Istanbul in winter: what to see, where to go

Istanbul winter weather (and what to bring)

The winter weather in Istanbul is unpredictable and changeable. A clear, sunny morning can easily turn to rain or even snow by evening. Temperatures average around +10 °C during the day, although on cold days it can be +3...+5 °C. Heavy frosts and stable snow cover are very rare: it sometimes snows in January-February, but usually melts quickly within a day. At the same time, the winter chill is felt due to the damp, penetrating wind from the Bosphorus (called poyraz) - you can't do without a warm jacket, scarf and hat in Istanbul in winter.

Take comfortable waterproof shoes onyour trip and consider layered clothing. In a warm afternoon, you can always remove an extra layer, and in a damp wind - put on a scarf or jacket. An umbrella will also come in handy (if you forget - an inexpensive umbrella can easily be bought locally from street vendors). The Mediterranean climate makes winter in Istanbul mild: from time to time there are dry sunny days, when citizens fill the embankments and parks, enjoying the rare winter sun. On such days it is especially nice to have a traditional Turkish breakfast on the terrace overlooking the Bosphorus, warmed by a cup of hot tea or coffee.

What to wear in Istanbul in winter? In winter you need about the same clothes as in late fall in the middle part of Europe. Comfortable jeans or pants, a warm sweater, a windbreaker and a thick jacket or a light down jacket are perfect. Choose shoes without heels, on non-slip soles - you will have to walk a lot on city streets. In Istanbul, it is customary to dress for the weather and quite discreetly, especially when visiting mosques (women should cover their heads and shoulders, and men should not be in shorts).

Holiday features: what to look out for in winter

Plan your itinerary with the weather in mind. In winter in Istanbul, it is advisable to have a plan A and a plan B for each day. In clear windless weather it is better to go for a walk around the city: wander the ancient streets of Sultanahmet, drink fragrant coffee on the terrace overlooking Galata, ride a boat across the Bosphorus. Be sure to stroll along the pedestrian street Istiklal from Taksim Square to the Galata Tower - in winter it is much less crowded than in summer, and you can quietly consider all the shop windows, historical passages and temples along the way. You can also walk to the Karaköy promenade and check out the new Galataport quarter with museums and cafes by the water. If the day is really warm and sunny, take a mini ferry trip to the Asian part (for example, to the cozy Kadıköy district ) or even to the Prince Islands in the Sea of Marmara.

But in rain or strong winds, you should focus on museums and palaces - there are plenty of them in Istanbul. Plan itineraries to indoor attractions where you can spend a few hours under the roof. For example, head to the opulent Topkapi Palace or Dolmabahçe Palace, explore the Archaeological Museum or the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art. A good idea is to walk through the covered Grand Bazaar or the Egyptian Spice Market, combining the Oriental flavor with shopping and tasting street delicacies. And if it snows, go out for a walk in the historic districts: Istanbul looks magical in the snow, ancient minarets and domes on the background of white streets leave unforgettable impressions (and great photos).

Keep in mind the shortened daylight hours. It gets dark early in Istanbul in winter - it's already around 17-18 hours. In the evenings, continue exploring the city: for example, take a historic streetcar ride along Istiklal (the route from Taksim Square to the Tünel tunnel is only ~2 km long, ticket is about 4 liras), or go to one of the traditional meyhane restaurants to spend a Turkish evening with delicious meze, music and dancing. Meyhane serves national dishes and guests dine leisurely to the musicians, sometimes dancing themselves - a great way to get a feel for local life.

Catholic Christmas and New Year's Eve. Although the main population is Muslim, in December Istanbul dresses up for the Christmas and New Year celebrations. The main streets are lit up with festive illuminations, shop windows are decorated with Christmas trees and lights, especially in the European neighborhoods of Beyoglu, Nishantashi and Baghdad Avenue. Christmas fairs with merry-go-rounds, treats and souvenirs appear - for example, winter festivals are held in shopping centers Vadistanbul and Zorlu Center. Turks do not officially celebrate Christmas, but they celebrateNew Year's Eve (Yılbaşı) in a very active way: the streets are full of people walking, restaurants and boats organize New Year's programs with dinner, music, belly dancing, Santa Claus (Noel Baba) and even Snow Maiden. If you want to celebrate the Turkish New Year, book a dinner on a ship on the Bosphorus in advance - you will enjoy a mix of festive traditions against the backdrop of the strait at night.

Istanbul sights in winter: what to see?

Most of Istanbul's main sights are open to the public all year round, and it's even more comfortable to see them in winter: the queues are noticeably shorter, and some places are even empty. Here are the places you should include in your winter travel itinerary:

Hagia Sophia Cathedral (Aya Sofia)

The greatest temple of the 6th century, now a functioning mosque. Its grandiose dome, exquisite Byzantine mosaics and mix of Christian and Islamic architecture make an incredible impression at any time of year. In winter, Sofia is especially quiet - you can walk through the ancient galleries without hurry, looking at the mosaics where the Byzantines and then the Ottomans prayed almost 1,500 years ago. Entrance for tourists is free (between services), but dress modestly and be aware that you may not be allowed into the mosque during namaz.

Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Jami)

The main mosque of the Ottoman Empire, known for its six minarets and interior decoration of tens of thousands of sky-blue tiles. It's currently under restoration (it may be partially closed), but during the winter season you're usually allowed inside without a long wait. Be sure to go inside to admire the soft light from hundreds of windows and feel the peaceful atmosphere of this sacred place.

Topkapi Palace

A huge palace and park complex of the sultans, spread over 70 hectares on a promontory between the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. The halls of Topkapı contain the untold treasures of the Ottoman Empire - collections of jewelry, relics, and weapons. It will not be possible to see Topkapi in an hour: plan at least half a day, or better yet, a day. There are fewer tourists in winter, and you will be able to look at the exhibits in peace. Remember about the dress code: at the entrance they make sure that your clothes are modest (shoulders and knees are covered).

Dolmabahce Palace

A luxurious 19th century residence of the sultans on the banks of the Bosphorus. Its European look (the palace was built in Baroque style) stands out against the background of classical mosques of the city. Inside - 285 halls with the richest decoration, the famous crystal chandelier weighing 4.5 tons (the second largest in the world). In winter Dolmabahçe is much less crowded than in summer, you can take a guided tour through the ceremonial halls and harem without fuss. A walk through the adjacent palace park with views of the Bosphorus will be a special pleasure - imagine peacocks walking in the snow among palm trees!

Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan)

An underground reservoir from the Byzantine era, one of the most atmospheric places in Istanbul. Descend underground and you'll find yourself in a forest of 336 columns reflecting in the water - in winter it's warm and almost deserted, the perfect shelter from the weather. Note the mysterious jellyfish heads in the corner of the cistern. In addition to Yerebatan, there are several other ancient cisterns in the Sultanahmet area that are also open to the public (Theodosia, Philoxena) - you can arrange a whole underground route.

Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Market

Famous oriental markets, which are especially convenient to visit in winter. They are not afraid of bad weather: the labyrinth of covered shopping rows will protect you from the rain. Even if you're not planning a big purchase, make time to stroll through the Grand Bazaar - it's 60 streets with thousands of stalls where you can find everything from carpets to spices. At the Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar), be sure to buy Turkish sweets, tea or nuts - it's nice to bring home spicy souvenirs in winter. By the way, bazaars often offer discounts in winter, especially towards the end of the sale season.

Istiklal Street

The main pedestrian street of the city, the soul of European Istanbul. In winter, a walk along Istiklal is especially pleasant: bright illuminations, no exhausting heat, and fewer crowds than in high season. Start from TaksimSquare , where the Christmas tree is usually set up in winter, and walk down past the historic arcades and churches. Along the way, stop at old-fashioned cafes for a hot coffee or try the famous wet burger near Taksim Square - a juicy snack with a hot patty in winter. Don't miss St. Anthony's Catholic Cathedral - in December it is beautifully decorated for Christmas. The Galata Tower awaits you at the end of the street .

Galata Tower

A symbolic 14th century stone pillar that offers the best panorama of old Istanbul. Visibility is often excellent on winter days, especially after rain - you'll see the entire historic peninsula, the Golden Horn, the strait and even the snow-capped hills in the distance. The tower is open year-round; hours may be reduced in the winter (usually open until 7 p.m.). Tip: come at dusk to catch the lights of the evening city - garlanded Istanbul on New Year's Eve looks stunning from up there. Keep in mind, it's cold and windy up there, so dress warmly.

Other interesting places

If time permits, visit Suleymaniye, the majestic mosque of Sultan Suleyman: in winter, its spacious courtyard is calm and peaceful. Check out the Church of Chora (Kariye), famous for its Byzantine frescoes (now a museum-mosque, some of the frescoes may be closed, but the Fatih area around it is also very colorful). For museum lovers, we recommend the Istanbul Archaeological Museum near Topkapi - a rich collection of artifacts from ancient Troy to the Ottomans, a great option for a rainy day. And if you're interested in modern art, head to the Istanbul Modern Museum (now in Galataport) or the Pera Museum in Beyoğlu.

Winter entertainment and leisure activities in Istanbul

Aside from museum and mosque tours, there are some special activitiesto try in winter :

Turkish Hammam

What could be more pleasant than warming up in a traditional Turkish bath after a long walk in the freezing wind? A visit to a hammam is a must-do experience in winter Istanbul. The most famous historical baths are Çemberlitaş Hamamı and Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı in Sultanahmet, Galatasaray Hamamı in Beyoğlu. The hammam offers a relaxing kese peeling and foam massage, making you feel reborn. The price for the full range of pleasures in popular hammams is ~30-50€, but it is worth it. Please note: traditional hammams have separate male and female sections, and the time of visit also differs (women in the morning and men in the afternoon).

Salep and Winter Delights

The streets of winter Istanbul are sure to warm you up with gastronomic delights. Try hot salep, a thick, sweet drink made of milk and orchid tuber powder sprinkled with cinnamon. It's sold from street carts on almost every street corner on cold days. Salep was a favorite of the Ottoman sultans and is still considered the best remedy for winter colds and chills. No less popular is boza, an ancient Turkish drink made from fermented grains, which is drunk cold, sprinkled with cinnamon and roasted chickpeas. In winter, boza is sold in historic stalls (the most famous is Vefa Bozacisi in the Vefa neighborhood) and for takeaway. This thick, sour drink is very nutritious - it was once used by the Janissaries in winter. From street snacks, be sure to take roasted chestnuts - their aroma hangs all over Istiklal and squares of the city. It is also advisable to have a Turkish breakfast (kahvaltı) in one of the cafes: in winter it is especially pleasant to slowly drink hot tea and taste the freshest cheese, olives, jams and simitas while looking at the gray winter sea.

Riding on the Bosphorus

No one has canceled sea rides in winter. Regular ferries on the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus continue to run; just dress warmly and enjoy the view of the European and Asian shores from the water. In winter there are almost no tourists on the decks - the whole ferry is at your disposal for a photo shoot against the backdrop of the Bosphorus Bridge or Maiden Tower. By the way, in winter the water in the strait acquires a special azure color on clear days. For a small cruise you can take a municipal ferry to Üsküdar or Kadıköy (it takes ~20 minutes, transportation card fare is about 30 liras) and back. If you want romance - go on an evening cruise on the Bosphorus with dinner, which are organized by travel agencies (as we mentioned, especially fun on New Year's Eve). On such a ship you will be served a dinner of meze, fish and meat dishes, and have a show program with music and belly dancing.

Snowboarding and skiing near Istanbul

Yes, yes, there are ski resorts near Istanbul! The most famous is Uludag near Bursa, about 2-3 hours from the city. From mid-December to March there is snow on the slopes of Uludag, elevators work (ski pass for a day ~1400 liras). You can go for 1-2 days: during the day to ski or snowboard on the slopes of the national park, and in the evening to relax in a hotel with a fireplace. Even those who don't ski will enjoy a vacation in Uludag: take the cable car from Bursa to the top to admire the snow-covered fir trees and drink hot salep with a view of the mountains. Another option is to go to the thermal resort of Yalova (1.5 hours from Istanbul): on a winter's day it is especially pleasant to bask in an outdoor pool with hot mineral water under light steam.

Entertainment for children

If you are traveling with your family, Istanbul in winter will also find something to keep young tourists busy. Pay attention to Sea Life Aquarium - one of the largest oceanariums in the world with 15 thousand sea creatures. Huge sharks, rays, octopuses - children will be delighted! It is warm inside and you can spend a few hours looking through the 80-meter long underwater tunnel, which creates the feeling of walking along the ocean floor.

We also recommend the Istanbul Toy Museum in the Göztepe neighborhood (Asian side): over 4,000 toys from all over the world, from antique dolls to space models - it will be interesting for both children and adults.

Another great place is the Rahmi Koch Museum, dedicated to the history of technology. Retro cars, steam locomotives, airplanes, a submarine and even recreated historical rooms are collected in the old workshops - everyone will find an exhibit to their liking. You can get to the museum by streetcar and bus (it is located on the shore of the Golden Horn). In winter, these museums are much less crowded than in summer, and you can quietly look at all the details.

You can book a hotel in Istanbul with a discount of up to -65% on the website.

Winter Shopping in Istanbul

Istanbul is a shopper's paradise, and winter is no exception. In December before New Year's Eve, the city is decorated, but there are usually no big discounts for this period. But immediately after the New Year holidays, the sale season starts, and by the end of winter prices in many stores are reduced to the maximum. Thus, January-February is the best time to snatch branded things at a bargain price.

You should start with shopping centers: the most popular ones are Istinye Park, Zorlu Center, Kanyon, Forum Istanbul, Cevahir. There you will find all world and Turkish brands under one roof, plus food courts and entertainment (for example, in winter you can go to the movies - in Turkey movies are shown in the original language with subtitles). In bad weather you can spend the whole day in the shopping center, pleasantly waiting out the rain.

Of course, a special flavor is shopping in historical markets and streets. In addition to the Grand Bazaar, we recommend walking through the shopping streets in Asian Kadıköy: there are fewer tourists and prices are often lower. For antiques and vintage go to the Horkhor flea market (Fatih district) or to the shops of Çukurcum (mentioned above). Nice little things and designer souvenirs can be found in the Beyoğlu neighborhood. And don't hesitate to bargain - in Turkey this is the order of the day both in winter and summer; sellers are willing to reduce the price, especially if you are polite and really interested in buying.

Useful tips for tourists

Where to live in winter?

You should not limit yourself to the Sultanahmet or Taksim neighborhoods. Yes, Sultanahmet is convenient for classic sightseeing (many are within walking distance), and Taksim has a lively atmosphere and transportation hub. But in winter, it's a great idea to stay in quieter neighborhoods like Europe's Cihangir or Karaköy (near Galata), or on the Asian side, Kadıköy. There are fewer tourists, lower prices and still easy to get to the center by ferry or metro. The main thing - choose a hotel close to transportation stops, so that in the cold not to walk extra kilometers to accommodation. And make sure that the hotel has heating (not all old buildings in Istanbul have good heating). In winter, many hotels make discounts, so you can afford a neighborhood and a higher star level for the same money as in summer.

Getting around the city

Public transportation is especially appreciated in winter - it's cheaper and more reliable than cabs (in bad weather, there are often traffic jams on the roads). Be sure to buy an Istanbulkarttravel card to use the metro, streetcars, ferries and buses. It costs about 50 liras (refundable deposit + top-up), sold in vending machines and kiosks. Cabs can also be used, they are relatively inexpensive, but attention: in Istanbul it is not uncommon for the driver to "forget" to turn on the meter or not give change. Keep an eye on the meter (boarding should show 9.8 liras, that's ~0.5€) and have small bills, so you avoid overpaying. In snowfall or heavy rain, some drivers may not be available at all, so call a cab through apps (BiTaksi, Uber) - this method is more reliable in winter.

What to do in the evening

It gets dark early in the winter season, but that's no reason to stay in a hotel. Istanbul has plenty of cafes and restaurants to keep you cozy. Try winter Turkish dishes: thick soup from red lentils (merdzimek) - it warms you up perfectly, stewed beans (kuru fasulye) with rice, hot dessert from pumpkin with nuts (kabak tatlısı). Alcohol is expensive in Turkey, but a glass of raki (aniseed vodka) in good company is a classic way to "warm up" in the Istanbul way. If you like nightlife, check out the bars of Nevizade quarter (next to Istiklal) or trendy Beyoglu clubs - in winter they work in full force, and there are few tourists. Culture lovers can be advised to go to a Turkish hamam in the evening - many baths are open until 22-23 hours, and after the day's excursions it is a great end to the day.

What to bring from winter Istanbul

In addition to the standard souvenirs (Turkish tea, coffee, sweets, ceramics), we advise you to buy warm things of local production. Istanbul has excellent leather goods - jackets, bags (in winter there are often discounts on past collections). Also take a closer look at textiles: terry robes, scarves made of Turkish cotton. In the markets you can find cozy knitted socks and handmade hats - a practical souvenir that will remind you of your trip on cold days.

In winter, Istanbul reveals a new side: without the exhausting heat and hustle and bustle of summer, you can quietly immerse yourself in the history and culture of this amazing city. Enjoy walks along the embankments of the Golden Horn, admire the snow on the marble domes of mosques, try new flavors and do not be afraid of bad weather - it is also a part of Istanbul's color. As the Turks themselves say, Istanbul is good at any time of the year. So pack your suitcase - winter adventures in Istanbul are waiting for you! Have a nice trip or, as they say here, İyiyolculuklar!