Snow in Istanbul

Editor Istanbul

May 18 1141 read

Snow in Istanbul

While it seems more comfortable to tour Istanbul in spring and summertime, it is a unique experience that you cannot forget to visit Istanbul in winter. Let’s take a look at the indoor and outdoor places that should be visited in Istanbul during snowy weather.

Bosphorus, Beşiktaş, Ortaköy Line

Boarding ferries, while you are sipping your hot tea, is one of the most joyous ways to sightseeing in Istanbul without getting tired. If you are in Anatolian side, you can easily see the historical and touristic places that should be visited in Istanbul like Haydarpaşa Railway Terminal, Dolmabahçe Palace, Topkapı Palace, Galata Tower through Kadıköy-Beşiktaş ferry. After you walk around Ortaköy Mosque, you can either enjoy your coffee/tea and warm yourself up in the cafes on the coast or you can sit on a bench while you are eating your delicious baked potato. In both options the first things coming to mind when one says Istanbul, Bosphorus, and Ortaköy Mosque landscape at your disposal; top it all, it is wonderful to keep the pigeons!

Kuruçeşme, Arnavutköy, Bebek and Rumelian Fortress

You can walk along the Bebek-Rumelian Fortress line which has the most beautiful walking route in Bosphorus -especially in winter- in an hour and enjoy Bosphorus for up to eleven. Throughout your walking, you can have a break in Istanbul’s most loved parks that are Park Bebek and Kuruçeşme, and experience winter in these beautiful parks.

Dolmabahçe Palace

Dolmabahçe Palace is between Beşiktaş and Kabataş, located on the Bosphorus shore. The most important thing about this place which was built in the Ottoman period is that Ataturk died here. It also shows Ottoman Empire’s life and this is why it is one of the most visited historical places in Istanbul. You should visit the place while you are nearby. This amazing building looks like a scene from a postcard in winter!

Beyoğlu, Taksim and Galata Tower

After visiting Ortaköy and Dolmabahçe Palace, you can visit Taksim which is one of the most loved touristic places. It usually takes half of an hour to go to Taksim from Ortaköy if it is not rush hour. You can walk along Istiklal Street -which is the first thing coming to mind when thinking about streets that should be visited in Istanbul. Do not forget to try grilled sheep’s intestines even if you are not hungry at all! It would be a pity not to visit Galata Tower while you come thus far. Galata Tower is one of the best important symbols of Istanbul. You can watch Bosphorus on the top of Galata Tower which is one of the oldest towers in the world. It will be unforgettable for you to watch snow while you are on top of the Galata Tower!

Hagia Sophia Museum

Hagia Sophia Museum takes place on the top of the must-visit historical and touristic places in Istanbul with its stunning dome that stands like it is hung in the air, carving marble pillar and its unique inlays. It is one of the leading structures of the world in terms of art and architecture history. Hagia Sophia which is one of the most visited museums is also demonstrated as World’s 8th Wonder. Especially if you prefer indoor places, do not miss this opportunity!

Topkapı Palace

Our next destination after Hagia Sophia Museum is Topkapı Palace which is regarded as Istanbul’s historical symbol. It was constructed in the reign of Mehmed the Conqueror and went public in the republic period. The palace has a big importance in terms of history. After this historical visitation, you can sit on the benches and rest for a while in Gülhane Park which is full of beautiful roses. You can also shoot amazing photos in snowy weather!