A Getaway to Polonezköy Near Istanbul: What to See and Do for the Weekend

What Polonezköy Is and Its History

Polonezköy (also known as Adampol) is a small village in the Beykoz district on the Asian side of Istanbul, founded in the 19th century by Polish settlers. Today it's one of the most atmospheric natural spots near the metropolis: dense forest, hilly terrain and noticeably cooler air in summer thanks to elevation and greenery — a real contrast to the dense development and heat of central Istanbul.

How to Get There from Istanbul

Polonezköy is located roughly 25-30 km from central Istanbul; the drive by car or organized transfer takes 45-60 minutes depending on traffic and starting point. Public transport to the village is inconvenient, so most visitors arrive by car, taxi or group transfer.

What to Do in Polonezköy

• Forest walks: the village is surrounded by a nature park with marked trails for hiking and cycling.
• Horseback riding: several stables offer riding for various skill levels, a popular option for families with children.
• Discovering the Polish heritage: preserved historic houses and a small Catholic church are reminders of the village's founders.
• A picnic in nature: designated picnic areas in the forest park are a popular format for a day trip from the city.

Where to Eat

Polonezköy is known for restaurants serving home-style cooking with elements of both Polish and Turkish tradition — notably homemade meat and sausage dishes, a cultural specialty distinctive to this particular village within predominantly Muslim Turkey. Most establishments line the main street and cater to day-trippers from Istanbul.

Where to Stay

HBS BOUTIQUE HOTEL is HBS GROUP's own boutique hotel, opened in Polonezköy in 2021. The boutique hotel format lets you spend a weekend in the quiet of the forest while staying just 45-60 minutes from central Istanbul — a convenient option for combining a visit to the metropolis with a nature retreat, without long travel times.

A Format for Corporate Groups

Polonezköy is also used as a location for small corporate retreats and team building — the forest setting works well for day programs that combine active elements (horseback riding, forest scavenger hunts) with a business session in a quiet setting away from the city. The format is especially suited to leadership meetings where privacy and freedom from urban distractions matter more than the scale of the event.

The Best Time to Visit

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the ideal time: comfortable temperatures for walking and especially beautiful scenery thanks to blossoms or autumn colors in the forest. In summer, Polonezköy is noticeably cooler than central Istanbul, making the village a good option for a day trip away from the heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get from central Istanbul to Polonezköy?

Usually 45-60 minutes by car or organized transfer, depending on traffic.

Is Polonezköy suitable for a day trip?

Yes, this is a popular format — a forest walk, lunch at a local restaurant and a return to the city in the evening.

Are there overnight accommodation options in Polonezköy?

Yes, including the HBS boutique hotel, opened in 2021 — a convenient base for a longer nature getaway.

How is Polonezköy different from Istanbul's other suburbs?

Its unique Polish cultural heritage, dense forest, and noticeably cooler climate thanks to its elevation.