Istanbul in winter

First, do not listen to those who do not advice you to go there in winter. They say the city is empty and boring. It is not true! Especially if you are flying, sailing or going by train to celebrate a holiday there. For example, New Year or Christmas! During this period at Istiklal Avenue in Taksim you will see a large street filled with celebrating, making merry and drinking people from all over the world. It’s a pity the holidays are so transient. And winter lasts for almost three months even in Istanbul...

Of course there are exceptions even in the rules, and it applies to Istanbul winter, too. It can be very sweet when the snow falls. The domes of Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque powdered with clear white snow, snowflakes melting in the blue waters of the Bosphorus, tropical trees bending under the weight of snow... The scenery is really incredible and unforgettable. So, if the news showed snow in Istanbul, start packing your things and immediately depart. The only trouble is it happens once in a few years. The rest of the time it is quite warm in Istanbul and the snow does not lie even if it suddenly decided to fall. So, for quite a long time from mid-November to early March the weather in Istanbul is like an eastern picture of beauty - very capricious and changeable. Although very attractive of course...

Usually the weather in winter is rather good than bad. For example, in December you can still easily find a seat on a bench on the playground at the Golden Horn - the whole Gulf Coast is full of benches and playgrounds - and put your face under the sun. Two hours later you will become so tanned that any solarium is no match for. You can also take off your sweater and stay only in a shirt. It’s really warm! And if you like to walk - and you SHOULD walk in Istanbul cause taking a taxi or subway is only useful if you have to get too far - that way you won’t get cold. But relapses also happen. When the north wind blows, the weather is not one to be trifled with, especially near the water. During those days (quite rare as a matter of fact) even the famous Bosphorus looks inhospitable. While still impressive. But it’s worth remembering that it won’t last for the whole day. Be patient, the sun will peep out in a few hours.

You should also remember about the price of a hotel room as a very attractive point in the journey to Istanbul in winter. This time of year it is lower by 15-30 per cent. But the city remains the same! If you manage to take a sweater and a light jacket - which incidentally can be bought here because it’s the European shopping center after all – nothing will spoil your journey. One important point more – there are less tourists in Istanbul in winter. There will be many of them, but not like in summer, spring and autumn. So if you want to explore the city not in a crush, go to Istanbul in winter.