Things To Do
in Yalova
Yalova is a coastal city in northwestern Turkey along the Marmara Sea, just across from Istanbul by ferry. Its scenery blends pine forests, river valleys, and a renowned thermal spa town. Termal offers hot springs and nature trails, while the modern city center provides a relaxed seaside atmosphere.
Visitors come for easy day trips from Istanbul or Bursa and to explore the surrounding coastline and parks.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Yalova and check into your hotel, where you will be greeted with warm Turkish hospitality. Take some time to unwind and enjoy the amenities that your hotel has to offer, such as a scenic view of the sea or relaxing spa treatments. Stroll around the local area and get a feel for the vibrant culture of Yalova.
After settling in, head to the nearby Yalova Thermal Springs, famous for its natural thermal waters believed to have healing properties. Enjoy a refreshing soak in the hot springs while taking in the beautiful surrounding gardens. Take a leisurely walk around the thermal park, breathing in the fragrant scents of nature.
Dine at a traditional Turkish restaurant, where you can savor local delicacies and seafood fresh from the Marmara Sea. As the sun sets, choose a cozy café for dessert and sip on Turkish coffee while soaking in the local atmosphere. Experience the charm of Yalova at night, as the streets come alive with locals and visitors alike.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café, where you can sample fresh pastries and strong Turkish tea. After breakfast, take a walking tour of Yalova's city center, including the historical Atatürk Mansion and the bustling marketplace. Engage with local vendors and discover unique handmade crafts and fresh produce.
For lunch, enjoy some kebabs or mezes at a popular eatery in the center. Post-lunch, visit the Yalova City Museum to learn more about the region's rich history and culture. Spend your afternoon leisurely exploring local parks and gardens, perfect for relaxing and people-watching.
Cap off the day with dinner at a rooftop restaurant that offers sweeping views of the city and the sea. Sample regional wines and regional dishes as you watch the sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and pink. After dinner, take a stroll along the waterfront promenade, relishing the gentle breeze.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕️Coffee or tea | $1-3 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two | $25-40 |
| 🧺Groceries per week | $40-60 |
| 🚎Local transportation (bus/taxi) | $1-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to Istanbul for day trips
- Thermal springs in Termal
- Coastal scenery and relaxed atmosphere
- Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
- Smaller transport network and fewer international facilities at times
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Neredesin? (Neredesiniz?)" - Where is this?
- "Ne kadar?" - How much?
- "Yardım eder misiniz?" - Could you help me?
Places to Visit in Yalova
Visit one of these nice places.
Ridge viewpoints and forests around the thermal spa area offer lush greens and misty mornings.
Golden hour shots along the Marmara Sea with ferries and palm-lined promenade.
Colorful houses and rocky coastline provide dramatic seaside scenes.
Narrow lanes, market facades and daily life provide intimate street photography opportunities.
Food in Yalova
Yalova Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Turkish dumplings served with garlicky yogurt and a tomato-pepper sauce; widely found in town eateries.
Must-Try!
Fresh grilled or fried fish served in a simple pocket of bread with lemon, onions, and salads along the waterfront.
Grilled Turkish meatballs served with pita, salads, and yogurt; common at neighborhood lokantas.
Poached eggs with garlicky yogurt and paprika-infused butter; popular for a quick, comforting meal.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local market in Termal with cheeses, olives, pastries, and seasonal produce.
Stalls along the waterfront area offering simit, borek, and grilled seafood.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a smile and a handshake; addressing people with titles is respectful; modest dress in religious sites.
Remove shoes if required and dress modestly when visiting mosques or traditional areas.
Safety
Tipping in Yalova
Ensure a smooth experience
Roughly 5-10% at restaurants if service charge is not included; small tips to hotel staff and taxi drivers are common.
Credit/debit cards widely accepted in cities; cash (Turkish Lira) is handy for markets and smaller shops; ATMs available.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Pleasant temperatures, blooming trees, and outdoor markets reopen; perfect for walking tours.
Warm to hot days with high humidity; sea breezes make the coast pleasant, but carry water and sun protection.
Mild weather and fewer crowds; great for hikes and photography of autumn foliage.
Cool to cold with possible rain; thermal springs near Termal offer warm sanctuary.
Yalova at Night
Hiking in Yalova
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest paths around Termal with gentle to moderate elevations and seasonal viewpoints.
Coastal path along the Çınarcık waterfront with sea views.
Rural trails in the rolling hills surrounding the city.
Airports
How to reach Yalova by plane.
Major airport serving the Asian side of Istanbul; about 60-90 minutes by road depending on traffic and the ferry connection.
Main international gateway for Istanbul; longer drive but good connections to Yalova.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant ethnicity; diverse with migrants from neighboring regions.
Local university presence brings a younger demographic; seasonal workers in tourism.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Most popular team and community sport; local leagues and casual play around town.
Common recreational sports with municipal facilities and clubs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Yalova.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians can enjoy meze plates, seasonal vegetable dishes, lentil soup, and pide with vegetables; ask for olive oil instead of butter and avoid meat-based sauces.