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The Best & Worst Times to Visit Istanbul in 2024 (Our Picks)

Written by: Author Andrew Helling  |  Reviewed by: Sandy Mitchell

Andrew Helling is a licensed pilot, travel enthusiast, and the founder of Travellers Worldwide whose travel expertise has been quoted in countless publications across the web. Armed with a laptop and a Wi-Fi connection, he loves exploring the world with his wife and son and is always on the hunt for cheap flights and new adventures... Learn More

Sandy Mitchell is a travel expert and the content reviewer/fact checker at Travellers Worldwide. Using the experience she gained working in the travel industry for more than 20 years, as a travel agent, travel marketing executive, and cruise school administrator, Sandy fact-checks and reviews each of our guides to ensure they're as accurate and helpful as possible... Learn More

Posted on Last updated: January 3, 2024 - Travellers Worldwide is reader-supported. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. Learn more

What's the best time to visit Istanbul?

The best time to visit Istanbul is from March to May when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are less dense. During these months, you can fully enjoy the history, culture, and cuisine without dealing with excessive crowds or extreme weather conditions.

However, be sure to consider your specific preferences and whether you plan to explore other Mediterranean coastal cities, as summer might be better for beach activities.

Considering an upcoming trip to Istanbul and other Turkish cities? If so, you’re probably wondering about the best time to visit Istanbul and the other considerations you should make.

When you invest the time into researching your vacation destinations, you can avoid the headache of expensive tickets and annoying crowds. Additionally, there is no best time for everyone, as different people have specific preferences for activities and weather.

For example, if you want to compliment your Istanbul trip with a few resort days in a southern Turkish city on the Mediterranean coast, you might choose summer instead of spring or autumn.

And if you are a fan of history and prefer to design your trip around spending time at Istanbul’s historic sites , going in the spring or autumn will be much more comfortable and less crowded. Let’s dive in!

Overall Best Time to Visit Istanbul

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The overall best time to visit Istanbul is from March until May. In these months, the crowds will be less dense, and the weather will be comfortable.

You’ll have plenty of time and space to enjoy the history, culture, and food scenes without fighting crowds and hot/cold weather. But everyone has their specific preferences, and you shouldn’t eliminate the possibility of the fall season.

Additionally, consider whether you are combining your trip to Istanbul with touring other southern cities along the Mediterranean coast. In this case, it’s worth waiting until summer when swimming and beach weather are ideal.

But March through May is the best overall time to visit Istanbul because the moderate weather and smaller crowds will be comfortable, allowing you to travel more easily.

Additionally, springtime in Istanbul features many festivals, live concerts, and art events such as Contemporary Istanbul and Biennial of Istanbul .

Cheapest Time to Visit Istanbul

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The cheapest time to visit Istanbul is between December and February. During these months, you’ll experience cold temperatures and rainy/snowy weather.

Usually, the lowest fares are in January. You’ll also find incredible deals if you plan to travel to other cities within Turkey. It’s still possible to enjoy yourself in Istanbul during this time of year.

And as you have probably experienced in other cities such as New York and London, there can be a certain charm to a place during the winter.

As long as you dress warm enough, you’ll appreciate how Turkish culture adapts to the cold weather, and warm tea or Turkish coffee will taste extra fantastic. You can also enjoy the southern Mediterranean cities during these colder months, and they won’t have large crowds of Turkish vacationers.

But don’t expect to be able to swim and tan on the beaches. During these cheapest times, you’ll miss the comfortable weather and the most beautiful sunny views. Boat tours on the Bosphorus will also be freezing.

Least Busy Time to Visit Istanbul

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The least busy time to visit Istanbul overlaps with the cheapest time, which is between December and February.

Besides the lower prices, you won’t have to battle crowds of tourists or Turkish vacationers as you tour the city, take in the sights, and enjoy the many historic attractions.

Compared to the summer months when world travelers flood Istanbul, you’ll have an easier time walking through the crowds of Taksim square and waiting in line for popular destinations such as the Hagia Sophia.

You can also consider September-November less busy in Istanbul, but some Turkish holidays bring out more crowds than in the winter. But these least-busy times come with a price, as the weather is usually cold and rainy.

If you want to blend having fewer crowds with enjoyable weather, you should schedule your trip for springtime. As flowers bloom and Turkish culture wakes up to the warmer weather, Istanbul’s full beauty emerges before the busiest season starts in June/July.

Worst Time to Visit Istanbul

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Overall, the worst time to visit Istanbul is in the winter months because you can expect rainy and cold weather.

Snow is also common in Istanbul between December and February, and foggy conditions will take away some of the beauty of city views, especially viewing the Bosphorus waters and taking boat tours.

But on the flip side, these poor weather conditions also make the winter months a cheap time to travel in Istanbul, where you’ll find fantastic flight prices and cheaper hotel rates.

If you don’t mind braving cold/wet weather or plan to do mostly indoor activities (tours, attractions, etc) then these months might be okay for you. Lastly, it’s worth keeping up with certain national/religious holidays and how they impact city life.

For example, the Muslim holiday Ramadan  occurs each year for 30 days, with the dates shifting by ten or more days each year. Expect many closed  restaurants during these months while many locals adhere to the fasting requirements.

Istanbul by Month: Climate & Activities

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Still unsure about the best time to visit Istanbul? Take a look at our summary of the weather and climate by month below:

Istanbul’s winter temperatures range from 3 to 8°C (37-46°F). January is perfect for exploring historic sites like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, enjoying a Bosphorus cruise despite the chill, and savoring traditional Turkish tea and pastries in cozy cafés.

Continuing the cold weather, February is ideal for visiting Istanbul’s world-class museums like the Istanbul Archaeology Museum, wandering through the Grand Bazaar for unique souvenirs, and indulging in rich Turkish cuisine at local eateries.

As spring emerges, temperatures rise slightly to 4-11°C (39-52°F). This month is great for strolling through Gülhane Park, exploring the vibrant streets of Galata, and experiencing the colorful Hidirellez Spring Festival .

With temperatures ranging from 7 to 16°C (45-61°F), April is lovely for enjoying the Tulip Festival in Emirgan Park, taking a ferry ride to the Princes’ Islands, and exploring the historic district of Sultanahmet.

May sees warmer temperatures from 12 to 21°C (54-70°F). It’s a great time to visit the Dolmabahçe Palace, enjoy a rooftop meal with views of the city, and explore the lively neighborhoods of Beyoğlu and Kadıköy.

Summer arrives with temperatures between 17 to 26°C (63-79°F). June is perfect for sunbathing on the beaches of the Princes’ Islands, attending the Istanbul Music Festival , and exploring the bustling Istiklal Street.

July brings hot weather with temperatures from 20 to 29°C (68-84°F). Enjoy the Bosphorus at sunset, explore the city’s vibrant nightlife, and attend the Istanbul Jazz Festival.

August remains hot, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 29°C (68-84°F). It’s ideal for taking a Bosphorus night cruise, exploring the city’s various summer festivals, and relaxing in Istanbul’s famous Hamams.

As fall begins, temperatures range from 17 to 25°C (63-77°F). September is great for visiting the Ortaköy Mosque, enjoying the Istanbul Biennial, and strolling through the historic streets of Çukurcuma.

Temperatures in October range from 13 to 20°C (55-68°F). This month is perfect for exploring the Spice Bazaar, taking a scenic walk along the Golden Horn, and experiencing the Akbank Jazz Festival.

Fall temperatures range from 8 to 15°C (46-59°F). November is ideal for exploring the city’s culinary scene, visiting the Rahmi M. Koç Museum, and enjoying the Istanbul Film Festival .

Winter returns with temperatures ranging from 5 to 11°C (41-52°F). December is magical with festive decorations, exploring the festive markets, and enjoying the New Year’s celebrations along the Bosphorus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Now that you have read about most of the considerations you should make before taking a trip to Turkey, let’s explore some of the most common questions people have about traveling to Istanbul and Turkey.

What is the best month to go to Turkey?

If you plan to visit Turkey to enjoy its southern coastal cities like Antalya, Kas, Bodrum, and other fantastic places that have beaches and resorts, consider going to Turkey between June and September. But if your main goal is to be a tourist in Istanbul, March through May is the ideal time.

What is the cheapest month to go to Turkey?

Since winters can be cold and snowy and Turkey has many wonderful summer cities and coastal towns, the cheapest month to travel to Turkey is in January. You can still have a wonderful time in major cities like Istanbul but make sure to prepare for the cold.

How many days do you need to visit Istanbul?

As Istanbul is a large city with many historical sites and other famous tourist attractions, you should plan on at least 3-5 days to properly visit. You can technically see a few major attractions in just one day, but five days is ideal to enjoy the diverse neighborhoods and thoroughly explore the historical sites.

Is Turkey hot in May?

The southern Turkish cities such as Antalya, Bodrum, and Kas do begin getting noticeably hot in May, but other cities like Istanbul should still have reasonable temperatures averaging around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperatures will become hot as you approach July, especially in the southern destinations.

How much money is enough for Istanbul?

Depending on when you are traveling, you should check the latest conversion rates, but generally speaking, plan to bring 2-3 hundred USD per day per person. While the struggling Turkish economy means that your dollars go a much longer way, tourist attractions have also adjusted their prices to meet these conditions.

Do you need a visa for Turkey?

Even if you are traveling to Turkey as a tourist, you’ll still need to purchase a tourist visa through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. The process is as easy as filling in your travel dates and passport information, and the standard e-visa lasts for 90 days.

Is English spoken in Istanbul?

While Turkish is the official language of Turkey, you can expect to hear a lot of English in a major city like Istanbul. Especially if you are in a tourist area, you can expect workers to know enough English for basic communication.

But you should also know that Turkish people tend to appreciate it when foreigners attempt to speak their language, so learning a few basic phrases in Turkish will go a long way!

Do Turkish people drink alcohol?

While Turkey is a Muslim-majority country where many people abstain from alcohol, it’s also a secular country where many natives and tourists enjoy beer and cocktails. You can find many wonderful rooftop bars as well as an emerging craft beer scene. Just be aware of being polite to Turkish culture during religious holidays such as Ramadan.

So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Istanbul?

You’ve taken in a lot of information by this point, so let’s simplify things by stating that the best overall time to visit Istanbul is in the springtime between March and May when the weather is warming up and tourism isn’t too crowded.

But you should also consider Fall for a similar experience and summer if you plan to enjoy coastal southern cities and swim in the Mediterranean. Lastly, for the cheapest price, consider visiting Istanbul in the winter– just bring warm clothes!

When to Go: Is Istanbul Safe to Visit in 2024? | Safety Concerns

Wander-Lush

42 Things to Know Before You Visit Istanbul: Helpful Istanbul Travel Tips

Istanbul is a magnificent beast.

Thirty-nine districts, 15 million people, and 1700-plus years of history – it’s still difficult for me to wrap my head around a city of this scale.

I never know where to begin with Istanbul. And yet every time I arrive, I somehow feel instantly at ease. Turkey’s biggest metropolis has a way of encircling you, sweeping you up and taking you along for the ride. For me, it’s one of those places where it’s best to relinquish expectations and anxieties and just go with the flow.

That’s easier said than done, and there are countless tidbits I wish I had known before I visited Istanbul for the first time back in 2019. On my recent re-visit, there were many more things I noticed for the first time.

I struggled to whittle this list down to a digestible size – not because travelling in Istanbul is particularly complicated or difficult, but because when you’re dealing with a city of such incredible breadth and depth, there’s just so much to talk about.

Here are 42 Istanbul tips that I think every traveller will benefit from , including cultural quirks, itinerary planning tips, logistics hints, and common faux pas.

• Also read: The perfect itinerary for 4 days in Istanbul

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Istanbul quick links

• Istanbul airport transfer: Private transfer from Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen (from $27)
• Where to stay in Istanbul: Hostel Le Banc (budget); 38 Hotel (mid-range); Hotel Empress Zoe (boutique); Ecole St. Pierre Hotel (luxury)
• Istanbul Official E-Pass: Pre-purchase online here
• Skip the line: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour (from $40)
• Best Istanbul food tour: Taste of 2 Continents (from $100)
• Top-rated Istanbul city tour: Best of Istanbul in 1 Day (from $60)
• Turkey car hire: Find a low-cost rental on Local Rent (from 28€/day)

Essential Istanbul travel tips

Starting with the basics, here are answers to some of the burning questions I had before my first visit to Turkey (Türkiye) and Istanbul.

1. Avoid visiting in summer

Never underestimate Istanbul’s magnetism. The city pulled in more than 14 million tourists in 2019 (including me), and on my most recent trip in 2022, it felt just as crowded as it had been three years earlier.

I’m willing to bet that most people visit Istanbul during the summer months – June, July and August. This feels a bit hypocritical because I myself have visited Istanbul twice during summer – but because I did, I know what peak season is like.

Istanbul’s climate is quite mild relative to other cities in the region. Temperatures might not go too far beyond 30 degrees Celsius in the shade, but the sun is scorching hot, and it’s very dry.

Aside from the oppressive heat, there are the summer swarms to contend with. (You haven’t really experienced a queue until you’ve stood in line for the Hagia Sophia on an August afternoon.) There are crushing crowds at every landmark during summer, and that gets old pretty quickly. On top of that, accommodation prices are noticeably higher and it can be challenging to get a reservation.

The best time to visit Istanbul is during shoulder season, spring (April to early June) or autumn (mid-September to the start of November). For something different, consider visiting Turkey in winter , when snow covers Istanbul and the city’s charm-o-metre is off the charts.

Take note of the dates for the Holy Month of Ramadan (usually around March-April-May, but it changes every year), which influences the way the city operates.

2. You need at least three days to do Istanbul justice

However many days you give yourself in Istanbul, it will never be enough. You will always feel like you short-changed yourself – there’s always one more neighbourhood to explore, one more ferry trip to take, one more museum to visit, one more restaurant to try…

Three days is the bare minimum for a first-time visitor, but you could easily stay for a week or more.

I recently spent 10 days in Istanbul and found it was a good amount of time to see the city at a relaxed pace. I stayed in the centre for that entire time, though I did have a few ‘down’ days to work. There are dozens of day trip opportunities to break things up if the city gets to be too much.

One of the highlights of Istanbul is the food, so you’d do well to measure the duration of your stay in meals eaten rather than nights slept! Six square meals (and a couple of ‘spread breakfasts’) is ideal for indulging in the best of Istanbul’s food scene .

Plan your time with my 4-day Istanbul itinerary , which covers the must-sees and a few local gems.

3. Save time (and maybe money) by applying for an e-visa

Most nationalities require a tourist visa to enter Türkiye. The country’s e-visa scheme, which launched in 2013, is available to citizens of 40+ countries, including the States, Australia and Canada. (EU citizens do not need a visa.) A standard multiple-entry visa is valid for a stay of up to 90 days with 180 days validity from the date of issue.

Visa on arrival (VOA) is also available, but if you’re flying in, it requires queueing at the airport – and because of the high volume of flights arriving at IST particularly, it can be a long wait. For some nationalities, it’s also more expensive – 10 USD dearer on average compared to the e-visa according to the official fees (though for US passport holders, VOA is cheaper).

Applying for a Turkish e-visa requires completing a simple online form. The website has English-language support and international card payment, but be warned that sometimes it’s a bit glitchy. Both times I’ve applied, my visa has landed in my inbox almost instantly (within the hour). Be sure to print off the A4 piece of paper to show at immigration.

There are copycat sites out there – the official e-visa portal is located here .

I have never been asked for proof of onward travel or a hotel reservation when entering Turkey. If you want one or both for peace of mind without making an actual booking, then I suggest using OneWayFly .

4. Travel insurance is a must

Travel insurance is mandatory for all foreign visitors to Turkey. Again, you might not be asked to show proof of insurance if you’re travelling on an e-visa (I haven’t), but rules are rules nonetheless.

Istanbul is generally regarded as a safe city, but pickpocketing and crime do occur. More importantly, local health care can be expensive, so it pays to be covered in case of accident or unexpected illness.

For single-policy or annual trip insurance, I recommend HeyMondo. Get 5% off your policy when you sign up using this link .

Read up on these Istanbul safety tips before you go.

5. Use the Havabus (Havaist) shuttle to travel to/from the airport

Update: Since publishing this guide, both Istanbul airports now have an underground metro service. I would definitely look into this option – avoiding traffic could be a real time-saver. Here are more details .

Havabus is a terrific service for travelling between Istanbul’s airports (yes, there is more than one – see the next point) and the downtown area. Shuttles operate 24/7, with departures in both directions every 30-60 minutes.

Tip: At Sabiha Gokcen airport, the shuttle is called Havabus and at Istanbul Airport, it’s called Havaist. I have used both – they operate in much the same way, but they have separate websites for checking the schedule ( here for Havabus and here for Havaist).

When you land in Istanbul, look for the airport bus signage. At Sabiha Gokcen, the bus stand is located on the other side of the car park directly in front of the arrivals terminal. Tickets are purchased using cash on the bus and cost 37.50 TRY (around 2 USD) per person to go to Taksim.

If you prefer a private transfer, airport cars are very well priced (from $27 to/from either airport). Pre-book a door-to-door airport transfer online here .

Eventually the Istanbul metro will extend to IST Airport, but the line has not been completed yet.

6. There are multiple airports in Istanbul – don’t front up at the wrong one!

Istanbul Airport (IST) is the city’s largest and busiest international airport. Located on the European side in Arnavutkoy, 40km / 45 minutes’ drive from Taksim Square, it is sometimes referred to as ‘Istanbul Grand Airport’ or IGA. If you’re flying with Turkish Airlines or from Europe, there’s a high chance you will be landing at IST.

A second airport, Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW), receives flights from the Middle East (Emirates, Qatar ) as well as Turkey’s own Pegasus Airlines. It is located on the Asian side, 40km / 60 minutes’ drive from Taksim Square.

A third airport, Ataturk Airport, closed in 2019.

The two airports are 80km apart and it takes at least 75-90 minutes to travel between them. There are shuttle buses, but if you show up at the wrong one for your flight, there’s a good chance you’ll be left high and dry. Triple-check your reservation and make sure you show up at the correct airport.

We got caught out with this on our first trip and rolled up at the wrong airport for our flight back to Australia. Luckily we had come a day early with the intention of staying the night at the airport hotel, so we still made our flight.

You can use Havabus/Havaist to get back to the airport from the city, too. Buses depart from Taksim Square. Take the metro to Taksim and follow the exit towards Taksim Gezi Park. From there, the station is a short walk (you will see the coaches waiting and two ticket booths on the footpath).

Buses to both airports depart from the same area, so again, triple-check you’re hopping on the right one!

7. Pre-book your accommodation

Hotel platform Booking.com doesn’t work in Turkey, so if this is your preferred way to find accommodation, you’ll need to do your browsing and booking before you arrive. (This can be overcome by using a VPN of course.)

Pre-booking is essential for peak-period travel as properties do fill up and prices can skyrocket for last-minute reservations.

I normally use Airbnb in Istanbul for the simple reason that I prefer to stay in local neighbourhoods. Sisli is my district of choice: It has great access to public transport, fantastic local restaurants, and a more relaxed vibe.

8. Card is widely accepted, but it helps to carry cash

Ninety-nine percent of venues and shops in Istanbul accept credit/debit cards, including Visa and Mastercard, as well as contactless pay. For small markets and convenience stores, local restaurants, bars and taxis – and when dipping into the wonderful world of Istanbul street food – you’ll need cash.

Many smaller shops in Turkey have a primary limit set on card purchases, meaning you need to meet a certain threshold if you want to pay with a card. In these instances, cash is necessary. Small bills also come in handy for tipping (more on that later).

I suggest withdrawing cash when you first arrive and reserving it for smaller purchases and tips. Check out my Istanbul Travel Budget to learn more about budgeting for your trip and the cost of common items and services.

9. Most ATMs in Turkey charge a fee

ATMs are ubiquitous in Istanbul and most of the time, you’ll see half a dozen different cash machines clustered together. Majority charge a withdrawal fee – up to 5% for some banks – and have a transaction limit of between 3000-5000 TRY.

The only no-fee ATM we could find was Ziraat Bank. It’s red with a distinctive wheatear logo. We also used HalkBank, which did not charge us a withdrawal fee, but did hit us with a 13 TRY fee on Wise.

Banks change their fee structure regularly, so you might need to experiment with a few different machines. If the bank does charge a fee – either a flat fee or a percentage – this should always be displayed on the screen before you finalise the transaction.

On our first trip to Turkey, we had issues with our Australian bank cards not being accepted. This time around, I used my Wise card without any issues. I found the best method for withdrawing cash was to exchange stored currency to Turkish lira within the Wise app, then withdraw lira from the ATM.

Wise is great for international travel and offers very competitive exchange rates – if you don’t yet have an account, you can sign up here .

10. Buying a SIM card in Istanbul is easy, but your options are limited

Open WIFI is not readily accessible in Istanbul, which makes buying a local SIM card more or less a necessity.

If you’re not a Turkish citizen and you don’t hold a residency permit, you’ll find you have limited options when it comes to buying a SIM. Low-cost packages are not available to foreigners and most telcos only offer one standard tourist package.

After doing a bit of research, we settled on a Vodafone SIM. Vodafone only has one option for tourists, which includes 20GB of data, calls and texts, and unlimited access to Whatsapp. We paid 350 TRY (around 19 USD).

The process of buying a SIM is very straightforward and only took us about 15 minutes. You need a hard copy of your passport for registration, so make sure you’re carrying it with you. The tourist SIM automatically expires after 60 days.

11. The public transport system is phenomenal

If you’re considering hiring a car in Turkey to continue your travels beyond the city, make sure you pick it up on the outskirts of the city (possible when using a company such as Local Rent ). The traffic is maniacal and I would not recommend driving in the city centre.

There’s no reason to drive a car in Istanbul, anyway: The public transport system is affordable, easy to use and reliable. Between the metro, trams, buses, ferries, and my personal favourite, dolmus vans, you can get anywhere you need to go with ease. Google Maps works well for planning your route.

Dolmus minivans – Turkey’s answer to a marshrutka – are a fun experience. The name literally means ‘stuffed’ because passengers are squeezed in like sardines. Keep in mind that the entire transport network is very busy and squishy during peak hour, especially in the morning between about 8-9.30am.

When boarding a bus in Istanbul, enter through the front door and tap your IstanbulKart on the electronic reader. If the bus is very full, you can board through the back doors and pass your card down the line for someone at the front to swipe.

12. You need an IstanbulKart transport pass

On our first trip to Istanbul, we walked a lot and relied on buying single-journey metro tickets for longer trips. This time around, we re-learned that only certain ticket machines inside the metro dispense single tickets – and usually they are the ones with an obnoxiously long line of people.

An IstanbulKart is an essential purchase if you plan to use public transport. There are several different cards available – all are valid for the metro, buses, trams and ferries. The so-called Anonymous IstanbulKart is recommended for tourists and is sold at kiosks and newsstands and inside metro stations for 50 TRY (non-refundable). You can use one card for multiple people (up to five people).

A single IstanbulKart fare costs 7.67 TRY. Compared to the 15 TRY for a single-journey ticket, you’ll end up saving almost 50% on every trip.

Note that metrobus fares vary according to the number of stops travelled, but metro fares are flat. Transfers are charged at 5.49 TRY for the first transfer and 4.17 TRY for the second leg.

Find more information about the public transport system here .

13. Use an app for taxis in Istanbul

Istanbul’s cab system is similarly well organised, with three types of taxis at different price points. Yellow taxis are standard and have the lowest fares (6.3 TL/km plus a switch-on fee of 9.8 TL). Turquoise taxis are a premium service and cost 20% more, while black taxis (always luxury vehicles) are twice as expensive as yellow taxis.

Taxis are metered, so it’s generally considered safe for a tourist to hail a cab on the street. However, scams do happen , which is one of the reasons most people (including many locals) prefer to use an app.

After numerous legal battles, Uber re-launched in Turkey in 2021. We used it on several occasions and found the service to be good – short wait times, friendly drivers, and competitive fares (we always paid in cash rather than hooking up our credit card – make sure you are carrying small bills).

Uber alternatives include BiTaksi and Itaksi. The former has POS contactless payment, which is great for paying by card.

14. Tipping is standard

Tipping is customary in Turkey, with 10% being the standard mark for restaurants and bars. For taxi drivers, it’s normal to round up to the nearest lira when paying in cash.

Of course you should only tip if you’re satisfied with the service. We found the quality of customer service in Istanbul to be pretty good across the board, with the exception of one chain cafe where we had a terrible experience.

Tipping is slightly higher for other service providers: 10-20% goes to your tellak or natir at the Turkish baths, and to your hairdresser or barber.

15. Can you drink the tap water in Istanbul?

This is a rhetorical question, because I’m still not sure what the correct answer is! Locals will warn you off tap water while at the same time, the government is running campaigns to encourage more people to drink from the faucet.

From what I understand, Istanbul tap water was undrinkable a decade ago. Infrastructure improvements (and the addition of chlorine to the water stream) have made tap water safe to drink, but many people still prefer to drink bottled water.

If the building you’re staying in has old, rusty pipes, it might be best to give tap water a wide berth. Try a small quantity and see how it sits with you.

16. Don’t flush your loo paper

Istanbul’s pipes are a bit sensitive, thus most restaurants, cafes and hotels request you place toilet tissue in a bin rather than flushing it down the loo. If this is the case, you’ll likely see a sign and a strategically placed wastepaper bin. If in doubt, don’t flush it.

17. If you need a bathroom, head to the nearest mosque

After chasing after non-existent bathrooms in malls and metro stations, I finally cottoned onto this little Istanbul tip: There are public toilets attached to most mosques and in my experience, they are almost always cleaner than public bathrooms elsewhere. Pan toilets are common. Men’s rooms are marked with bay , and women’s with bayan .

Some bathrooms are free to use, while others charge a small (1-2 TRY) fee. Another good reason to carry some small bills or coins with you.

18. Sip ayran to keep your tummy happy

Ayran is a savoury yogurt drink that has its roots in Turkey, but is popular around the region (I developed my ayran addiction several years ago in Bosnia and Herzegovina and have been sipping it ever since). It’s not too creamy, not too watery, and has just a hint of salty effervescence.

Because it’s yogurt, it’s full of good bacteria that do wonders to keep your gut in balance. Just as you might drink lassis in India, you can drink ayran in Istanbul to help ward off any potential food or water-related bugs.

Food poisoning definitely does occur in Istanbul, so watch what you eat and try to consume street food earlier in the day when it’s fresher (especially fish wraps and seafood).

People drink ayran with breakfast, lunch or dinner, and it is served at virtually every restaurant in Istanbul – either in little plastic tubs or from a fountain. Always go for the fresh option when it’s available: It’s light and aerated and extra delicious, presented with a big scoop of yogurty foam on top.

19. Drinking is common, but alcohol is not ubiquitous

The most popular alcoholic drinks in Istanbul are beer, wine and raki , a powerful spirit distilled from grapes or other fruits. Not all restaurants serve alcohol, however, and when you make your way over to the Asian side of Istanbul (which is noticeably more conservative), you’ll find that only a handful of establishments are licensed.

If you prefer to BYO, tekels are Istanbul’s answer to bottle shops. They normally sell a selection of local bottled beers and Turkish wines along with soft drinks, snack foods and cigarettes. It’s illegal to sell alcohol within 100 metres of a mosque or a school, so you won’t find any tekels in some neighbourhoods.

Sales are restricted to certain times of day – you cannot purchase drinks from a bottle shop between 10am and 6am (there are no restrictions on restaurants and bars, though). Alcohol is served as normal during Ramadan.

Excessive drinking is taboo in Turkish culture. Raki, the national drink, is a social beverage consumed slowly with food. It has aniseed notes and is sometimes served over water and ice, which gives it a milky colour.

If you want to try raki, head to a meyhane (meze bar), where alcohol is served with small places of food (also see point #26 on this list). You can order a small 350 mL bottle or a shot (~40 mL). Start slow – some rakis are 80-90 proof.

20. English is widely spoken (sort of)

The number of Turkish people who speak English is somewhere between 15-20% . Of course the rate is much higher in Istanbul, but still, English is not as widespread as you might imagine.

We found a bit of a paradox here: In big shops and phone stores, very little English was spoken, while we encountered staff who spoke perfect English in small restaurants and humble bakeries.

The bottom line is that it’s a bit of a mixed bag, so be prepared to sign and mime your way through some situations. Of course it helps to have some simple Turkish under your belt – knowing a few basic phrases can help to smooth things over.

Istanbul quirks to know before you go

Here are a few unusual quirks that tripped us up in Istanbul.

21. Pharmacies are hard to find

Turkey differentiates between ‘pharmacies’ and ‘cosmetic stores’ in a way that I’ve not noticed in any other country. The latter sells beauty and health products, but there is no pharmacist on staff and nowhere to buy over-the-counter medications or prescription meds.

Chains such as Watsons, Rossmann and Gratis are classified as ‘cosmetics stores’. If you need anything more serious than paracetamol or a revitalising face mask, you need a pharmacy or eczane .

Eczanesi are more difficult to come by. That’s because there are no chain pharmacies in Turkey. All pharmacies are small and owner-operated by a pharmacist – essentially mom-and-pop shops. You won’t find them in malls, only on the streets. Look for the ‘eczanesi’ sign in the window, and when using Google Maps, search for ‘eczane’ rather than ‘pharmacy’.

Pharmacies are worth hunting down if you need them: Many medicines are freely available in Turkey without a prescription, and prices are almost always cheaper than elsewhere in Europe. You do have to ask around, though, as every pharmacy has different stock and different generic brands. My partner spent several days searching for his medication and after asking at a dozen eczanesi, he finally found what he was looking for at a quarter of the price it is in Georgia.

22. Hand cologne is a thing

Istanbulites were sanitising their hands long before it was cool. The first time we had our hands doused in hand cologne by a friendly waiter, we assumed it was hand sanitiser – but no, this tradition far predates the pandemic.

Kolonya harks back to the days of the Ottoman Empire when a pleasant smelling liquid was sprinkled on guests’ hands as they would enter or exit private homes, hotels or hospitals. Today it’s widely used in restaurants after you pay the check. Some places have a little bottle on the table next to the salt and pepper shakers.

Scented with jasmine, lemon, rosewater or dark spice, a dash of hand cologne leaves your paws smelling fragrant fresh. Unlike hand gel, kolonya is very thin and watery – a little bit goes a long way. And because it’s ethanol-based, it does act as a disinfectant as well.

23. Don’t be surprised if you get asked for your phone number

Grocery stores, cosmetic stores, clothing shops and pharmacies alike seem to ask customers for a local phone number – I assume for marketing purposes rather than to track or register anything. This happened to us on a daily basis, and the first few times, the language barrier made it very confusing.

If you don’t have a local SIM (and even if you do), you can always say no and the cashier will copy a random number off the back of an old receipt.

24. Don’t stay too close to a mosque if you like to sleep in

Istanbul has its own backing track, and that is the sound of the call to prayer ( ezan ). The rumble of minarets whispering to each other is incredibly stirring – but your opinion might be slightly different if you happen to be laying your head near a mosque’s speakerbox every night.

The call to prayer happens five times a day, starting with the pre-dawn İmsak ( Fajr ), which reverberates around the city some time between 4-6am depending on the time of year. In July, it can be as early as 3.30am, with a second Sunrise ( Güneş ) call around 2 hours later.

With well over 3,000 mosques, you’ll more than likely have at least one or two nearby. If you’re a light sleeper, it’s worth scoping out the local mosques and choosing accommodation that’s further than earshot from the nearest minaret.

25. Don’t linger too long at a lokanta

Lokanta are a specific type of Turkish restaurant that serve casual, home-style meals to workers and tradesmen. Every neighbourhood has them, and they are a terrific place to sample salt-of-the-earth Turkish cuisine and soak up a bit of local culture at the same time.

When you sit down at a lokanta, a waiter will come to take your order within seconds. Some are cafeteria style, others are a-la-carte. At the end of the meal, empty plates are spirited away and the table sprayed and wiped just as fast as the food came out. Usually you settle the bill at a cash desk rather than requesting a written check.

It’s easy to overstay your welcome at this type of establishment, where the imperative is to turn tables as quickly as possible. They are perfect when you need a quick bite, but if you want a leisurely meal, choose a different sort of restaurant. Sidewalk meyhanes , for example, are the complete opposite. Serving meze and raki, they are designed for long, lingering lunches.

26. Don’t assume those meze plates are free

It’s normal for wait staff at a meyhane to present you with an attractive tray of small plates before they take your order. Turkish meze includes grilled eggplant with yogurt, fava beans, artichoke, and many, many more delicious bites designed for sharing over a bottle of raki.

Don’t make the mistake of assuming these small side salads are free – they are not. (Sides of chopped onion, herbs and chilli served in smaller silver dishes with kebab, on the other hand, are usually included in the price.)

27. Brace yourself for lots of uphill walking

They don’t call Istanbul the ‘City on Seven Hills’ for nothing. After a few days walking the streets, you might think the ‘city of seven million hills’ is a more apt nickname.

Constantinople was laid out in the image of Rome, which was of course built over a septet of hills. On the ground, it feels like all of Istanbul is rippled, with steep streets and vertiginous staircases at almost every turn. There are many advantages to this city plan, the delightfully sloped houses in Balat for one, and the spectacular city views you get from the higher elevations for another.

Comfy shoes and a whole lot of patience are absolutely essential when exploring Istanbul on foot, where it can literally feel like an uphill battle to get from one place to the next.

There are ways to avoid the slog, including using the funicular railways: Taksim-Kabatas and the historic Tunel that links Karakoy and Beyoglu. The latter is the world’s second-oldest subterranean rail line (after the London Underground) and the oldest still-operating underground funicular in Europe.

Istanbul travel tips to feel like a local

While it takes more than a three or four-day stay to feel like a fully fledged Istanbulite, here are a few little tricks to help you fit in.

28. Dress modestly to blend in

Istanbul is a metropolis through and through, with a liberal dress code to match. Almost anything goes, but I still recommend you cover up for comfort and to fit in with the crowd. Women should try to avoid plunging necklines, revealing fabrics, and very short hemlines.

There are noticeable differences between the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, with more modest dress and more hijabs worn in Uskudar compared to Eminonu, for example. Generally speaking, Turkey gets more conservative the further east you go, and this holds true even in the city centre. Keep it in mind if you’re travelling around the country.

One place you definitely must observe the dress code is mosques, where covered arms (to the elbow for men or the wrist for women) and legs (down to the ankles) is required. Women must also cover their hair. Majority of mosques have pull-over muumuus that you can borrow (for free) at the door to fully cover up. Note that there are no dress requirements for young kids.

It’s obligatory to remove your shoes when entering a mosque, so on days when you’re sightseeing, wear kicks that you can easily slip off and on. And if you prefer not to go barefoot, carry a pair of ankle socks in the bottom of your bag. Some mosques provide plastic bags, otherwise you can just leave your shoes outside.

29. Never skip breakfast…

Breakfast is certainly the most important meal of the day in Turkey. Sunday breakfast is the queen of the morning meals, when the famous kahvalti tabagi ‘spread breakfast’ comes into its own.

On a Sunday, some Istanbulites spend the better part of the day between mid-morning and late afternoon gathered around the breakfast table with friends or family, noshing on an extravagant spread of cheeses, olives, cut vegetables and eggs served with supple somun bread. Kahvalti is a daily occurrence in places like Besiktast ‘Breakfast Street’ and in gourmet cafes such as Van Kahvalti.

If you’re on a tight timeline or a budget, breakfast doesn’t have to be drawn-out or expensive: There are faster and more affordable options, such as a pick-and-choose breakfast at Cakmak Kahvalti Salonu, where small plates range from 2-8 TRY each. 

Borekcisi (borek bakeries) serve portions of steaming hot filled pastry and chai, or for a simple breakfast snack on the go, grab a simit bagel from a street vendor.

30. …But don’t order coffee first thing

Kahvalti means ‘before coffee’. Breakfast is traditionally accompanied by cay , strong black tea, rather than Turkish coffee. It’s normal to down half a dozen glasses of tea in a single sitting (though two or three is usually enough). Most sit-down kahvalti breakfasts come with two pots of tea.

If you want to do things like a local, save your Türk kahvesi for after lunch and start your morning with cay sade – strong and bitter tea with no sugar – instead.

31. Don’t be afraid to haggle at the bazaar

Haggling is customary and expected at markets in Istanbul and in other commercial settings. You’ll find that most items at the Grand Bazaar or Spice Bazaar have a price tag, but for those that don’t (and even for those that do), it’s quite normal to bargain for a better price. This is especially true if you’re buying more than one of something or multiple items from the same vendor. Rule of thumb is to aim for a 35-50% discount on the sticker price.

There are huge mark-ups at the Grand Bazaar, which seems to be almost exclusively the domain of tourists these days. There are local markets and street markets all over Istanbul where you’ll have a better chance of striking gold for a fair figure. Markets are held on different days of the week and following a rotating schedule, so you can always find something on. Popular food and flea markets take place in Karakoy (Tuesdays), Ortakoy (Thursdays), Uskudar (Fridays), and Besiktas (Saturdays).

If you do decide to brave the Grand Bazaar or another historic market in Istanbul, the best advice I’ve heard is to do your shopping in the mid-morning. It’s more likely that vendors have already made a few sales and met their daily commission targets, so there will be less pressure on you.

32. Don’t fall for the ‘shoe cleaner trick’

This one got us good.

One early morning we were walking down an alleyway in Besiktas when we heard a clack on the cobbles and noticed that someone had dropped a wooden shoe brush. Being the saint he is, my partner rushed to pick it up without a second thought and handed it back to the shoe cleaner whose caddy it had tumbled from.

Expressing his profound thanks, the guy promptly took a seat on the curb at our feet and insisted on shaking my husband’s hand in gratitude. That’s when he grabbed him by the wrist in a monkey grip and tried to pull him down for a coerced shoe cleaning. I should mention that he was wearing joggers, not leather shoes!

Neither of us were aware of this common scam at the time, so we thought the whole situation was quite hilarious. The man had a gorgeous smile and was very friendly – we actually gave him credit for this ingenious trick.

Only later when we heard about the scam did we realise what had (almost) happened to us. Ross managed to talk his way out of it, dirty shoes still intact.

We were not mad in the slightest, but it could have been a different story had we actually been talked into handing over cash. Keep an eye out for this trick, especially in touristy areas.

33. Embrace cat culture

There are up to a million cats and kittens living on the streets of Istanbul. Every cafe is a cat cafe, and every corner has its own posse of cute pusses. A picture-perfect clowder of cats lounging on fence posts and chairs like the princes and princesses they are awaits you at every turn.

Similar to street dogs in Georgia , the cats of Istanbul are regarded as community pets rather than strays and are fed and cared for by the locals. For the most part, they don’t bother people and keep to themselves. We definitely encountered a few fiercer felines on our travels – it’s pretty obvious which cats want pats and which ones need their personal space. They will let you know with a dagger stare or a hiss.

Cat culture can be traced back to Ottoman times, when tabbys helped to quash the city’s mice population. In this respect, cats are an inseparable part of the city’s social fabric.

If you’re an animal lover, it can be distressing to see so many cats living rough, especially when they’re not in the best shape. (Though I must say that every cat I met in Istanbul was plump and rosy.) It helps to know that Istanbul (and all of Turkey) has a no-kill, no capture policy.

34. Brush up on your basic hammam etiquette

Partaking in a traditional Turkish bath is a must-do in Istanbul. The hammams have aeons of history and custom attached to them – there are definite dos and don’ts, just as there are with the sulfur baths in Tbilisi . It helps to know how to handle things once the towels come out, lest you embarrass yourself.

Regarding nakedness, men normally strip down to nothing while women wear undies (single-use pairs are supplied by most bathhouses) then don a pestemal towel, which stays wrapped around you for the duration of your stay.

The Turkish-style skin peel/massage ( kese ) can be quite rough on the skin and muscles. The therapist, known as a natir or tellak , will always be of the same gender. It’s customary to tip them 10-20% after your treatment.

For more Turkish hammam hints, see this guide .

More helpful Istanbul tips to make the most of your visit

Finally, here are a handful of practical tips for planning your itinerary and getting the most out of your time in Istanbul.

35. Organise your Istanbul itinerary by neighbourhood/district

Istanbul has 39 districts, each with its own character and appeal. From the Instagrammable houses and antique shops in Balat, to the trendy cafes in Cihangir, the rambunctious fish market in Uskudar to the Ottoman-era mansions in Arnavutkoy , every corner of the city has something incredible up its sleeve.

A great way to organise your time in Istanbul is by planning your movements around the different neighbourhoods. Each one is quite discreet, so you can knock out a to-do list before moving onto the next.

Some neighbourhoods naturally pair together thanks to geography and transport logistics: Galata and Karakoy, Fener and Balat, Uskudar and Kadikoy, Cihangir and Cukurcuma. See my Istanbul 4-day itinerary for more ideas on how to plan your visit by district.

38. Consider signing up for a food tour

One thing every Istanbul neighbourhood has in common is its never-ending supply of cafes, restaurants and street food vendors. One of the best ways to discover the city – especially if you’re on a tight timeline – is by signing up for a food tour.

I was lucky enough to join Culinary Backstreets’ Born on the Bosphorus tour during my most recent visit to Istanbul. It was one of the highlights of my trip – not only because of the delicious food, but mainly thanks to our incredible guide, Benoit, who over the course of a full day taught me so much about Istanbul’s food and beyond.

The popular Taste of Two Continents tour, with 11 food stops and a Bosphorus ferry crossing, is a good alternative if you’re looking for a half-day experience.

37. Get an early start to beat the crowds

This is particularly important in summer, when the touristy parts of the city get extremely crowded. One of the best ways to avoid long waits at landmarks such as Galata Tower is by waking up early and arriving as doors open.

The metro starts running at 6am – and from Friday evening to Sunday morning public transport operates 24/7 – so there’s no excuse not to get out in the early AM.

38. Invest in a Museum Pass or Istanbul E-Pass

There is a gamut of different tourist cards and passes available for Istanbul. The 5-day Istanbul Museum Pass or the 2-7 day E-Pass is one of the best investments you can make if you plan on doing the rounds through the city’s best museums and big attractions.

The digital pass gives you skip-the-queue access to 10 of the city’s finest cultural institutions, including Galata Tower, Topkapi Palace and the Harem, the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, and the Galata Mevlevihanesi Museum.

Available to purchase online before you arrive, it uses a simple QR code system. Just show your pass on your mobile – no need to print anything.

Only buy the pass if it makes sense for you, though: You have to visit multiple attractions for it to pay off, though the other perks – particularly the ability to skip the ticket line – are invaluable in a sense.

Purchase the official Istanbul E-Pass here via Viator .

39. Check prayer times in advance

The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are both active mosques, open to visitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Except during prayer times, that is.

All of Istanbul’s mosques temporarily close to non-Muslim visitors five times a day for a period of about 90 minutes. For the duration of the Congregational Prayers, no tourists are permitted to enter.

It’s imperative to check prayer times in advance. If you show up while prayers are on, you will be met with a long wait outside. Times are signposted at the bigger mosques or you can check online .

The queue to enter the Hagia Sophia gets very long towards the end of the prayer session. The best time to visit is 30-40 minutes before the mosque is scheduled to close. Don’t try to visit on Fridays when the Jumu’ah prayer takes place – this is one of the busiest times, and it’s always crowded and chaotic.

If your Istanbul visit coincides with Ramadan or another Islamic holiday, prayer times might be different and mosques might be closed for longer periods during the day.

40. Skip the Bosphorus cruise – take advantage of local ferries instead

Some people opt to experience the Bosphorus on board a yacht at sunset with champagne and nibbles. If your budget won’t stretch that far, or you just prefer a local experience, then a ride on the public ferry offers the same ambiance and water views for a fraction of the price.

Hundreds of ferries criss-cross the strait, linking Istanbul’s Asian and European sides. The most scenic ferry routes include Besiktas to Kadikoy, Karakoy to Uskudar, and Karakoy to Kadikoy. Some boats go up the Bosphorus towards the Black Sea, and others head in the opposite direction towards the Princes’ Islands.

Bring a simit bagel to snack on (and to lure seagulls in for photos), or order a tulip-shaped glass of tea from one of the roving vendors on board.

41. Don’t miss the sunset from Galata Bridge

There is only one way to end a day in Istanbul in my opinion, and that’s by watching the sun go down from Galata Bridge. It might be touristy as heck, but there’s a good reason why this is such a popular spot. Views of the glittering water and intertwining boats, mosque minarets silhouetted against a dusky blue sky framed by fishermen casting their lines off the edge of the bridge, are absolute gold.

I recommend finding a spot to stand on the western side of the bridge, above the area where the Karakoy ferry docks. Aim to arrive about an hour before sunset for the best light.

For the perfect Istanbul photo, wait patiently for the garbage truck to come down the street and dump its load in the bins near the ferry terminal – this sends the seagulls into a frenzy, and they fill the skies with their spinning and diving for a good 15 minutes.

42. ‘Authentic’ Whirling Dervish ceremonies still exist – here’s how to find one

Speaking of Istanbul must-dos: A Whirling Dervish show is a bucket-list item for many. I was warned that all Mevlevi Sema ceremonies had become commercialised and ‘spoiled’ by tourists to the point where they just weren’t worth pursuing any more. So I made it my mission to find a real, ‘authentic’ Sema ritual in Istanbul, and I’m happy to say that I eventually did.

Get all the details about the best Whirling Dervish ceremony in Istanbul in this guide .

Where to stay in Istanbul

Budget: Hostel Le Banc (⭐ 9.5) – This popular hostel in Beyoglu is footsteps from the Galata Tower and Sishane metro station. It features air-conditioned rooms (private doubles and mixed/all-female 4 and 10-bed dorms), a shared lounge and a terrace.

Mid-range: 38 Hotel (⭐ 8.6) – Located in Sisli, close to Osmanbey metro station, this hotel has compact, tidy double rooms and suites.

Boutique: Hotel Empress Zoe (⭐ 9.2) – This gorgeous boutique hotel is decorated with heritage flourishes and boasts hammam-like ensuites and private internal terraces. The location in Fatih, minutes from Sultan Ahmet Mosque and the Blue Mosque, is very central yet the hotel still feels secluded.

Luxury: Ecole St. Pierre Hotel (⭐ 9.5) – Located in Beyoglu close to Galata Tower, this boutique-luxury hotel offers high-end suites with private courtyards and terraces. The building, an old Italian Dominican school with remnants of the 13th-century Galata walls inside its courtyard, is dripping with history.

Turkey essentials

Here are some of the websites and services I recommend for planning a trip to Turkey. Remember to check out my full list of travel resources for more tips.

FLIGHTS: Find affordable flights to Turkey using the Skyscanner website .

VISAS: Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Turkey and apply for an expedited visa online.

DOCUMENTATION: Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation for your visa application.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip to Turkey with HeyMondo , my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance.

CAR HIRE: Use the Local Rent platform to hire a car from a local agent. Prices start from as little as 18€ per day.

ACCOMMODATION: Find the best Turkey hotel deals on Booking.com .

CITY TOURS & DAY TRIPS: Browse the Viator website to find the best itineraries and prices for Istanbul food tours, Cappadocia balloon rides and more!

More Istanbul travel resources

• 1-4 day Istanbul itinerary
• Istanbul travel budget
• The ultimate guide to eating out in Istanbul
• Tips for visiting Galata Tower for Istanbul city views
• The best Whirling Dervishes ceremony in Istanbul
• Guide to Arnavutkoy, Istanbul’s most beautiful district
• The best places to visit in Turkey
• Turkey in winter: Where to go plus travel tips

12 Comments

Detailed tips are super helpful, especially about the best time to visit and the ins and outs of public transport.

Thank you. Right now in Turkey with wife and kids. Following your steps and recommendations. Just one thing: booking asked for a price but the hotel converted the price to Liras and charged me much more for exactly the same booking and service! Thank you again,

I love your travel blog! Your vivid descriptions and stunning photographs make me feel like I’m right there with you. It’s inspiring to see someone embracing adventure and exploring new cultures. Keep the travel stories coming!

Excellent article and links for further information. I am planning a trip to Turkey in September with my wife and your articles a great start and support. Great job! Alejandro

This is very, very helpful. Thank you so much.

Early in your article you indicated that Booking.com does not work in Turkey, yet in the section, entitled “Turkey Essentials”, you direct us to that site for Hotels. Maybe I am missing something, but that appears to be contradictory. I found the article very helpful…..Thanks for the information.

Hi JB – I still recommend using Booking, only you have to reserve from outside of Turkey ie. before you arrive.

Thanks so much, this was really helpful. Lots of good to know stuff that I didn’t find mentioned elsewhere

it was very helpful thank you

Ha, I made the same mistake again and didn’t read through your info thoroughly. In Georgia, I paid more than I needed to for a SIM at the airport and this time, I could have saved a few lira on a bank withdrawal in Istanbul.

Already appreciating the smiles and kindness in Istanbul very much.

Love your work Emily.

Perhaps it’s different for Australian passport holders, but I found the VOA to be a better deal than the eVisa for Americans. Our eVisas were fast and easy to get, but cost $50 plus a 2 dollar service fee. We got them before traveling to Turkey last year, but went twice to make them a better value. This past month we got VOA (no lines) and paid 25 euros each. Both are valid for 6 months. Plus you get a little visa stamp in your passport!

Thanks Owen for the info – you’re right, VOA is more affordable for US passport holders, but not for us Aussies unfortunately! I would have loved a visa stamp. I’ll update that now. Cheers!

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When is the best time to visit Istanbul?

Feb 3, 2023 • 4 min read

Istanbul bustles throughout the year, though its mood can change dramatically with the seasons © Getty Images/ EyeEm

There’s rarely a dull moment in vibrant Istanbul . The city's historic attractions can be appreciated any time of year, but its vibe does change dramatically with the seasons, from wet and moody winters to sunny and sticky summers – and accommodation prices vary accordingly.

When planning a trip, it’s worth noting the upcoming dates of the two biggest Muslim holidays, Ramazan Bayramı (Ramadan, or Eid Al Fitr) and Kurban Bayramı (Eid Al Adha), which shift by about 10 days each year. Both are big travel periods in Turkey, comparable to Thanksgiving or Christmas in the United States, with corresponding effects on costs, crowds and vacation-related closures. Here are our picks for the best times to enjoy Turkey’s largest city.

June to August is best for outdoor dining and concerts in Istanbul

Summer is peak tourism season in Istanbul. Many residents decamp for vacation or family homes elsewhere in Turkey, so costs for accommodations can be high and lines long at major attractions. The weather is hot and humid, but the sun sparkling off the Bosphorus is glorious, and a slew of outdoor seating at cafes, restaurants and bars makes for a lively urban scene. Concerts, festivals and other events are staged in the open air too.

The shoulder season is best for sightseeing and cultural events

The long, mostly pleasant spring and fall seasons (March to May and September to November ) are ideal for seeing the sights and wandering the neighborhoods of Istanbul, a city that rewards exploration by foot. There's a drop off in tourist crowds, and local urban life is in full swing, including a busy calendar of arts and cultural events.

Istanbul in December? Winter is ideal for travel on a budget

The gray, rainy and surprisingly chilly winter months aren’t the most appealing time to visit Istanbul, though they do lend the city a certain romantically melancholy mood. On the plus side, it won’t be difficult or expensive to find accommodations, and Istanbul’s many museums, mosques and other sights provide plenty of indoor activities.

Istanbul by month

The start of the year in Istanbul is usually quiet and cold with a chance of snow, though there’s always plenty of hot tea around to warm you up. Keep an eye out for salep , a creamy, cinnamon-topped hot drink served mainly in winter.

Key events: Greek Orthodox Epiphany

The winds off the Bosphorus are still bracing, but the meyhanes (taverns) are cozy, and their tables continue to be filled with the winter’s bounty of fresh fish.

Key events: Baklahorani (Tatavla Festivali)

The Newroz festival marks the beginning of spring and the Kurdish (and Persian) new year, and indeed, things are starting to wake up in Istanbul in March, with warmer days and livelier nights.

Key events: Newroz (Nevruz), 19th Akbank Short Film Festival

Tulips planted in parks across the city come into bloom, and the fair weather starts luring people outside, while the annual film festival draws them into cinemas as well.

Key events: Tulip Festival (Lale Festivali), 42nd Istanbul Film Festival, Sonar Istanbul

Warm and sunny but not yet sweltering, May is an ideal time to visit Istanbul, with outdoor eating and drinking coming into full swing.

Key events: Hıdrellez, Chill-Out Festival

The summer festival season begins with the classical-heavy Istanbul Music Festival. Weekends see droves of locals heading to the Princes’ Islands, the Belgrad Forest, and parks and picnic areas around the city.

Key events: Istanbul Music Festival

As the temperatures rise, those who can escape the city while the tourists pour in. Music festivals are still kicking, and rooftop bars and Bosphorus-side cafes are the place to be.

Key events: Istanbul Jazz Festival, Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race, Istanbul Opera Festival

A ferry ride is the best – and cheapest – way to get a reprieve from Istanbul’s heat and humidity, which are starting to feel oppressive.

The start of the school year is also when Istanbul’s cultural calendar begins to get crowded again, especially in the alternating years when the Istanbul Biennial is held. Just about every gallery, museum and arts organization in the city takes that as an opportunity to open its own new exhibits and events as well.

Key events: Istanbul Biennial, XJazz Festival, Bosphorus Cup Istanbul Regatta

October’s still generally clement weather, with cooler evenings, means it’s the last hurrah of the year for most outdoor activities.

Key events: Akbank Jazz Festival, Istanbul Design Biennial, Filmekimi, Republic Day, Mamut Art Project, 212 Photography Festival

November in Istanbul is not totally devoid of nice days, but you may be happy to see the ever-present şemsiye (umbrella) sellers who pop up – seemingly out of nowhere – at the first sign of rain.

Key events: Istanbul Marathon, Istanbul Theater Festival, Istanbul Puppet Festival

Istanbul’s many museums welcome visitors in from the cold, as do evenings by the hot grill of an ocakbaşı , a traditional type of restaurant serving hearty plates of grilled meats. Winter is also a great time of year for a visit to a steamy hammam, or Turkish bath.

This article was first published October 2021 and updated February 2023

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When Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Istanbul?

Experience Istanbul's enchanting seasons and find your perfect time to visit this dream destination in Turkey.

Istanbul is a dream destination for most, but you can make your Istanbul holiday even dreamier by just picking the best time of year to visit Istanbul. 

So when is the best time of year to visit Istanbul? As transition seasons, fall and spring offer pleasant temperatures and add their colors to the city's stunning scenery and architecture, they are considered the best times to visit Istanbul.

Let's dig into the details of what Istanbul offers in each season and why fall and spring are the best times for your Istanbul trip.

What Is the Best Season to Visit Istanbul? 

Fall and spring offer more comfortable temperatures and less busy tourist scenes in Istanbul. Therefore you'll have more flexibility during your visit around these times. Fall and spring also emphasize the transition between tougher, more challenging times to a bit of relaxation with a help of the change in temperatures; hence it is also time for locals to socialize, discover and appreciate their city a bit more. 

In Turkish, fall directly translates to 'last spring' and spring to 'first spring.' And the common belief is that everything has two springs hence two chances to bloom in their lifetimes. So what is better than visiting a place in its blooming time? 

On the other hand, situated on the border between two continents, Europe and Asia, Istanbul never sees the extremes through the balancing effect of neighboring places over the climate. Therefore, this means that you can enjoy a trip to Istanbul in winter and summer too. 

Istanbul has mildly cold winters and hot and dry summers, and you can expect rain in almost every season. Depending on your travel length, you might end up having a gray and foggy holiday during the winter or a holiday filled with boiling temperatures in summer. So you have to be extremely careful about planning your Istanbul trip during these seasons.

Fall: Get Lost Amongst Istanbulites

Fall is a homecoming month for Istanbulites as the summer holidays end and the new school year starts. So it is an ideal season to get a glimpse of daily life in Istanbul from the morning rush to evening serenity. You can walk around the empty streets during the day and join the locals with their after-work drinks or even a Friday night out around a raki table. 

Besides, fall is known as a festival season in Istanbul as it hosts various festivals from art to film and music. It might be your chance to join and get lost in the crowds of young Istanbulites and experience the city in a way that they do. 

You can also catch some fall colors in Istanbul. If you stroll towards the famous Bogazici University campus and continue towards Bebek, there is no doubt that Rumeli Hisari will amaze you covered with autumnal colors. 

During the fall, the temperature is neither too hot nor too cold. However, you should always be ready for rain showers or some hot and dry days. So the key here is dressing up in layers and always have an umbrella handy. But don't worry, umbrella sellers in Istanbul will never let you get soaked with unexpected rain as they are popping up like mushrooms with a drop of rain. 

Fall season starts in late September and lasts until mid-November in Istanbul. As it is not the peak time for travelers, you can enjoy affordable prices on hotels and airline tickets.

Where to Stay in Istanbul in Fall

The Story Hotel Pera (link to see availability on Expedia) is located in the very heart of Taksim, by the famous Istiklal Street. You can discover the city on foot or by public transport, and write your own unique story while staying in this beautiful historical building with modern rooms. It’s got exceptional user ratings, and it offers excellent value.

Spring: Explore the Every Corner

Spring is known as the season that everything and everybody gets a bit more relaxed with the warming weather in Turkey. So expect to see Istanbulites enjoying the city that they are living in at every possible opportunity. Spring is the time of the year in Istanbul that urges everyone to have one more bite of everything. 

Therefore there is no better time than spring to enjoy a leisurely walk by the side of the Bosphorus topped up with a delicious cup of coffee or a gelato. Alternatively, you can jump on a morning ferry for a little excursion to discover one of the islands of Istanbul or to have a cruise on the Bosphorus. 

Without a doubt, the Istanbul Tulip Festival is another charm of the city during spring for more than 15 years. The festival takes place in several city parks in Istanbul and demonstrates over 2 million tulips every year. Make sure that you check the dates of the upcoming Tulip Festival before making your bookings. 

From mid-March to the end of May is considered the spring season, you can still benefit from winter specials' perks, especially on airline tickets for March.

Where to Stay in Istanbul in Spring

Celine Hotel (link to see availability on Expedia) in Sultanahmet, where most of the sights of Old Istanbul are gathered, is one of the best places in Istanbul to observe the colorful tulip festival. You can walk to the great Ottoman palaces and parks to take the most amazing pictures. The top floors of the hotel also offer a sea view, and the decor gives you a peek through history.

Winter: Discover the Seasonal Delicacies

Traveling to Istanbul during the winter season could be the most economical amongst others and the least crowded one. However, you should bear in mind that there will be some limitations over what you can or cannot do during your visit. 

Even if it is rare to see snow in Istanbul, you should be ready for cold weather, especially near the water. So the walks by the Bosphorus won't be as enjoyable in winter, and you might struggle to find some activities like dinner cruises or day tours available at this time of the year. 

On the other hand, Istanbul shows its beauty differently during winter. It is spectacular to see Maiden Tower or Rumeli Castle through the curtains of fog. Besides, you can opt for indoor activities from gallery hopping to see some international and local artists' works to experiencing Turkish Hamam, aka sauna. Don't forget to treat yourself with seasonal street food delicacies like roasted chestnuts and sahlep to warm your spirit on cold Istanbul days. 

As Turkey doesn't celebrate Christmas, you don't need to worry about the closure of regular businesses during that time as opposed to European countries. Still, you might need to keep in mind that the 1st of January is a national holiday in Turkey.

Where to Stay in Istanbul in Winter

Nordstern Hotel Galata (link to see availability on Expedia) is located in Karaköy, which is within walking distance of most landmarks, and its decor also embodies the Old City. Some rooms have a sea view and the hotel even offers a suite with Hamam, the traditional Turkish bath, for the extravagant. The fireplace in the lobby will also warm your heart on winter nights.

Summer: Enjoy the Long Days

As Istanbul is not only a destination by itself but also serves as a gateway to a more extended adventure in Turkey, you might expect that the crowds can be overwhelming during summer. Summertime in Istanbul is the exact opposite of fall in daily life as you might end up seeing more tourists on the streets than the locals. 

On the other hand, being in Istanbul during summer has some advantages, from enjoying the endless sunshine and long days to discovering the beaches along the northern coast of Istanbul. Getting around the city can also become easier in summer as most of the Istanbulites go to their hometowns or summer houses and the traffic declines. 

However, you should always be aware of the higher rates applied to almost everything for the famous holiday season.

Where to Stay in Istanbul in Summer

Royal Galata Hotel (link to see availability on Expedia) in Karaköy is in a very central location. You can use all public transport options or take a walk by the sea and reach the main attractions of the city in a short time. The rooms are decorated in a way that will make you feel like you are under the sea, which is a great vibe for a summer visit to Istanbul.

Closing Thoughts

Istanbul proved to be one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations by welcoming almost 10 million visitors every year. 

Let alone the sights and the activities, Istanbul never fails to amaze people with the possibility of jumping on a ferry and traveling between continents in 15 minutes. Thanks to its unique location, Istanbul unveils different bits of its beauty in each season. Feel free to visit Istanbul anytime or visit more than once in different seasons to discover the city's every magical element.

Istanbul   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Leonardo Patrizi | Getty Images

Best Times To Visit Istanbul

The best times to visit Istanbul are from March to May and between September and November. That's when crowds at the city's attractions are manageable, room rates are average and daytime temperatures generally sit in the 60s and 70s. Peak season – from June to August – sees temps soar into the low 60s to low 80s, and accommodation prices increase to match the demand from incoming tourists. December through February, meanwhile, are the cheapest months to visit, but Istanbul's rainy, snowy and chilly conditions (temps are in the high 30s to high 50s) mean you'll have to don cold weather attire and lug an umbrella during your stay.

Weather in Istanbul

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

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Popular Times to Visit Istanbul

Tourism volume is estimated based on in-market destination search query interest from Google and on travel.usnews.com in 2015-2016. Hotel prices are sourced from a sample of U.S. News Best Hotels rates through 2015-2016.

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One Week in Istanbul: The Ultimate 7-Day Itinerary

I usually prefer to stay 3-5 days in a city before moving on to other places, but it’s easy to stay one whole week in Istanbul (or longer, if you have the time). Istanbul is a famed travel destination for many reasons: its rich history, its multiculturalism, its food…just to name a few.

There is a never-ending list of things to do in this city. But in this post, I have narrowed it down to the BEST things to cover in seven days.

I also include a bunch of tips on the best time to go, where to stay, how to get around, what to wear, and more. Happy planning!

⏰ SHORT ON TIME? Here are my top recommendations for a week in Istanbul. 🛌 WHERE TO STAY: DoubleTree by Hilton Piyalepasa TOP THINGS TO DO: 🕌 Tour Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque 🌳 Walk through Gulhane Park 🏰 Visit Dolmabahçe Palace 🚋 Shop along Istiklal Avenue and see Taksim Square 🍳 Experience a traditional Turkish breakfast 🗼See Galata Tower 🏺Explore the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar ⛵️ Cruise to the Princes’ Islands

Hagia Sophia Mosque

Istanbul, Turkey: One-Week Itinerary

This will be one of the most jam-packed days, since you’ll be able to visit several sights that are within close proximity: Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Gulhane Park.

Marvel at the Blue Tiling of Topkapi Palace.

Topkapi Palace was one of my favorite sights in Istanbul. The tiling detail was incredible—I could have stared at it all day.

Topkapi Palace was the seat of the Ottoman Empire for almost 400 years, serving as home to about 30 different sultans and their courts. The palace housed anywhere from 1,000 to 4,000 residents at a given point in time.

You can purchase tickets to see the main palace grounds, including the Islamic relics, palace kitchens, and stunning pavilions with views over the Bosphorus.

For an additional fee, you can also tour the Harem, which is definitely worth seeing. I found it to be one of the most architecturally interesting parts of the whole palace.

Hours: 9 a.m.-4:45 p.m. in winter and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. in summer. The palace is open every day of the week except Tuesday.

Cost: 320 TL to tour the main museum and grounds, 420 TL to also visit the Harem.

Note: If you plan to visit more than one museum in Istanbul, it might be worth purchasing a Museum Pass for 700 TL. 🎟 LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MUSEUM PASS HERE

Tour the Magnificent Hagia Sophia.

Not far from Topkapi Palace is the famous Hagia Sophia mosque. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been dubbed by some art historians as the “eighth wonder of the world.”

Hagia Sophia started as a Byzantine Christian cathedral in 537 AD, then became a Catholic cathedral, then was converted to a mosque after the fall of Constantinople in 1453. It then changed to a museum from 1935-2020, and was converted back to a mosque in 2020.

If you look closely, you will still find evidence of the mosque’s Christian history in the art and architecture of the building. It is an interesting place to see the juxtaposition of two different faiths.

Note: Modest attire is required to enter Hagia Sophia. No shorts, and women must have their hair covered. If you don’t have a hair covering, you can purchase a scarf on site for a fee.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day

Cost: Free (but expect a long line to get in during peak season)

Explore the Iconic Blue Mosque.

Sultanahmet Mosque, more commonly referred to as the Blue Mosque , is just across Sultanahmet Square from Hagia Sophia. It is another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Blue Mosque is one of only five mosques in all of Turkey that has six minarets, and it is best known for its stunning blue tiled interior.

Note that as of September 2022, there is extensive construction taking place inside the mosque, so the area open for tourists to view is pretty limited.

On the day we visited, it was really hot and crowded, and since we had to take off our shoes inside, also very smelly. I personally enjoyed seeing the outside of the mosque more than the interior. 😉

Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day

Note: Since Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque are close together, you can book a group tour that includes entry into all three places and allows you to skip the lines (which can get very long, especially during peak season).

🎟 BOOK YOUR TOPKAPI PALACE, HAGIA SOPHIA, AND BLUE MOSQUE TOUR

Escape to the Quiet Oasis of Gulhane Park.

Right next to Topkapi Palace is Istanbul’s oldest public park, Gulhane Park . If you enter on the south side, you will walk through one of the larger gates of Topkapi Palace.

I was immediately struck by the towering trees lined up on either side of the main paved walkway. Near the entrance is a series of ponds with water fountains and bridges you can walk across.

There is also an expansive maze of trails veering off the main path that lead you to various art structures, benches, and playgrounds.

Our two-year-old loved playing in this park for a long time, so I highly recommend stopping here if you are traveling with kids. But even if you aren’t, it’s still a peaceful place to walk around and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Hours: 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. every day

Map showing distance from Gulhane Park (last stop on Day 1) to Dolmabahçe Palace, for reference.

See the Grandeur of Dolmabahçe Palace.

Dolmabahçe Palace was completed in 1856 by order of Turkey’s 31st sultan, Abdulmecid I. He felt Topkapi Palace had become outdated compared to other European castles of the day and wanted a more contemporary palace to be created in its place.

Dolmabahçe Palace is the largest palace in Turkey and is situated right along the Bosphorus Strait, with beautiful views of the water from its back gardens.

I personally thought Topkapi Palace was prettier than Dolmabahçe, maybe because of all the blue tiling, but it’s worth seeing them both.

Hours: 9 am. to 4 p.m. every day except Monday

Cost: 300 TL per person

Taste Istanbul’s Delicious Street Food.

One of the best things to do during a week in Istanbul is try the variety of street food.

There are a bunch of vendors near Dolmabahçe Palace where you can grab a bite to eat before sitting along the Bosphorus Strait.

From grilled corn to ripe watermelon to the famous Döner Kebabs to freshly squeezed pomegranate juice, you’re sure to find something delicious.

The great thing about Istanbul’s street food is its cheap prices, which makes for an affordable way to eat in the city.

Shop and Eat Your Way Through Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue.

Visiting Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue is an amazing way to feel the energy of the city. You could spend a half day or more here.

In the middle of Taksim Square is the Republic Monument, which was erected in 1928 in honor of the five-year anniversary of the Republic of Turkey. The Taksim Mosque is also a noteworthy building to see.

From Taksim Square, walk south toward the popular Istiklal Avenue, lined up with shops and restaurants on either side for nearly a mile. This is the perfect place to do some shopping — you can find some great deals!

Food-wise, you should also try the original baklava from Hafiz Mustafa, founded in 1864. Some of the restaurants also offer baklava ice cream sandwiches. Yes, that’s right. They are SO GOOD.

Experience a Traditional Turkish Breakfast.

A couple friends who have spent a lot of time in Istanbul said we had to try a traditional Turkish breakfast there. We ended up going to Privato Cafe near Galata Tower. It did not disappoint.

We ordered freshly squeezed orange juice (amazing) and their traditional village breakfast option. We also ordered their fried egg and sausage on the side.

The meal comes in two shifts, which we didn’t realize at first. They start by bringing a bunch of plates filled with various cheeses, olives, fruits and veggies, dips, and bread. Then they come with Turkish-style pancakes, pastries, and the eggs and meat, if you order it extra.

We were so full and happy from this meal and were ready for a big day of exploring Galata and other parts of the city after this.

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day (opens at 9 a.m. on Sundays)

Cost: Around 400 TL for the traditional breakfast for two + the juice and eggs, which easily fed three adults.

Take in Amazing City Views From Galata Tower and Galata Bridge.

Galata Tower is in the neighborhood of Beyoglu and was first built in 1348. It was once the tallest building in all of Constantinople and has served varying purposes, from a watchtower to a prison to a museum.

Since its initial construction, Galata Tower has undergone several renovations, but it has long been an iconic symbol for the city.

You can purchase tickets to climb to the top of the tower for amazing views of the Golden Horn and the city of Istanbul.

It is also worth sticking around the Beyoglu neighborhood for a while, where there is a variety of restaurants and boutiques to browse through. The architecture in this area of the city is also really pretty.

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day

Cost: 175 TL

Find Treasures at the Grand Bazaar.

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the oldest covered markets on earth, with more than 60 different pathways and 4,000 shops. It attracts more than 90 million visitors each year.

We spent a couple hours here and only scratched the surface of all there is to see. You could definitely make this an entire day trip if you wanted to.

I recommend passing through the “Old Bazaar” section, where you can see a vast selection of antique items from around the world.

You can probably find anything your heart desires at the Grand Bazaar, from jewelry and silk scarves to Turkish coffee sets and fresh baklava.

It is worth noting that for the best prices, you’ll probably be better off buying at one of the smaller bazaars. But you can also haggle the prices a bit if you find something you absolutely have to have.

Side tip: While inside the Grand Bazaar, you should stop at Sark Kahvesi for some delicious food, coffee, and dessert. We just happened to stumble across this pretty cafe and it was one of the highlights of our trip. Their Kibbeh meal was amazing.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day

Cost: Entry is free, but what you choose to purchase is a different story 🙂

Savor the Sights and Scents of the Spice Bazaar.

If for nothing else, visit the Spice Bazaar for the amazing colors and scents. It is the most famous covered market in Istanbul right after the Grand Bazaar.

The Spice Bazaar is also within walking distance of the Grand Bazaar, so you could easily see both in one day.

While spices are the main theme of this bazaar, you can also find lots of shops selling Turkish Delight (known locally as Lokum ), dried fruit and nuts, and souvenirs and trinkets.

Hours: 8 a.m to 7 p.m. most days, opens a bit later on Sundays .

Cost: Free entry, but I am sure you will be tempted to buy something delicious.

Take a Relaxing Boat Cruise to the Princes’ Islands.

A perfect day trip during a week in Istanbul is a boat cruise to one or more of the Princes’ Islands, a group of nine islands just off the coast of Istanbul on the Sea of Marmara.

A boat tour gives you a chance to relax on the water while taking in gorgeous views of the city from a different vantage point.

We visited the islands of Kinaliada, Burgazada, and Büyükada on our day trip, all which were very different from each other.

• Kinaliada is mostly residential and where wealthier Turks have properties. It was fun to simply walk down the streets and see all the beautiful flowers outside of people’s homes before grabbing some ice cream by the water.
• Burgazada has more restaurants and lots of souvenir stands. For our toddler, the highlight was the playground on the water. We could also see lots of jellyfish from the shore here.
• Büyükada is the most popular of all the Princes’ Islands and is likely where you would want to spend the most time. There are no cars allowed on the island, so it’s very pedestrian-friendly. You will find rows and rows of seafood restaurants along the water, and you can also rent bikes to ride around the entire island.

My husband’s family arranged our tour through an Iranian tour company, so I don’t have a link to share. Most guided tours will take you to Büyükada. If you want to see other islands, you may want to inquire with a private tour company.

But here is another great guided tour to explore Büyükada.

🎟 RESERVE A BOAT TOUR TO BÜYÜKADA

Hop Over to the Asian Side of Istanbul.

People say you haven’t really been to Istanbul if you didn’t go to the Asian side. While I wouldn’t necessarily agree with that, I do think if you have the time, it would be well worth going there.

The Asian side is much quieter and more residential and will give you a different flavor of Istanbul than the more touristy atmosphere of the European side.

The Kadiköy neighborhood in particular, which includes the popular Bagdat Street for shopping, is a great place to start.

The best way to get to the Asian side is to take the ferry. There are ferries to Kadiköy from the Beşiktaş, Kabataş and Eminönü piers on the European side.

We did not make it to the Asian side during our time in Istanbul. If we could go back, this is probably one of the first things we would do.

Check out this New York Times video for more tips on things to do on the Asian side.

One Week in Istanbul: Additional Things to Do

You could easily spend weeks in Istanbul and not run out of things to do. Since we were primarily there to visit with family, we had a more relaxed itinerary most days, only seeing one or two major sights a day.

If you want to maximize your time and see as much as possible during your week in Istanbul, here are a few other things that would be great to do:

1. Tour the Basilica Cistern (Add to Day 1)

For a fascinating look at Istanbul underground, you can tour the Basilica Cistern , one of the largest subterranean cisterns in Istanbul. Located within walking distance of the Hagia Sophia, the cistern was once an important water source for Constantinople residents.

Now it’s a popular museum where you can see the impressive stone columns rising from the water amid colorful lighting. The Basilica Cistern just reopened in the summer of 2022 after extensive renovations and is available to visit from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.

🎟 BOOK YOUR BASILICA CISTERN TOUR

2. Visit Chora Church (Add to Day 4)

See the historic Chora Church , which was first built in the early 4th century. It underwent several phases since then and was also converted to a mosque in 2020.

What’s most interesting about this church is that many of its Byzantine mosaics and frescos are still intact and paint a fascinating picture of early Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

3. Explore the Fener and Balat Neighborhoods (Add to Day 4)

The Fener and Balat areas of Istanbul, which are right next to each other on the southern shore of the Golden Horn, are filled with vibrant restaurants, vintage shops, and cafes.

These neighborhoods are known for their colorful buildings and diverse religious history. You’ll find a mixture of beautiful, historic churches, synagogues, and mosques here.

There is also an antique auction that takes place in Fener every day at 3 p.m. Stop by if you’re interested in picking up a one-of-a-kind treasure.

4. See the Maiden’s Tower (Add to Day 5)

Maiden’s Tower is on a small islet in the Bosphurus Strait and has inspired several legends over the centuries. It has been built and rebuilt several times, most recently in 1999 following the giant earthquake in the Sea of Marmara.

Today, there is a restaurant inside Maiden’s Tower with stunning views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus. You can get to Maiden’s Tower with a short ferry ride from the Kabatas or Üsküdar districts. But if you want to eat in the restaurant, be sure to make a reservation ahead of time, as it’s usually packed.

5. Learn History at the Museum of Innocence (Add to Day 3)

Go to the Museum of Innocence for one of the most unique museum experiences. The museum is located inside a 19th-century house in Istanbul and was created by author Orhan Pamuk as a companion to his famous novel The Museum of Innocence .

Here you can catch a glimpse into upper-class Istanbul life from the 1970s to early 2000s. All of the artifacts inside the house somehow depict the love story of Kemal and Füsun, the characters in Pamuk’s book.

6. Take a Bosphorus Cruise to the Black Sea (Substitute for Day 6)

While the Princes’ Island tours take you onto the Sea of Marmara that is south of Istanbul, you could also take a cruise north through the Bosphorus Strait and onto the Black Sea .

This all-day tour has stops on both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. It also includes time for you to explore the historic Küçüksu Palace and Rumeli Fortress before relaxing on the beach or swimming in the Black Sea. (Man, this makes me want to go back for another visit!)

🌊 BOOK YOUR DAY TRIP TO THE BLACK SEA

7. Experience a Traditional Hammam (Add to Day 3)

For the ultimate relaxation, consider booking a luxurious Turkish bath at a hammam , a tradition that dates back to the Ottoman Empire.

You’ll have the option to receive a full-body exfoliating bath, massage, facial, and more. The entire experience lasts 1-2 hours depending on which package you reserve.

💧 BOOK A TURKISH BATH AT A HAMMAM

8. Explore Some of the Smaller Bazaars (Add to Day 1 or Day 4)

For a more authentic Turkish shopping experience and better prices, I definitely recommend exploring some of the smaller bazaars as well.

The Rüstem Pasa Bazaar in Eminonu and Kadiköy Bazaar on the Asian side are both great options.

I also really enjoyed the Arasta Bazaar near the Blue Mosque. It was much less crowded than other bazaars and had a beautiful selection of teas and handmade items.

About Istanbul

Istanbul is Turkey’s largest city with more than 15 million residents, and it is the world’s eighth most visited city. Formerly called Constantinople, it played an important role in the early advancement of Christianity until the Ottoman Empire took over in 1453 and Islam became the main religion.

Even though the majority of Turks are Muslim, Istanbul is known for its diversity and tolerance for people of differing faiths and cultural backgrounds.

Here you will find a woman in a burka walking not far from someone with a crop top and mini skirt. You can hear the call of Azan from mosques all around the city, but at the same time see people conversing over a glass of wine in an outdoor cafe.

Istanbul is a city full of contradictions, which is probably why it’s so popular.

Asian vs. European Sides of Istanbul

The Bosphorus Strait cuts right through the middle of Istanbul, separating the European side on the west from the Asian side to the east.

One of our tour leaders said the Asian side is more nicely developed than the European side, but the European side is where most of the major tourist attractions are.

With only one week in Istanbul, you will likely spend most of your time on the European side, but it’s definitely worth cutting over to Kadikoy via a ferry across the Bosphorus for a day. You’ll probably find it much quieter and less crowded, which could make for a welcome break during your trip.

How Much Do Things Cost in Istanbul?

Istanbul is a very affordable city to visit. Once you are there, you will probably find most things to be cheaper than in your home country.

The Turkish currency is the Turkish Lira (TL). When we visited in September 2022, 100 TL was equal to roughly 6 USD.

We were easily able to buy meals for 100 TL or less, especially if we ordered from one of the street vendors.

Taxis and other public transportation are also fairly cheap. See Getting Around in Istanbul for more details.

The entry fees for museums and the price of clothing in malls I found to be pretty similar to what you would pay anywhere else.

For the most cost-effective (and unique) souvenirs, I recommend visiting one of the bazaars, where you can haggle the prices.

Best Time to Visit Istanbul

We visited in the middle of September, and it was very crowded. The weather was hot during the first part of the week (mid-80s), which made the crowded interiors of buildings even more uncomfortable. Thankfully, the temperatures cooled into the low- to mid-70s for the remainder of the week.

I would recommend going in May or early June before the summer crowds arrive or from mid-September to mid-October after most of them leave and the temperatures are a bit cooler.

But I am sure Istanbul is lovely to see at any time of the year, even in winter. It all depends on the types of activities you want to do.

Getting to Istanbul

There are two major airports near Istanbul: Istanbul Airport on the European side and Sabiha Gokcen Airport on the Asian side. Turkish Airlines is of course the most popular airline that flies into Istanbul, but many other international airlines fly there as well.

We flew in to Istanbul Airport, which is about a 30-minute drive from the Istanbul city center. We had a pre-arranged shuttle to our hotel, but you can also get a taxi on the spot for around 300 TL.

One Week in Istanbul: Where to Stay

We stayed in the DoubleTree by Hilton in Piyalepasa , which is not in the city center but only about 10-15 minutes by taxi to most major tourist attractions. The rooms are really nice, especially if you get one with a sofa bed. You’ll have a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the city.

The best part of this hotel was definitely the breakfast. They serve a lot of traditional Turkish items as part of their large buffet. I always filled my plate high with a variety of food. It was so good!

The hotel also has a rooftop bar and restaurant that is really fun to experience at night, and a nice swimming pool and spa area in the basement.

If you want to visit Taksim Square, the hotel offers a free shuttle there and back every hour until 10:30 p.m. Just note that sometimes there are more people trying to return at 10:30 than the shuttle can hold, so you may be forced to get a taxi. I’d recommend coming back on an earlier shuttle if you want to avoid this.

🛌 CHECK ROOM RATES FOR DOUBLETREE BY HILTON

Browse other Istanbul accommodations

Use the interactive map below to search for other accommodations that match your budget and preferences:

Getting Around in Istanbul

Taxis were the primary way we got around in Istanbul, mainly because our hotel was not located close to a metro station, but also because it was a fast and pretty cheap way to get to where we wanted to be.

However, note that taxi drivers often try to overcharge tourists so be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before getting into the car. We discovered that some drivers charge twice as much as others.

Official Istanbul taxis are all yellow with a “TAKSI” sign on top. Airport taxis are usually blue.

Check out my post on taxis in Istanbul for more details on getting around the city in a taxi.

Istanbulkart

If I go to Istanbul again, I will probably purchase an Istanbulkart , a card that gives you access to all the public transportation options in the city, including the subway, trams, funicular, ferries, and buses.

It’s a very cost-effective and convenient way to get around the city. The Istanbulkart costs just 25 TL to purchase without credits and then each individual ride costs 7.67 TL.

Where to get the Istanbulkart

You can purchase the card and load credits onto it at any of the yellow-blue vending machines located near transportation stops. You can also get the card at the airport and use it for the shuttle into the city.

Tips for Traveling to Istanbul

Here are some overarching tips to keep in mind before traveling to Istanbul to help ensure the best trip possible:

• Learn how to haggle prices when shopping at a bazaar. You can usually get things cheaper than the initial asking price.
• Compare taxi prices to understand what the average rate is. Don’t accept a ride from a taxi driver who asks too much.
• If you’re a woman, carry a scarf with you in case you want to tour a mosque that requires a hair covering.

Turkey Visa Requirements

Turkey requires an electronic tourist visa for many countries (including the United States). Thankfully, it’s a fairly easy process to obtain the visa.

• Visit the official Turkey visa website and complete the application.
• Pay the visa fee (for United States citizens, it is $50 per person as of 2022).
• You should then receive your visa via email within a matter of minutes.

You will want to print a copy of your visa before arriving in Turkey, as the passport control officer will ask to see it in addition to your passport.

What to Wear in Istanbul

You will see people wearing all types of clothing in Istanbul. Even though the main religion in Turkey is Islam, a strict dress code is not enforced on all residents or visitors.

However, it’s nice to be mindful of where you plan to visit and what the preferred dress code is. For example, if you plan to tour a mosque, you are expected to dress modestly, and women are required to cover their hair when inside.

Personally, I chose to dress more conservatively during my time in Istanbul. I stayed away from shorts and opted for lightweight dresses and loose tops and pants instead. But it’s really up to you and what you feel most comfortable doing.

Is Istanbul Safe?

When I told people we were taking a vacation in Turkey in 2022, I got some raised eyebrows. With everything going on in the world, they were concerned that it might not be the safest place to travel.

Yes, Turkey does have a history of terrorist attacks, with the most recent one being in 2016. However, so many other countries have had both domestic and international terrorist attacks in recent years (including the United States).

Risk is everywhere.

I am probably more likely to get hit by a bus here in Boston than be attacked as a tourist in Istanbul. I honestly felt safe the entire time I was there.

The only time I clenched my teeth was when I was in a taxi. That could sometimes be a wild ride, but I kept telling myself these drivers know what they are doing and they can maneuver the roads much better than I ever could.

Follow the same rules of common sense that you would in any other big city (you know, like not walking down dark alleys in the middle of the night).

And I wouldn’t talk openly about the Turkish government, especially if it’s in a critical way. Freedom of speech is not the same in Turkey as it is in other countries.

If you stick to these basic guidelines, you should be fine. 🙂

Is Istanbul a Good Family Vacation Destination?

Overall, Istanbul would make for a nice family vacation destination. The prices are affordable, which is nice when you have more mouths to feed. And there is an endless number of historic sights where kids can learn about Turkey’s past.

We were in Istanbul with our toddler and found it fairly easy to navigate with her. However, here are some things to keep in mind:

• There are some areas that are not as stroller-friendly, where the sidewalks are too narrow or there are too many steps. But a good portion of the sidewalks can accommodate a stroller with no problem.
• Be cautious when crossing roads. Cars are not as patient or considerate toward pedestrians, and you often have to push your way forward. Do not expect cars to give you the right of way.
• Like at home, it’s important for your kids to have time and space to do things they enjoy. We had the most success with our daughter when she had moments throughout the day to run around freely or climb on things.

As long as you keep the interests of your kids in mind when planning your itinerary, Istanbul is a very rewarding place to have a family vacation.

Wrap-up: One Week in Istanbul

Hopefully I have convinced you to add Istanbul to your bucket list. Or if you have an upcoming trip to Istanbul, I hope I made you even more excited to go!

Whether you take it easy and only want to see one or two sights a day, or you want to do all of the things and see as much as possible, your week in Istanbul is sure to be unforgettable.

Enjoyed this post? You may also like The Ultimate 7-Day Dubai Itinerary .

PLANNING A TRIP? These are the resources I recommend: ✈️ Flights:   Skyscanner 🛌 Hotels:  Booking.com ​ 🚗 Rental cars:   DiscoverCars 🎟 Tours: Viator  or  GetYourGuide

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When is the Best Time to Visit Istanbul, Turkey?

A magnificent shot of Istanbul, Turkey

Known as the city where East meets West, travelers today are eager to explore the intersection of Constantinoples' rich past with the modern bustle of Istanbul. The city is still a vibrant crossroads of many unique nationalities, traditions, and religions, and is best when explored in the company of a local guide.

As we continue to plan our next trip to Istanbul, Turkey the biggest question on our minds is – what time of year is the best for a visit? Because  Istanbul  is one of the most visited cities in the world, its available activities and accommodations vary wildly by season. When trip-planning it's also important to consider crowd control, safety, and accessibility.

No matter what time of year you're able to squeeze in a visit to Turkey, you can rest assured that it will be a trip of a lifetime. Our local experts contextualize popular sites such as  Istanbul's magnificent mosques , the  Grand Bazaar , and  Hagia Sophia . But we'll also lead you off the beaten path onto a  cruise along the Bosphorus River  and crisscrossing through the favorite local hideouts. Read on to learn about the best time of year to plan your visit!

Winter in Istanbul, Turkey

Of course, the coldest time to visit Turkey is during January and February. These tend to be the coldest months in Turkey, which means you'll have fewer crowds to compete with, but you'd better bundle up! Keep in mind, the best way to learn more about  Istanbul  is by exploring on foot – be sure to pack your best walking shoes because this is a city full of hills and historic cobblestone roads!

Turkish winters are typically cloudy and rainy, ranging from 28 °F - 50 °F (-2 °C to 10 °C). While snow showers are rare, if you're lucky, you'll get the chance to experience a walk through this winter wonderlan

Spring in Istanbul, Turkey

Spring in Turkey is filled with rain and wind, and a bit on the cooler side as we move from March to April, with the weather getting progressively better (and warmer) as we reach May. While March in Turkey is a bit unpredictable in terms of weather, you can expect comfortable and occasional rainy days and cold nights in April, and warm days and nights in May with more sun than rain.

Istanbul is less crowded in the Spring, compared to the summer, so you'll be able to enjoy nicer weather and reasonable price points! The temperatures range from 51 °F - 68 °F (11 °C to 20 °C).

Summer in Istanbul, Turkey

Summer in Turkey is hot and humid, with August being the hottest month in the year in Istanbul. Since schools end in mid-June, local tourism picks up around then and calms down when schools reopen. The same applies for international travelers - since most schools and universities end the term in June, and restart back in September, you see an uptick in tourism, and in tandem with that, an uptick in prices, wait times, and crowds. You can also expect to see an uptick in prices around Turkish holidays, and especially during the holy month of Ramadan. The summer heat is ideal for beach days, but not so much when you're touring cities on foot. Be sure to plan your days in advance and get an early start, or else you may find yourself waiting in 30-60 minute lines in the hottest hours of the day.

Turkish summers consist of hot days, humid nights, and hardly any rain showers. Temperatures range from 96 °F - 71 °F (35 °C - 22 °C), but it can feel like 100°F due to the humidity and walking the city's hills.

Fall in Istanbul, Turkey

The weather in Turkey is fantastic from September to November. It's pleasant, it's not too humid and every city and site is more enjoyable without the crowds. Because it's not the peak travel season (and because most Turkish holidays fall within the first half of the year) prices are more affordable and travelers can enjoy major must-see attractions without waiting in long lines and having their view disturbed by crowds.

Fall in Turkey consists of warm days and comfortable nights with less rain than in Spring. The temperatures range from 68°F - 55°F (20°C - 12.7°C).

Best time to visit Turkey

So when's the best time to visit Turkey? Some months work better than others, due to convenience, price points, and availability. If we could choose when we would go to Turkey, it would be in  May  or  October . You get to beat the crowds, enjoy nice weather, and go on a vacation before the summer and winter holidays start!

If you're visiting in May, keep in mind that Turkey celebrates the Hidrellez Festival, which celebrates the start of spring. If you're visiting in October, keep in mind that Turkey's Republic Day is celebrated on October 29th.

Thinking about visiting Turkey in October? You can join Dr. Tom Madden in his 2022 Istanbul Journey:  Istanbul Through the Ages.  Thomas F Madden is a Professor of History and Director of the Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies at Saint Louis University. As the author of the book Istanbul: City of Majesty at the Crossroads of the World and historical consultant, he has appeared in such venues as The New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, CNN, and The History Channel. He is a Fellow of the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation, the American Council of Learned Societies, the Medieval Academy of America, and he is a National Endowment for the Humanities Public Scholar.

Get to know Dr. Tom Madden in his  upcoming seminars and courses  before joining him on his  Istanbul Journey  in October 2022. Don't forget to check out our other  Istanbul tours  as well!

Read more about Istanbul, Turkey here:

• 7 Fully Planned Days: Things to Do in Istanbul, Turkey
• Istanbul's Best-Kept Secret: the Colorful Neighborhood of Balat
• Expert Spotlight: a Q+A with Dr. Thomas Madden

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Istanbul Weather by Month: A Focus on Peak Months

Welcome to the definitive guide to Istanbul weather, month by month. Whether you are planning a visit to Istanbul or just to be informed, this blog will belong to you. Like its history and culture, Istanbul has a diverse climate, and understanding it can greatly help and affect your experience. 

Istanbul, often mentioned as a bridge between Europe and Asia, has a climate that’s just as captivating as its geographical location. From the blossoming beauty of spring to the hot summer day, and colorful autumn to the freezing winter, this city has it all. 

In this comprehensive guide, we will equip you with practical advice and tips for reaching the month that is proper for you to plan. Let’s embark on this journey together, and understand Istanbul’s weather patterns. 

Table of Contents

Understanding istanbul’s yearly weather patterns.

Istanbul, with its unique geographical location, experiences a diverse climate during the year. Let’s look deeper and try to understand the yearly climate patterns of Istanbul.

Four Distinct Seasons

Istanbul offers the beauty of four seasons, each bringing its character. From the pleasant climate in spring to the vibrant hues of autumn,  Istanbul’s climate  reflects the rhythm of mother nature.

Mediterranean Influence

The Mediterranean effect dramatically on Istanbul’s climate. It means mild, wet winter and hot, dry summer.

Temperature Extremes

Istanbul can be a city of contract. Summers temperatures reach into the 30s °C (high 80s to 90s °F), while winters can easily bring a temperature dipping into the single digits °C.

Rainfall Distribution

Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, this balance ensures the city’s lush greenery remains during the year.

As we delve into Istanbul’s weather monthly, keep in mind these yearly patterns. Let’s embark on this adventure together, starting to look at Istanbul’s weather in January.

Weathers in Istanbul Month by Month

Now let’s see how weathers change in Istanbul during the months of the year.

January: Not Too Cold But Not So Warm!

January is an ideal time to travel to Istanbul for those who prefer mild weather and fewer crowds.

Temperature:  This month has temperatures ranging from 15 °C to 20 °C (60 °F to 70 °F). 

Precipitation:  A light jacket could be a good idea because rainfall increases slightly.

What to do:  Take a walk along the Bosphours or enjoy a Bosphours Tour, savor traditional Turkish dishes at cozy restaurants, and visit historic sites that offer fewer crowds.

October: Istanbul’s Autumn Palette

October transforms Istanbul into a colorful and beautiful. This month is perfect for travelers who appreciate milder temperatures and a more serene atmosphere.

Temperature:  The range of temperature from 15° C to 20° C (60° F to 70° F). This time is the best time to explore Istanbul without the discomfort of intense heat or cold. 

Precipitation:  While rainfall increases slightly compared to summer, it remains moderate.

What to do:  Digging into the beauty of Bosphorus by walking along it, where colorful leaves create a picturesque backdrop. You can explore Turkish dishes at local restaurants, you can find traditional restaurants in every corner of Istanbul which offer you an unforgettable experience. By visiting Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, with fewer tourists than in the summer months, you explore the magnificent architecture and detailing of all components.

November: Embracing Istanbul’s Quiet Fall Vibes

Istanbul in November offers a sense of calm, and parks and historic sites are adorned with the rich color of autumn. This month is ideal for travelers who seek mild temperatures and are less crowded. 

Temperature:  the range of temperatures from 10° C to 15 °C (50° F to 60° F). For cooler evenings, prepare some layering to stay warm.

Precipitation:   November is slightly wetter than October, so be prepared for occasional rain.

What to do:  November in Istanbul invites you to stroll through parks and along the Bosphorus. Explore the city’s cultural treasures such as the Istanbul Archaeological Museums. Dive into early holiday shopping at the Grand Bazaar and local markets. 

May: Blooming Beauty in Istanbul

May is a perfect month to witness Istanbul’s transformation. Nature awakens from winter and the city is adorned in vibrant colors, and the pleasant weather invites you to explore the outdoors. 

Temperature:  May has mild and delightful temperatures, ranging from 15 °C to 20 °C (60 °F to 70 °F). The weather is perfect for outdoor activities like strolls and dining at outdoor restaurants and cafés.

Precipitation:  Rainfall is moderate, with occasional showers. It’s a good idea to carry a light rain jacket just in case.

What to do: Take  a leisurely walk in Gulhane Park or Emirgen Park for a dose of tranquility. A cruise along the Bosphorus is a must in May. The pleasant weather allows you to enjoy the stunning views of historic palaces fully. Finally, visit local markets and modern malls like the Kadikoy Market or the Grand Bazaar to savor Turkish street food and shop for unique souvenirs.

July: Istanbul’s Summertime Splendor

July paints Istanbul with a brush of sunshine and gives energy to the city that shines every day. This peak month offers a wide variety of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences.

Temperature:  July is Istanbul’s warmest month, with temperatures between 25 °C to 30 °C (77 °F to 86 °F). With the Mediterranean Sun, July is perfect for sunbathing and outdoor activities. 

Precipitation:  Rain is very rare in this month, sunny days require sunscreen and lightweight clothing to stay comfortable, and drinking enough water is always suggested.

What to do:  Istanbul’s beautiful beaches along the Black Sea coast or the Princes’s Islands must be tried in July. There are numerous summer festivals, including music, arts, and food festivals.

August: Embracing the Heat and Culture in Istanbul

Istanbul in August still keeps summer’s warm. While the temperatures remain high, the city’s vibrant atmosphere and unique offerings, are a great time to visit the city. 

Temperature:  August is one of the hottest months in Istanbul, with temperatures ranging from 25 °C to 30 °C ( 77 °F to 86 °F). Prepare for sunny days and sultry evenings, so staying hydrated and wearing light, breathable clothing is essential.

Precipitation:  Rain is rare in August, therefore this time is great for outdoor activities, but it’s very crucial to protect yourself from the sun’s intensity.

What to do:   August is prime time for enjoying Istanbul’s beaches. Whether you prefer swimming, water sports, or simply sunbathing, there are numerous spots for you in the area. Istanbul’s nightlife is alive more than usual. Explore the city’s trendy bars, rooftop lounges, and late-night venues to experience the vibrant local scene. For people who love festivals, August has many to offer. Cultural festivals and events, music festivals, art exhibitions, and film screenings are some examples. 

Istanbul’s Weather in Other Months: A Year-Round Overview

February : Istanbul in February normally cool, damp weather with temperatures averaging 

5 °C to 10 °C (40 °F to 50 °F). This month is a good chance for indoor activities and exploring historical sites in quieter than crowded seasons.

March : March brings the first signs of spring with temperatures averaging 10°C to 15°C ( 50°F to 60°F) 

April: Spring comes completely and temperatures range from 15°C to 20°C ( 60°F to 70°F )

June : June offers a pleasant weather with warm temperatures between 20°C to 25°C ( 70°F to 80°F ). 

September:  September is another enjoyable time to visit Istanbul as temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C (70°F to 80°F). It offers a blend of summer’s energy and the beginning of autumn’s quiet and the weather starts to be colder.

December:  Istanbul in December welcomes winter with temperatures averaging 5°C to 10°C (40°F to 50°F). The city starts to prepare for the holiday and Christmas decoration is everywhere.

Choosing the Best Time to Visit Istanbul

The best month to visit Istanbul depends on your personal preferences and what you’re looking to experience:

May:  May offers lovely temperatures, blooming nature, and fewer crowds, making Istanbul a popular choice for many travelers. 

June:  June offers long daylight hours and a vibrant street atmosphere. It’s an excellent time to visit Istanbul visit outdoor attractions and enjoy the lively ambiance.

September:  September combines the energy of summer with the calm of autumn. It’s great for outdoor activities and cultural events, with pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists.

Recommendations

For sightseeing:   May, June, and September offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and a balance between indoor and outdoor attractions.

For Beach Lovers:   July and August are perfect for sun-soaked beach vacations along Istanbul’s coast.

For cultural enthusiasts:  April and October provide milder weather for exploring historical sites and museums without summer crowds. 

For Winter Fans:  December is a good time to enjoy the festive atmosphere, holiday markets, and fewer visitors.

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Best Time to Visit Istanbul: Discover the Ideal Season for Your Journey

The perfect time to experience istanbul: a comprehensive guide.

Istanbul, the enchanting city where East meets West, is a perfect blend of ancient history, modernity, and natural beauty. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and mouthwatering cuisine, Istanbul is a must-visit destination for any traveler. However, with its diverse climate and plethora of events throughout the year, it’s essential to know the best times to visit Istanbul. This blog post will explore the ideal seasons, weather conditions, and events to help you plan your perfect Istanbul getaway. Discover the captivating Istanbul tour packages available from One Nation Travel and seize the opportunity to benefit from their online deals for a memorable and affordable trip.

Spring (April – May)

Spring is a magical time to visit Istanbul. The weather is typically mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 12°C (54°F) to 20°C (68°F). The city blooms with vibrant colors as tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths cover parks and gardens.

During the annual Istanbul Tulip Festival in April, you can witness a mesmerizing display of over 30 million tulips in various parks and gardens. Be sure to visit Emirgan Park and Gulhane Park to see the best tulip arrangements.

Autumn (September – November)

Autumn is another fantastic time to visit Istanbul, with the city’s weather cooling down after the hot summer months. Average temperatures range from 14°C (57°F) to 24°C (75°F). The city’s green spaces are covered in a gorgeous array of red, orange, and yellow foliage.

Film lovers will appreciate the Istanbul International Film Festival, held in October, where you can catch a variety of local and international films. The Akbank Jazz Festival in October showcases local and international jazz musicians in a series of concerts and workshops across the city.

Winter (December – February)

While winter in Istanbul can be cold and rainy, with average temperatures ranging from 3°C (37°F) to 11°C (52°F), it’s also the least crowded time of year. This means fewer lines at major attractions like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque , and Topkapi Palace.

In December, the city comes alive with festive lights, decorations, and Christmas markets. The New Year’s Eve celebrations in Taksim Square and along the Bosphorus are not to be missed. And if you’re lucky, you might even experience a rare snowfall in the city.

Summer (June – August)

Summer in Istanbul can be hot and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 19°C (66°F) to 28°C (82°F). However, if you’re a fan of outdoor activities and events, it’s a great time to visit.

During summer, Istanbul hosts several music festivals, such as the Istanbul Music Festival and Rock’n Coke, featuring a mix of classical, rock, and alternative music. You can also enjoy a sunset cruise along the Bosphorus or take a day trip to the nearby Princes’ Islands to escape the city’s hustle and bustle.

Conclusion:

The best times to visit Istanbul are during the spring and autumn months, when the weather is pleasant, and the city is adorned with colorful blooms or autumn leaves. However, each season offers unique experiences and events that cater to various interests. Plan your visit according to your preferences and make the most of your time in this captivating city.

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The Best Time to Visit Istanbul

When to visit istanbul: seasons, festivals, and more.

Are you dreaming of exploring the captivating city of Istanbul, the only city in the world straddling two continents, Asia and Europe? Well, you’ve landed in the right place. This blog will guide you through the best times to visit Istanbul, a city with over 2500 years of history, brimming with breathtaking architecture, vibrant markets, incredible food, and a rich tapestry of culture that blends the east and the west. Get ready to embark on a journey of discovery as we delve into the heart of Turkey’s most populous city.

Each season in Istanbul unfolds its unique charm, offering a different yet equally mesmerizing experience to its visitors. From the tulip bloom in spring, the lively festivals in summer, the beautiful fall foliage in autumn, to the mystical ambiance in winter, Istanbul never ceases to amaze. But the question is, when is the best time to visit this diverse city to truly relish its charm? Well, the answer depends on what you’re looking for in your Istanbul adventure, and we’re here to help you figure it out.

So, buckle up as we navigate through Istanbul’s seasonal offerings, its bustling neighborhood’s, and its unique experiences that cater to a wide array of interests. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, a shopaholic, or an art enthusiast, this blog is your compass, guiding you to curate your unforgettable Istanbul journey. So, are you ready to explore the enchanting city of Istanbul? Read on, as the city of seven hills awaits to share its secrets and stories with you!

Weather in Istanbul: A General Overview

Understanding Istanbul’s weather is key to planning your perfect trip. After all, we don’t want you to be caught in a downpour when you’re about to enjoy a Bosphorus cruise, do we?

Istanbul’s climate is classified as temperate oceanic. This means the city experiences warm summers and cool winters, with rainfall distributed throughout the year.

• Summers in Istanbul

The summer months of June, July, and August are generally hot and humid, with average high temperatures hovering around 28°C (82°F). These months also see the least amount of rainfall.

• Autumn in Istanbul

Autumn, from September to November, is quite pleasant. Temperatures cool down, with averages ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F), and the city takes on a lovely hue as leaves change color.

• Winters in Istanbul

Winter in Istanbul, from December through February, can be chilly and wet. The temperature usually hovers between 3°C (37°F) and 8°C (46°F), and occasional snowfall can be expected.

• Spring in Istanbul

Spring, from March to May, is a delightful season in Istanbul. The weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F), and the city blooms with tulips, creating a vibrant, colorful landscape.

The Best Time to Visit for Sightseeing

If sightseeing is your primary objective, the milder months of spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October) are your best bet. Let’s delve into why.

• Captivating Spring

Spring in Istanbul is nothing short of magical. As temperatures rise, the cityscape transforms into a riot of colors, with tulips blooming everywhere. Iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace are less crowded during these months, making your visit more enjoyable.

Additionally, the Istanbul Tulip Festival, usually held in April, is a sight to behold. Millions of tulips are planted across the city, creating mesmerizing displays that are sure to leave you in awe.

• Autumn: A Melody of Colors

Autumn, too, is an ideal time for sightseeing. As the sweltering heat of the summer subsides, exploring the city becomes more comfortable. Not to mention the beautiful fall foliage adding a unique charm to the city’s historic sites.

During this time, you can comfortably visit the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market, take a leisurely stroll along the Bosphorus, or enjoy a rooftop dinner with a view of the illuminated city skyline.

The Best Time to Visit Istanbul for Festivals and Events

Istanbul is a city that loves to celebrate, and its calendar is chock-full of festivals and events. If experiencing local culture and festivities is on your agenda, then plan your trip around these events.

• Istanbul Music Festival

Held annually in June, the Istanbul Music Festival is a treat for music lovers. The festival features performances from renowned international and Turkish musicians, offering a wide variety of music genres.

• Istanbul Biennial

Art aficionados should plan their visit around the Istanbul Biennial. This grand art event is usually scheduled between September and November. It showcases innovative works from international and Turkish artists, providing a fascinating insight into contemporary art trends​ 1 ​.

• Filmekimi Film Festival

If you’re a cinema enthusiast, you might want to align your visit with the Filmekimi Film Festival, which usually takes place in October. The event showcases a selection of films that have made their mark in the year’s festival circuit, often including award-winners from prestigious festivals like Cannes and Sundance.

The Best Time to Visit Istanbul for Shopping

For those who can’t resist the allure of shopping, Istanbul offers a plethora of options. From the vibrant Grand Bazaar and Spice Market to chic boutiques and modern malls, there’s something for every shopping enthusiast.

• Shopping in Summer

During the summer months, Istanbul is buzzing with activity. The days are long, giving you ample time to explore the city and its many shopping venues. While the heat can be intense, remember that places like the Grand Bazaar are covered, providing a cool respite from the sun. Summer sales usually start in July, so you can snag some great deals during this time.

• Shopping in Winter

Winter, especially the month leading up to New Year and during the January sales, is another excellent time for shopping. You’ll find great deals on everything from carpets and ceramics to spices and sweets.

The Best Time to Visit for Foodies

Istanbul is a gastronomic paradise. Its culinary scene is a flavorful reflection of its rich history and culture, with diverse influences from both the east and the west.

• Enjoying Istanbul’s Cuisine in Spring and Autumn

The milder weather in spring and autumn makes these seasons ideal for foodies. Outdoor dining is a pleasure, and the city’s eateries offer fresh, seasonal produce. In autumn, you can enjoy the harvest season’s bounty, including delicious Turkish grapes, figs, and pomegranates.

In spring, don’t miss out on the tasty local strawberries and cherries. And of course, any time is a good time for a simit (a Turkish bagel), a doner kebab, or a cup of Turkish tea!

The Best Time to Visit for Nightlife

Istanbul boasts a vibrant nightlife, with something for everyone. From traditional taverns (meyhanes) and chic rooftop bars to pulsating nightclubs, the city comes alive after dark.

• Nightlife in Summer

The best time to enjoy Istanbul’s nightlife is during the summer. The warm nights are perfect for rooftop lounging, waterfront dining, or enjoying a cocktail at one of the city’s many outdoor bars. Music festivals and concerts are in full swing, adding to the city’s lively atmosphere.

What is the cheapest time to visit Istanbul?

The cheapest time to visit Istanbul, Turkey may vary depending on a variety of factors, including the cost of flights, accommodation, and other travel expenses. Here are a few things to consider when trying to find the cheapest time to visit:

• Off-peak season:

Traveling during the off-peak season (generally November to April) may be less expensive than traveling during the peak tourist season (May to October).

Traveling on weekdays (Sunday to Thursday) may be less expensive than traveling on weekends (Friday and Saturday).

• Advance booking:

Booking your flights and accommodation in advance can help you take advantage of early bird discounts and save money on your trip.

• Travel during the shoulder season:

The shoulder season (generally April, May, September, and October) can be a good time to visit Istanbul as the weather is usually pleasant and the crowds are generally not as heavy as during the peak season.

• The Bottom Line: When to Visit Istanbul?

Now that we’ve explored the different seasons and events in Istanbul, it’s time to answer the ultimate question: When is the best time to visit? The truth is, Istanbul is a city that offers something special year-round, depending on your preferences and interests.

If you enjoy mild temperatures and blooming landscapes, spring is an excellent choice. Summer is perfect for those who thrive in a lively and energetic atmosphere, although be prepared for larger crowds. Autumn showcases Istanbul’s natural beauty with colorful foliage and cultural events, while winter offers a cozy and enchanting experience.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Istanbul is the time that aligns with your interests and allows you to explore the city at your own pace. No matter when you choose to visit, Istanbul’s charm, rich history, and warm hospitality will leave a lasting impression, creating memories to treasure for a lifetime. So pack your bags, embrace the spirit of adventure, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant streets of Istanbul!

The best time to visit Istanbul largely depends on your preferences. If you prefer comfortable weather and fewer crowds, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are generally considered the best times. However, each season offers its unique charm in Istanbul.

The cheapest time to visit Istanbul is during the winter months, particularly from December to February. This is when you can find the lowest fares and hotel rates.

Istanbul hosts many festivals and events throughout the year. Some notable ones include the Istanbul Film Festival in April, the Istanbul Music Festival in June, and the Istanbul Biennial in September.

Istanbul has a temperate oceanic climate. Summers (June to August) are warm and humid, while winters (December to February) can be cold and wet. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are generally mild and pleasant.

Yes, Istanbul can be quite crowded during the summer months, which is the peak tourist season. If you prefer to avoid crowds, consider visiting in spring or autumn.

While the weather can be cold and rainy, visiting Istanbul in winter has its charm and advantages, including fewer tourists and lower prices. Plus, you can enjoy some unique experiences, like a warm Turkish bath or a cosy tea in a local café.

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The Best Time to Visit Istanbul 2024: the Ultimate Guide

Istanbul is one of the most enchanting cities in the world and among the top 100 most popular travel destinations worldwide. Istanbul is also the only city in the world t hat is spread over two continents, connecting Asia and Europe. Besides being the largest city in Turkey, after the capital Ankara, Istanbul represents the economic, cultural, and historical hub of Turkey.

With over 2500 years of history, tradition, culture, grand landmarks, palaces, mosques and architectural wonders, stunning views, and one of the best cuisines in the world, Istanbul is well worth the visit, any time of the year. On average, Istanbul sees 1o million visitors in a year, with tourist crowds year-round. But it gets even busier in summer, during the peak tourist season.

Istanbul weather, in general, has hot and sunny summers, cold winters, and a rainy season in autumn and winter. Over the course of one year, the temperatures range from 38 degrees F (3 degrees C) to 85 degrees F (29.5 degrees C). The city sees on average 130 rainfall days or 17.3 in of rain per year, and 7 days of snow showers.

If you are planning on visiting Turkey, you need to find which month is the best for you and this depends on your preferences. What are you visiting Istanbul for? What do you want to see and do? Do you like outdoor activities? Are you a fan of tourist crowds? Or prefer to skip the long lines? Do you want to hit the beaches or would rather enjoy the bustling markets in December? Do you have specific places in mind, like Sultanahmet , for instance?

Whichever season you choose for your trip to Istanbul, make sure to find a luggage storage spot first to store your bags safely so you can start the biggest adventure of your life.

Summer in Istanbul: June - August

Summer is the best time to visit many places in the world and the same goes for Istanbul. The peak season is June and the busiest month of the year is August, despite the sweltering heat.

The summers are warm, and humid, with clear skies, and are relatively dry. Daytime temperatures range from 79 degrees F (26 degrees C) to an average high of 83 degrees F (28 degrees C). Summer in Istanbul lasts for 3 months with an average daily temperature of 77 degrees F (25 degrees C).

Though relatively dry, there may be occasional rainfall which on average is 28 days during the entire summer season. This doesn't mean you should pack your rain gear for the summer vacation in Istanbul. Instead, a proper summer outfit and shoes would be the best choice and add a few extra layers for the cooler evenings when temperatures can drop to 70 degrees F (21 degrees C).

What to expect to see and do when you visit Istanbul in summer? From tons of outdoor activities and music festivals to open-air markets and a romantic Bosphorus cruise, your days and nights in the city can get pretty busy.

In June, you can enjoy sightseeing without having to worry about the summer heat. This is also the time of the year when lots of music festivals take place like the Istanbul International Music Festival (May 29 - June 29) and the Chill-Out Festival .

Surprisingly, the hottest month of the year, August, is also the busiest month. This is the perfect time to check out Istanbul Theme Park , visit the Princes Islands, have a picnic in one of the beautiful parks, or take a Bosphorus sunset cruise on a yacht.

Summer months are also ideal for summer family vacations. Istanbul has lovely beaches in the coastal areas 12 miles from the city center, with beach clubs and beach bars that are always crowded.

Yes, there are tons of things to do in Istanbul in summer, but they come with a price. Prices go up starting in June, crowds get bigger, and lines get longer. If this is what you are trying to avoid, then you should also avoid visiting Istanbul in high season.

Fall in Istanbul: September - November

For some, fall in Istanbul is the best time to visit the city. Starting from September all the way to November, the weather remains generally warm and pleasant, with both warm days and nights, and fewer rain showers than in spring. The average temperatures in fall range from 68 degrees F (20 degrees C) to 55 F (12 degrees C) and precipitation is around 3.4 in.

Late September sees as many tourists as May. The shoulder season or off-season in fall starts in October and lasts until November. This time of the year is the best time to visit for anyone traveling on a budget and looking to avoid crowds.

Things to do in Istanbul in the fall are plenty. From the Akbank Jazz Festival at the beginning of October, (a 10-day long festival), and the International Puppet Festival (11-day long festival), to double-decker excursions, Bosphorus cruises and pampering in a Turkish bath, you have much to do.

Turkey celebrates a few public holidays in the fall, like Republic Day on October 29. During the holiday, the city of Istanbul organizes many art events and fireworks displays. It's a good time to be in Istanbul for this public holiday. International Istanbul Book Fair also takes place from late October or early November and lasts for 9 days.

If you don't mind the chilly weather, grey skies, and some rain showers, then this is the ideal time to visit Istanbul. But don't forget to pack your umbrella, a weather-resistant jacket, warm clothes and boots, and be prepared for any weather surprises.

Winter in Istanbul: December - February

Winter in Istanbul is a low season and ideal for everyone who'd like some quiet time. The cool season starts in November and lasts until the end of March with a substantial drop in temperature to an average of below 55 degrees F (12.7 degrees C). Winters in Istanbul are long, cold, windy, and cloudy with an average of five snow days a year and 4.3 inches of rain.

This time of the year is when you'd wake up to foggy mornings, but it is not all that bad. Some people like winters and traveling to Istanbul during the winter season means you'll see a significant drop in room rates too, making these months ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

Things to do in Istanbul during the cold months are surprisingly a lot! From museum hopping and visiting famous landmarks like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, to warming up in a Turkish bath, sipping Turkish tea on Istiklal street, or looking for spices and gifts at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest markets in the world.

If you happen to be in Istanbul for New Year's, you should plan well ahead and make your reservations in advance. On New Year's, tourists and locals get to watch fireworks along the Bosphorus shores, take a Bosphorus cruise, or welcome the New Year in one of the many Istanbul clubs, or restaurants.

Although the temperature in winter months in Istanbul hardly ever goes below 32 degrees F (0 degrees C), you should still pack your warm clothes, such as a winter coat, sweater, gloves, hat and a scarf, and of course an umbrella. Warm shoes and boots are also recommended.

Visiting Istanbul during the winter season is ideal for people traveling on a budget. It will also make you feel like you are on a private tour visiting the landmarks and museums, as the crowds are long gone. If you don't mind the cold, possibly rainy or snowy days, then wintertime in Istanbul can be magical, especially when covered in snow.

Spring in Istanbul: March - May

The peak season in Istanbul begins mid April and ends in June. This is the best time to visit Istanbul as there are various events in the city that are better experienced in good weather than in cold weather.

Spring weather is moderate, with an average temperature of 62 degrees F (17 degrees C). During the day, temperatures can go as low as 49 degrees F (9 degrees C) to a high of 75 degrees F (23 degrees C), so it is a good idea to pack a warm sweater, a wind breaker, comfortable and warm shoes, scarves, a raincoat, and a few layers for the cooler evenings.

Spring in Istanbul is the season of many events, and festivals like the Istanbul Tulip Festival, and Istanbul Film Festival are celebrations that last throughout the entire month of April and the beginning of May. If you want to see tulips in full bloom, it's best to visit some of the parks like Yildiz Park and Gulhane.

The International Dance Festival happens from the 27th of March to the 1st of April. There are over 5000 dancers from 80 countries performing over the course of 6 days. The festival takes place at The Green Park Pendik Hotel & Convention Center.

This time of the year sees a lot of food festivals too, like the Cheese Festival (18-21 April) the Kadikoy Waffle Festival (31 May-2 June) and more. During the Spring Market Festival which takes place in the Beyoglu district of Istanbul, you can purchase handcrafted items from local artisans.

Keep in mind that there are a few public holidays in May starting with Labor Day on May 1, when all government offices are closed for the day. May 19 is a public holiday that commemorates the beginning of the Turkish Republic.

Conquest Celebrations is another festival that takes place end of May. During this time there are wonderful light and laser shows across the iconic landmarks of Istanbul and are best viewed from the Golden Horn.

A very important religious holiday in Turkey that is celebrated by Muslims worldwide is Ramadan Bayrami or Eid Al Fitr which lasts for three days. During the holiday almost everything is closed, but public transportation such as buses, trams, ferries, funiculars, trains and metro buses are free of charge.

However, it is best to avoid traveling in Turkey and Istanbul on the first and last days of Ramadan as traffic can be very hectic.

The shoulder season in Istanbul starts in March and lasts until April. This is the right time to pack your suitcase as hotel prices drop too.

When is the best time to visit Istanbul for you?

If Istanbul is the next city on your bucket list, make sure you are prepared. This means choosing the best month for you to visit Istanbul so you can plan accordingly. Before you fly into Istanbul airport , have an itinerary, whether it's a 3 day itinerary or a plan for a few weeks.

Peak season in Istanbul starts in June and lasts until early September when the weather is still hot. So, if you love outdoor activities in warm weather then June and September are the perfect months to visit Istanbul. July and August are ideal for summer vacation on the beautiful beaches near Istanbul.

On the other hand, if you prefer the magical winter season in the city, and want to celebrate New Year's Eve on a Bosphorus cruise party, December is your month. For those traveling on a budget, the cheapest time to visit Istanbul is during the winter months, from December to February. Though prices drop, temperatures do too, so if you don't mind the cold weather, winter is a good time for you to visit Istanbul.

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Best time to visit Istanbul for the ultimate experience

• Apr 27, 2023

When to go to Istanbul? Here is the answer!

Istanbul is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. With a history of nearly 2700 years, Istanbul carries Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman heritage. One of the most frequently asked questions by those who want to visit the city is when is the best time to visit Istanbul.

The best time to visit Istanbul is a very subjective matter. As an insider, we have to say that there is no definitive answer to this question. However, the information in this article will help you decide which season is the best time to visit Istanbul.

Of course, the most decisive factors will be the weather and the activities in Istanbul. In spring and summer, the weather is good and there are many festivals in the city. On the other hand, it should be added that the city is very crowded when the weather is good. Of course, hotels and flight tickets are more expensive on these dates.

The best months to visit Istanbul

• April-May: Temperatures are nice, the city starts to bloom and it is sunny but not as hot as in summer
• September-October: Mild weather, less rainfall than in November, romantic autumn landscapes, comfortable to walk around in light jackets

When to avoid going to Istanbul

• January/February: Temperatures close to 0 degrees Celsius, higher risk of precipitation and snow, but cheaper flights available
• July/August: Humid weather, temperatures up to 30 degrees Celsius and sometimes higher, city overcrowded
• November/December: Low temperatures around 0 to 5 degrees Celsius, peak rainfall, expensive flights during the holiday season

The best time to visit Istanbul by the season

Istanbul is a city worth visiting all year round, although some seasons and months are more popular than others. The city has something special to offer from season to season and every time of the year is special. It is also worth noting that you can enjoy each season to the fullest. Summer is hot, spring is mild but sunny, autumn is mild and a little sunny, and in winter you can even see snow in some years. You have to choose which season you want to enjoy the city in. Are you having a hard time deciding? We have explained to you season by season what is the best time to visit Istanbul. 

Visiting Istanbul in Spring

If you visit Istanbul in the spring, you will encounter an atmosphere that inspires travelers. In spring, redbuds bloom in Istanbul and all the hills turn purple. Purple, which was a noble color in Roman and Byzantine times, adds beauty to the city that cannot be seen in any other season. In this way, you can take great photos when you go on a Bosphorus tour.

Istanbul also organizes the Tulip Festival for a month in late March and early April. In this way, various concerts and events take place. Tulips have been one of the symbols of Istanbul since the 1600s. The gardens of all museums and parks will be colorful for a month thanks to the tulips.

What is the weather like in Istanbul in the spring?

Winters are very cold in Istanbul. Although the spring months like March and April slowly start to warm up, it is still a bit cold. Therefore, it is recommended to wear a light jacket. Also, some days in March, April, and May are rainy. Therefore, do not forget to take your raincoat with you when packing your suitcase.

Although March is still quite warm compared to January and February, it does not quite spring yet. If you want to enjoy the spring weather, late April and May are more suitable for your trip.

After the beginning of May, the temperature in Istanbul will rise above 20 degrees Celsius and you can wear a t-shirt. However, the sweltering heat of June and July has not yet started. Therefore, May is one of the best times to visit Istanbul in spring.

Should You Visit Istanbul in Spring?

If you want to explore Istanbul when the weather is mild and the flowers are blooming, then yes, spring is the best time to visit Istanbul. But be prepared to encounter crowds, as many people will choose to come to Istanbul during this season.

Visiting Istanbul in Summer

June is the best month to visit Istanbul in the summer. Because there is no heat and high humidity that makes walking tours are difficult. In July and August, humidity is high. It is difficult to stay indoors without air conditioning and the sun outside is uncomfortable.

Many people living in Istanbul have summer houses on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. When the July-August heat starts, they go on vacation to Assos, Ayvalık, Bodrum, Fethiye, and Marmaris.

Since the tourism season that starts in the spring will continue, hotel prices will be equally expensive. However, due to the hot weather, you cannot spend as much quality time as in spring and fall. For this reason, the hottest months of July and August are not ideal times to visit Istanbul. 

Should You Visit Istanbul in Summer?

Summer is still the high season in Istanbul for foreign tourists. Locals escape the heat of the city and head to the coastal areas to enjoy the summer. While summer days can be hot and over 30 degrees, June is the best month to visit Istanbul in summer. July and August can be too humid and hot to enjoy walking around the city. 

Visiting Istanbul in the Fall

Along with spring, the most popular tourist season in Istanbul is autumn. After the end of August, tourists will return to Istanbul as the temperature drops. It will remain crowded until the winter cold starts at the end of November.

Fall is a good time to visit Istanbul. The weather is good for walking, just like in spring, and there is a lot of activity in the city. Many international fairs, concerts, and festivals take place in Istanbul in the fall. In September and October, the weather is perfect for tourism activities. From the beginning of November, the weather starts to get colder. However, it does not get too cold until December.

In September, residents return to the city from their summer homes. The opening of schools creates excitement among the locals and shopping activity increases in the city.  As well as being the best time to go to Istanbul for shopping, fall is also the time with the most alternatives.

Should you visit Istanbul in the fall?

If you find autumn nostalgic and romantic, then yes, fall is the best time to visit Istanbul. Like spring, fall is Istanbul’s tourist season and the perfect time to visit the city. The 3-month period from the beginning of September to the end of November is the golden season of Istanbul tourism. Fall is the right time for cultural tours and shopping in Istanbul.

Visiting Istanbul in Winter

During the winter months, the air temperature in Istanbul varies between 1 and 12 degrees. However, some winters are mild. Snow falls in Istanbul at most a couple of times a year and does not stay on the ground for more than a few days.

Winter is the right time to visit Istanbul for some types of tourists. For example, if you do not like crowds and do not want to wait in line at museum entrances, winter is the best time for you to visit Istanbul.

Hotels and restaurants in Istanbul welcome you with open arms as they cannot do much in winter. Hotel prices are at their lowest and they are all open in winter.

Should You Visit Istanbul in Winter?

Despite the cold weather, there is not much wrong with visiting Istanbul in winter. Temperatures can be close to 0 degrees Celsius from December to February and in some years it also snows. The city is lively all year round and all tourist attractions are open. If you don’t mind the cold, you can fly in winter, but you won’t enjoy it as much as in summer as you will be outside most of the time. 

The weather in Istanbul: month by month

Although Istanbul is lively all year round, some months are more pleasant than others to visit Istanbul. Istanbul can be quite beautiful in winter, but snow and rain are not uncommon in winter months. If you don’t like rain, cold, and snow when traveling, we advise you to not visit Istanbul from November to February. The weather in March and April is more predictable and the temperatures are more pleasant.

In May, temperatures are still mild, but as summer approaches, the weather in May is one of the most pleasant for a city trip. June, July, and August can be very warm and the high season is on. In September and October, temperatures are more pleasant again and the city has fewer tourists. To summarize, we can say that Istanbul is not as bearable in both hot summer and cold winter as it is in spring and autumn. The weather in spring and late summer is still sunny but not too warm – perfect for exploring a vibrant city like Istanbul.

Maximum temperature in Istanbul

Minimum temperature in istanbul, rainfall in istanbul, sunshine hours in istanbul, frequently asked questions about the best time to visit istanbul.

The best time for a trip to Istanbul are the spring months from mid-March to the end of May or late summer/autumn from September to early November. At these times there are fewer tourists in the city and the weather is pleasant enough to explore the beauties of the metropolis without restrictions.

Istanbul is a beautiful and lively city regardless of the season and month. Many tourists wait for the spring/summer season for travelling to Istanbul. Therefore February is a good time to visit Istanbul if you want to avoid the crowd. In 2022 slightly over 950.000 tourists visited Istanbul, 500.000 less than in May or June 2022. But please keep in mind that February is one of the coldest months in Istanbul and bring proper winter clothing with you. There are many things you can do in February like visiting museums and mosques, having good food in the best restaurants , going to a Turkish Hamam, and much more!

June can be a wonderful time to visit Istanbul, depending on your preferences. Due to the busy tourist season in June, you should anticipate crowds at famous tourist destinations as well as more expensive accommodation and tour prices. The average temperature in June ranges from 20 to 27 degrees Celsius (68 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit), which may not be optimal for certain travelers who prefer cooler climates. However, June might be a fantastic time to visit Istanbul if you like summertime activities and don’t mind the crowds. During this season, the city has a lively atmosphere and hosts a number of outdoor festivals and events, including the Istanbul Music Festival and the Istanbul Jazz Festival.

Due to the summer season and school breaks, July might be a popular time to visit Istanbul, but it can also be very hot and congested with tourists. It is uncomfortable to visit the city during the day when the temperature might reach 30°C (86°F) or higher. Due to strong demand, July is also one of the most costly months to visit Istanbul. There are still many things to see and do in Istanbul in July, though, if you have prepared ahead and don’t mind the heat and congestion. It’s vital to make sure you stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun by using sunscreen and a hat, among other measures.

In December temperatures vary between 5 and 15 degrees °C with rain and snowfall being more likely to come up throughout the month. Keeping the weather conditions in mind, if you bring weatherproof clothing and enjoy exploring a new city also in the colder month, December is a good month to travel to Istanbul. Istanbul is a metropole that never sleeps and is busy 365 days a year. There is also much to explore indoors, like museums, mosques, restaurants, cafes, and shopping malls. Istanbul can also get very cozy during the holiday season and also New Year’s is celebrated hugely. We just don’t recommend any big trips to the Prince’s Islands with the ferry. It will be windy and much colder on the sea and also the islands are not as lively as in warmer months.

Best Time to Visit Istanbul if You Want to Escape the Crowds

As with other popular tourist destinations, the high season is not the right time for those who dislike crowds and are looking for a budget vacation. So what is the best time to visit Istanbul if you want to have a quieter vacation? 

Istanbul itself is a very crowded city, without domestic and global tourists. It is Turkey’s economic center and the city with the most job and university opportunities. There are about 16 million people registered in Istanbul, but rumor has it that the population is assumed to be up to 20 million, including people who live in Istanbul but are not officially registered. So even in the low season, Istanbul can be more crowded than many other cities. But that’s what we love about Istanbul, it’s always alive and the city never sleeps. 

If you want to avoid crowds, the best times to visit Istanbul are the winter months from November to February. Also, as these months are the coldest, locals are mostly indoors. The average temperature in November is 12 degrees Celsius, while in January and February the temperature drops to an average of 6 degrees Celsius. 

Conclusion: When is the Best Time to Visit Istanbul?

As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, the best time to visit Istanbul is up to you. In spring, the flowers and beautiful weather will help you maintain a good mood. In the fall the weather is a bit gloomy but very romantic. Spring and fall are also the best times to take a Bosphorus tour, visit museums, go to the Islands and many other activities. Here are top 9 activities for your Istanbul trip!

The least favorable times to visit Istanbul are summer and winter. However, in summer you can cool off by going to the beaches near Istanbul. In winter, you can spend more time indoors. We recommend visiting Istanbul between April-May and September-October. Also, check out the best places to stay in Istanbul!

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[…] Best time to visit Istanbul […]

Istanbul Unveiled: Discover When This City Truly Shines

Have you ever wondered when Istanbul's magic truly comes alive? Hint: It's not when you think. Uncover the secret season where this cultural gem sparkles brightest.

Istanbul is Turkey’s largest seaport city. It is partly located in Europe, with one-third of the land in Asia. The land creates a bridge between the east and west, offering an immersive cultural experience.

Istanbul attracts millions of tourists yearly with its vibrant culture and beautiful architecture. The city is best known for its historical palaces and mosques, along with its delicious Mediterranean cuisine.

May is the best time to travel to Istanbul. There are fewer crowds at the end of the month when school vacations have ended. The weather is optimal for outdoor activities, with temperatures averaging 70 F / 21 C. Travelers also have a chance to save up to 25% on flights and hotels at this time of year.

There is no doubt Istanbul is an optimal place to experience history and culture. If you are planning a vacation to one of Turkey’s most desirable travel destinations, read on to learn the best times to visit.

When Is It The Worst Time To Visit Istanbul?

The worst time to visit Istanbul is during the height of its rainy season in December.  The city experiences its heaviest average rainfall during this month. The rain is accompanied by chilly temperatures, averaging 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

December can be a relatively unpleasant time to visit Istanbul due to its weather conditions. The wet climate makes it difficult to get outside and enjoy everything the city has to offer. Travelers looking forward to sightseeing should consider visiting at another time of year.

Cheapest Month To Go To Istanbul

The low season in Istanbul occurs between December and February. This is at the peak of the rainy season, with cold and wet conditions experienced daily.

November is the absolute cheapest month to visit Istanbul.  At this time, summer crowds have completely died down.

The wet rainy weather keeps the tourist crowds at bay, lowering the prices for attractions and accommodations. Those who don’t mind the unpleasant weather can enjoy a discounted stay in Istanbul in November.

Best Time To Visit Istanbul For Vibrant Culture & Architectural Wonders

January: best time to visit cafes.

January is one of the coldest months of the year in Istanbul. The climate is generally cold with occasional wet days.

Those who can get by the uncomfortable weather can still enjoy a vacation to Istanbul in January.  It is the perfect month to visit a cozy cafe and view the winter scenery from a warm booth.

Turkish coffee and teas are served at local cafes daily. Guests can order “sekerli”, meaning coffee with sugar. The alternative, coffee without sugar, is “sade”.

Istanbul is known for its bold, memorable coffee blends. Enjoying at least a cup or two is an essential experience during a trip to the city.

Authentic Turkish coffee can be found in several locations. One of the most memorable is Fazil Bey’s Turkish Coffee. Guests can experience classic Turkish music while being served a delicious cup of coffee amongst nostalgic decor.

• Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi
• Şark Kahvesi
• Pierre Loti Café
• Tarihi Bagdat Kurukahvecisi

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February: Best Time To Visit Museums and Exhibitions

Istanbul still experiences cold weather during February, however, the temperatures rise slightly with more sun during the day. While it may not yet be the ideal time to enjoy outdoor activities, there are plenty of interesting experiences around the city.

Those who travel to Istanbul in February can experience its various museums and exhibitions.  Guests can view various art museums with interesting cultural pieces on display.

Visitors can learn about local cultures through exhibits of art and film. Bomontiada is a point of interest for concerts and theater performances. Travelers can have a similar experience when attending the Sakip Sabanci Museum.

• Istanbul Museum of Modern Art
• Pera Museum

March: Best Time To Go Shopping

March is a beautiful time in Istanbul. Temperatures during the day begin to increase to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. While still part of the rainy season in Turkey,  March provides plenty of opportunities for indoor activities.

Travelers who visit Istanbul in March can go shopping at its various retail shops and markets. A day in the city during this time is best spent walking through shopping centers and malls.

The Grand Bazaar is among the most popular tourist destinations in Istanbul. Thousands of merchants set up in the streets to sell authentic spices, textiles, jewelry, and various handmade goods.

The Sunday Market in Kasimpasa and the Thursday Market in Ortakoy offer a similar experience. Guests are recommended to bring an umbrella along on their day of experiencing Istanbul’s best shopping venues.

• Mall of Istanbul
• Istinye Park Alisveris Merkezi
• Zorlu Center

April: Best Time To Tour The City

April in Istanbul boasts warm, sunny days. The beautiful weather and long days provide opportunities to spend time outdoors.

April is the best time to tour the city when visiting Istanbul.  There are plenty of local experiences to try, from bike tours to self-guided walks.

Sightseeing is optimal in the Sultanahmet neighborhood. When walking through the streets, guests can stimulate all of their senses with beautiful views, smells, and nearby sounds.

Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the spring weather and embark on cruises and open-air vehicle tours. April travelers may also be able to catch the annual Istanbul Tulip Festival in Emirgan Park.

• Bosphorus Cruises and Boat Tours
• Guided tours from a double-decker bus

Related Read:   Motorcycle Touring In Turkey: Destinations and Top Routes

May: Best For Spending Time Outdoors

May is the best month to spend time outdoors in Istanbul . Travelers will experience increased daylight and clear skies. The average temperature in the late spring is 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Some of the best outdoor experiences to enjoy include hot air balloon rides and airplane tours. Visitors can also zip through the trees on a Uludag tour in the cool breeze.

The pleasant weather in May makes it the perfect time to visit the lake or ride dirt bikes in the desert. Other great experiences can be found at the city‘s theme parks and aquariums.

• ATV Quad Bike Safari in Cappadocia
• Sea Life Istanbul
• Triple Fun Pirate Island Theme Park

June: Best For Live Music and Attending Festivals

The best month to experience live music in Istanbul in June.  There are several indoor exhibitions to escape the heat, including Akbank Sanat in Taksim.

Various concerts are available during the summer, from Salon IKSV to Bomontiada. Guests can also attend one of many music festivals to experience Istanbul’s vibrant culture.

• International Istanbul Music Festival
• Chill-Out Festival Istanbul

July: Best For Parades and Sports Events

Istanbul experiences some of its hottest weather in July. Visitors during the summer can attend various parades and sports events.

The high temperatures create the perfect opportunity to spend time by the water. Travelers can take advantage of swim races and cultural festivals during their July vacation.

• Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim Race
• Istanbul International Jazz Festival

August: Best Time To Visit The Beach

August is the hottest month of the year in Istanbul. With temperatures breaking 90 degrees Fahrenheit, tourists need to stay cool.

Istanbul has plenty of beautiful beaches for swimming and various water activities . Some of the best things to do at the beach include surfing, boogie boarding, and picnicking on the shore.

• Uzunya Beach
• Babylon Beach
• Kilyos Beach

Related Read:   Ultimate Guide to Southwest Turkey

September: Best For Sightseeing

Istanbul is a vibrant tourist destination with plenty of interesting sights to see. Rich in history, the city contains dozens of  ancient palaces and mosques to visit.  Some of the best sightseeing experiences include the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.

• Basilica Cistern
• Galata Tower
• Topkapi Palace Museum
• Suleymaniye Mosque

October: Best Time To Visit Istiklal Street

Istiklal Street is one of the most lively areas in Istanbul . The pedestrian-only road stretches for over a mile and contains plenty of shops and restaurants. Taksim Square, Istanbul’s hub for shopping and nightlife, is the perfect place to begin a tour of Istiklal Street.

Walking down the rest of the way, travelers can experience unique food carts and architecture. Istiklal Street is a prime location to people-watch.

• Eat Baklava and Kunafa at local bakeries
• Ride the tram for a guided tour down the street

November: Best For Finding Vacation Deals

November is the cheapest month to visit Istanbul.  Travelers who are concerned about the budget can get the best bang for their buck during this season.

When traveling to Istanbul in November, visitors can expect fewer crowds. With less demand from tourists, there are plenty of hotel and flight deals to take advantage of.

Budget trackers can spend the day participating in low-cost and free attractions. Istanbul offers visitors plenty of self-guided adventures.

• Take a walk in Gulhane Park
• Enjoy city views from Suleymaniye Mosque
• Visit the beach
• View beautiful architecture

December: Best Time To Celebrate The New Year

December is an exciting time in Istanbul. Despite the cold, rainy weather, there are plenty of interesting things for tourists to do in anticipation of the New Year.

Holiday festivities in Istanbul include the Istanbul International Gastronomy Festival and Seb-i Aruz.  New Year’s Eve celebrations in Istanbul are nothing short of spectacular. Those who spend the holiday anywhere in the city can experience fireworks and lively parties to celebrate the new year.

Related Read:   30 Most Extravagant Hot Air Balloon Festivals in the World!

Best Time To Visit Istanbul To Avoid Crowds

The best time to visit Istanbul to avoid crowds occurs during the low tourism season. This is generally  from September to November each year.

Travelers looking for a discounted stay should visit towards the end of this season when it is cheapest. November is the least crowded and least expensive time to visit Istanbul.

What Are The Hottest Months In Istanbul?

The summer in Istanbul begins in July and ends around the middle of September. The daily temperatures average between 80 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the season.

August is the hottest month of the year in Istanbul.  At the peak of the summer, travelers can expect temperatures to climb past an average of 82 degrees during the day.

What Is The Wettest Month In Istanbul?

Istanbul experiences an average of 26 inches of rainfall per year. This is spread throughout its wet season between October and May.  December is the wettest month in Istanbul, with an average of 10 rainy days per month.

What Is The Coldest Month In Istanbul?

The city of Istanbul experiences its cold season from the end of November to late March. The daytime weather is chilly at a maximum of 55 degrees Fahrenheit on average.

February is at the peak of winter and the coldest month in Istanbul.  The average temperature in February is between 39 and 48 degrees Fahrenheit during the day.

What Is The Summer Like In Istanbul?

Aside from temperatures creeping past 90 degrees Fahrenheit,  summers in Istanbul are usually hot and humid.  The rainy season in Istanbul comes to an end in May. July and August are the driest months of the year, with refreshing breezes coming from the coastal areas.

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6 reasons to visit Khiva, the tourist capital of the Islamic world for 2024

There’s never been a better time to plan a visit to the compelling Uzbek city’s many attractions, from UNESCO-listed architecture to diverse cultural events.

The Silk Road city of Khiva in Uzbekistan is often described as a living museum. Well-preserved streets, mosques made of baked mud bricks and majestic fortress walls evoke the spirit of the Silk Road and its caravans, which once passed through in great numbers. This year, Khiva fought off competition from the likes of Abu Dhabi, Lagos in Nigeria and Urfa in Turkey to be named 2024 Tourism Capital of the Islamic World. The decision was made by the 57 countries that belong to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), an intergovernmental organisation that’s striven to be the collective voice of the Muslim world since the 1960s. The OIC has a history of choosing lesser-visited destinations such as Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, and Gabala, in Azerbaijan, for this annual award, helping to boost their tourism development and visibility significantly. Here’s why 2024 is the time to visit Khiva.  

1. UNESCO-listed architecture

Khiva’s Itchan Kala, the walled city, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best preserved and most impressive destinations on the Silk Road. Founded some 2,500 years ago, this open-air museum is a labyrinth of streets lined with dozens of intricately decorated monuments, most of which date from the 14 th to the 19 th centuries. Khiva’s architectural highlights include the 185ft-high Islam Khoja Minaret, with its alternating rings of glazed blue tiles and sand-coloured bricks; the 160-room Tash Khauli Palace, built for 18 th -century ruler Allah Kuli Khan; and the simple yet exquisite Juma Mosque, the roof of which is supported by 213 elm columns, each carved by a different craftsman.

2. Links with historical figures

Legend has it that Khiva was founded by Shem, one of the sons of Noah, the Old Testament prophet best known for his ark. What’s more easily verifiable by historians, however, is the city’s connection to important characters from the medieval world. The ninth-century polymath Al-Khwarizmi, who’s often described as the father of algebra and gives his name to the scientific term ‘algorithm’, was born here, as was Pahlavon Mahmud, a poet and wrestler whose superhuman strength is still famous from Turkey to India, even 800 years after his death. Inevitably, there are villains in the city’s long history, too: Khiva was conquered by both Genghis Khan and Nadir Shah, a powerful but brutal ruler of Iran.

3. Diverse cultural programmes

With a backdrop as dramatic and historic as the Itchan Kala, it’s no surprise Khiva hosts festivals and other cultural events throughout the year. Highlights of the annual programme include Navruz (or Nowruz), the traditional Persian-Turkic New Year, which is observed on 21 March, the spring equinox; the International Lazgi Dance Festival, a celebration of an elegant traditional dance form inscribed by UNESCO on its Intangible Cultural Heritage list; and the appropriately named Pahlavon Mahmud Strongmen Games, where athletes from around the world compete in extreme strength challenges such as lifting atlas stones and dragging huge anchors.

4. Preservation of cultural heritage

Khiva was the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Central Asia, and great efforts have been made to preserve the city’s historic centre. It’s no mean feat to balance residents’ demands for modern conveniences with UNESCO’s conservation requirements. The whole of the Itchan Kala is now car-free and, during the pandemic, local authorities took advantage of the lull in tourism to bury all electricity cables and water and gas pipes underground, and to repave the previously uneven streets with attractive flagstones. Many of the smaller monuments have been sensitively converted into handicrafts workshops and bazaars, as well as cafes, restaurants and hotels, with the rental income from these businesses paying for the upkeep of this precious historical area.

5. Unique places to stay

Visitors to Khiva are spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation options, which vary from family-run guesthouses to the four-star Farovon Khiva Hotel. But if you’re looking for cultural authenticity and charm, the best places to stay are boutique properties in and around the Itchan Kala. Orient Star Khiva Hotel set a trend for the conversion of madrassas (Islamic universities) into simple heritage hotels, and the still faintly monastic ambience of hotels such as Muso To’ra and Feruzkhan is quite something to experience. If you prefer a little more luxury, however, Singaporean media personality Timothy W Go opened his first hotel, Hotel Bankir Khiva, here in 2023. Timothy has a flair for interior design, and the roof terrace has panoramic views of the Itchan Kala.

6. Ease of visiting

Uzbekistan has stripped back its bureaucracy in recent years and more than 90 nationalities — including all UK and EU passport holders — can now enter the country visa-free for up to 30 days. You can fly direct from London to Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital, three times a week with national carrier Uzbekistan Airways; or you can route via Istanbul and land at Urgench in western Uzbekistan, in which case the airport is just a 25-minute drive away from Khiva. British tour operators such as Wild Frontiers and Trotting Soles offer small group and tailor-made tours, and as English is increasingly widely spoken, particularly among Uzbekistan’s youth and those working in the tourism sector, communicating with locals in Khiva is easy, too.

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Intermittent fasting linked to higher risk of cardiovascular death, research suggests

Intermittent fasting, a diet pattern that involves alternating between periods of fasting and eating, can lower blood pressure and help some people lose weight , past research has indicated.

But an analysis presented Monday at the American Heart Association’s scientific sessions in Chicago challenges the notion that intermittent fasting is good for heart health. Instead, researchers from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine in China found that people who restricted food consumption to less than eight hours per day had a 91% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease over a median period of eight years, relative to people who ate across 12 to 16 hours.

It’s some of the first research investigating the association between time-restricted eating (a type of intermittent fasting) and the risk of death from cardiovascular disease.

The analysis — which has not yet been peer-reviewed or published in an academic journal — is based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey collected between 2003 and 2018. The researchers analyzed responses from around 20,000 adults who recorded what they ate for at least two days, then looked at who had died from cardiovascular disease after a median follow-up period of eight years.

However, Victor Wenze Zhong, a co-author of the analysis, said it’s too early to make specific recommendations about intermittent fasting based on his research alone.

“Practicing intermittent fasting for a short period such as 3 months may likely lead to benefits on reducing weight and improving cardiometabolic health,” Zhong said via email. But he added that people “should be extremely cautious” about intermittent fasting for longer periods of time, such as years.

Intermittent fasting regimens vary widely. A common schedule is to restrict eating to a period of six to eight hours per day, which can lead people to consume fewer calories, though some eat the same amount in a shorter time. Another popular schedule is the "5:2 diet," which involves eating 500 to 600 calories on two nonconsecutive days of the week but eating normally for the other five.

Zhong said it’s not clear why his research found an association between time-restricted eating and a risk of death from cardiovascular disease. He offered an observation, though: People who limited their eating to fewer than eight hours per day had less lean muscle mass than those who ate for 12 to 16 hours. Low lean muscle mass has been linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular death .

Cardiovascular and nutrition experts who were not involved in the analysis offered several theories about what might explain the results.

Dr. Benjamin Horne, a research professor at Intermountain Health in Salt Lake City, said fasting can increase stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, since the body doesn’t know when to expect food next and goes into survival mode. That added stress may raise the short-term risk of heart problems among vulnerable groups, he said, particularly elderly people or those with chronic health conditions.

Horne’s research has shown that fasting twice a week for four weeks, then once a week for 22 weeks may increase a person’s risk of dying after one year but decrease their 10-year risk of chronic disease.

“In the long term, what it does is reduces those risk factors for heart disease and reduces the risk factors for diabetes and so forth — but in the short term, while you’re actually doing it, your body is in a state where it’s at a higher risk of having problems,” he said.

Even so, Horne added, the analysis “doesn’t change my perspective that there are definite benefits from fasting, but it’s a cautionary tale that we need to be aware that there are definite, potentially major, adverse effects.” 

Intermittent fasting gained popularity about a decade ago, when the 5:2 diet was touted as a weight loss strategy in the U.K. In the years to follow, several celebrities espoused the benefits of an eight-hour eating window for weight loss, while some Silicon Valley tech workers believed that extreme periods of fasting boosted productivity . Some studies have also suggested that intermittent fasting might help extend people’s lifespans by warding off disease .

However, a lot of early research on intermittent fasting involved animals. In the last seven years or so, various clinical trials have investigated potential benefits for humans, including for heart health.

“The purpose of intermittent fasting is to cut calories, lose weight,” said Penny Kris-Etherton, emeritus professor of nutritional sciences at Penn State University and a member of the American Heart Association nutrition committee. “It’s really how intermittent fasting is implemented that’s going to explain a lot of the benefits or adverse associations.”

Dr. Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, a cardiologist at Mayo Clinic, said the timing of when people eat may influence the effects they see. 

“I haven’t met a single person or patient that has been practicing intermittent fasting by skipping dinner,” he said, noting that people more often skip breakfast, a schedule associated with an increased risk of heart disease and death .

The new research comes with limitations: It relies on people’s memories of what they consumed over a 24-hour period and doesn’t consider the nutritional quality of the food they ate or how many calories they consumed during an eating window.

So some experts found the analysis too narrow.

“It’s a retrospective study looking at two days’ worth of data, and drawing some very big conclusions from a very limited snapshot into a person’s lifestyle habits,” said Dr. Pam Taub, a cardiologist at UC San Diego Health.

Taub said her patients have seen “incredible benefits” from fasting regimens.

“I would continue doing it,” she said. “For people that do intermittent fasting, their individual results speak for themselves. Most people that do intermittent fasting, the reason they continue it is they see a decrease in their weight. They see a decrease in blood pressure. They see an improvement in their LDL cholesterol.” 

Kris-Etherton, however, urged caution: “Maybe consider a pause in intermittent fasting until we have more information or until the results of the study can be better explained,” she said.

Aria Bendix is the breaking health reporter for NBC News Digital.