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You’ve got a long weekend coming up—or maybe just a few surprise days off—and you’re itching to go somewhere new without spending a fortune. Sound familiar? Whether you’re based in Türkiye or planning a trip through Istanbul with Pegasus Airlines, the good news is: the perfect city break is just a flight away.
From coastal charm in İzmir and Mediterranean magic in Antalya to European adventures in Berlin, Bucharest, and Budapest (all easily reachable with a quick Pegasus connection through Istanbul), this guide is packed with budget-friendly inspiration.
So if you’re browsing cheap flight tickets to Türkiye, craving authentic Turkish cuisine , or checking off must-see cities from our Türkiye travel guide, we’ve got you covered.
Need a bite during your flight? Order from the inflight Pegasus Cafe menu—filled with tasty, budget-friendly options to keep you going. Looking for extra comfort? Try the upgrade package. And for those planning on the fly, we’ll even show you how to find cheap flights to just about anywhere—including Berlin and Bucharest.
Here’s your guide to spontaneous, affordable escapes filled with flavor, history, and memorable moments—all just one Pegasus flight away.
Istanbul – The Timeless Metropolis
Arriving in Istanbul is a sensory overload in the best way. The sound of seagulls and ferries on the Bosphorus, the smell of grilled corn and roasted chestnuts, the sight of domes rising over the skyline—it all blends into an unforgettable first impression. One moment you’re sipping tea in a centuries-old courtyard, the next you’re exploring modern galleries in Karaköy.
What to Eat
- Simit from street vendors
- Balık ekmek (fish sandwich) near Galata Bridge
- Menemen for breakfast or hünkar beğendi for dinner in a local lokanta
Tips to Do Istanbul on the Cheap
- Public ferries double as scenic cruises
- Museum passes offer great value
- Free mosques and local bazaars are full of charm
How to Get Around
- Use an Istanbulkart for all public transport
- Ferries, trams, and metro are efficient
- Avoid taxis during peak traffic hours
Cheap flights to Istanbul are available from cities across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia—making it the perfect starting point for any Türkiye travel guide or Istanbul travel guide.
☀️ Antalya – Mediterranean Magic
Imagine spending your weekend where the sea meets ancient ruins and every street corner smells of citrus and grilled fish. Welcome to Antalya—Türkiye’s sun-soaked escape where history and beach life blend beautifully. Whether you’re lounging on Konyaaltı Beach or exploring Kaleiçi’s winding streets, Antalya lets you unwind and explore at your own pace.
What to Eat
- Grilled sea bass or octopus at the marina
- Tahinli kabak tatlısı and piyaz
- Fresh fruit juices and dondurma (ice cream)
Tips to Do Antalya on the Cheap
- Many beaches are free and pristine
- Visit during spring or autumn for lower prices
- Explore ancient ruins like Hadrian’s Gate without entry fees
How to Get Around
- AntRay tram system is easy and scenic
- Dolmuş minibuses go to most beaches and sights
- Walk around Kaleiçi—it’s compact and charming
Book cheap flights to Antalya and enjoy a coastal escape without the coastal prices.
Izmir – Coastal Cool with Cultural Charm
It’s Friday morning, the Aegean is calling, and you’ve just found a seat on a flight to Izmir. When you arrive, the sea breeze is the first to greet you. Locals sip tea along the Kordon, music spills out of seaside cafés, and nearby historical gems are just a minibus ride away. Izmir is where culture meets calm—and it makes for a perfect weekend reset.
What to Eat
- Boyoz for breakfast with tea
- Kumru sandwiches and stuffed mussels
- Local meze in Kordon taverns
Tips to Do Izmir on the Cheap
- Use ferries and trams to explore the bay
- Day trips to Ephesus or Şirince are budget-friendly
- Street food is tasty and affordable
How to Get Around
- Izmirim Kart covers all public transport
- Walk the scenic coastal routes
- Ferries are both transport and sightseeing
Score cheap flights to Izmir and plan your stay with the Izmir travel guide—a must for beach lovers and foodies.
Budapest – Thermal Baths & Baroque Beauty
You’ve just landed in Budapest after a smooth Pegasus connection through Istanbul, and it hits you right away: the grandeur of the buildings, the steam rising from thermal bath domes, the buzz of café conversations in the crisp morning air. This is a city where you can wander aimlessly and still discover something remarkable—an art nouveau bridge, a centuries-old ruin pub, or a view of the Danube lit up at night.
What to Eat
- Lángos with sour cream and cheese
- Goulash or paprikash in traditional restaurants
- Chimney cake from local stalls
Tips to Do Budapest on the Cheap
- Visit Lukács Baths for lower entry fees
- Free walking tours offer great insights
- Museums often have discount days
How to Get Around
- Metro and tram system is extensive and cheap
- Rent a bike or walk the riverside paths
- BKK travel cards offer great value
Catch cheap flights to Budapest via Istanbul to combine visiting two capitals of the greatest European empires.
You didn’t plan to fall in love with Bucharest—but here you are, standing in a sun-dappled square where classical buildings meet edgy street art, wondering how this city isn’t already packed with tourists. You started your trip with a Pegasus flight through Istanbul, and now you’re sipping strong coffee in a hip café, plotting which quirky museum or grand boulevard to explore next. This city is full of delightful contradictions—and perfect for a spontaneous weekend.
What to Eat
- Mici with mustard and bread
- Ciorbă soups (try the veggie versions too)
- Papanași (fried doughnuts with jam and cream)
Tips to Do Bucharest on the Cheap
- Explore Herăstrău Park and the Village Museum
- Old Town nightlife is fun and affordable
- Street food is filling and cheap
How to Get Around
- Metro is fast, clean, and inexpensive
- Use Bolt or Uber for affordable rides
- Trams and buses cover most of the city
Find cheap flights to Bucharest with a simple connection through Istanbul.
Berlin – Culture, Cool, and Creativity
Your weekend in Berlin begins with the hum of the U-Bahn and the aroma of fresh pretzels from a corner stand. After a Pegasus flight through Istanbul, you’re now tracing history at the Berlin Wall, only to end the day dancing in a techno club hidden inside an old warehouse. Berlin is the kind of place where every neighborhood feels like a new city, and there’s always something unexpected around the corner.
What to Eat
- Currywurst and pommes from a local stand
- Turkish-style döner kebabs
- Apfelstrudel and dark coffee at a kiez café
Tips to Do Berlin on the Cheap
- Museums are free on certain days
- Outdoor art and memorials are everywhere
- Parks, lakes, and flea markets offer free fun
How to Get Around
- BVG tickets cover trams, buses, metro
- Day passes are ideal for travelers
- Biking is safe and popular
Book cheap flights to Berlin with an easy Pegasus connection through Istanbul.
