Istanbul: A year-round destination

With diverse festivals, a layered history, and beckoning architecture, Istanbul has become a year-round destination for luxury leisure travel. As you plan your visit, consider the best time—or times—of year to experience the compelling convergence of the West and East that is Istanbul.

January: Navigating the Crowds

Keep in mind that Istanbul’s high cruise season runs from April through October. That means people. Lots of people. So January is a great time to visit must-see historical sites in the Sultanahmet district such as the gorgeous Blue Mosque (Pictured), Hagia Sophia (built by Constantinople), and the spectacular Byzantine Hippodrome. Note that the Blue Mosque (called Sultanahmet Camii in Turkish) allows for visits for non-worshippers only outside prayer times. Istanbul weather can be challenging in January, making these indoor activities even more appealing in winter.

February: Haggle Away

Ah, Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar (Pictured). Again, crowds will diminish somewhat at this most popular destination, which offers a literal world of market wonders such as carpets and textiles, ceramics, and jewelry. Buying a handmade carpet should be at the top your Grand Bazaar priority list. The designs, colors, and craftsmanship of Turkey’s signature carpets are captivating. But be prepared—and expected—to haggle. Here are tips for bargaining specifically for carpets at the Grand Bazaar. Master haggling and walk away with spectacular purchases! In February, you won’t be as much of a tourist target during this engaging yet strategic process. While shopping, warm up with sweet salep or Turkish tea.

March: Spice It Up

One of the world’s oldest covered markets, Istanbul’s Spice Bazaar (Pictured) (also called the Egyptian Spice Market) delights all five senses. Note this key feature: covered market. A great way to take in the best of Istanbul when the weather might be cold and wet! You don’t have to be a bona fide “foodie” to have your palate pulse at the sights and smells of herbs, nuts, spices, dried fruits, teas and coffees, cheese, and other items. Be sure to add “Turkish delight” to your shopping list. Read the rich history of this yummy treat. And discover four additional items to take home in the “Top 5 food items you can’t leave without,” as well as other tips for making the most of your Spice Bazaar experience.

April: In bloom…

April marks the beginning of Istanbul’s high tourist season…and for two good reasons: the International Istanbul Tulip Festival, which highlights the millions of tulips abloom through the city, and the Istanbul Film Festival. A huge public park on the city’ s European side, Emirgan Park is the “base camp” of the Tulip Festival, offering concerts, exhibitions, performances, and more. Fulfill your visual sense from morning to night as you experience an incredible Istanbul spring. Before you go, learn about the fascinating history of tulips in Turkey. Wind down your days be enjoying the best today’s global film scene has to offer.

May: Walk This Way

Istanbul has too much rich culture to overlook on your visit. You could devote a May visit to engaging in walking history tours, like this one featured by National Geographic or an Ottoman architecture tour. Along this particular tour, be sure to plan for taking in a performance by Turkey’s famed whirling dervishes. The Galata Mevlevihanesi is the most renowned Mevlevi Whirling Dervish hall. Be considerate of this fascinating religious performance. Then carry on to the Galata Tower (Pictured). That’s just one option. Discover more walking tours, including food-centric walks. Better yet, walk along the Bosphorus. Tired feet? Catch a show during the month-long Istanbul Theatre Festival.

June: Yachts and Music

For luxury travelers, the Bosphorus Cup makes a June visit well worth it. Beautiful unto itself, the Bosphorus takes on another dimension during this elite regatta in early June. By mid-month, music takes over during the International Istanbul Music Festival. This event features the best of classical music, opera, and dance in incredible historical venues. Popular for over 40 years, this annual festival organizes concerts thematically (e.g., “The Song of Nature” and “Hope and Heroes”).

July: All That Jazz

Istanbul’s robust festival calendar continues in July. Running for over 20 years, the International Istanbul Jazz Festival attracts visitors to the festival concerts, including top headliners from all jazz sub-genres and all over the world, as well free concerts throughout the city’s museums and parks. This two-week event creates a lively buzz as the open-air venues share the classic, contemporary, and worldly sounds of today’s comprehensive jazz scene. Read this visitor’s review of the festival or this New York Times take on a recent festival, with Istanbul figured as a “city as the stage.”

August: Heat Busters

You can escape the heat in a number of Istanbul’s biggest museums. Get lost for hours in Istanbul Modern. Top-notch, ever-changing exhibits are featured. The Topkapi Palace Museum also is an essential line item on your itinerary. Within Topkapi Palace (Pictured), you can visit the Hagia Marie Museum individually. Discover more museums to suit your taste, such as the Istanbul Archaeological Museums, in the Lonely Planet’s “Istanbul’s Best Museums and Galleries.” Be sure to check times and openings for any galleries you visit, as the hot weather often dictates when (and sometimes whether) places are open throughout August.

September: Cross Continents

If you have exhausted Istanbul’s main European attractions, consider visiting the Asian side of Istanbul. An easy way to get there is by ferry to Kadıköy. For local flair, stop by the Tuesday Kadıköy market (open Tuesdays and Fridays) or the daily market. Or perhaps your visiting includes sailing on the Sea of Marmara (Pictured). After all, this part of Istanbul boasts Turkey’s biggest marina. The second main historical district is Üsküdar. Mosques abound: the Mihrimah Sultan Camii (1547), the Yeni Valide Camii (1710), and Çinili Cami (Tiled Mosque, 1640), which is a must-see for its İznik colored tiles.

October: More Jazz

Fall really is quite appealing in Istanbul, which continues to offer fun, robust festivals! Its annual dates vary from September to November, but look for the Akbank Jazz Festival, a destination event for traditional and avant-garde jazz enthusiasts. It runs for over two weeks and features legendary jazz musicians, as well as rising stars who stick to classic jazz forms. October in Istanbul is beautiful and refreshing, so plan to stroll through the city as well, enjoying the city’s appealing al fresco dining or any of its best restaurants. Relax, sip Turkish tea or coffee, eat a fish sandwich, or even try to smoke a nargile (water pipe).

November: Art Abounds

An art visit to Istanbul might be at the top of your list. There is a great venue for facilitating art at its best: Contemporary Istanbul, an international art fair, take places. And if you time your trip well, you might catch the end of the late fall (typically October) Istanbul Biennial, which is organized by the main event group IKSV. At Contemporary Istanbul, engage in art talks, exhibit tours, art fairs, and more. If you bring the kids this month, check the dates of the Istanbul Animation Festival.

December: Take the Plunge

Although December is a cold month to visit, why not warm up in a Turkish bath (hamam), a popular “must-do-while-visiting” experience, especially at one of the historical hamams? After you warm up in a heated area, an attendant will scrub you before you can relax some more with an even more rejuvenating massage on a marble slab. Get the basics of a Turkish bath and learn what to expect so you can make the most of this invigorating experience. Keep in mind that December is actually a popular month to visit Istanbul, so book your hotel in advance. Here are some of the best, including boutique choices.

And that’s a year’s worth of incredible Istanbul. You’ve reached the New Year, which is heavily and heartily celebrated in Istanbul. So your December visit just might spill into January. And before you know it, a trip to Istanbul becomes an annual tradition.