Istanbul in June 2020 (Top 10 Things to Do & See, Weather, Festivals)

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June is the official start of the summer in Istanbul, and with an average temperature of 26°C and precipitation 36 mm. June is also a great month for city sightseeing, outdoors activities, and a good month for some popular festivals and events.


City Life & Weather

You can enjoy sunny and clear days. Rain is very less. We recommend you to bring summer clothing, shorts, dresses, t-shirts for warm afternoons and nights. Also take long pants for some cooler nights.

The days are longer, the sun set around 20:40. (Average Max Temp.: 25°C – Average Max Temp.: 17°C)

Public holidays, Festivals & Events

Top Venues

You can follow the calendar of exhibitions and events of our pick of top Istanbul venues from below.

Istanbul’s June 2020 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 June.

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

Istanbul in June 2020 (Top 10 Things to Do & See, Weather, Festivals)

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. Continue reading…

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

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 June’s Top Music Festivals

Istanbul International Music Festival (2020 dates not announced yet)

Istanbul in June 2020 (Top 10 Things to Do & See, Weather, Festivals)Istanbul’s International Music Festival is about 3 weeks long music festival, organized by IKSV. At this top music festival, you can enjoy remarkable performances of the leading international and local artists, as well as classical music performances inc. Philharmonic Orchestras, baroque music inc. Bach, Vivaldi and Handel and many others, at the several great historical venues such as Hagia Irene Museum, Sureyya Opera House, Rahmi Koc Museum and more. More information on muzik.iksv.org/en


Chill-Out Festival Istanbul (2020 dates not announced yet)

Istanbul in June 2020 (Top 10 Things to Do & See, Weather, Festivals)Istanbul’s Chill-Out Festival is 2 days long dance, electronic and pop festival, held at Garden Fiesta, located in the Sariyer district. Chill-Out festival is Turkey’s leading music festival, you can enjoy the the refined style of Lounge FM 96 to life with its lovely ambiance, elaborate musical selection of artists focusing on different genres, stages of various concepts, joyful activities, workshops and delicious catering alternatives. The Chill-Out Festival also take place in Bodrum and Cesme. More information on www.chilloutfest.com

3. Take a Bosphorus Cruise / Boat Tour

Istanbul in June 2020 (Top 10 Things to Do & See, Weather, Festivals)

This 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. Typical Bosphorus Cruise start from the Eminonu pier in every hour.

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.

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

Wanna learn more about Bosphorus Cruise?

4. Tour city on Double Decker Tourist Bus

Istanbul in June 2020 (Top 10 Things to Do & See, Weather, Festivals)

The Big Bus Istanbul hop on hop off tour provides service to 19 stops and at least 46 attractions (28 landmarks, 15 attractions and 3 shopping places) on two lines on just one ticket. 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. It drives through the popular sights along the interesting and different districts and neighborhoods of Istanbul and offers informative pre-recorded commentary that is available in 8 languages.

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.

Book Your Big Bus City Sightseeing Tour

There are many channels to buy Big Bus ticket online, including their own website. Get Your Guide sells the cheapest ticket on the market. Buying their ticket online will guarantee your seat and be cheaper. Just click the red button above to buy your Big Bus ticket online.

Wanna learn more about Big Bus Istanbul City Sightseeing Bus?

5. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on a Private Yacht

Istanbul in June 2020 (Top 10 Things to Do & See, Weather, Festivals)

You can enjoy an exclusive sightseeing experience on the Bosphorus from the private deck of your yacht on a 2 to 3 hours private cruise past some of Istanbul’s most famous sites. You’ll admire the beautiful scenery with 360 degree views from the spacious upper fly-bridge, or enjoy relaxing in comfort on the sun deck or in the comfortable outdoor and indoor lounges.

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.

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

6. Mystical night out with Whirling Dervishes Show

Istanbul in June 2020 (Top 10 Things to Do & See, Weather, Festivals)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?

7. Enjoy Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Entertainment

Istanbul in June 2020 (Top 10 Things to Do & See, Weather, Festivals)

This is one of the most popular night time entertainments in the city. Mostly preferred with the tourists who want to experience a unique attraction specific to Istanbul. Typical dinner cruises start from the Kabatas pier daily at about 20:00 pm and goes for about 3 hours.

While you cruise along Bosphorus and enjoy your meal, you’ll be entertained by traditional belly dancing, oriental show, a henna ceremony, a Romany dance, folk dancing, a live DJ, etc. You’ll be able to see city’s historical sites, including Ottoman palaces, and stunning bridges illuminated by night.

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

Wanna learn more about Bosphorus Dinner Cruise?

8. A fun day out at the Isfanbul Theme Park

Istanbul in June 2020 (Top 10 Things to Do & See, Weather, Festivals)Isfanbul (formerly Vialand) 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 Isfanbul 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 Isfanbul 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.

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

Wanna learn more about Isfanbul Theme Park?

9. Visit Miniaturk, Miniature Turkey Open Air Museum

Istanbul in June 2020 (Top 10 Things to Do & See, Weather, Festivals)A fantastic open air museum that showcases the miniature form of the greatest landmarks and architectural monuments of Turkey. You’ll see the miniature form of Turkey’s popular landmarks and monuments, in the 1/25 of their real sizes. The museum also houses the Istanbul Crystal Museum and Panorama Victory Museum. A great place to take kids.

Wanna learn more about Miniaturk Museum?

10. A fantastic day out at the Princes’ Islands

Istanbul in June 2020 (Top 10 Things to Do & See, Weather, Festivals)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.

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

Wanna learn more about Princes’ Islands?

Insider Tips for First Time Visitors

* For time visitors to Istanbul should check and well plan the area to stay, best time to visit the city, best places to see and top attractions, how to save money, where to go for eating and shopping, airport transfer and public transportation, etc. to make the most of their Istanbul visit easy, budget, convenient, and safe.

* We recommend you to have some essential information first, before arriving Istanbul. Make sure you read our pages below. * You can explore the majority of the sights and sounds of the city on foot. You will mostly need to take a tram as for transportation in between old and modern city.

* So get an IstanbulKart as you can have access all the public transportation network of Istanbul. One ride is only 3,5 TL (about €0,5), and you can obtain this card (with 6 TL initial fee) at the ticket machines at any tram station.

* There are also guided tours with professional local guides that you can save yourself from the beggars, and people coming beside and ask for helping with guidance around or for money.

* And with a guide you will learn each detail and story, and have a detailed look at the architecture, mosaics, construction, galleries of the sights coming from the thousands of years.

* You can general admission tickets at ticket windows on location but it will cost you about at least 1 to 2 hours waiting in the line. And this will effect your future sightseeing calendar.

* We recommend you buy your attraction tickets online. This is by far the easiest and great value for money.

* Below, you’ll find our pick of the best and great value for money discount cards, and attraction tickets. You can be sure that we only suggest the proven and top rated ones with travelers’ comments. Our website visitors will also get extra 5% discount in some of the tours and tickets.

Tourist Discount Cards & Tickets Advice

Istanbul has several tourist discount cards. You'll have access to variety of major Istanbul attractions and services with a fixed price and save a lot. This is by far the most practical and cheapest way to explore Istanbul, as well as get airport transfer, public transportation card, unlimited internet, etc. Below you can see our recommendations. There is also Museum Pass for museum lovers.

Istanbul Welcome Card Deluxe

The is an innovative city pass. It includes fast track entry to 12 museums (Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Harem, Basilica Cistern, etc), 3 tours with historian guide, 20 rides with public transportation (IstanbulKart), Bosphorus Cruise and digital guide book and city map. It also offers 20% discounts at the most important Istanbul attractions on their shop. With this card you’ll skip the long ticket lines and not have to pick anything up.

Buy Istanbul Welcome Card Deluxe

Our website visitors will get 5% extra discount.

Istanbul Welcome Card Premium

Valid for 7 days, free delivery to your hotel/airport pick-up and includes; Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace fast track entry tickets with 30 minutes guidance and Audio Guide App in 10 languages, Istanbulkart with 10 Rides, Bosphours Cruise (1,5 hours), Digital Guide Book and City Map.

Buy Istanbul Welcome Card Premium

Our website visitors will get 5% extra discount.

Combo Tickets for Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace & Basilica Cistern

Valid for 3 days, digital pass, no need a printed ticket, guidance service with certified guides.

Buy Combo Tickets

Our website visitors will get 5% extra discount.

Istanbul Tourist Pass

This is a digital travel discount pass that is delivered to your phone upon your purchase online, and will be ready to use at your arrival. It includes 30+ attractions and services including skip the line access and guided museum tours, dinner cruise, hop-on & hop-off Bus, airport transfer, unlimited mobile internet, etc.

Buy Your Istanbul Tourist Pass

Guided Istanbul Highlights Tours Advice

We recommend this kind of tours, especially for first time visitors. You are able to make the most of the city's sights and sounds with a private guide and save yourself from the hassle of making an ideal one day to 3 days plan. All will be made by professionals and you'll get skip the lines tickets, as well as pick-up and drop-off hotel transfer.

Highlights of Istanbul: 1 or 2-Day Private Guided Tour

This is Get Your Guide's top selling and certified tour, which means it has gained one of the best traveler experiences.

You'll discover the magic of Istanbul on a private 1 or 2-day walking tour with skip the line tickets. Enjoy a river cruise and guided tour of the city highlights, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Dolmabahce Palace, and Istiklal Street.

Duration: 7 hours - 2 days
Live tour guide: English, Spanish, German, Japanese
Pick-up from the front desk of your hotel in Istanbul

Book Highlights of Istanbul Guided Tour

Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Tour

This is also Get Your Guide's top selling tour. Has great traveler ratings and comments.

You'll see the sights of Istanbul that most interest you on a customized tour with private guide. Marvel at some of the city's most significant sights including Topkapi Palace, Chora Church, Basilica Cistern, Fener-Balat neighboorhood, and many more.

Duration: 7 hours - 3 days
Live tour guide: Spanish, English, French, German, Italian
Pickup is available from centrally-located hotels in Istanbul, by your guide on foot.

Book Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Guided Tour

Istanbul in One Day Highlights Tour

This is our collaborator Istanbul Welcome Card, providing in-depth guided tours in English to Istanbul's most visited attractions. Has great traveler ratings and comments.

You'll visit the iconic sites such as the Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Spice Bazaar, Topkapi Palace and Harem, learn the highlights of Istanbul from a local guide and discover the historical peninsula and learn the whole story of Istanbul.

Your local guide picks you up at 09:00 from your Hotel in Sultanahmet or Taksim area and together you will start discovering the city like a local with public transportation.

A 6-7 hours tour. A great value for money. You can cancel the reservation free of charge 14 days before departure.

Book Your Istanbul in One Day Highlights Tour

WiFi, Internet & SIM Card Advice

If you will stay in Istanbul for at least 1 week, 10 days or more, and need to make and receive local calls, than you can buy Turkey SIM cards.

TURISTCELL Prepaid SIM (Free Airport or Hotel Delivery, 15 GB Data, 4G Internet Service, 1000 Min. International Calls, Free Unlimited Local Calls, 100 SMS, Internet access all over Turkey) seems to be by far the most easy and convenient option for you to have data and communication with good value of money.

Order Your Turkey PrePaid SIM Card

Wanna learn more on Turkey SIM Card?

If you only need internet/data, no need for calls, than we don’t recommend buying Turkey SIM card, we recommend Pocket WiFi for Istanbul. And with pocket WiFi, you can also make and receive voice calls from Whatsapp or Skype.

Pocket WiFi, is a portable and high-speed small device that enables you to make and receive voice calls worldwide, so that you won’t need to purchase a local SIM or open your phone to roaming.

The device has unlimited 4G internet that will let you stay connected anywhere you travel in Turkey. You’ll also be able to share this high-speed and secure connection with up to 10 mobile devices (your laptop, phone, etc.) or friends at the same time.

Check out & Buy Your Pocket WiFi

Wanna learn more about Pocket WiFi?

Airport Transfers Advice

Istanbul has two international airports. You'll find all the transportation opportunities such as Airport Shuttle, Metro, Train, Taxi, Private Shuttle, etc. from the airports to the city center and vice versa from our pages below. Istanbul's both airports are located about 45 km. from the city center. You can take a 1 hour taxi for about €30, 1,5 hours HAVAIST Airport Shuttle for 18 TL (about €2,7), 1 hour shared shuttle for about €15 or 1 hour private shuttle for about €40. There are No direct metro lines to the airports.

Shared Shuttles

This is by far the most convenient, budget friendly, safe, fast and cozy ways to get to your hotel from the airports with comfortable vans and minibuses. It is a one way airport to hotel service.

With a shared transfer, you'll reach your hotel in a van or minibus with other people who have similar arrival time. All travelers will be dropped off one after the other regarding the location of their hotels.

This is much cheaper than a private shuttle transfer, but note that it can involve a waiting time at the airport about 5 minutes to maximum 45 minutes.

Departure Times: in every 30 minutes (high season), every 60 minutes (low season).

Book New Istanbul Airport Shared Shuttle Transfer

Book Sabiha Gokcen Airport Shared Shuttle Transfer

Our website visitors will get 5% extra discount.

Private Shuttles

If you are a group or a family with kids or having lots of luggage with you, than we highly recommend you to take private shuttle transfers for your hotel as they offer a fixed rate, comfortable and safe transfer that include meet-and-greet airport pickups and luggage assistance to your hotel from the airports or vice versa.

This is a good option as while the Airport Shuttles or Public Buses will bring you only to the city center and you’ll need to take a taxi to reach your hotel which will seem to be harder for you, private shuttles will drive you just to the entrance of your hotel.

As for private shuttle transfers, we can recommend Kiwi Taxi as we recently tested them and had a great trip to our hotel. We didn't see any bad comments on internet. They have large selection of comfortable taxis, minivans, luxurious cars and 6-19+ passenger minibuses.

You can check and book your transfer from the below red buttons.

Book New Istanbul Airport Private Shuttle Transfer

Book Sabiha Gokcen Airport Private Shuttle Transfer

We'd be so glad by giving us a like below and join our Facebook page, where you can also ask any questions, share your Istanbul experiences, pictures, yell out complaints, and chat with thousands of Istanbul travelers.


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