Meeting at the same café again this weekend? From a day on the Bosphorus to workshops, outdoor pilates and themed parties: weekend ideas in Istanbul to enjoy with your girlfriends or on your own.
Work, traffic and to-do lists all week... and when the weekend finally comes, the same old question: "What shall we do?" Usually followed by the same old answer: the usual café, the usual brunch. Considering everything Istanbul has to offer, that's a bit of a shame.
In this post we've gathered weekend event ideas in Istanbul that you can enjoy with friends or on your own, either designed for women or much loved by them. Some are events we host ourselves, others are city classics that are always there.
Saturday morning: start by moving
Starting the weekend with some movement changes the rest of the day.
Pilates outdoors or on a boat: A pilates session with a view of the Bosphorus is far more memorable than one in a studio. When you do it as a group, heading off to breakfast together afterwards is almost inevitable.
Try padel: Padel has spread fast in Istanbul in recent years. It's easier to learn than tennis and very social; since it's played in fours, it's also perfect for meeting new people.
A seaside or forest walk: Moda's seafront, the Bebek–Arnavutköy stretch or the Belgrad Forest are classic routes where you can meet friends without any organising at all.
Midday: a long brunch or breakfast
Brunch is practically the official weekend meal in Istanbul. But turning an ordinary brunch into an event is up to you: a themed brunch, a shared breakfast after a morning workout or a meet-up combined with an activity (like our Wrong Dress Code, which brought padel and brunch together) is much more memorable.
If you're going as a big group, remember to book a few days in advance; popular spots fill up towards midday at weekends.
Afternoon: make something
Workshops are one of the most enjoyable weekend options. Istanbul has all kinds of workshops in many neighbourhoods, especially Kadıköy, Karaköy, Beyoğlu and Beşiktaş:
Ceramics and pottery: First attempts at the wheel usually turn out funny; that's half the fun.
Flower arranging: You go home with a beautiful bouquet and a new skill.
Candle, jewellery or hat design: For anyone who wants to make something that reflects their own style.
Painting and art & wine evenings: Never having painted before isn't an obstacle; it's often an advantage.
Workshops are also ideal if you go alone: there's always something to talk about with the person next to you.
A day on the Bosphorus
You can't live in Istanbul and only see the Bosphorus from a bridge. A few ideas for the weekend:
A short ferry escape: A ferry ride from Kadıköy to Beşiktaş or from Üsküdar to Eminönü, with a simit and a tea, is the cheapest and loveliest Bosphorus tour there is.
The Princes' Islands: Walking, cycling and lunch by the sea on Büyükada or Heybeliada.
A day on a boat or yacht: You can rent a boat with your group of friends; if you'd rather go on your own, joining group events on the Bosphorus is both more affordable and more social.
Evening: a themed night
Events with a dress code, where the décor and programme follow one theme, turn an ordinary "let's go out tonight" into an unforgettable memory. A Bridgerton-style tea party, a period-themed evening or a party with a totally absurd dress code... Getting ready is half the fun.
Don't forget the classics
Museums and exhibitions: An exhibition at Istanbul Modern, the Pera Museum or the Sakıp Sabancı Museum, followed by a long chat over coffee.
A hammam afternoon: An afternoon in a historic hammam is one of the most Istanbul-specific things you can do with your girlfriends.
Explore a neighbourhood: An aimless walk through Balat, Kuzguncuk or Cihangir, stopping at the first café that catches your eye.
Small tips for your weekend plans
Act early: Events with limited places (workshops, boat days, themed parties) usually fill up a few days in advance.
Set your budget up front: Check what the price on the event page covers (materials, food and drinks, transport) to avoid surprises.
Factor in travel: Crossing from one side of Istanbul to the other takes time. If you're planning two events in one day, try to keep them on the same side.
Don't hesitate to go alone: If your friends aren't free, don't cancel the plan. At our events, most guests come alone anyway.
What are we doing this weekend?
At Girl Math Society we regularly host workshops, brunches, pilates, themed nights and Bosphorus events in different parts of Istanbul. If you're looking for a plan this weekend, take a look at our upcoming events, or get to know the community and event types more closely on our events for women in Istanbul page. If you'd like to plan a day just for your group of friends, we also offer private events.