Find out the best things to do in Istanbul in winter with our useful guide. Winter brings a special charm to Istanbul that draws in both locals and tourists. The air gets crisp, and the city shines like a holiday. Istanbul becomes a winter wonderland with lots of activities that will warm your heart, from charming winter markets to cozy bars. Here are the top things to do in Istanbul this winter, providing you with a local’s perspective on navigating the city’s winter magic.
Explore the Winter Wonderland in Istanbul
With its rich culture, delicious food, and lively atmosphere, Istanbul in the winter is a beautiful place to visit.
Attend New Year’s Eve Celebrations: Ring in the New Year
Have a great time on New Year’s Eve to end your winter trip to Istanbul. Spend the night with fireworks in Taksim Square or along the Bosphorus.
You are able to find plenty of things to do in Istanbul on New Year’s Eve, that include watching the fireworks along the Bosphorus shores, or on a Bosphorus cruise, celebrate the night at one of the many great Istanbul clubs, or see the magical city light up at midnight with a New Year’s Eve meal in a top Istanbul restaurant with a view.
- Book in Advance: Secure reservations for popular venues or cruises.
- Dress for the Occasion: Embrace the festive spirit with stylish winter attire.
Find out New Year’s Eve in Istanbul
Find out New Year Day in Istanbul
Explore Istanbul’s Historic Attractions
The Historical Peninsula, Istanbul’s oldest inhabited area, is also alive in the winter. Embark on a journey by starting your day along the Golden Horn and exploring the entire Historical Peninsula. Visit museums, historical landmarks, and savor unique flavors at local eateries, all while soaking in the charm of this historic district.
As the leaves change from green to brilliant shades of gold and crimson, embark on a journey through Istanbul’s historic heart – the Peninsula. Marvel at the Hagia Sophia, revel in the grandeur of the Topkapi Palace, and lose yourself in the intricate beauty of the Blue Mosque.
Families will have a blast exploring the city. These passes will allow sightseeing and savings at top attractions, making it a great choice for families.
Café Hopping in Beyoğlu: Cozy Corners and Culture
In the winter, Beyoğlu comes to life with art galleries and cute coffee shops lining its small streets. Try the local coffee culture, eat some sweet treats, and check out the arts scene. If you want to learn more about culture, don’t miss the famous Pera Museum.
- Go Local: Choose smaller cafes for an authentic Turkish coffee experience.
- Artistic Sojourn: Combine your cafe tour with visits to local art galleries.
Ortaköy Waterfront Promenade and a Warm Cup of Tea
Take a slow walk along the Ortakoy waterfront to end your winter day. At night, the Bosphorus Bridge looks beautiful with its bright lights. Sip a warm cup of Turkish tea in a cozy café by the water and watch as the city comes to life with lights that cast a spell over the water.
Museum Visits
Istanbul is full of history because it has been home to many cultures over the years. Visit the city’s many museums when it’s not as busy, like in the winter. Enjoy a culturally enriching weekend by learning about art, history, and society.
Istanbul Modern Art Museum and Coffee with a View
The Istanbul Modern Art Museum is a great place for art lovers to relax because it focuses on modern art. Give yourself a cup of coffee and look out at the sea after spending a lot of time with art. The position of the museum along the Bosphorus makes it a peaceful place to think and relax.
Rahmi Koç Museum and Miniaturk: A World of Mini Wonders
The Rahmi Koç Museum is a great place to visit because it is right on the Golden Horn. There are a lot of interesting miniature cars, bikes, tools, and other things in this museum.
As you look around this one-of-a-kind museum, you’ll not only have fun, but you’ll also learn new things. Besides that, it has a large and lovely yard. Miniaturk is right next door, along the Golden Horn. It has tiny versions of Turkey’s most famous landmarks on show.
Take a Unique Sightseeing Tour
Hop on the nostalgic tram along Istiklal Street for a different perspective of the city.
Or opt for a Hop-on Hop-off City Sightseeing Tourist Bus Tour, 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.
Wanna learn more about Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off Bus?
For a twist, try a scenic Bosphorus Cruise, and learn about the city’s rich history and architecture while sailing between two continents.
Bosphorus Cruise: A Winter Odyssey
While Bosphorus cruises are popular in the warmer months, winter adds a unique charm to the experience.
The cruises offer great views of Istanbul’s famous sites, and the cool breeze from the Bosphorus makes the experience even better. Take a tour on the Bosphorus during the day or at sunset during the spring in Istanbul.
Each offers a unique experience. From areas like Eminonu, Kabatas, Besiktas, or Ortakoy, you can take a tour boat and enjoy the sea breeze while taking in the fantastic views.
For a romantic and beautiful experience, choose a sunset cruise.
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table (the best dinner cruise, over 12.000 reviews, check them and enjoy)
- Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht 1 (the best sunset, on yacht, don't miss)
- Bosphorus on Yacht Cruise with Stopover on Asian Side (great with stopover at Kanlica, we highly recommend)
- Sunset or Daytime Yacht Tour w/AudioGuide & Snacks (superb yacht cruise)
- Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht 2 (another great sunset, on yacht, don't miss)
- Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show (superb dinner cruise on a catamaran, don't miss!)
- All Inclusive Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Private Table (great dinner cruise, check it out)
- Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht 3 (superb sunset, on yacht, don't miss)
Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht
This is one of the best and the most attended Bosphorus cruises. 2,5 hours cruise on a 25 meters luxury yacht. It is made on a luxury yacht and has a badge of excellence with over 400 5/5 stars reviews on Viator, and 335 excellent reviews and stars on GetYourGuide.
- Highlights: Complimentary drinks and canapés are provided while you sail, find out about the history of Istanbul’s landmarks from your on-board guide, a cruise for all seasons: set sail at any time of the year, weather permitting, set out from an easy-to-find waterfront meeting point near public transport
- Includes: Professional tour guide, Light snacks, Cookies, Baklava, Fresh seasonal fruits platter, Homemade lemonade in the summer months, Fresh fruit juice in the winter months, Bottled water, Tea, Coffee, Small group cruise
- Departure: Kabatas pier (see location map)
Free cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance
Book Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht by Viator
Book Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht by GetYourGuide
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table
This is one of the best Bosphorus night cruises with dinner and entertainment. Take in sights of the Bosphorus on board a mega yacht. Enjoy the city view with a 3-course meal while you listen to live music and watch stage performances at private tables. You can easily see that this Mega Lufer Yacht sells the most and has over 10,000 five star reviews.
Hotel pickup and drop-off is from Sultanahmet, Taksim, Sirkeci, Sütlüce, Kağıthane, Kabataş, Eminönü, Şişli, Aksaray, Karaköy, Levent and Beyoğlu areas. Please wait in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time.
Book Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table
Discover the Asian Side: Üsküdar and Kadıköy
Cross the Bosphorus to explore Istanbul’s Asian side. In Üsküdar, visit the Maiden’s Tower and enjoy serene walks along the waterfront. Head to Kadıköy for a vibrant atmosphere filled with hip cafes, local markets, and a taste of contemporary Istanbul life.
Princes’ Islands Retreat: Büyükada and Heybeliada
Leave the busy city behind and sail to the peaceful Princes’ Islands. The biggest islands, Büyükada and Heybeliada, are peaceful places to visit with electric vehicle island tours, cute streets, and great views.
Enjoy a bike ride, explore the monasteries, and savor a seafood feast by the sea.
- Rent a bike for an eco-friendly and adventurous island exploration.
- Indulge in fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants for an authentic experience.
Day Tour to Bursa’s Ottoman Heritage – Uludağ Mountain Tour & Cable Car Ride
A day trip to Bursa, the former capital of the Ottoman Empire, is a journey back in time. Explore the UNESCO-listed Bursa Grand Mosque, admire the intricate architecture of the Green Tomb, and savor the city’s famous Iskender kebab. As you stroll through the bazaars and historic streets, you’ll be transported to a bygone era.
Escape to the snowy peaks of Uludağ Mountain, just a ferry ride away from Istanbul. Although winter is around the corner, autumn provides a unique experience here. Take a cable car ride to the summit, where you’ll be greeted by panoramic views of forests and mountains. Enjoy a cup of hot tea at a cozy chalet and savor the crisp mountain air. One of the most attended autumn day trips from Istanbul.
Turkish Hamams: Winter Wellness Retreat
A Turkish bath, or hamam, is a custom that goes back hundreds of years. Winter is the best time to enjoy them. Enjoy the deepest level of rest by taking a hot bath and then getting a massage. Istanbul boasts historic and traditional Turkish bath hamams like Çemberlitaş and Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı.
- Turkish Bath at Cemberlitas Hamam by Getyourguide
- Famous Hurrem Sultan Hamam Experience (on the Sultanahmet Square, on the site of the ancient public baths from 100-200 AD)
- Turkish Bath & Spa at Catma Mescit Hamam (great experience at historical hamam close to Galata Tower)
- Grand Hotel de Pera Turkish Bath (very good one along Istiklal Street)
- Doubletree by Hilton Sirkeci Hotel Turkish Bath (another very good one along Sirkeci)
- Turkish Bath Package at Beyoglu Aga Hamami (very good one too)
Christmas Celebrations in Istanbul
Christmas, also known as the Nativity, Holy Birth, or Feast of the Nativity, marks the celebration of the birth of Jesus in the Christian tradition.
Catholics, Protestants, and Greek Orthodox celebrate on December 25 (Gregorian calendar), but Armenian Orthodox Churches (Apostolic and Evangelical Churches) celebrate on January 6 (Julian calendar), and other Eastern Orthodox Churches celebrate on January 7.
The world’s first known Christmas celebrations took place in Istanbul in 336 AD, as ordered by Emperor Constantine. Therefore, Istanbul is known as the place where Christmas parties began.
On December 24 and 25, Christians in Beyoğlu enjoy Christmas with great joy. Visits to churches, vows, and passionate attendance at services are common. Christians celebrate the birth and baptism of Jesus on January 6.
Special services take place at the Fener Greek Patriarchate, and the Cross Throwing Ceremony unfolds on the waters of the Golden Horn. As the Christmas celebrations take place, Istanbul, with its long past and wide range of cultures, provides a unique and lively background.
Insider Tip: On Christmas Day and evening, some travel agencies organize delightful tours along the road from Taksim to Tünel, visiting all the churches along the way. These tours offer a beautiful experience that includes a festive Christmas dinner followed by attending a Christmas mass. We highly recommend considering joining one of these tours for a memorable celebration. It’s a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit, explore the vibrant atmosphere, and partake in the rich traditions of Christmas in Istanbul.
Istanbul Winter Festivals and Events
Top Venues
You can follow the calendar of exhibitions and events of our pick of top Istanbul venues from below.
- Istanbul Museum of Modern Art in Beyoglu (art, exhibition, film)
- Pera Museum in Taksim (art, exhibition, film)
- Sakip Sabanci Museum in Emirgan (art, exhibition, film)
- Salon IKSV in Beyoglu (concert)
- Bomontiada in Sisli (concert, theater)
- Akbank Sanat in Taksim (art, exhibition, film, concert)
- Zorlu PSM in Besiktas (concert, musical)
Whirling Dervishes Show
Whirling Dervishes Show is one of the most visited Istanbul attractions with the tourists. It is because that this ceremony is a very unusual event for the tourists and when they hear about it, majority of them try to catch this one hour show and witness the miracle of the whirling dervishes.
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?
Winter Festivals: Celebrate the Season
Istanbul hosts various winter festivals, bringing the city to life with music, art, and cultural events. Keep an eye out for the Istanbul International Short Film Festival, which often takes place in December, offering a cinematic journey.
Istanbul International Gastronomy Festival (annual, December)
Istanbul’s International Gastronomy Festival is 3 days long festival for gastronomy and world cuisine lovers, organized by Cooks and Chefs Federation of Turkey, at the Eyup Culture & Art Center in the Eyup district of Istanbul. It is also a joint organization with the World Association of Chef Societies (WACS).
Visitors may find and taste world’s different tastes together with Turkish cuisine. It also offers a competition by bringing new chefs in gastronomy as well as chefs from around the world and Turkey, about more than 2000 chefs from 30 countries. More information on istanbulgastronomyfestival.com/en/
New Year’s Eve 2023 (annual, 31st of December)
Like in all major cities in the world, the new year celebrations in Istanbul is also fantastic that the city becomes very lively and colorful with variety of celebrations, fireworks, parties and more.
Both locals and tourists welcome the new year by participating the celebrations at the tourist zones, neighborhoods or squares, or on a memorable dinner, Bosphorus cruise or night out. Continue reading…
Akbank Short Film Festival (annual, March)
Akbank’s Short Film Festival is a 10 days long film festival, organized by Akbank Sanat (Art). At this one of the leading arts and culture events in Istanbul in March.
The aim of the festival is to encourage short film production, to deliver these short films to the audiences, to support new filmmakers and to champion short film internationally, by providing a debate platform and establishing a festival atmosphere for cinema-lovers for FREE.
Other highlights include various workshops, interviews, master classes and experience-sharing platform between cinema professionals and visitors. The Festival takes place at the Akbank Sanat Art Venue, in the Beyoglu district. More information on www.akbanksanat.com/en
Venture into the Optical Illusion World at the Museum of Illusions
Interactive exhibits and optical illusions await at Museum of Illusions, perfect for a family outing.