Planning what to do on New Year’s Day in Istanbul but not sure where to begin? Many travelers struggle to navigate the best activities after the bustling New Year’s Eve celebrations. Without the right plan, you might miss out on unique experiences. This ultimate guide will walk you through the top things to do on New Year’s Day in Istanbul, from peaceful Turkish breakfasts to sightseeing and shopping, ensuring you start the year in style.
Istanbul New Year’s Day activities
From the city’s magical sights and sounds, special tours and festive activities, to January sales, iconic attractions and city walks, you can find are plenty of reasons to get out in Istanbul on the New Year’s Day.
Majority of the iconic and tourist attractions and popular activities of Istanbul can easily be enjoyed on the 1st of January. Below we put together some of the top things to do on New Year’s Day in 2024 in Istanbul. Make sure you check the opening times in advance.
1. Start the Day with a Traditional Turkish Breakfast
There’s no better way to start New Year’s Day in Istanbul than with a hearty Turkish breakfast. With its combination of fresh bread, olives, cheeses, menemen (scrambled eggs with tomatoes and peppers), and a variety of spreads, this breakfast is an experience in itself.
On New Year’s Day, many cafes and rooftop restaurants remain open, making it a perfect opportunity to enjoy stunning views while indulging in local flavors.
Taking the time to enjoy a Turkish breakfast not only immerses you in Istanbul’s food culture but also sets the tone for a laid-back day of exploration.
2. Relax in a Traditional Turkish Bath (Hamam)
After the festivities of New Year’s Eve, a relaxing visit to a Turkish bath (hamam) is the perfect way to rejuvenate your body and mind. The tradition of hamams dates back centuries, offering a blend of deep cleansing and relaxation that’s unlike any spa experience.
Some of Istanbul’s best-known hamams, like Çemberlitaş Hamamı and Ağa Hamamı, remain open on January 1st, making it the ideal time to unwind in a beautiful, historic setting. At these locations, you’ll enjoy a full-body scrub, steam bath, and relaxing massage that will leave you feeling refreshed for the year ahead.
A hamam experience is not just about relaxation—it’s a cultural immersion that connects you with centuries-old Ottoman traditions.
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3. Sightseeing: Discover Istanbul’s Top Attractions with Small Crowds
One of the best things about New Year’s Day in Istanbul is that many of the city’s top attractions remain open, but the crowds are significantly smaller. This is your chance to explore landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Blue Mosque without the usual queues.
No Regrets Booking Advice
Most of these historical sites open late in the morning on January 1st, allowing you to take your time and enjoy a relaxed day of sightseeing. For easy transportation between attractions, the hop-on, hop-off bus is a great option, offering flexibility and comfort as you make your way through the city.
Suggested itinerary:
- Start with Hagia Sophia for breathtaking architecture and history.
- Visit Topkapi Palace, including the stunning Harem section.
- End with the serene Blue Mosque, soaking in its magnificent beauty.
When you visit these landmarks early in the day, you’ll have plenty of time to absorb the rich history of Istanbul without rushing or fighting large crowds.
4. Go Shopping: Take Advantage of January Sales
For those who love shopping, New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the January sales across Istanbul. Whether you’re looking for luxury brands or local treasures, Istanbul’s shopping scene offers something for every budget.
Visit bustling Istiklal Street or upscale Nisantasi for designer stores, or head to top shopping malls like Zorlu Center, Akmerkez, Istinye Park and Cevahir for an extensive selection of both Turkish and international brands.
Where to shop:
- Istiklal Street: Known for its vibrant atmosphere and variety of stores.
- Nişantaşı: Home to high-end designers and luxury boutiques.
- Zorlu Center, Akmerkez, Istinye Park and Cevahir malls: Ideal for a full day of shopping with plenty of dining options.
Take advantage of post-holiday discounts, making it a perfect time to find great deals on everything from fashion to electronics.
5. See the sights on Hop-on Hop-off Tourist Bus
Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour is a cheap way to discover and explore the popular zones of Istanbul which you just couldn’t walk to and see in one day.
The sightseeing bus runs every 30/60 minutes and lets you see the most popular popular sights along the interesting and different districts and neighborhoods of the city. And what is great that you can all do it in a couple of hours.
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6. Visit Galata Tower and take walking tour of the neighborhood
Galata Tower is an old Genoese tower overlooking the beautiful Istanbul and has a luxurious restaurant at the top. You can enjoy the excellent panoramic views of Istanbul, Golden Horn and Bosphorus.
7. Visit Museums and Cultural Centers
New Year’s Day is a great time to explore Istanbul’s cultural treasures. Many of the best museum in Istanbul and cultural centers remain open, giving you a peaceful opportunity to enjoy their exhibits without the usual crowds. Whether you’re interested in modern art, archaeology, or Ottoman history, there’s something for everyone.
Top museums to visit:
- Istanbul Modern: Contemporary art in a beautiful setting along the Bosphorus.
- Pera Museum: Housing a unique collection of Turkish and Orientalist art.
- Istanbul Archaeology Museum: A must for history buffs, offering rich insights into the ancient civilizations of the region.
8. Explore the Streets and Enjoy the Leftover Festive Atmosphere
Even after New Year’s Eve, Istanbul’s streets remain festive. Areas like Istiklal Street, Ortakoy, and Bagdat Street are still adorned with beautiful lights, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for a leisurely stroll. You can also stop by local street food vendors to enjoy snacks like simit (sesame bread rings), roasted chestnuts, and corn.
Where to go:
- Istiklal Street: Lined with shops, cafes, and street performers.
- Ortakoy: Take in views of the Bosphorus and enjoy a famous stuffed baked potato, or “kumpir.”
- Bagdat Street: Perfect for a relaxed walk with plenty of spots to stop for coffee or shopping.
Walking through these areas on New Year’s Day lets you experience Istanbul’s vibrant street culture and soak up the leftover festive spirit.
9. Visit Sea Life Aquarium or Istanbul Aquarium
Sea Life Istanbul Aquarium is the 5th largest aquarium in the world.
Visitors may experience and enjoy the lovely sea creatures, the largest collection of sharks in Europe, the Digital Aquarium, the Turtle Hospital where you may see the injured turtles are getting healed, thematic zones, school trips, birthday parties and much more.
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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 originating in the Black Sea towards the Pacific, the fish species, rain-forest, a gift shop with an area of 470 square meters, 1 restaurant having the Panama Canal view on one side and the sea view on the other. It is also one of the best aquariums and theme parks in Europe.
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Istanbul New Year’s Day after dark
You can find plenty to do on New Year’s Day in Istanbul as night begins.
10. Mystical night out at the Whirling Dervishes Show
Round off your New Year’s Day with a mesmerizing Whirling Dervish performance or a traditional Turkish dance show. The Hodjapasha Cultural Center in Sirkeci hosts dervish performances that are both spiritual and captivating, offering a window into Sufi mysticism and Turkish culture.
The best performances take place at the Hodjapasha Culture Center in Sirkeci, Eminonu. Note that as this show is very popular among the majority of the tourists, you should buy your tickets at least 2 or 3 days before the show.
Buy Whirling Dervishes Show Tickets at Hodjapasha Culture Center
Buy Whirling Dervishes Show Tickets at Orient Express Hall
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11. Rooftop Terraces to enjoy the New Year’s Day
There’s nothing better than to enjoy the Istanbul’s NYE evening in one of the best terrace or rooftop restaurant or bar, in the company of panoramic views of the city.
We recommend you avoid the New Year’s Eve crowds and both relax and party with your family and friends in one of Istanbul’s best bars, pubs, or enjoy the New Year evening with a cocktail at a rooftop bar. See best rooftop restaurants and bars in Istanbul.
12. Fun night out at the Rhythm of the Dance Show (Turkish Dance)
If you prefer live music or dance, Istanbul has plenty of evening shows that showcase Turkish folklore. Attending a cultural performance is a memorable way to end your day and offers an authentic insight into Turkey’s rich traditions.
The Rhythm of the Dance Show, also called as Turkish Dance, is one of the one time experiences in Istanbul for the tourists in an exclusive and cozy show atmosphere. This is a unique event that visitors may experience and enjoy the traditional dances from Turkish folklore with unique costumes and live music.
The show takes place at the famous Hodjapasha Cultural Center in Sirkeci, within a 550 years old historical building that was once an Ottoman bath. Note that as this show is very popular among the majority of the tourists, you should buy your tickets at least 2 or 3 days before the show.