The Best Things to Do in Istanbul in the Winter

The Best Things to Do in Istanbul in the Winter

The winter is not the preferred travel season for most people. However, we love it! There are fewer tourists, smaller crowds and cheaper flights and accommodation. Recently, we visited Turkey’s largest city in February and had the best experience! In this post we will share the very best things to do in Istanbul in the winter and why we think it’s an amazing time to visit.

Where is Istanbul?

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey with a population of nearly 16 million people. It sits on the border of the geographical continents of Europe and Asia with parts of the city on each. Istanbul grew up around the Bosporus River and the city was previously known as Constantinople.

How to Get There

There is a huge airport located outside of Istanbul. Flights from all over the world arrive and depart from here. The border with Bulgaria and Greece is not far from Istanbul and land travel from these countries is possible.

Things to Do in Istanbul in the Winter

Don’t let the cooler climate put you off. Without the crowds, you will have more time to see more amazing sites. Here are some of the best things to do in Istanbul in the winter.

Visit the Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque

Probably one of the most famous mosques in the world! The Hagia Sophia was originally built as a church in 537 by the Romans. Originally called the Church of Holy wisdom, the minarets were added in the 15th and 16th centuries when the Ottomans converted it into a mosque. It remained this way until 1935 when it became a museum but was reconverted into a mosque in 2020.  

Address: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Just across from Hagia Sophia is the impressive Blue Mosque. This is definitely one of the best Mosques to visit in Istanbul and should not be missed. It is also one of the oldest and was completed way back in 1616. Many of the current mosque buildings are older but they were not constructed as mosques originally. They have been converted over time – mostly by the Ottomans.

Address: Sultan Ahmet, Atmeydanı Cd. No:7, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Things to Do in Istanbul in the Winter – Explore Topkapi Palace

This exceptional Palace sits just behind the Hagia Sofia. It is definitely one of the best things to do in Istanbul in the Winter. There is so much to see within the walls and so much history to learn about. The entry fee is quite steep (320 Turkish Liras) but you will get your money’s worth.

Address: Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Discover the Ancient Basilica Cistern

Built in 523, this Roman structure provided a water filtration system for the nearby buildings. The sub terranean columns and carvings are really fun to explore while you leave the wintery weather above ground.

Please note, this is temporary closed for restoration.

Take a Shopping Trip

There are loads of shopping opportunities in this vibrant city. When the weather turns cooler, head indoors and get some retail therapy. Shopping is one of the best things to do in Istanbul in the winter.

The Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is a treat for the senses! With hundreds of stalls selling everything from spices to jewellery to traditional coffee sets. Spend some time browsing the goods on a winters day is a real treat.

Beyazıt, Kalpakçılar Cd. No:22, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

The Spice Bazaar

Also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, this is a foodie heaven. Middle Eastern cooking is known for its aromatic spices and here you will find them all.

Rüstem Paşa, Erzak Ambarı Sok. No:92, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Malls

There are several large malls throughout the city. One of the biggest malls is Forum İstanbul which has all of the large international chains as well as some Turkish brands.

Kocatepe, Paşa Cd, 34045 Bayrampaşa/İstanbul, Turkey

Things to Do in Istanbul in the Winter – Visit Taksim Sqaure

Looking for some more shopping, maybe some dinner or a coffee? Taksim Square is one of the main shopping areas in Istanbul with a lot of luxury brands available. There are also loads of cafes and restaurants to try out in this bustling, modern hub.

Climb to the Top of Galata Tower

The Galata Tower can be seen from many points throughout the city. The view from the top is phenomenal. We took the lift up the 9 floors and enjoyed the vistas across the city.

Relax in a Hammam

There are Hammams all over Istanbul. However, we were staying near this particular Turkish Bath – Ağa Hamami. The bathhouse has thrived in Istanbul since 1454 and is the oldest in the city. Visiting a hammam was an incredible thing to do in Istanbul in the winter. The warm bathhouse was a nice contrast with the chilly weather outdoors. We left feeling relaxed and super clean!

Kuloğlu, Turnacıbaşı Cd. No:48, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey

Travel to Asia

As we mentioned, Istanbul straddles two continents. Most tourists stay in the European side, so why not take a trip to Asia? There are regular ferries to the Kadıköy region of the city. There is plenty to do there and there is definitely a different feel to it than the other regions of the city.

Don’t Miss Istanbul’s Coffee Scene

Coffee is a big deal in Istanbul, Turkish coffee especially. Jump into a café to avoid the cold and enjoy a delicious cup and maybe a sweet treat too.

Things to Do in Istanbul in the Winter – Catch the Sunset

The skyline of Istanbul makes a beautiful silhouette for a glorious sunset. In the winter – on a sunny day – the sun sets early and can be incredibly beautiful.

Take a Trip to Ancient Troy

We just had to include this one! The site of the ancient city of Troy lies in Western Turkey.

Homer’s epic poems the “Iliad” and the “Odyssey” describe a city besieged for 10 years by the Greeks. War broke out after a Prince of Troy, Paris, kidnapped the beautiful Helen of Sparta. I’m sure you’ve seen the movie…

Until relatively recently, the city lay undiscovered and it’s existence was subject to much debate – and still is in some fields. In 1873, a German businessman and amateur archaeologist, Heinrich Schliemann, began conducting a series of excavations. He was led to this region after years of investigation verging on obsession.

His excavation methods were blunt, to say the least. It is more than likely that he destroyed a lot of artefacts and structures within the city. However, he did discover, what was claimed to be, the treasures of King Priam. Since then, the treasures have been identified as being much older than that!

Today, more refined excavations are still underway. We are still learning more and more about the ancient civilizations who inhabited Troy.

The nearest modern day city is Çanakkale which is about a 30 minute drive away. Istanbul is around a 4.5 hour drive. However, there are ways of visiting the ancient city of Troy from Istanbul in one day. Check out our post dedicated to visiting Troy from Istanbul HERE.

Is Istanbul Worth Visiting in the Winter?

Yes, no crowds and no sweating! We shall elaborate… The winter is mild – rarely below freezing. However, it is possible to get snow. If you are lucky enough to get a dusting, you will be treated to some amazing views of the city. A winter visit to Istanbul means lower prices for accommodation, flights, tours and even in the Bazaars. There will also be far fewer tourists and therefore minimal crowds at the tourist attractions.

How to Travel Around Istanbul in the Winter

Public transport in Istanbul is very well developed. It is also possible to walk around a lot of the city. However, there are a LOT of cars and pollution is pretty bad. When visiting Istanbul in the winter, we would recommend using the public transport network. It is extensive, pretty reliable and cheap.

Make sure you pick up the Istanbul Transport Card for some good savings! You can also split this card with another person so it will also save time as you won’t have to keep queuing for tickets. You can buy it at Metro and Ferry stations and some kiosks.

There are loads of taxis in the city. However, traffic is pretty horrific so it is not an effective way to get around Istanbul.

Rental cars can be found for a good price. However, due to the insane traffic and often erratic driving, we would avoid this option.

Where to Eat in Istanbul

Everywhere! We absolutely loved the food in this city. There are many different restaurants and cafes worth a visit in Istanbul. So, we would rather advise you on what specific foods you should not miss.

Baklava and Turkish Delight is everywhere! It will be pertty hard to visit Turkey without trying these delicacies. Head to Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir for Turkish delight where it has been made since the 1700s. And the shop is beautiful. You will also find a great variety in the bazaars.

For baklava, you will see Hafız Mustafa 1864 shops across the city and you will find a mouth-watering display of baklava, as well as other traditional sweets.

Pide is a traditional Turkish dish and definitely recommended. It looks a bit like a pizza but somehow tastes way better.

Traditional stew is a great dish to try in Istanbul in the winter. They are full of flavour and loads of aromatic spices.

Stop for A Turkish Coffee in Istanbul in Winter

In Istanbul, coffee is life. We tried as many cups as possible throughout our visit. Turkish coffee is a little different to your take away latte. It is dark, exceptionally strong, similar to an extreme espresso, and has a subtle, chocolate flavour. Sugar can be added to taste. It is usually served with a glass of cold water and a portion of lokum – Turkish Delight. Don’t miss the Turkish Tea that is served pretty much everywhere in the city.

Of course, you can’t leave Istanbul without trying one of the amazing kebabs! These are served in most places and are relatively cheap. There are loads of different varieties but we loved the grilled chicken and veg options.

Dondurma was something we had not heard about until we visited Istanbul. The best way to describe this is “stretchy” ice cream. It is sold in stalls around the city and the vendors will play with the ice cream – and you! However, you will eventually get your treat. Introverts – we got you – the vendor will check with you first if you are ok with the “show”.

Kunefe is another awesome dessert that we stumbled upon in Istanbul. This delicious sweet is made of pastry, nuts, cheese and sweet syrup. Don’t think about it, just eat it.

When to Visit Istanbul

As with most places popular with tourists, the summer season is super busy! Be prepared for crowds and inflated prices if you visit in July and August. The weather is also pretty warm by this point in the summer.

The shoulder seasons are a good option for visiting Istanbul. April – June and Sept – October can be quieter and slightly cheaper but there is still some heat in the air.

Istanbul in the Winter is our favourite! The city is still bustling, just in a different way, and there is plenty to do. However, the cold weather scares off most tourists. This means lower prices for accommodation, flights, tours and even better deals in the Bazaars! The crowds are almost completely gone so you can enjoy the beautiful city in peace.

Ramazan Bayramı (Ramadan, or Eid Al Fitr) and Kurban Bayramı (Eid Al Adha) are major dates in the Muslim calendar. These dates vary each year so check in advance as these times will be super busy!

How Long to Stay in Istanbul

For Istanbul first timers, we would recommend at least 3 days. If you plan to take a few day trips, a week might be better.

How Expensive is Istanbul in the Winter

This is a tricky one. The last time we visited, Turkey was struggling with hyperinflation making their currency – the Turkish Lira – worth a lot less. Not great if you live there as your pay-packet is essentially smaller. However, we got an amazing exchange rate for our British pounds making it a very cheap visit!

Being one of the world’s largest cities there is something for every budget. We splashed out and paid about €500 for a week in a five star hotel in Sultanahmet. However, there are also tonnes of budget options.

Food and drink is also cheap – when compared to European capitals – with the exception of alcohol which is similar to other large cities. For a pint of local beer we paid about €3.

Is Istanbul Safe

This is a pretty common question for us. As two pale, western women we went to great efforts not to stick out too much. However, this didn’t seem to be a big issue as many Turkish women dress in “Western” fashion. Also, because we visited Istanbul in winter, we were already pretty covered up.

However, visitors in the warmer months should be respectful of the country’s religion and culture and dress relatively modestly. We also avoided walking around late at night.

There is a considerable threat of pickpocketing in busy areas. Be particularly careful in Taksim Square, Sultanahmet, the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar. We would recommend that you remain aware of your surroundings, don’t carry too much cash and leave your passport in the safe in the hotel.

Drivers in Istanbul can be pretty reckless. Take precautions when crossing the road and plan your trip well if hiring a car.

Don’t drink the tap water!

What to Pack for a Trip to Istanbul in the Winter

We have put together a convenient, basic packing list for your trip to Istanbul.

• A warm coat
• Layers
• Good trousers. We swear by these ACAI hiking trousers. So handy as they are waterproof, comfy and look pretty good!
• Packable waterproof or umbrella
• Warm jumpers (sweaters)
• Backpack
• Book/audiobook
• Water bottle
• Weather appropriate clothing. This is pretty subjective to be honest. We are Scottish and so didn’t find it that cold in Istanbul in the winter. However, anyone from warmer climes might want to consider the temperature difference and pack layers
• Hat and gloves
• Scarf
• Good boots – preferably waterproof
• Sunglasses – as there are still many sunny days
• Map or downloaded GPS or map application on your phone
• Phone, charger and adaptor (European plugs)
• Power bank
• Decent camera with plenty of space for pictures

The Turkish Language

Many Turks in the cities speak a bit of English but it is useful to learn a few phrases in Turkish. It is certainly not an easy language for English speakers but any attempt is greatly appreciated by the locals. Here are a few words to try out:

English	Turkish	Sounds Like
Hello	Merhaba	mer-ha-ba
Goodbye	Allaha ısmarladık	ah-LAHS-mahr-lah-duhk
Please	Lütfen	LEWT-fehn
Thank you	Teşekkür ederim	tesh-ek-ur, ed-er-im
Yes	Evet	eh-VEHT
No	Hayır	HAH-yuhr

Where to go next

Ready for another adventure? Why not try Turkey’s close neighbour, Bulgaria? There are plenty of mountains, rivers and lakes and cities to explore is beautiful Bulgaria.

Final note: Things change in the Balkans all the time and there is not much information online in English. We would definitely advise checking with a local where possible. We found people to be really friendly and super helpful.

Have you visited any Istanbul or Turkey? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you!

Things to Do in Istanbul in the Winter