Winter is an unusual time of year in Istanbul. In the city there is enough warm weather, of course, changeable the sun is shining, it’s raining, it’s just overcast. And the same kind and sympathetic Turks wander the streets, to which we are accustomed during the spring and summer voyages.
In winter, tourists have the opportunity to slowly and without queues get acquainted with the city, once called New Rome and having for Christians the same value as the Mecca for Muslims. Of course, also attract prices; for the tourist sector, winter is a dead season, and to spend in Istanbul at this time the week will cost less than to organize a summer weekend in Antalya.
If you want to celebrate the new year at a restaurant, you should look at this party program: https://istanbulnewyear.com/party/new-years-eve-party-at-sultanas-restaurant/
Agatha Christie, Ernest Hemingway and other persons of different epochs liked to come to Istanbul in the winter. Agatha Christie allegedly even during one of her visits wrote a whole detective novel “Murder on the Orient Express” at the Pera Palace Hotel, at the end of 1933. Where else, if not in Istanbul, you can get your inspiration right on the street? Rahat-Luccum, Bul-Bul-Buhl-Juvas, Baklava, and Ashura-there are many culinary engines for inspiration here, and this is only a microscopic part of them. And architectural motifs? And culture? History? The confusion of civilizations? To put it simply; every corner of winter Istanbul is an occasion for inspiration.
Istanbul as a place to meet the New Year is ideal no summer rush, autumn noise, and spring smells. True, the holiday in Turkey is arranged, by and large, only for tourists.
The New Year is usually celebrated by European tourists on the Galata Bridge. On it, you can book a table and enjoy an excellent dinner and fireworks over the Bosphorus.
The average temperature in December-January is +10 – +15. But a waterproof windbreaker jacket should always be with you because the cold wind and rains are a frequent phenomenon of winter in Istanbul.
