Istanbul in Winter: Best Activities and Travel Tips

Istanbul in Winter is one such place that is splendid in its charm, history and magic. Gone are the hectic summer days, as the city in winter turns into a calm fairy-tale where the Bosphorus is shimmering with fog, the snow is at times falling on the domes of the mosques, and it smells like roasted chestnuts in the air. Travelers who want an fascinating European-Asian adventure must go to Istanbul during winter time, and they will get a fantastic cultural tour, cafe visits, and attention to beautiful sites. You may be strolling through the ancient Sultanahmet, absorbing the panoramic views of Galata Tower, or having Turkish tea by the Bosphorus, but there will always be no end to the activities to do in Istanbul even when it is colder.

The beauty of Istanbul in Winter lies in the fact that the city represents a combination of ancient times and the modern power of the city. Of the mystic appeal to prayer, ringing in your ears through the snow-covered minarets, to the hospitality of its welcoming streets, in every nook and cranny cafe, this city welcomes you like no other one. The streets are less busy, the prices lower, and the tourist sites are not congested, which is why it is the right moment to visit the place and not to feel too crowded among other tourists. In case you are planning your next vacation you may want to visit Istanbul in winter by having a Dubai to Istanbul Holiday Package which will take the hassle out of traveling anywhere, make it cheap and offer one of the most memorable holidays.

1. Why Visit Istanbul in winter?

Although spring and summer are the seasons when most of the travelers are visiting Turkey, there is another aspect of Istanbul that is equally breathtaking but in winter, the same place is more peaceful. Between December and February, the city is in peaceful environment, and you will find you can do away with the long queues to visit the major landmarks.

1.1. Less Traffic and Reduced Pricing

Winter is regarded as the low season in Istanbul, and it means that the cost of accommodation, flight tickets, and sightseeing passes are much lower. Hotels in the centre such as Sultanahmet, Taksim, and Beyoğlu have winter discounts and it is not overcrowded in restaurants and cafes. The Dubai to Istanbul Holiday Package is a time-tested way of spending your luxury at a cheaper price and in the way you want it, as it offers flexibility.

1.2. Romantic and Magical atmosphere

The legendary skyline of Istanbul with the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace are even more beautiful under a cover of snow or mist. The lights in the city are also captivating on the bosphorus and will make one have postcard quality shots. It will be a favorite of the couples and photographers as well, because every other corner of the street is a beautiful moment.

1.3. Ideal Sightseeing Conditions

The average winter temperatures in Istanbul vary between 4 o C and 10 o C. The weather is cold, but not that horrible, and it is easy to walk in the bazaars, palaces, and waterfront promenades. Snowfall every now and then gives some magic touch, particularly in the areas of Sultanahmet and Galata Bridge.

2. Top Things to do in Istanbul during Winter

2.1. Tour the Famous Hagia Sophia.

One cannot visit Istanbul and fail to visit the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia. During wintertime, the number of tourists visiting this UNESCO World Heritage site is less. The silence of the place enables you to deeply soak up the history of the Byzantine and Ottoman periods.

2.2. Visit the Blue Mosque

Across opposite Hagia Sophia is the great Blue Mosque. This is a very spiritual experience that is enhanced by the peaceful winter air and the echoing prayer through the domes. Do not forget to dress up because the marble floors are very cold!

2.3. Relaxation in a Turkish Hammam

Going to a Turkish bath or Hammam is one of the best things to do in Istanbul during Winter. Hamams such as the Çemberlitaş Hamamı and Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamamı are some of the historic buildings that give perfect treatments of steam rooms, massages, and exfoliation, which are ideal after sight seeing. On cold days, the coziness and the comfort can not be beaten.

2.4. Take a Walk through the Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is a maze of more than 4000 stores selling carpets, gold jewelry and Turkish delight among others, which are handwoven. In the winter season, there are fewer people and you can comfortably negotiate prices and do your own time to window shop in the colorful stalls.

2.5. Cruise Along the Bosphorus

Bosphorus cruises are a must even in winter and they take place every day. The picture of the skyline of the city seen through the water, particularly the mist and winter light are spectacular. You will be able to take hot Turkish tea or sahlep (traditional milk-based drink) and you will be floating between Europe and Asia.

2.6. The Food Culture of Istanbul

Istanbul winter implies warm meals, hot beverages and street food wonders. Don’t miss:

• Kestane (Roasted Chestnuts) went on sale on all corners.
• Balik Ekmek (Fish Sandwiches) in Galata Bridge.
• Visiting Turkish tea and baklava in the small cafes.
• Kumpir (stuffed baked potato) at Ortaköy.
• Salep, a sticky milky beverage, and cinnamon is to be used in chilly days.

2.7. Visit the Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern is located under the Sultanahmet streets as an underground water tank of the ancient time with 336 columns made of marble. Soft lighting and the cool weather are the reasons why it is one of the most atmosphere places to visit during winter.

2.8. Discover Istanbul’s Museums

Have a day in the City in the museums, including:

• The Istanbul Archaeological Muses.
• The Topkapi Palace Museum
• The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts.
• The Pera Museum

Both are warm, historical and give a reflection of the cultural development of Turkey.

2.9. Shopping in Istiklal Street

Beyoğlu is home to Istiklal Avenue that is vibrant throughout the year. During the winter season, it is lit up with holiday lights, Christmas decorations, and warm simit smells like Turkish pretzels. It has everything, be it souvenirs or high-end brands, which this street offers.

2.10. Visit the Galata Tower

The historic Galata Tower is a great place to have panoramic views of the city and works best especially on a sunset evening or during the light snowfall. The observation deck provides a 360-degree view of the skyline of Istanbul and dazzling Bosphorus.

3. Tips on Travelling to Istanbul in winter

3.1. Pack Warm and Smart

Winters in Istanbul are not very hot. Essentials include:

• A waterproof jacket
• Warm layers
• Gloves and scarves
• Comfortable boots
• An umbrella (when it rains here and there)

3.2. Use Public Transport

The metro, trams and ferries in the city are effective and stable. The Istanbulkart (public transport card) is compatible with all means of transport hence it is convenient to tour without the stress.

3.3. Reserve a Fitting Holiday Package.

You can have a hassle free trip by booking a Dubai to Istanbul Holiday Package. Generally it consists of flights, hotels, tours, and airport transfers so you can be able to spend time in Istanbul without stress. Choose a well-known company such as Go Kite Travel the most promising travelling agency in Dubai that provides custom-made tourism packages (family, couples, and solo tours).

3.4. Sample Experiencing Offbeat Winter.

In case you do not want to stick to classic attractions, you can explore the following winter activities:

Visit Pierre Loti hill and see the panoramic view as well as have a cup of hot Turkish coffee.

• Ice skating in the malls such as Zorlu Center or Vadistanbul.
• Go on a day trip to either Bursa or Sapanca which are characterized by snowy scenery and thermal spas.

4. The best places to stay in winter in Istanbul

4.1. Sultanahmet – History Lovers

Keep within reach of such significant place as Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. The Boutique hotels in this region have excellent scenery with traditional Turkish interiors.

4.2. Taksim and Beyoğlu – Night Out and Shopping

These areas are vibrant throughout the whole year and have a vast selection of cafes, restaurants and music bars. Ideal when one wants to enjoy the contemporary Istanbul.

4.3. Karaköy – For Waterfront Charm

Karakoy is an artistic atmosphere, fashionable restaurants, and an area near the Galata Bridge, which is a perfect place to stay as a tourist to have a sense of moderation.

4.4. Asian Side- Local Living and Peace

There are more local neighborhoods such as Kadikoy and Uskudar, but which are more local and yet still linked to the European side well by ferry.

5. Winter Istanbul Festivals and Events

Winter in Istanbul does not only involve sightseeing but also celebrating. The popular seasonal events are:

• Istanbul Coffee Festival (December) A paradise of coffee lovers.
• New Year Eve Celebrations- Fireworks at the bosphorus is a bestseller.
• Akbank Jazz Festival (January) -International and Turkish musicians play live.
• Shopping Festivals -Large-scale winter sales throughout shopping malls and bazaras.

The events bring excitement to your trip and provide you with a glimpse of the contemporary Turkish culture.

Conclusion

The film Istanbul in winter is a dream to the people who are in need of experiencing a combination of history, culture, and peace. The ancient splendor of the city, misted or snowed over, makes the mood in the city both romantic and inspiring. Starting with the grand mosques, and the vibrant bazaars and cafes, there are stories to be unraveled in every single corner. You can go in winter when you have time to bond with its soul, as you are not in the hustle and bustle of the summer season, like in the summer season.

To a UAE traveler, the best option would be to book a Dubai to Istanbul Holiday Package that will allow you to see everything the city has to offer in an affordable and comfortable manner. Your winter escape will be hassle-free, and customized and memorable with the help of credible partners such as Go Kite Travel.