In December, Istanbul is a beautiful place, with a party atmosphere dominating the environment. The city will be dressed out in celebration of the coming New Year. Don’t be worried about being too cold because most of the attractions are located indoors! Your stay will be more comfortable because the city will be less crowded.
Istanbul, Turkey’s culturally diversified and historically significant capital, has a variety of sites to visit and exciting things to do, even in the dead of winter. Continue reading to learn how to apply for a turkey visa online and make the most of your December trip to Istanbul!
A bit about the weather: December marks the start of winter, which means it’s cold and stormy, with the days being shorter than the nights. In December, the temperature in Istanbul ranges from 5.6°C to 10.8°C, though it can drop even lower on some days.
Visit Hagia Sophia Museum
Hagia Sophia will fascinate everyone as an icon of Turkey’s complex past. Its architecture is a mix of Byzantine and Ottoman styles, reflecting the confluence of two cultures. Built around 1500 years ago, Hagia Sophia was first a church, then a mosque, a museum, and is again back to being a mosque. The large interior is elaborately furnished with artistic elements and is a fascinating, wonderful sight. This enormous structure is still a significant religious and political symbol today. The entry is free.
You may take a guided tour of the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace if you want to get your visit to these two Istanbul highlights. You enjoy having a guide show you around a new city for the first time; it creates the experience of visiting a new city so much more profound.
Visit the Sultan Ahmed Mosque
The Sultan Mosque is an iconic Ottoman structure built next to Hagia Sophia as a rival structure. Because of its elegant, coloured interior, it’s also known as the Blue Mosque. Apart from enjoying the majestic building, it’s also interesting to see how the mosque’s colourful glass-stained windows light up during the day. The entrance is free; however, because the mosque is a place of worship, you must follow a dress code and remove your shoes at the door. Visitors can enter the mosque wearing veils or long cloaks, which are available at the mosque.
Treat Yourself to a Turkish Bath
A Turkish bath in one of Istanbul’s Hammams is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s the ideal winter relaxing session since it’s refreshing, calming, and, most importantly, warming! The steam bath and exfoliating massage will quickly put you in Zen mode while recharging your batteries. However, there are also modern-styled Hammams. We suggest picking a traditional, ancient-style Hammam because it will provide you with an authentic experience while also reflecting the Ottoman Turks’ luxury lifestyle.
A Turkish bath can cost anywhere between $30 and $50.
Explore the Basilica Cistern
Ready for a spooky trip under Istanbul’s walled city as your next activity. The Basilica Cistern, built during the Byzantine Empire, delivered water. The site includes 336 columns precisely spaced from one another and two Gorgon heads that are thought to have been put for protection. You’ll hear the faint sound of water dripping as you travel into the dark cistern. It’s generally because it’s chilly inside that sends chills down your spine, but there have been reports of corpses being dumped in the cistern as well. The entrance is close to Hagia Sophia, and the ticket is roughly 5 USD.
Enjoy New Year Celebrations
While Christmas in Istanbul isn’t very cheerful, it’s not unusual to see stores dressed out in decorations. But it is the New Year that the city is most excited to celebrate. Around the end of December, you’ll see a lot of holiday preparations taking place throughout the city. The Bosporus Strait is the most excellent site to celebrate New Year’s Eve and see the fantastic fireworks display that lights up the city at night. Make it a romantic night by spending it with your special someone! You may also take a sunset tour and view the fireworks from the boat while eating delicious food.
One of the advantages of visiting Istanbul in December is the variety of tour deals available. Take a look at the cost of this evening cruise.
Shop at the Grand Bazaar
Grand Bazaar is the ultimate local market, whether you want to do random shopping or pick up some souvenirs to take home. Booths sell a wide range of things, including local artisan jewellery, perfume, hand-embroidered table mats, ceramics, Turkish lamps, and other ornaments, so you’ll be spoilt for choice. Turkish sweets, spices, dried fruits, and even fresh vegetables can be found in plenty at the Grand Bazaar. Don’t forget to set apart some time to browse through the Bazaar and bargain!
Watch the Performance of Whirling Dervishes
The Whirling Dervishes Performance is a must-see activity for those looking for something different to do in Istanbul in December. This live performance, known as the Sema Ceremony, features a traditional and ceremonial dance over 800 years. Hodjapasha Cultural Center in Istanbul is hosting the event. The performers’ spellbinding dancing skills and exotic music will immediately capture your attention. The dance portrays a man’s spiritual journey to perfect himself via divine love. There’s also an exhibition with information about the event, dervishes’ objects, and Sufi poetry and music samples. Tickets for the hour-long show may be found here.
Indulge in Turkish Food
Many of the local foods are based on historic Ottoman cuisine with a modern twist, and they are a mix of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Asian cuisines. While most of the menu options are meat-based, there are plenty of vegan options available. Baklava, kebabs, Köfte, Kumpir, and Pide are all classics to try. Meze is the dish to order if you want to experience a variety of dishes all at once. Trying out Turkish coffee or wine varieties, on the other hand, is a terrific way to remain warm during your December visit to Istanbul!
Take this evening meal tour to receive a complete culinary experience while in Istanbul. On a 5-hour food tour of Istanbul, savour the flavours of Asia and Europe while conquering the cuisines of the city’s seven hills. A guide will take you on a leisurely tour through the neighbourhood cafés, where you can sample Kurdish cuisine, traditional drinks, and more.
Go on a Traditional Tram Ride
A trip to Istanbul is not complete without taking a vintage tram ride along Istiklal Street. The tram service began in the 19th century and was phased out when buses took its place. In 1990, it was reintroduced as a form of transportation between Taksim and Tünel Squares. The ride on these vintage trams is slow and brief, but it’s a great way to take in the sights of Istanbul’s snow-covered streets in the winter. It only makes a few stops along the way, the most significant of which is at Galatasaray Square, where it meets up with the other tram.
Enjoy Skiing
In Turkey, skiing is one of the most popular winter activities. While Istanbul does not have an ideal skiing location, Uludag National Park, a 2-hour ferry ride from the city, is the best destination for a skiing adventure. The ski resort is reachable via bus or cable car. We consider setting aside at least one day to get the most out of your journey. The park is ideal for beginners and advanced skiers looking for a fun and relaxing experience. However, it may not be suitable for advanced skiers. Hiking, snowboarding, and sledding are also available.
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