresh fruit, vegetables, cheeses and household goods — ideal for tasting seasonal fruit and buying inexpensive local produce.

Neighborhood Bakeries and Simit Stands

Small bakeries and street stands serve fresh simit, börek, pastries and tea throughout the day; perfect for quick snacks.

Climate Guide

Weather

Sultanbeyli shares Istanbul’s temperate climate: hot, humid summers and cool, wet winters. Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant, while winter brings rain and occasional snow. Sea influence moderates extremes but be prepared for seasonal rainfall and varying humidity.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A friendly 'Merhaba' (hello) and a handshake go a long way. Men may shake hands with women only if the woman offers; a nod or verbal greeting is fine otherwise.

Visiting Homes

Remove shoes if invited into a home and accept offers of tea as a polite gesture. Hosts value hospitality — small gifts are appreciated.

Dress and Behavior

Dress modestly in conservative neighborhoods; public displays of affection are uncommon in more traditional areas. Be respectful in mosques — remove shoes and dress modestly; women may need a headscarf.

Bargaining

Bargaining is common at open-air bazaars and some souvenir stalls but not in fixed-price shops or supermarkets.

Safety Guide

Safety

Sultanbeyli is generally safe for daytime exploration, with typical urban precautions: watch for pickpockets in crowded places, keep valuables secure, and avoid poorly lit streets at night. As with all of Turkey, be mindful of earthquake risk — familiarize yourself with basic earthquake procedures and keep emergency contacts and travel insurance. Local police and municipal services respond to incidents; in emergencies dial the national emergency numbers.

Tipping in Sultanbeyli

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: leave 5–10% in sit-down restaurants if service is good, round up taxi fares, and leave small change at cafes. For exceptional service, larger tips are welcomed.

Payment Methods

Turkish lira (TRY) is the local currency; cash is commonly used for small vendors. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants, and contactless payments are increasingly common. Use an Istanbulkart or local transit card for buses and metro.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Pleasant temperatures (mild to warm) and blossoming parks — ideal for walks, hiking and visiting markets. Occasional rain; bring a light jacket.

Summer

Hot and humid at peak months (July–August). Days are long and outdoor dining is common; seek shade during midday and carry water.

Autumn

Crisp, comfortable weather with colorful foliage in green areas like Aydos — good for hiking and photography. Layered clothing recommended for variable days.

Winter

Cool and wet with occasional frost or snow; temperatures can be chilly, especially at night. Expect shorter daylight hours and prepare a warm coat and waterproof shoes.

Nightlife Guide

Sultanbeyli at Night

Sultanbeyli’s nightlife is low-key and neighborhood-focused: small cafes, tea houses and family restaurants stay open into the evening. For bars, live music and late-night entertainment, residents typically travel to nearby Kadıköy, Üsküdar or central Istanbul districts where the scene is lively and varied.

Hiking in Sultanbeyli

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Aydos Hill/Forest

Closest and most popular green area: offers forested trails, picnic spots and panoramic viewpoints — suitable for short hikes and family outings.

Kayışdağı

A nearby ridge with informal trails and wooded areas for hiking and running; quieter than coastal promenades and popular with locals for weekend exercise.

Polonezköy Nature Park

A bit farther away but accessible for day trips — well-marked trails, picnic areas and a more rural forested landscape favored by hikers and cyclists.

Airports

How to reach Sultanbeyli by plane.

Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)

On Istanbul’s Asian side and the closer airport to Sultanbeyli — reachable by highway, shuttle buses and taxi in around 30–50 minutes depending on traffic.

Istanbul Airport (IST)

Main international airport on the European side; farther away (often 45–90 minutes by car depending on traffic) but well connected by express buses and taxi services.

Getting Around

Walkability

Sultanbeyli is moderately walkable at the neighborhood level: local shopping streets, parks and bakeries are easy on foot, but the district is sprawling with residential blocks so many trips require short bus rides or taxis. Sidewalk quality varies; take care in busy intersections.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Working-class families

A large portion of the population consists of working families who commute to jobs across Istanbul — the area has many apartment complexes and community services geared toward family life.

Internal migrants

Residents include people and families who moved from Anatolian provinces during urbanization phases; this contributes to a blend of regional cultures and culinary traditions.

Young population

A notable number of children and young adults live in the district, reflected in active schools, playgrounds and youth sports activities.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport — local fields and youth clubs are common and many residents follow national and Istanbul clubs.

Basketball

A popular recreational sport with neighborhood courts and local teams for children and adults.

Running and Recreational Fitness

Walking, jogging and outdoor exercise in parks and on hill trails like Aydos are common weekend activities.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic can be heavy during morning and evening rush hours as many residents commute toward central Istanbul or industrial districts. Main highways and arterial roads near Sultanbeyli become congested; buses and minibuses provide frequent local connections but journeys can be slowed by traffic. For faster cross-city travel consider metro or suburban rail options where available, or plan extra time for peak periods.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Sultanbeyli.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options exist (lentil soup, menemen, salads, vegetable stews, gözleme), but many eateries center on meat. Ask for 'etsiz' (without meat) and rely on mezeler, soups and bread. Large supermarkets also stock basics for self-catering.

Vegan

Vegan choices are more limited but possible: vegetable dishes, salads, legumes and rice. Communicate restrictions clearly ('Ben veganım' or 'Et ve süt ürünleri yok') and look for plant-based mezes.

Gluten-free

Bread and pastries are common; gluten-free options are less widespread. Order simple grilled meat/fish and salads, and inquire about flour-based thickeners or breading.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Sultanbeyli has family health centers, clinics and at least one state hospital serving the district; private clinics and specialist centers are available in nearby districts. For advanced care or English-language services, larger hospitals in Kartal, Pendik or central Istanbul are accessible by public transport or taxi. Travelers should have travel insurance and carry photocopies of prescriptions.

Discover Turkey

Read more in our Turkey 2025 Travel Guide.

Turkey Travel Guide