Polonezköy from Istanbul by car: the route, its Polish history and what to see

Short answer: Polonezköy is a forested neighbourhood of Beykoz on Istanbul's Asian side. It is about 19 km from Ümraniye and about 28 km from Kadıköy and Taksim; without traffic the drive takes around half an hour. Founded by Polish émigrés in 1842, the village is now a day-trip escape with a nature park, walking trails and historic houses.

Where is Polonezköy?

Polonezköy lies inland in Beykoz, inside the forest that stretches towards Riva and Şile. Public transport is slow, so most visitors come by car. The forest around the village is protected as a nature park.

How far is Polonezköy from Istanbul?

• Ümraniye: about 19 km, around 20 minutes without traffic
• Kadıköy: about 28 km, around 30 minutes without traffic
• Taksim (European side): about 29 km; bridge traffic can add time
• Sabiha Gökçen Airport: about 48 km, around 50 minutes without traffic
• Istanbul Airport: about 62 km, around 45 minutes via the northern motorway without traffic

Roads out of the Asian side can be busy on weekend mornings; leaving early helps with both traffic and parking.

A short history of Polonezköy

The village was founded in 1842 by Polish émigrés who found refuge in the Ottoman Empire under the leadership of Prince Adam Czartoryski. After its founder it was long known as Adampol. Buildings that keep the memory of the Polish families still stand, and wooden houses and gardens shape the village today.

What to see in Polonezköy

• Polonezköy Nature Park: forest trails suited to walking and cycling, with autumn colours and green spring woods.
• Zofia Rizi Memorial House: a house displaying photographs, books and documents of one of the village's Polish families.
• Church of Our Lady of Częstochowa: one of the most recognisable buildings of the village's Polish past.
• Village breakfast and picnics: garden breakfast spots and picnic areas in and around the village; busy at weekends.

Practical tips

Parking areas and some venues may charge a fee; check current details before you go. Wear comfortable shoes for the forest trails, which can be muddy after rain. A weekday visit means quieter roads and a calmer village.

Which car should you choose?

The road to Polonezköy is short and paved, so an economy car is enough. For a larger family or a boot full of picnic gear, choose a car with more luggage space; see all options on our cars page.

Where can you pick up the car?

Our nearest pick-up points are on the Asian side: collect the car at Ümraniye Canpark AVM or Çekmeköy Metro Garden AVM and reach the village in about 20 minutes. Flying in? You can also start from our Sabiha Gökçen Airport point.

Other routes nearby

For a longer weekend trip, see our guides to Sapanca, Abant and Yedigöller in its autumn colours.

Frequently asked questions