Istanbul in April 2024 (Top 10 Things to Do & See, Festivals)

Finally the sunny days and spring in Istanbul, longer and warmer days. April is the liveliest month in Istanbul as the winter ended and people take them out for parks, gardens, excursion, festivals, events, and with an average temperature of 16°C and precipitation 46 mm. The temperature gradually rises through the month.

City Life & Weather

The city becomes lively on the shore, outdoor cafes and terrace bars, enjoying the weather, parades and festivals. Great for strolling and exploring in the city. We recommend you to take the most attractions in the weekdays as locals go out for sightseeing in the weekends. There will be lots of music concerts, festivals and art exhibitions in Istanbul in April, so you should keep your eye on them as well.

The sun is mild, the weather has cooled down but still it is not time for summer dressings. You can enjoy sunny and clear days. But April also has rainfall mostly in the afternoons. We recommend you to bring shorts, dresses, t-shirts for warm afternoons, long pants for cooler nights and light coat in case of rainfalls.

The days are longer enough, the sun set around 19:20. (Average Max Temp.: 16°C – Average Max Temp.: 8°C)

Public holidays, Festivals & Events

• Istanbul Tulip Festival (April, in Emirgan Park)
• Istanbul International Film Festival (film, April)
• National Sovereignty and Children’s Day (National holiday) (23rd of April)

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)

Istanbul’s April Top 10 Attractions

Things to do in Istanbul are endless and it is not possible to mention all the best attractions in Istanbul. We just put together below the most fascinating ones that best suit for April. We also recommend you check out our Istanbul attractions opening hours & admissions, one day Istanbul itinerary or 3 day Istanbul itinerary to have a better idea before you plan your days in Istanbul.

1. Historic Day Out in Sultanahmet

For the ones who are a true enthusiast of history and want to see the city’s historic sites, we highly recommend you to visit and see Sultanahmet neighborhood. It is the best way to get the most out of the city’s sights, sounds, and scents.

Sultanahmet hosts about all of the most visited historical and tourist sites in Istanbul, such as the Sultanahmet Square (Hippodrome), Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Istanbul Archaeology Museums and Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts are situated here and all can be explored by walking.

Explore Hagia Sophia

Located in the Sultanahmet neighborhood, Hagia Sophia is a former church and museum, now a mosque. It is one of the world’s greatest architectural works and accepted as the 8th wonder of the world, experience the history in the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires.

It’s like stepping into the holy world of Christianity and Islam, merged on the shell-like apse and under an impressive dome, in a mysterious and mystical ambiance, and a wide range of architectural and art works coming from thousands of years. Such as the golden Christian mosaics and colorful frescoes from the Byzantine era.

Tips:

• Visit early in the morning to avoid long queues.
• Dress modestly and be respectful of the mosque’s customs.

We recommend the below ticket options for the great value for money.

Wanna learn more about Hagia Sophia?

Take a walk along the Historic Sultanahmet Square

Sultanahmet Square is the heart of Istanbul’s historic district, home to some of the city’s most famous landmarks. Stroll through the square to witness the majesty of the Blue Mosque, the grandeur of the Hagia Sophia, and the captivating allure of the Hippodrome.

Visit Topkapi Palace Museum

Topkapi Palace is a magnificent oriental palace and one of world’s richest museums that is situated on a triangular promontory dominating the Bosphorus & Golden Horn.

This is a magnificent oriental palace and one of the world’s greatest architectural works. Once a residence of the Ottoman Sultans, it is also one of world’s richest museums.

It was the residence of the Ottoman Sultans from 15th century to mid-19th century. It has four courtyards, terraces with astonishing views, as well as precious collections, one of the top tourist attractions in the city.

It houses the finest samples of seal, book binding, jewelry and box craftsmanship as well as inscriptions, as well as the finest collection of Chinese porcelain in the world.

Tips:

• Allow several hours for your visit to fully appreciate the palace.
• Don’t miss the breathtaking views from the palace terraces.

We recommend the below ticket options for the great value for money.

Wanna learn more about Topkapi Palace?

Explore the famous Basilica Cistern

Basilica Cistern Museum is one of the most impressive and mystical buildings in the city. The two Medusa Heads, which are used as supports under the two columns at the northwest edge of the cistern, take the most interest and attracts the visitors.

The cistern is a very quiet and peaceful place conveyed by the columns through impressive arches.

Tips:

• Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
• Capture the atmospheric reflections on the water’s surface.

We recommend the below ticket options for the great value for money.

Wanna learn more about Basilica Cistern?

We highly recommend you to visit and see all these three museums at once. It would take about 3 hours total. And you should get Skip-the-line-tickets to save yourself from the long queues.

Combo Tickets: Hagia Sophia + Topkapi Palace + Basilica Cistern

This is a great combo ticket. Our favorite. You can visit the above top 3 most visited sights in Sultanahmet with this combo ticket, with skip the lines access. Great value for money. Book your tickets online in advance as they are selling out quickly.

Buy Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace & Basilica Cistern Combo Ticket

Click the red button to buy Combo online tickets and skip the lines.

Explore Sultanahmet

2. Enjoy the International Film Festival

Istanbul’s International Film Festival is 12 days long film festival, organized by Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV). You can discover and enjoy remarkable local and international films in competition, at the several culture centers and cinemas in the Beyoglu and Kadikoy districts. Other highlights include, various activities and workshops throughout the city. More information on film.iksv.org/en

3. Take a Bosphorus Cruise

Bosphorus cruise is a popular, unique and fantastic forms of entertainment and sightseeing during your Istanbul stay. It is also one of the best ways to discover and enjoy the most beautiful sights and sounds of the city over the sea.

You’ll be able to explore the city at your own pace on board of the boat, and enjoy all the famous landmarks on the Boshphorus such as Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, Maiden’s Tower and the Bosphorus Bridge.

And especially if you take the Bosphorus dinner cruise, or Sunset cruise, you will be mesmerized with the historical monuments that are lit up

We recommend the below ticket options for the great value for money.

1. Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table (the best dinner cruise, over 12.000 reviews, check them and enjoy)
2. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht 1 (the best sunset, on yacht, don't miss)
3. Bosphorus on Yacht Cruise with Stopover on Asian Side (great with stopover at Kanlica, we highly recommend)
4. Sunset or Daytime Yacht Tour w/AudioGuide & Snacks (superb yacht cruise)
5. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht 2 (another great sunset, on yacht, don't miss)
6. Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show (superb dinner cruise on a catamaran, don't miss!)
7. All Inclusive Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Private Table (great dinner cruise, check it out)
8. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht 3 (superb sunset, on yacht, don't miss)
9. Maiden's Tower Ticket w/ Transfer & Audio Guide (cheapest price, the only Maiden's Tower fast track entry online ticket)

Wanna learn more about Bosphorus Cruises?

4. Tour city on Double Decker 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.

The city 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.

We recommend the below ticket options for the great value for money.

1. Hop On Hop Off Istanbul (best price, audio guide will lead you for all)
2. 1-Day Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour with Commentary (top selling one)
3. 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket and Scenic Cruise (combo – good for both bus and cruise trip)
4. Two Continents Evening Bus Tour with Commentary (evening bus tour is also fantastic)

Wanna learn more about Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off Bus?

5. Enjoy the Tulip Festival (annual, last 3 weeks of April)

Tulips are very important for the Ottoman Empire and Turkish culture. And to celebrate both spring and this fact, this annual festival takes place at the city’s most famous parks, such as the Gulhane Park in Sirkeci, Sultanahmet Square in Sultanahmet, Yildiz Park in Besiktas, Emirgan Park in Emirgan in the European side, and Fethi Pasa Grove and Camlica Hill in Uskudar, Cubuklu Hidiv Grove in Cubuklu and Beykoz Park in Beykoz in the Asian side.

This is a free festival and visitors may enjoy billions of tulips in 120 different types that blossoms in April, as well as several culture and art activities that are organized in the Emirgan Park and Sultanahmet Square. There is also a tulip photo contest and the winners are awarded.

6. Explore the city’s popular sights on bike

Being outdoors and touring the popular tourist spots on bike is definitely a great attraction. Wind through the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sultanahmet. Explore the Golden Horn, the hub of culture and entertainment in the Beyoglu district. Navigate the maze of vendors selling Turkish rugs, spices and lamps in the Grand Bazaar. Marvel at the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia.

Wanna learn more about Istanbul on bike and best bike tours?

7. Mystical night out with 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?

8. Visit Ortakoy and eat baked potatoes by the Bosphorus

Ortakoy is a popular, lively and attractive neighborhood of Besiktas, located just by the Bosphorus and under the Bosphorus Bridge. Strolling around the Ortakoy Sqaure, watching the crowd, having a rest and drinking tea or coffee at the various cafes and restaurants by the Bosphorus are top attractions here.

The lively nights at the weekends are also fantastic. Many locals prefer to buy baked potatoes and enjoy it by the beautiful views of the Bosphorus. Continue reading…

9. Enjoy the lively atmosphere at Istiklal Street

Istiklal Street is probably the most famous street and entertainment area of the city. It is a long colorful pedestrian street full of all kind of shops, restaurants, cafes and street shows. You can visit the fantastic Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, the amazing St. Anthony of Padua Church and Pera Museum there.

In between strolling the Istiklal Street and enjoying the lively atmosphere, you can have a lunch/dinner/snack in one of the pretty restaurants along the way.

Wanna learn more about Istiklal Street?

10. Enjoy Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Entertainment

This is one of the best Bosphorus night cruises with dinner and entertainment. Also one of the most attended ones. Take in sights of the Bosphorus on board a Mega Lufer Yacht. Enjoy the city view with a 3-course meal while you listen to live music and watch stage performances at private tables. It has excellent number of over 11000 and 5/5 reviews on GetYourGuide.

• Yacht cruise with onboard Wi-Fi
• Dinner (9 types of mixed Turkish appetizers, hot starter, main course, dessert, and fruit)
• Unlimited soft drinks
• Live entertainment program
• Alcoholic drinks (if option selected), Turkish coffee and tea
• Private table
• Hotel pickup and drop-off is from Sultanahmet, Taksim, Sirkeci, Sütlüce, Kağıthane, Kabataş, Eminönü, Şişli, Aksaray, Karaköy, Levent and Beyoğlu areas.

You can easily see that this Mega Lufer Yacht sells the most and has over 10,000 five star reviews.

You can use public transport to come to the boat. The pier is located in Kabatas, about 5 minutes walking distance from Galataport and Dolmabahce Palace. If you take the F1 Funicular from Taksim, you can reach Kabatas in 5-10 minutes. You can come to Kabatas by T1 tram from Sultanahmet, Eminonu or Karakoy. Pier location Google Maps

If you choose hotel pickup, you can be picked up and dropped off from various locations, such as Sultanahmet, Taksim, Sirkeci, Sütlüce, Kağıthane, Kabataş, Eminönü, Şişli, Aksaray, Karaköy, Levent and Beyoğlu. You should wait in the hotel lobby at least 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time. The pickup service starts between 30 to 90 minutes before the boat departure.

Free cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance

Book Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table by Getyourguide

Book Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table by Viator

Wanna learn more about Bosphorus Dinner Cruise?