Average temperature: 8°C
Highest temperature: 10°C
Lowest temperature: 6°C
Chances of rain: Showers are common
What to wear: Winter takes over Istanbul in December. The city is cold and wet, with temperatures falling 6°C or below in parts away from the sea. Warm clothes are needed to keep out the cold weather and ensure you also carry an umbrella to combat the rain.
What to look out for: It gets colder as you move away from the sea in Istanbul in December. Stay closer to the sea if you're not used to freezing temperatures.
A tour over the Bosphorus waters on New Year's Eve is unique to Istanbul. The boat slowly travels away from the lit-up city and anchors randomly at a place that provides a smashing view of Istanbul on New Year's. Appetizers and drinks are served as you count down to the coming year and witness fireworks go off on the land.
Why visit?
Istiklal Street is a must-visit on New Year's Eve in Istanbul. Already a busy street, it lights up further with enthusiasm and joy for the coming year. The pedestrian street is full of restaurants and cafes, where you can sit, enjoy good food and drinks, and welcome the New Year.
Why visit?
Istanbul is a fantastic New Year's Eve party destination. It has fun nightclubs, each better than the other. Book early, as the demand is high, and you may not get an entry if the place is packed.
Why visit?
Istanbul on New Year's Eve is something else. A rooftop bar is perfect for watching the Turkish capital at its glowing best. You can enjoy drinks and food with your friends, listen to good music, and get a bird's eye view of the city.
Why visit?
Galata Tower is a huge attraction in Istanbul. It is among the oldest towers in the world and was even included in the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List in 2013. It has a luxurious restaurant on top, which sells out quickly on New Year's Eve as it provides stunning views of the city.
Why visit?
Don't worry if you can't find a nightclub or restaurant for New Year's Eve in Istanbul. The city's streets turn into party hotspots themselves, with New Year celebrations lasting all night long. Most district municipalities in Istanbul organize a New Year party, so you have several options.
Why visit?
Touring the city on foot on New Year's Eve can be challenging. A city bus is an excellent option, as it gives you a tour of the major attractions in Istanbul. Hop onto a double-decker and enjoy the finest spots in Istanbul.
Why go on a bus tour?
Looking for a low-key way to celebrate New Year in Istanbul? We got an idea! A traditional Turkish bath, also called Hammam, is all you need. It'll relax your muscles, refresh your body, and transport you to the New Year before the clock strikes 12.
Why visit?
Inspired by Rumi, a famous Islamic mystical poet, "Sema," a whirling dance ceremony, is an essential heritage of the Islam culture. A night out at the Whirling Dervishes Show is an unusual but fun New Year's Eve event that you'll remember for the rest of your life.
Why visit?
Bus - Operated by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Istanbul's bus system is effective and runs the length of the city. They run daily between 6 AM and midnight.
Tram - Trams are an excellent way to see and move around the city. While four tram lines are available, the Bagcilar-Kabatas (T1) Tram is the best to get around the most touristy attractions in Istanbul.
Metro - Istanbul metro has six lines that serve the city's European side. One ride costs four Turkish, but if you have an Istanbulkart card, you pay 2.30 Turkish lira per ride.
Ferry - Ferries in Istanbul are called vapurlar. They're operated by Sehir Hatlari and depart multiple times daily from the city's European and Asian sides.
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Istanbul is a popular destination to celebrate New Year. You can party all night, enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant, take a traditional Turkish bath, or celebrate on the streets of New Year.
Partying in nightclubs is one of the popular things to do in Istanbul on New Year. You can also enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant and countdown to the New Year on the streets of Istanbul.
A traditional Turkish bath is one of the offbeat things to do on New Year in Istanbul. It is a relaxing experience, rejuvenating you ahead of the coming year.
A bus tour is a kid-friendly thing to do on New Year in Istanbul. They can see the best city attractions and groove to the passing wind.
Istanbul is a top tourist destination on New Year's Day in Istanbul. It is a crowded place, but you'll have fun nonetheless.
Yes, Istanbul is a safe destination during New Year. However, beware of your valuables when visiting clubs and restaurants.
Parties at nightclubs in Istanbul are special. You can dance to the best music and crowd and enjoy your favourite drinks before the New Year.
Bosphorus waterfront area and rooftop restaurants are the best places to watch fireworks on New Year in Istanbul.
Istanbul enjoys cool and pleasant weather on New Year's Eve in Istanbul. The average temperature is around 8°C, while the temperature at night can reach 6°C. Showers are also common in December in Istanbul.
Taksim Club IQ, Temple club, and Ritim are clubs hosting the best New Year's Eve party in Istanbul. You can also enjoy amazing concerts at Dorock XL, W Istanbul, and IF Performance Hall on New Year's Eve in Istanbul.
White House Hotel Istanbul, Hotel Yasmak Sultan, and Skalion Hotel & Spa are a few budget-friendly stay options in Istanbul.
InterContinental Istanbul, Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus, and Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul are the best luxury stay options in Istanbul.
Las Tapas Restaurant, Eagles Istanbul Restaurant & Pub, and Sultan Palace Cafe Restaurant are some brunch options in Istanbul.
Istanbul is popular because of its parties on New Year's Eve. Clubs and concert halls host thrilling New Year celebrations that last until dawn.