Istanbul is definitely one of the most attractive megacities in the world and a city beyond the seasons. There will be plenty to do here at any time of the year, because this place is so diverse that it is very difficult to explore all its facets in one or even several trips. However, there are several reasons to visit the delightful city on the Bosphorus in winter.
Contents
- How to get there
- Where to stay
- What to do
How to get there
There are many direct flights from Russia on a regular basis. The most budget option is to fly “Victory”, flights from the capital — from 8,150 rubles. one way, but return tickets are more expensive, pay attention to this when buying. Turkish Pegasus and Turkish Airlines, as well as Aeroflot, fly directly from St. Petersburg, tickets start from 26,500 rubles. one way, it is cheaper to fly with a transfer.
Where to stay
Those traveling to Istanbul for the first time should settle in historical areas, such as Fatiha, so that all the sights are at hand. You can also stay in the very epicenter of tourist life — Taksim district or a little further away, where it is more bohemian and peaceful — in Beyoglu.
In any case, I advise you to look for an option closer to public transport stops and vapours (boats), after all, it can be cold in winter, and a taxi ride in tourist areas is still an attraction.
Jihangir is bright, colorful, with celebrities on the streets and trendy bars. Photo: Lepneva Irina/Shutterstock.com
Istanbul Districts
The full answer to the question “where to stay in Istanbul” is in this review. There you will also find recommendations on hotels and attractions.
What to do
Try traditional winter drinks and treats
Winter Istanbul smells of cinnamon and orchid, because salep and boza are two drinks that no cold season can do without in Turkey. And chestnuts! Fragrant freshly roasted chestnuts permeate the air of all large streets or squares, so to visit here in winter and not try them would be a real omission. And if everything is easy and understandable with chestnuts, then the drinks are definitely worthy of a more detailed mention.
Boza is a winter base. It is made by fermenting seeds of wheat, millet, bulgur and other cereals. The output is a thick sour drink, which is sprinkled with cinnamon and lebleby (roasted chickpeas) and served cold. Bosa is very nutritious and high in calories, contains many vitamins, has a good effect on digestion and increases immunity, and this is very important in winter, when the wind blows so insidiously from the Bosphorus that it is easy to get sick.
Boza is a winter base. Photo: Esin Deniz/Shutterstock.com
In the era of the Ottoman Empire, there were even common establishments where they gathered specifically for the sake of a mug or two of boza. Since then, the tradition of bose street trading has been preserved: although not so often, you can still meet brisk and loud shopkeepers in Istanbul who wander the streets in the evening and offer to taste this traditional drink. To drink the best boza in the city for sure, go to the Vefa district, the traditional one is prepared at the Vefa Bozacisi cafe. Also in winter, boza can be found in the famous chain of confectionery Sekerci Cafer Erol.
Salep is a hot drink made on the basis of milk and powder from the dried roots of a wild orchid. The local version of mulled wine: although without alcohol, but the aroma of cinnamon, which is sprinkled with thick sweet salep, spreads throughout the street. There is an opinion that it was an obligatory drink in the palaces of the Ottoman Empire, and already in the XVII century street vendors began to sell it in winter. Today, salep can be found literally everywhere: on the streets, in trendy restaurants and ordinary cafes. We advise you to choose a place with a beautiful view, for example, a stall in front of the Ortakoy mosque or the Maiden Tower, and admire the Bosphorus with a glass of hot salep, which will warm both soul and body.
Salep is a hot drink made from milk and powder from dried wild orchid roots. Photo: Alp Aksoy/Shutterstock.com
Free Istanbul
This year, not only the first Turkish astronaut went into space, but also prices for Istanbul attractions. But the editorial staff of the Island knows how to save money in the city on the Bosphorus and shares the secrets of a cheap vacation in Istanbul.
Catch the New Year mood
Istanbul, which does not celebrate the New Year on a large scale for religious reasons, looks more and more elegant every time during the Christmas holidays (because Turkey is a secular state, anyway). The city has been decorated since the end of November, and the locations are getting bigger and more colorful.
Adam’s apple. The most festive area can definitely be called Kadikoy, because here numerous establishments try to create an atmosphere of magic. For example, the pastry shop Şekerci Cafer Erol has been decorating its facade with magical decorations for many years. After you take the holiday photos, go for a walk around the area, look for mulled wine and Christmas decorations. Believe me, there are always plenty of them here.
The Şekerci Cafer Erol confectionery has been decorating its facade with magical decorations for many years. Photo: imdat akgun/Shutterstock.com
Istiklal. The most touristic street in the city, Istiklal, is also rich in New Year’s locations, but Catholic and Greek churches decorated for the holiday are especially good. Delightful fir trees are decorated here, elaborate nativity scenes are created and solemn services are held. The Church of St. Anthony of Padua has no equal in the Christmas atmosphere — pay attention to the sculpture of the Virgin Mary hidden in the courtyard to the right of the entrance. In pursuit of a festive mood, you can still look into the churches of St. Mary Draperis and the Holy Trinity.
Where else to go. After that, go to one of the trendy places in the neighboring districts of Karakey, Beyoglu and Jihangir — usually there are also beautiful facades and a festive spirit. The colorful bookstore with the Minoa Pera coffee shop is a must-see in any season, but especially on New Year’s Eve.
The colorful bookstore with the Minoa Pera coffee shop is a must-see in any season, but especially on New Year’s Eve. Photo: frantic00/Shutterstock.com
New Year’s bazaars. Well, in order to get into the spirit of the holidays completely, it is worth visiting the Christmas bazaars of Istanbul. Go to the Vadistanbul mall: the territory of the shopping center is decorated with carousels, stalls with food and souvenirs, luminous installations and Christmas trees throughout December. And there are master classes for adults and children, so keep in mind. A similar Christmas market is open at the Zorlu Center: until the end of December, you can admire the Christmas tree and attend concerts. Oh yes, you can’t miss the winter fairy tale at Dream Park Istanbul: concerts, an ice rink, attractions, lots of souvenirs and street food. Wonder Village in KüçükÇiftlik Park presents a rich program this year (you need to purchase a ticket for concerts and events).
Arrange a Turkish breakfast with deer and not only
The Turkish breakfast itself is a work of art. You’ve probably tried it before, but today I’m offering you something more interesting.
Breakfast at Olden 1772. Let’s start with the historic Olden 1772 restaurant, in the interiors of which more than one Turkish TV series was filmed. The elegant place, whose history began 252 years ago, combines elements of the past and modernity. The breakfasts are delicious, but solo travelers will need a companion, as they serve a large portion for two for 2,500 Turkish lira (7,650 rubles). You want to match the beauty of the interior, so it will be appropriate to dress up.
The elegant place, whose history began 252 years ago, combines elements of the past and modernity. Photo: Olden 1772
Breakfast at Madera. Point two: Madera restaurant. The traditional Turkish breakfasts here are wonderful, and on Saturdays andOn Sundays, from 10:00 to 14:00, Madera hosts buffet brunches for those who like to sleep. The cost is 1000 liras/3050 liras per person.
Breakfast at Turkcell Platinum Park. The third point irrevocably stole my heart. It is not necessary to dress up here, but rather, on the contrary, it is better to wrap up warmly, because the restaurant is located in Turkcell Platinum park. In the center of Istanbul, you find yourself in a cozy forest, in a stylish chalet with a panoramic view, where everything is delicious, but traditional breakfasts are especially famous. As soon as you finish your meal, take a walk around the territory, because there are deer here — a real children’s delight! Well, then by all means order a cup of cocoa with marshmallows and sit in a cozy area near the fire.
Breakfast at Turkcell Platinum Park. Photo: djsunclub/tripadvisor.ru
Go to a ski resort
There are many ski resorts in Turkey, and some of them are just located near Istanbul. For example, the famous Uludag is considered the center of winter tourism throughout the country and is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders. Uludag means “big mountain” in Turkish, and it is indeed the highest point in western Anatolia. The resort is located near Bursa, the journey from Istanbul by car or bus will take about 2-3 hours.
The area of the national park here is 11,338 hectares, the resort starts from a height of 1800 meters (where it is worth taking a lift from Bursa, even if you do not ride), the maximum height reaches 2,543 meters. Snow cover usually persists from mid-December to the end of March, and the total length of trails at different levels is 35 km. Prices for a daily ski pass start from 1400 lira (4270 rubles), it is more profitable to take online. Almost every hotel has its own ski lifts here, the use of which is included in the price, so it makes sense to stay overnight and feel the whole mountain winter fairy tale to the fullest.
The famous Uludag is considered the center of winter tourism throughout the country and is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders. Photo: Erdal Sekerr/Shutterstock.com
Silk Bursa
History, ethnography, shopping or sports — Bursa offers an exciting vacation for tourists with different hobbies. They told me how to plan a trip to the first capital of the Ottoman Empire.
Bask in a historical hammam
A hammam cannot be thrown out of Turkish culture, just as it cannot be removed from our harsh facial expression. However, you need to know where to go, otherwise you are likely to be disappointed.
Hammam Kılıç Ali Paşa. It was built by the great Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan between 1578 and 1580. By order of Kilic Ali Pasha, proclaimed the “conqueror of the seas”, the bathhouse was built to serve the sailors of the coastal area of Istanbul. The main dome, 14 meters wide and 17 meters high, is the second largest of the city’s hammam decorations. Traditionally, women visit the steam rooms in the morning (from 8:00 to 16:00), and men — in the second (from 16:45 to 23:30). At the entrance, guests are greeted with a sherbet, and then the traditional magic begins: peeling, gentle soap foam, massage and other delights of life. A visit to the hammam will cost 2,900 lira (8850 rubles), massage is paid separately.
By order of Kilic Ali Pasha, proclaimed the “conqueror of the seas”, the bathhouse was built to serve the sailors of the coastal area of Istanbul. Photo: dogrova/Shutterstock.com
Zeyrek Çinili Hamam. Another creation of the 16th century Ottoman architect Sinan. Built in the 1530s, the hammam underwent a thorough thirteen-year renovation before reopening this year with intricate tiles, domes and bathing areas. Here, the wonders of Turkish bathing closely intersect with style and art. During the renovation, ancient objects were discovered, including Roman glass bottles, Byzantine oil, various lamps, terracotta vessels and tile fragments — now they are on display in a modern museum on site. A ticket to the museum costs 150 liras (460 rubles), and a visit to the traditional program in the hammam starts from 3,827 liras (11,670 rubles). per person. The female and male parts are separated.
Navitas Spa Sarnıç. The place at the Hilton Hotel, in addition to a stunning hammam and an impressive list of body care and massage programs, has a unique pool in a historic cistern (about 1,500 years old). The atmosphere of historical luxury here disposes to complete relaxation in the best traditions of the sultans. The cost of a visit starts from 120 € (13,350 rubles). per person.
The atmosphere of historical luxury here disposes to complete relaxation in the best traditions of the sultans. Photo: Navitas Spa Sarnıç
Spend an evening like a real Turk in meyhan
If you have never visited Turkish meyhan, then it is very wrong. Such a celebration of life can only be found in Turkey. Meyhane is a traditional drinking establishment where dinner is combined with a show. As a rule, each meyhane has a certain fixed cost for food (traditional dishes and meze) with alcohol — Turks here drink exclusively raki, a strong Turkish drink. For this amount, you can enjoy food, drinks and performances of artists all evening. Among the latter are incendiary musicians playing drums and belly dancers (both girls and boys, this tradition goes back to ancient times).
Everything starts in meyhan decorously and nobly: the guests gather, sit down, first cheeses and sweet melon are served on the tables — a signal that the evening has begun. Next, there are a lot of raki, snacks and one or two hot dishes. Then everything is a blur: you notice yourself dancing on the couch next to musicians and dancers, you begin to speak Turkish fluently and confess your love for this country. And what else is needed for a perfect winter evening: raki for the soul, good snacks and dancing to incendiary Turkish hits to keep warm after long walks around the city.
Of the most elegant meyhanes, I like Nomads with a beautiful view, HAKIM and Vişneli Meyhane (the view here is also fantastic). The cost of dinner per person is on average about 2500 liras (7670 rubles).
Meyhane is a traditional drinking establishment where dinner is combined with a show. Photo: Halil Ibrahim Turp/Shutterstock.com
Admire the sea and lighthouses in bad weather
I love the sea and lighthouses with all my heart. It seems to me that in cool gray weather they look especially impressive, and even winter gloom suits them. There are several places in Istanbul that I prefer to visit in winter: there are practically no people here at this time, and the Bosphorus and the sea are incredibly beautiful in a storm. After such walks, it is pleasant to bask in traditional tea, lentil soup and favorite shrimp boiling in garlic oil in one of the fish restaurants on the coast.
Anadolu Deniz Feneri Lighthouse. The Anadolu Lighthouse is located at the place where the Bosphorus flows into the Black Sea. It seems that I was transported somewhere to Norway. You can walk along the charming streets next to the lighthouse and admire nature.
Rumeli Feneri. Another spot for enjoying the views of the Black Sea and visiting fish restaurants. At the same time, explore the Saryer district, which is also full of cool establishments and pretty streets.
Anadolu Kavağı. My favorite area is Anadolukavagi. Here, colorful low houses are lined up along the water, there are cute markets where handmade souvenirs are sold, cats on the pier are waiting for fishing boats with prey, and meanwhile you are sitting in a warm restaurant and admiring all this splendor from the panoramic windows.
Here colored low houses are lined up along the water, there are cute markets where handmade souvenirs are sold. Photo: YoncaEvren/Shutterstock.com
Oh, how good you are, Istanbul! No matter what time of year it is, there is always something to do here. The winter in Istanbul is usually warm, but there are also such colds that you treat a cold for weeks afterwards. Therefore, be sure to take warm clothes, drink more salep and bose (well, or raki, too good) and enjoy the winter Istanbul — we have provided you with a list of things to do. Görüşürüz!
Cover photo: RauL C7/Shutterstock.com
