May can be considered as the unofficial start of the summer in Istanbul, and with an average temperature of 20°C and precipitation 34 mm. May is great for city sightseeing and museum hopping, staying outdoors, and a good month for some popular festivals and events.
City Life & Weather
You can enjoy sunny and clear days. We recommend you to bring shorts, dresses, t-shirts for warm afternoons. Also take long pants for some cooler nights, and umbrella just in case.
The days are started to get longer than the winter months, the sun set around 20:15. (Average Max Temp.: 20°C – Average Max Temp.: 12°C)
Public holidays, Festivals & Events
- Labor and Solidarity Day (National holiday – 01 May)
- Commemoration of Ataturk, Youth & Sports Day (National holiday – 19 May)
- International Istanbul Theater Festival (May-June, biennial)
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 May 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 May. 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.
- Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Ticket & Museum Option (fastest option and cheapest price on net from the official seller)
- Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Ticket with Audio Tour (again fastest option and one of the best)
- Combo: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Tour (a superb one, one of the best)
- Combo: Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern & Hagia Sophia Tour (one of the best)
- Combo Ticket & Tour (all in one - Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace & Basilica Cistern, our favorite, no need to look for else, trust us)
No Regrets Booking Advice
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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.
- Topkapi Palace & Harem Museum Ticket & Audio Guide (one of the best one and number1 selling ticket)
- Topkapi Palace & Harem Guided Tour with Skip-the-line Entry Ticket (again one of the best and cheapest price on net)
- Combo Ticket & Tour (all top-3 one - Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace & Basilica Cistern, our favorite, no need to look for else, trust us)
- Istanbul Must See Highlights Tour (another combo with Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque & Bosphorus Cruise)
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.
- Basilica Cistern Tour and Skip The Line with Guide (quick entrance + one of the best ones with guide)
- Basilica Cistern Fast-Track Entry w/ Audio Guide (again one of the best)
- Basilica Cistern Skip the Line Tickets + Tour (quick entrance + 30 mins. with guide)
- Combo Ticket & Tour (all top-3 one - Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace & Basilica Cistern, our favorite, no need to look for else)
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.
2. 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.
- 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)
- 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?
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.
- Hop On Hop Off Istanbul (best price, audio guide will lead you for all)
- 1-Day Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour with Commentary (top selling one)
- 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket and Scenic Cruise (combo – good for both bus and cruise trip)
- Two Continents Evening Bus Tour with Commentary (evening bus tour is also fantastic)
Wanna learn more about Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off Bus?
4. 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
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5. 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?
6. 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.
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.
- Round-Trip Ticket for Princes’ Island Ferry & Audio Guide
- Princes’ Islands Cruise w/Music, Lunch & Transfer
- Full-Day Princes Island Tour with Lunch from Istanbul
Wanna learn more about Princes’ Islands?
7. 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?
8. Get Lost in the Grand Bazaar
Grand Bazaar – A Shopper’s Paradise, with its labyrinthine alleys and over 4,000 shops, beckons for exploration.
You are able to find about anything here in Grand Bazaar from the finest silky shawls and scarves in traditional patterns to traditional items, from antiques, leather goods, ceramics to the famous carpets, from spices, beautiful handicrafts to gold and jewelry.
Wanna learn more about Grand Bazaar?
9. Fun day out at the Istanbul’s Theme Parks
Istanbul offers great theme parks ranging from huge ones with variety of great thrills and rides to aquariums, dolphinariums, themed museums and more. Amusement and theme parks are not only the places for fun, but also great places for your kids’ learning and imagination development.
We recommend you to visit the Vialand (formerly Isfanbul), Istanbul Aquarium, Aquarium Sea Life Istanbul and Istanbul LEGOLAND Discovery Center.
Wanna learn more about Istanbul’s popular theme parks?
10. Enjoy Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Entertainment
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.
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
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