7 Places in Istanbul That Must Be Visited During Winter
Istanbul is an amazing city to discover with its age-old historical landmarks and remarkable natural wonders that exhibit fascinating sceneries throughout the year. It is a joy to explore Istanbul in every time of the year, even in winter. Winter season in Istanbul starts by the mid-December and lasts until mid-February with occasional snowy days. There are few cities in the world that can make you feel so warm in harsh winter conditions such as Istanbul. We listed 7 places you can visit during winter in Istanbul to enjoy the city even more.
Bosphorus
Bosphorus is the Istanbul’s beautiful jewel which is surrounded by many amazing historical and modern landmarks all around. Joining a Bosphorus tour during winter is one of the best things you can do in winter while you are in Istanbul. It is possible for you to enjoy unique sceneries of Ortaköy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, Anatolian Fortress, Maiden’s Tower, Dolmabahçe Palace and many more in their white veils.
Fatih
Fatih is the oldest district of Istanbul with countless historical landmarks that are scattered around in every part of the district. Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Süleymaniye Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Fatih Mosque are just some of these remarkable historical landmarks that you can encounter in Fatih. Going on a walking trip filled with exploration in Fatih district during winter is an unforgettable experience you can have in Istanbul. There will be much less of a crowd in these popular tourism attractions and you will observe many picturesque sceneries.
Ortaköy
Ortaköy is located right at the European end of 15th of July Martyrs Bridge in Beşiktaş district. Ortaköy is an amazing neighborhood to explore with its top-notch cafés, restaurants, as well as its special delicate “kumpir”. It is a joy to spend the day or evening in Ortaköy while enjoying the beautiful sceneries of Bosphorus in winter while enjoying your drink or meal.
Taksim
Taksim is the place that is very crowded even during winter in Istanbul with its unique atmosphere. You can shop is countless local and international stores, explore its charming streets, have a short tram trip on İstiklal Street, or enjoy a bag of fried chestnut while walking in Taksim. On a winter night, Taksim becomes a party neighborhood to dance the night out with its never-ending lights.
Çamlıca Hill
There are many hills located in different parts of Istanbul, usually called by seven hills of Istanbul. Çamlıca Hill is one of the mightiest of these famous hills and is located in the Asian side of the city, in historical Üsküdar district. Çamlıca Hill offers the best view of the whole Bosphorus and is a very underrated place with much less tourist crowd in comparison to Istanbul’s other attractions. If you are looking to capture striking sceneries from Istanbul during winter, Çamlıca Hill should be your go-to place.
Pierre Loti
Pierre Loti was an acclaimed French author and a naval officer who spent many years in Istanbul, on a hill that oversees the amazing Golden Horn. He wrote many of his diaries and stories on the hill and after his service is ended in Istanbul, the hill was named Pierre Loti to commemorate him. Today, Pierre Loti is a popular destination among locals and international visitors in Istanbul because of its spectacular Golden Horn and Istanbul sceneries. During winter, Pierre Loti offers unique Istanbul sceneries and you can use a cable car to get to the hill.
Şile
Şile is one of the most northern districts of Istanbul and usually visited during summers to enjoy its Black Sea shores. The district is located on the Asian side of the city and offers unforgettable picturesque sceneries in winters with its age-old castle and sandy beaches.
