21 Rainy day activities in Istanbul beyond the drops

Although Istanbul is famous for its beautiful sunny days, there is also a magical side to the city that comes out when it rains. Relax if you plan to visit Istanbul during the rainy season or get caught in a storm. You’ll fall in love with Istanbul all over again after doing these fun things on a wet day.

Istanbul’s Rainy Day Activities Beyond the Drops

There is a special chance to learn about Istanbul’s culture and find secret gems when it rains. Let the rain change the beauty of this old city by creating a magical effect. Enjoy the beauty that comes out when it rains in Istanbul!

1. Explore Istanbul’s Artistic Gems

When it rains, it’s a great time to check out Istanbul’s lively art scene. Start your day at the Istanbul Modern Art Museum, which is a great place for people who love modern art. Take in shows that will make you think, and sip coffee while looking out at the Bosphorus. For a more classic experience, go to the Pera Museum, which has a wide range of art from Turkey and other countries. While you visit these cultural havens, let the rain be your guide.

Istanbul Modern Art Museum

Istanbul Modern Art Museum is a great place for people who love modern art. This museum on the water has a wide range of modern Turkish and foreign art on display. It has shows that will make you think, and the rain-stained windows give you a great view of the Bosphorus.

Pera Museum

The Pera Museum is worth mentioning again because its collections and shows are always changing. On rainy days, this cultural gem is a great place to visit again and see the new exhibits or get to know your favorite works of art again.

2. Experience History at Istanbul’s Museums

The museums in Istanbul are a great place to get out of the rain and go back in time. The Hagia Sophia is a masterpiece of both architecture and spiritual glory. Its dome makes a beautiful sound that is steeped in history. The Istanbul Archaeological Museums are full of treasures from many thousands of years ago that are just ready to be found. Today is a great day to learn more about Istanbul’s long past because it is raining.

Istanbul Archaeology Museums

The Istanbul Archaeology Museums have a huge collection of artifacts from many different societies. To learn more about history, you can go there. When it rains, these interesting shows, which include artifacts from ancient times, classical sculptures, and archaeological finds, look even more interesting.

3. Visit a Palace: Topkapi or Dolmabahce Palace

When it rains, it’s a special time to visit Istanbul’s old buildings. With its luxurious rooms and impressive Harem, Topkapi Palace is an interesting way to learn about Ottoman history.

On the other hand, the grandeur and European-style building of Dolmabahce Palace show the city’s royal past in a different way. Both buildings are great places to get out of the rain and see some of Istanbul’s imperial history.

Skip-the-line Tickets

1. Dolmabahce Palace Tickets with Fast Track Entry & Audio Guide
2. Dolmabahce Palace Fast-Track Entry w/ Audio Guide
3. Dolmabahce Palace Entry Tickets
4. Dolmabahce Palace & Harem Skip-the-Line Entry

Guided tours with Fast Track Tickets

1. Dolmabahçe Palace Entry Ticket with Guided Tour
2. Dolmabahce Palace Entry with Guided Tour Skip The Ticket Line

Combo Tours & Tickets

1. Dolmabahce Palace Skip the Ticket Line & Bosphorus Cruise
2. Dolmabahce Palace, Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Tickets
3. Basilica Cistern & Dolmabahce Palace Combo Tour

4. Visit Basilica Cistern

You can visit the Basilica Cistern, an old underground water tank that shows how well Byzantine engineers could build things. Look at the columns of air and shadows in the water as the raindrops make waves on the surface. When it rains, this secret gem has a mysterious allure.

5. Visit Rahmi M. Koc Museum

At the Rahmi M. Koc Museum, you can learn about the world of science, transportation, and business. This interesting museum has a wide range of maritime artifacts, historic cars, and interactive displays. If it’s raining, you can enjoy the museum’s many indoor shows even more.

6. Attend a Whirling Dervishes Show

Spend a rainy evening watching the mesmerizing routine of the Whirling Dervishes. The dervishes’ twirling in their pure white robes is a spiritual trip, and seeing them do it is a moving cultural experience. Find out when this amazing show is happening at nearby venues.

There are two popular venues that you can watch this show. Book your tickets online in advance as they are selling out quickly.

Buy Whirling Dervishes Show Tickets at Hodjapasha Culture Center

Buy Whirling Dervishes Show Tickets at Orient Express Hall

Wanna learn more about Whirling Dervishes Show?

7. Explore the Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is the perfect place to indulge in little shopping therapy on rainy days. Go on an adventure through this labyrinth of stores offering stunning jewels, luxurious fabrics, and more. As you bargain for trinkets to take home, the melodic pitter-patter of rain on the rooftops of the bazaar sets a magical mood.

8. Spice Up Your Day at the Spice Bazaar

Take in the enticing scents of the Egyptian Bazaar, which are a must-visit location. If you’re looking for Turkish delicacies, dried fruits, unusual spices, and sweets, here is the place to go. Istanbul’s culinary legacy is encapsulated in this sensual voyage.

9. Visit Istanbul Aquarium and Aqua Florya Shopping Mall

Istanbul Aquarium, located in Florya district of Bakirkoy, is one of the best theme parks in Istanbul. With its 6,000 square meters area, a special-themed and 1,2 km long travel route, it is also one of the best aquariums and theme parks in Europe. You can also enjoy a great leisure time in the Aqua Florya Mall.

Wanna learn more about Istanbul Aquarium?

10. Turkish Baths: A Rainy Day Retreat

During rainy days in Istanbul, you can enjoy the traditional Turkish baths, or hamams. In the middle of the rain, a traditional hamam is a cozy place to get away. Take part in a cleansing rite that has been done for hundreds of years. It will leave you feeling refreshed and renewed.

1. Turkish Bath at Cemberlitas Hamam by Getyourguide
2. Famous Hurrem Sultan Hamam Experience (on the Sultanahmet Square, on the site of the ancient public baths from 100-200 AD)
3. Turkish Bath & Spa at Catma Mescit Hamam (great experience at historical hamam close to Galata Tower)
4. Grand Hotel de Pera Turkish Bath (very good one along Istiklal Street)
5. Doubletree by Hilton Sirkeci Hotel Turkish Bath (another very good one along Sirkeci)
6. Turkish Bath Package at Beyoglu Aga Hamami (very good one too)

11. Coffee and Conversation

If you’re drinking coffee and the rain is tapping on the window, it makes you feel better. The old coffee shops in Istanbul, called kahvehane, are great places to relax with a hot cup of Turkish coffee or tea. Talk to people who live there, play a game of backgammon, and get into the cafe culture of the city.

12. Rooftop Cafes with Rainy Views

Go to one of Istanbul’s rooftop cafes for a unique way to spend a wet day. As you sip your warm coffee or Turkish tea, watch the rain fall on the city below. If you’re outside in the rain, the views of Istanbul’s city are still beautiful.

13. Relaxing at a Cinema

There are a lot of different movie theaters in Istanbul if you like movies. Watch a fun movie or a big Hollywood hit, and let the magic of the movies take you to other places while the rain sounds nice.

14. Cozy Up with a Book

On rainy days, nothing beats warming up with a good book. Take a break in one of Istanbul’s cute libraries or shops. Spend some time reading Turkish literature or a classic book while the rain makes a music outside.

15. Hang out in Cosy Pubs

If it’s raining in Istanbul, you should definitely spend some time in one of the city’s cozy pubs. You can get away from the rain or just enjoy a lively scene in one of Istanbul’s pubs, which offer friendly service and a wide range of drinks. While you talk with other people, you can drink a cup of Turkish tea or a glass of the local raki. It’s the best way to see Istanbul’s nightlife on a wet day.

16. Tour a Brewery

A brewery walk in Istanbul is a great way to learn about the art of brewing. The craft beer scene in Istanbul is growing, and going to a brewery is a great way to see how beer is made. You can try a lot of different craft beers, learn about the different ways they are made, and develop a new appreciation for the city’s growing craft beer scene.

17. Go Shopping Indoors

Istanbul is a great place to shop, and when it rains, you can really enjoy the city’s indoor shopping malls. You can buy Turkish rugs, ceramics, textiles, and more without getting wet in everything from high-end shops to busy bazaars. The city’s new shopping malls have a lot of foreign brands and places to eat.

18. Explore an Indoor Market

Check out Istanbul’s indoor markets, or carsıs, for a unique shopping experience. There is a lot to buy in these busy markets, which are covered and have everything from spices and sweets to clothes and old things. The covered parts of the Grand Bazaar are great for shopping on a rainy day, and the Egyptian Spice Bazaar is a sensory treat no matter the weather.

20. Visit Galleries: SALT Beyoğlu, SALT Galata, and Yapı Kredi Kültür Merkezi (Yapı Kredi Art Center)

See the art galleries at SALT Beyoğlu, SALT Galata, and Yapı Kredi Kültür Merkezi (Yapı Kredi Art Center). Explore Istanbul’s well-known art galleries to learn more about the city’s booming art scene.

Both SALT Beyoğlu and SALT Galata are great places to see modern art. They have a wide range of events, workshops, and shows. It’s great to be surrounded by art that makes you think on a rainy day.

There is also the Yapı Kredi Art Center. This building often has performances, talks, and exhibitions that feature artists from Turkey and other countries. If you want to enjoy Istanbul’s new and changing art scene, you should go on a rainy day.

21. Dinner Cruise with a Show

When it rains at night, the city’s lights become a fascinating show. You can eat a tasty meal, cruise along the Bosphorus, and watch live entertainment like belly dancing or traditional Turkish music. The rain adds a magical touch to this experience that you will never forget.

Catch one of the tour boats from districts like Eminonu, Kabatas, Besiktas, or Ortakoy, and enjoy the sea breeze as you soak up the stunning views.

1. Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table
2. Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Night with Private Table
3. Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show
4. Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show
5. All Inclusive Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Private Table
6. Bosphorus Dinner Cruise, Turkish Night Show w/ Private Table
7. All Inclusive Bosphorus Dinner Cruise w/ Turkish Night Show
8. Bosphorus Boat Cruise with Dinner & Entertainment