July is the hottest month in Istanbul, together with August and with an average temperature of 28°C and precipitation 34 mm. July can be hot and muggy, though it is the best time for spending your days in the beaches and outdoors. The extra humidity can make the temperature seem even hotter.

City Life & Weather

You can enjoy very sunny and clear days. is also time for outdoor concerts, parades, and variety of music concerts and festivals. The city is very crowded and busy with the tourists and with the locals in all around. We recommend you to bring summer clothing, shorts, dresses, t-shirts, beachwear, sandals for hot days and nights.

The days are started to get little shorter but still very long, the sun set around 20:25. (Average Max Temp.: 28°C – Average Max Temp.: 20°C)

Public holidays, Festivals & Events

• Istanbul International Jazz Festival (caz.iksv.org/en)
• Democracy & National Solidarity Day (National Holiday – 15 July 2024)
• Electronica Festival Istanbul (music festival, electronicafest.com)
• One Love Festival (music festival, www.oneloveistanbul.com/en, Tickets)
• Bosphorus Cross Continental Swim Race (bogazici.olimpiyatkomitesi.org.tr)

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 July 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 July. 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. Visit Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace & Basilica Cistern Trio

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?

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.
Our website visitors will get 5% extra discount.

2. Enjoy Istanbul’s International Jazz Festival

Istanbul’s International Jazz Festival is a 3 weeks long music festival, organized by IKSV. You can enjoy a showcase of the leading international jazz, soul and blues artists in the city, at the several great venues. We highly recommend you to take part in the night out jazz parties, jazz boat and FREE jazz in the park concerts.

3. 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?

4. A fun beach day out at Istanbul’s beaches

During the hot summer days, you can enjoy and lounge in the sun, swim in the sea and sip cocktails, and after dark, you can enjoy the beach clubbing atmosphere at the beach clubs and beach bars on the popular Istanbul beaches. Continue reading…

5. A fantastic day out at the Princes’ Islands

Escape the city’s hustle and bustle with a day trip to the Princes’ Islands. These serene islands, including Büyükada and Heybeliada, offer a tranquil retreat where horse-drawn carriages replace electric vehicles, and lush landscapes invite exploration.

Once was the pleasure island of Byzantine Princes, and with its stunning pinewood scenery, the Princes’ Islands are one of the best preserved natural areas and sights in Istanbul. It is one of the best attractions and weekend breaks in Istanbul both for locals and tourists.

You can take a 1 hour cruise to the islands, have a great day out by full tour of the island on the horse-drawn carriage, rest in a cafe by the sea, a lunch at a local fish restaurant. Or you can have a romantic overnight stay in one of the pretty hotels on the island.

Pro Tips:

• Rent a bike or take a leisurely stroll to explore the islands.
• Enjoy a seafood feast at a waterfront restaurant.

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

1. Round-Trip Ticket for Princes’ Island Ferry & Audio Guide
2. Princes’ Islands Cruise w/Music, Lunch & Transfer
3. Full-Day Princes Island Tour with Lunch from Istanbul

Wanna learn more about Princes’ Islands?

6. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on a Private Yacht

A Bosphorus Sunset Cruise is a breathtaking boat ride along stunning Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul before sunset. It is one of the most attended Bosphorus cruises in Istanbul. You are able to experience the fantastic change of the cityscape as the sun goes down,  that will give you the famous sites a warm, golden glow.

During the cruise, you’ll just sit back and unwind as you enjoy a cup of tea, coffee or enjoy sipping an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage or cocktail. A comfortable option than the Bosphorus day cruises, especially during hot these summer days. Don’t be afraid with the pricing that there are yachts for every budget.

Departure: Kabatas pier (see location map)

Book Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht by Viator

Book Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht by GetYourGuide

We also recommend the below options for the best experiences.

1. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht
2. Sunset Yacht Tour w/AudioGuide & Snacks
3. Sunset Cruise on a Luxury Yacht
4. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on a Luxurious Yacht
5. Bosphorus Cruise w/Audio Guide and Sunset Option
6. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise with Live Guide and Drinks
7. Luxurious Yacht Cruise with Live Guide on the Bosphorus
8. Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht - Guided Group Cruise
9. Golden Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht in Istanbul Bosphorus

Wanna learn more about Bosphorus Sunset Cruises?

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 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?

10. A fun day out at Vialand

Vialand (formerly Isfanbul) is one of the best theme parks in Istanbul, as well as in Europe and offers great attractions for both kids and adults. What makes Vialand amazing is that it is not only a theme and amusement park, but also a huge complex that combines theme park, shopping, entertainment and exhibition centers in one place.

You can enjoy  the spectacular and magical world of Vialand Theme Park with your family and friends. Have fun on the world’s 4th biggest roller-coaster, as well variety of great rides and thrills. You can also have some leisure time to explore the shopping mall of the park.

Below are the online tickets that you can buy directly from the Venue. No agencies!

1. VIALAND Theme Park Tickets and Package Options
2. Vialand Theme Park Tickets with Package Options

Wanna learn more about Vialand Theme Park?