Turkey
Istanbul
Turkey
Istanbul
Updated Tue, Jan 20, 2026
Overview
Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia, offering layers of Byzantine and Ottoman history alongside vibrant street life. Beyond the famous mosques and palaces, discover hidden rooftop cafes in Galata, traditional hammams in quiet neighborhoods, and local fish markets where residents gather for fresh catches and Turkish tea.
Best time to visit. Visit April through June or September through November for mild weather and fewer crowds. Spring brings blooming tulips while autumn offers warm days perfect for wandering neighborhoods and enjoying outdoor dining.
City stats
Population
15,462,000
Land area
1,968 sq. mi.
Currency
Turkish lira
Year founded
660 BCE
Official language
Turkish
English speaking
Somewhat spoken, esp. in hospitality
State/Province
Istanbul Province
Timezone
Turkey (UTC+3)
Driving side
right
Website
Google Maps link
Quick links
How to get there
Neighborhoods
Getting around
Where to stay
Day trips
Cities within 8 hours
Active pursuits
Leisure activities
Bars, pubs and nightlife
Breakfast and brunch
Lunch and snacks
Dinner restaurants
Laptop friendly places
Where to stay for work trips
Work trip activities
Average weather
Country holidays
Major annual events
Cultural tips
Map
City details
Hotels
Nearby
Nearby
Things to do
Food & restaurants
Work friendly
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 46°F - 37°F | 42°F - 32°F | Cloudy | 7:44 am | 5:31 pm | 13 days 3.9 in | 3 days 2.0 in | 11 mph |
| February | 48°F - 39°F | 44°F - 34°F | Cloudy | 7:25 am | 6:08 pm | 11 days 3.0 in | 2 days 1.3 in | 11 mph |
| March | 54°F - 43°F | 52°F - 39°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:50 am | 6:47 pm | 10 days 2.7 in | 1 days 0.3 in | 11 mph |
| April | 63°F - 50°F | 63°F - 48°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:07 am | 7:25 pm | 9 days 1.8 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| May | 72°F - 59°F | 73°F - 58°F | Sunny | 5:34 am | 7:59 pm | 6 days 1.3 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| June | 81°F - 68°F | 84°F - 68°F | Sunny | 5:17 am | 8:22 pm | 4 days 0.9 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| July | 84°F - 72°F | 88°F - 74°F | Sunny | 5:28 am | 8:18 pm | 3 days 0.7 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| August | 84°F - 73°F | 89°F - 75°F | Sunny | 5:52 am | 7:47 pm | 3 days 0.9 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| September | 77°F - 66°F | 79°F - 66°F | Sunny | 6:24 am | 7:02 pm | 5 days 1.3 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| October | 68°F - 57°F | 68°F - 55°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:58 am | 6:15 pm | 7 days 2.2 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| November | 57°F - 46°F | 55°F - 42°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:36 am | 5:35 pm | 10 days 3.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 11 mph |
| December | 50°F - 41°F | 46°F - 36°F | Cloudy | 7:57 am | 5:15 pm | 12 days 4.1 in | 2 days 1.1 in | 11 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | National holiday celebrating the start of the new year with fireworks and festivities. | Expect closures and festive atmosphere. | ||
| Ramadan | Varies annually | Islamic holy month of fasting, prayer, and reflection observed by Muslims in Turkey. | Respectful travel possible, night festivities. | ||
| Eid al-Fitr | Varies annually | Muslim holiday marking the end of Ramadan with feasts and family gatherings. | Avoid travel, most places closed. | ||
| National Sovereignty and Children's Day | April 23 | Commemorates the founding of Turkish Parliament and celebrates children's rights. | Enjoy children's events, some closures. | ||
| Labor and Solidarity Day | May 1 | National holiday honoring workers' rights with parades and demonstrations. | Expect some closures and demonstrations. | ||
| Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day | May 19 | Honors Atatürk and Turkish youth with sports events and parades. | Join sports events, some businesses closed. | ||
| Eid al-Adha | Varies annually | Important Islamic holiday of sacrifice and charity, lasting four days. | Avoid travel, widespread closures. | ||
| Democracy and National Unity Day | July 15 | Commemorates the failed coup attempt of 2016 and celebrates democracy. | Expect ceremonies, some closures. | ||
| Victory Day | August 30 | Celebrates Turkey's victory in the Turkish War of Independence with parades. | Watch military parades, some closures. | ||
| Republic Day | October 29 | Marks the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey with nationwide celebrations. | Join festivities, expect some closures. |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Istanbul Shopping Fest | January - February | Month-long shopping festival with discounts, fashion shows, and cultural events across the city's malls and boutiques. | Good time to visit with shopping deals and events. | ||
| Istanbul Film Festival | April | International film festival showcasing world cinema, documentaries, and Turkish films at venues citywide. | Great for film lovers, minimal city disruption. | ||
| Tulip Festival | April | Spring celebration featuring millions of tulips planted throughout Istanbul's parks and public spaces. | Perfect time to visit with beautiful flowers blooming. | ||
| Istanbul Music Festival | June | Classical music festival featuring international orchestras and soloists at historic venues like Hagia Irene. | Excellent for music enthusiasts, book venues early. | ||
| Istanbul Jazz Festival | July | International jazz festival bringing world-class musicians to outdoor and indoor venues across Istanbul. | Great atmosphere for jazz fans, book accommodations early. | ||
| Istanbul Biennial | September - November (odd years) | Contemporary art exhibition held every two years featuring international artists at various city venues. | Perfect for art lovers, enhances cultural experience. | ||
| Akbank Jazz Festival | October - November | Jazz and world music festival featuring local and international artists at clubs and concert halls. | Good time for music fans, vibrant nightlife scene. |
1 | Remove shoes before entering homes or mosques. Bring socks for mosques, as floors can be cold. Some tourist sites provide disposable shoe covers. |
2 | Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and religious sites. Women should cover shoulders and knees. Men should avoid shorts in conservative areas. |
3 | Learn basic Turkish phrases like 'merhaba' (hello) and 'teşekkür ederim' (thank you). Locals appreciate efforts to speak their language, even if imperfect. |
4 | Bargaining is common in bazaars and small shops. Start at about half the asking price and negotiate. Don't bargain in supermarkets or chain stores. |
5 | Public displays of affection are frowned upon, especially in conservative areas. Keep intimacy private to avoid offending locals. |
6 | Avoid discussing politics or criticizing Turkey. Locals are proud of their country and may take offense. Steer conversations to culture and history instead. |
7 | Try Turkish coffee, but don't drink the grounds at the bottom. It's customary to turn your cup upside down on the saucer when finished. |
8 | Tipping is expected in restaurants (10-15%), hotels, and for taxi drivers. Round up the fare for taxis. Tip tour guides about 20 TL per person per day. |
Brainstorm ideas, plan your way, then navigate on the ground with personalized recommendations that adapt in real time.
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