Who said you can only travel in summer? Winter is far from a reason to stay at home; you can spend your winter vacation just as exciting and beneficial.
What tourists need to know
Shopping. Make sure to bargain with local vendors, within reason, of course. Don't forget about the "Tax-free" system when purchasing items. Keep the receipts from the stores to claim a VAT refund upon leaving the Turkish Republic.
Accommodation. When choosing a place to stay in Istanbul during winter, it is not necessary to settle in prestigious areas like Sultanahmet or Taksim. Quiet streets in the Asian part of the city or areas like Galata are quite comfortable.
Transportation. Instead of taking a taxi, prefer public transportation. If you do decide to order a car, make sure the driver turns on the meter with a starting fare of 4 TRY. Taxi drivers don't like giving change, so it's important to have small bills with you.
Food. Don't be afraid to have culinary adventures and try a variety of dishes.
Clothing. Dress warmly and explore the city on foot as much as possible, discovering its winding streets and local charm.
Weather Conditions in Istanbul during Winter
Winter weather in Istanbul is highly changeable. A clear day can be followed by snowfall accompanied by piercing winds. Even experienced meteorologists hesitate to provide an accurate forecast for more than a couple of days.
During most of the winter, the temperature ranges around +10°C, with damp and chilly winds prevailing.
If it does snow, it quickly melts. The thermometer rarely drops below freezing. Therefore, the typical Istanbul winter combines rain, sunny days, cold winds, and humidity. Nonetheless, the city seems to be imbued with a romantic atmosphere. It's delightful to savor a delicious Turkish coffee under the winter sun.
When spending a winter weekend in Istanbul, be sure to dress warmly and wear versatile clothing. Gloves, sunglasses, and an umbrella will also come in handy.
December in the City
December is a time of constant changes between snowfall and sunny weather.
At the beginning of winter, the air temperature does not rise above +10°C.
The sea wind brings cold and humidity. The sun rarely appears in the sky; it is usually covered by thick clouds that occasionally bring rain. December in Istanbul is characterized by pre-holiday hustle and bustle, with tourists wandering the city streets to celebrate the upcoming New Year festivities.
January in the City
Rainfall and brief snowfalls dominate throughout the month.
The temperature fluctuates between +6 and +8°C.
Despite the weather, visitors still stroll through the city streets. The weather doesn't offer many sunny days; cold gusts of wind and increased humidity prevail. This is the perfect time to explore Istanbul's landmarks and enjoy a cup of coffee in cozy cafés.
February in the City
The end of winter is characterized by milder weather conditions.
The air temperature increases, reaching up to +15°C.
In a moment, the sun can abruptly give way to wet snow, and the sky becomes cloudy. Interestingly, different areas of Istanbul can have significantly different weather conditions.
Sightseeing Programs in Istanbul
While you may not have the opportunity to sunbathe or swim in warm water during this time, the number of attractions in Istanbul remains unchanged. The calmness of the metropolis without crowds of tourists allows you to explore historical sites or go shopping without unnecessary haste.
Palace-Museum Complexes
Topkapi Palace was built in 1479. It is a true architectural masterpiece. It takes a whole day to explore the entire interior. Keep in mind that you won't be allowed inside without a covered head and long clothing.
Dolmabahce Palace is surrounded by a beautiful garden where peacocks roam freely. From here, you can enjoy magnificent panoramas of the Bosphorus. The museum is famous for having the world's second-largest crystal chandelier in its halls.
Carpet Museum is located in Sultanahmet Square and showcases the works of folk craftsmen.
Religious Structures
Hagia Sophia was originally an Orthodox cathedral until the 13th century when it was converted into a mosque. It currently functions as a museum complex.
Blue Mosque impresses with its stunning decoration.
Cisterns
Byzantine Cisterns are unique water reservoirs that have been preserved in excellent condition. They will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on your memory. They were previously used for water supply in Constantinople.
Basilica Cistern is the oldest water reservoir dating back to the times of the Byzantine Empire. Inside, you will find magnificent halls and monumental columns.
Towers
Galata Tower, dating back to 507, is not only valued as a historical monument but also offers a great observation deck that showcases the beauty of the city and its surroundings.
Maiden's Tower rises high above the waters of the Bosphorus, situated on a rock. The attraction features a small restaurant where live music is played every evening.
Shopping in Istanbul in Winter
Bazaars
After enjoying the historical monuments, you can head to the Egyptian Bazaar or the Grand Bazaar to stock up on souvenirs, aromatic drinks and spices, dried fruits and sweets, coffee, or a hookah.
Istiklal and Nevizade Streets are also perfect options for a stroll. These lively, bustling places are filled with cafes, bars, restaurants with live music programs, and pubs.
If you are looking for something unusual, head to the Horhor Flea Market. Just make sure to dress warmly to avoid catching a cold.
Shopping Malls in Istanbul
Before the New Year holidays, don't expect big discounts — prices usually drop slightly only after New Year's. Great places for shopping include:
Zorlu Center;
Istinye Park;
Cevahir;
Forum Istanbul;
Kanyon.
Between shopping sessions, you can relax in a café or visit a movie theater.
Children's Leisure
Children also need entertainment, and in Istanbul, there are plenty of places that will delight both restless little ones and curious young visitors.
Toy Museum
The building was opened relatively recently, in 2005, founded by local writer Sunay Akın. The museum displays 4,000 different toys. So if you are traveling with a child, a visit to the Toy Museum is a must. We are sure you will enjoy it just as much.
If you get hungry, there is a café on the premises.
Opening Hours and Admission
The museum is open every day from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, and on weekends it closes an hour later.
Ticket Price: An adult ticket costs 12 TRY, and a child ticket is slightly cheaper at 9 TRY.
Rahmi Koç Museum
This building is rich in various exhibits, and everyone will find something to their liking. The entire collection is dedicated to the 19th–20th centuries. It showcases the history of transport, industrial development, and communications. The exhibition is housed in two separate buildings that were formerly workshops.
In the museum complex, you will see:
railroad models;
models of trains and ships;
various types of technology;
vintage cars and airplanes;
a submarine with guided tours inside.
Each room recreates the atmosphere of past eras.
How to Get There
Take the T1 tram. Board at Sultanahmet and get off at Eminönü.
Then transfer to a bus (routes 47N, 47, or 47E) and ride to the final stop, Kırmızı Minare.
Sea Life Istanbul Aquarium
This is a huge aquarium home to up to 15,000 sea creatures. The most striking inhabitants include:
toothy piranhas and several species of octopuses;
stingrays and five types of sharks, including the tiger shark;
other rare marine creatures.
The aquarium features 29 water tanks that create the illusion of real ocean depths.
How to Get There
Take the Marmaray metro line from Sirkeci Station to Yenikapı. Then transfer to the M1a line and get off at Kocatepe Station.
Istanbul Travel Tips
If you happen to visit the capital during snowfall or chilling winds, be sure to warm yourself up with a cup of salap - a traditional hot beverage. Salap has been enjoyed since the time of the Ottoman Empire. It will not only warm you up but also help alleviate cold-related ailments or throat pain. The composition of salep includes:
special flour made from the root of mountain orchids;
coconut flakes;
a pinch of cinnamon;
cocoa;
crushed nuts.
Istanbul never ceases to amaze at any time of the year. Therefore, the arrival of winter should not be a reason to stay at home but rather the perfect time to pack your bags and embark on new adventures.
