Istanbul, with its unique beauty in every season, captivates with its fairytale atmosphere during the winter months. You can explore the city peacefully without the tourist crowds of summer. In winter, cool breezes, rain, and fog give Istanbul a melancholic beauty. If you are planning a trip to Istanbul in the winter months, we have selected some places that will warm your heart during the cold weather.

 

1. Topkapi Palace Museum

 

Topkapi Palace, which housed the Ottoman Empire for 400 years, was built by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. It stands out among the world's largest palace museums. Covering an area of 700,000 square meters, the palace contains over 300,000 archival documents. You can visit the Harem section, the Chamber of the Holy Mantle, the Private Chamber, and the Pavilions Garden, and see the Holy Relics section. In the winter months, enjoying the unique views of the Bosphorus from Topkapi Palace offers an unparalleled experience.

 

2. Basilica Cistern

 

Built during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, the Basilica Cistern supplied water to the palace and the public during the Byzantine era and the early years of the Ottoman period. Inside the cistern are 336 columns, each 9 meters high. Following recent restoration, modern sculptures have been placed within the cistern. Additionally, you can enjoy peaceful moments with light shows and musical ambiance.

 

The most striking feature inside is the Medusa Head statue. Even when it's snowing or raining outside in winter, you can be captivated by the magic of the cistern inside.

 

3. Dolmabahçe Palace

 

Dolmabahçe Palace, which holds immense importance as the place where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, passed away, stands out with its magnificent structure on the shores of the Bosphorus. Built in Baroque architecture, the palace boasts 285 rooms, 46 halls, 6 Turkish baths, and 68 toilets. In addition to its splendid exterior, the palace's interior decorations and architecture also captivate visitors. You can admire its enormous crystal chandeliers, see the paintings up close, and enjoy the panoramic view of Istanbul from its windows.

 

4. Suleymaniye Mosque

 

Offering one of the most beautiful views of Istanbul, the Süleymaniye Mosque is among the places you must see in winter. From the courtyard of the Süleymaniye Mosque, which Mimar Sinan called his masterpiece and which holds an important place in Istanbul's skyline, you can enjoy the unique view of the Golden Horn. The Süleymaniye Complex, which includes the Süleymaniye Mosque, also houses the tombs of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and Hürrem Sultan.

 

After leaving the mosque, don't forget to have a meal at one of the famous historical bean restaurants. If you wish, you can also go to Vefa Bozacısı, which is a 10-minute walk away, and have a drink of boza or a hot salep.

 

5. Spice Bazaar

 

In Eminönü, there's a place that everyone who sets foot in Istanbul must visit: the Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı). Located in the shadow of the New Mosque, this bazaar has been a center of trade for centuries, bearing traces of the Ottoman era. Its enclosed structure protects you from the cold on winter days, while inside you can find various herbal teas, freshly ground Turkish coffee, Turkish delight, and spices.

 

6. Galata Tower

 

Built during the Genoese era and holding a significant place among Istanbul's iconic landmarks, the Galata Tower is a popular tourist destination year-round. Its panoramic views of Istanbul and the romantic stories surrounding it draw visitors in.

 

After a lovely stroll in Beyoğlu, you can climb the tower towards evening and witness the city lights coming on. You can take stunning photos while admiring Istanbul shrouded in fog.

 

7. Istiklal Street

 

You absolutely must stroll along Istiklal Street, stretching from Taksim Square to Tünel and boasting impressive 19th-century architecture. Shops, arcades, inns, and restaurants await you along the street. In winter, you can buy a bag of chestnuts from a stall, watch the nostalgic train pass by, and enjoy the romantic atmosphere amidst snow or rain.

 

If you happen to be on Istiklal Street between mid-December and early January, you can visit St. Antuan Church to see the Christmas decorations and take plenty of photos.

 

8. Çemberlitaş Bathhouse

 

Çemberlitaş Hamam, one of the works of the architect Sinan, has been in service since 1584. It is one of the best places to experience Turkish bath culture. After exploring Istanbul in the cold weather, you can wash away all your fatigue in this historical atmosphere. Thanks to the effect of the hot water, it stands out as one of the best places to go in Istanbul in winter.

 

9. Zeytinburnu Ice Island

 

One of the places where you can enjoy winter in Istanbul is Zeytinburnu Ice Island. It boasts one of the largest ice rinks in Europe. The facility, where you can have fun with your family or friends, has two separate Olympic-sized rinks. The rinks cater to both professional athletes and those who just want to have fun. You can capture the spirit of winter by ice skating and create unforgettable memories.

 

10. Istanbul Modern

 

Istanbul Modern, Türkiye's first modern and contemporary art museum, is located in Galataport. If you want to enjoy both the Bosphorus view and spend a day filled with art, you can explore Istanbul Modern. It attracts art lovers with its temporary exhibitions, collections, cinema, and various events. After visiting the museum, you can sit in the cafe area, enjoy a warm drink, and take in the view.

 

After visiting Istanbul Modern, you can also visit the Istanbul Museum of Painting and Sculpture, which is located right next door.

 

11. Kariye Mosque

 

The Kariye Mosque, notable for its unique mosaics and frescoes, was built by the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century and converted into a mosque in 1511. Serving as a museum from 1948 to 2020, it reverted to its mosque status in 2020. Located on the UNESCO World Heritage List, you can visit this mosque and admire its golden mosaics and priceless frescoes in the dim light of winter.

 

12. Kuzguncuk

 

Kuzguncuk is one of the neighborhoods you absolutely must visit in Istanbul during the winter. Located in Üsküdar, Kuzguncuk stands out with its historic streets, colorful wooden houses, and boutique cafes. Don't forget to explore Kuzguncuk Garden when you go there.

 

Source: ENUYGUN.com