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 during Winter
Bazaars
After immersing yourself in historical landmarks, you can visit the Egyptian Market or Grand Bazaar to stock up on souvenirs, aromatic beverages, spices, dried fruits, sweets, coffee, or hookah.
The lively streets of Istiklal and Nevizade are also perfect for strolling. These vibrant places are filled with numerous cafes, bars, restaurants with live music, and pubs.
If you want to buy something unique, head to the Flea Market of Horhor. Just make sure to dress warmly to avoid catching a cold.
Shopping Malls in Istanbul
Before the New Year's festivities, don't expect significant discounts as prices tend to drop slightly after the New Year. The following shopping centers are ideal for your shopping needs:
Zorlu Center,
Istinye Park,
Cevahir,
Forum Istanbul,
Kanyon.
You can take a break at a café or visit a cinema between your shopping sessions.
Entertainment for Children in the Capital
Children also need to have a good time, and in Istanbul, there are places that will delight little adventurers and curious travellers.
Toy Museum
The museum building was opened relatively recently, in 2005, by the local writer Sunay Akın. The museum showcases 4,000 different toys. So, if you're traveling with a child, be sure to visit the Toy Museum. We're confident that you'll enjoy it just as much.
If you get hungry, there is a café on the museum premises.
Opening Hours and Admission
The museum is open every day from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, with an hour extension on weekends.
The admission cost for adults is 12 TRY, while children's tickets are slightly cheaper at 9 TRY.
Rahmi M. Koç Museum
The museum exhibits a wide range of objects that will appeal to everyone's taste. The entire collection is dedicated to the 19th-20th centuries, showcasing the history of transportation, industrial development, and communications. The exhibition is housed in two separate buildings that were once workshops.
Inside the museum complex, you'll see:
model railways,
train and ship models,
various types of machinery,
vintage cars and airplanes,
a submarine where guided tours are conducted.
All rooms are recreated to reflect the atmosphere of past eras.
How to Get There
Take tram T1 to the museum. Get off at the Sultanahmet stop and walk to Eminönü.
Then transfer to bus 47N, 47, or 47E and ride to the last stop, Kırmızı Minare.
Sea Life Istanbul Aquarium
This is a huge aquarium featuring up to 15,000 marine creatures. The most vibrant inhabitants include:
toothy piranhas and various species of octopuses,
rays and 5 types of sharks, including the tiger shark,
other rare marine species.
The aquarium is composed of 29 water reservoirs, creating the illusion of true ocean depths.
How to Get There
Take the Marmaray metro line from the Sirkeci station to Yenikapı. Then transfer to the M1a line and alight at the Koçtaş 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.
