Istanbul is a city where you would want to greet the new year! It is beautiful, energetic, chaotic, and incredibly lively! January is a great choice to visit Istanbul because it is less crowded and cheaper! Here all you need to know about Istanbul in January, we are here to help you every step of your
January is a bit wet but still a beautiful time to visit Istanbul. This year, in 2025, it’s looking like we can expect a wet January, but no need to fear—there are lots of things to do inside this gorgeous city. So let’s start exploring what to do in January in Istanbul. Well, the easiest way to organize your trip is definitely to look at the amazing diversity of things to see and make your own list! There are so many to choose from that give fresh meaning to convenience and flexibility for a visitor, letting you explore the sights or hidden gems on your terms.
Although the temperature in Istanbul in January 2025 varies from 5°C to 9°C, it is still one of the warmest capitals you can visit in winter. It can be rainy for maybe around half of the month. We’re looking at about eight to 15 rainy days this year, so you might want to get some use out of your rubber boots and umbrella.
There are a few snowy days in Istanbul in January. Be sure to take snow boots and warm mittens so you can stay warm while exploring. If you are visiting, check the weather forecast closer to your travel dates.
January is a cold month in Istanbul so make sure you have warm-up clothes with you. Here’s a checklist that will help ensure a pleasant and enjoyable trip:
Dress Warm: You also want to pack some layers such as a jacket, sweater, and scarf to help keep you warm in the chillier weather.
Comfortable footwear: You will be visiting different attractions so having comfortable and waterproof shoes is very important. If you’d rather not lug around heavy items, Istanbul’s shops offer plenty of choice when it comes to clothing and shoes.
Travel Adapters: Types C and F electrical outlets with a 230-volt, 50 Hz power supply. (The city has abundant places to buy travel adapters if you need them.)
Camera: Take photos of the architectural beauty of Istanbul, and bring spare batteries or a charger. Of course, your smartphone can be enough but it is always so cool to carry another camera!
Umbrella: January is a wet month, so having a small umbrella is really a good idea. You can always buy umbrellas in Istanbul.
There is not an exception about January and Istanbul, it is always a good idea. There’s a certain beauty to the city in winter. It will be a little cooler and a little wetter, but it’ll also be the “off-season” for travel to those places — with fewer people around and possible bargains on attractions and lodgings.
Central neighborhoods and hotels surrounding the old town will typically lower their rates at that time, making it comfortable for visitors. Istanbul’s cafes, restaurants, and malls make perfect shelters from the cold and the city’s iconic beauty is on display even when covered in snow.
In January, Istanbul is calm, sunny and except from a bit cold weather, amazingly beautiful. Let us guide you to the best things to do in Istanbul in this magical month. Let the first year of the year be your best!
First, let's have a look at the indoor attractions in Istanbul. Since the weather is perfect for indoors, visiting top museums, going to malls with amazing attractions, or witnessing wild underwater life are some of the many things you can select!
Step inside this architectural masterpiece and discover its fascinating history. Admire its grand dome, perhaps its intricate mosaics, and the Hagia Sophia is any visitor’s must-see. You will visit the 2nd floor of Hagia Sophia and can spend as much time as you'd like. Since it is an active mosque, the interiors will be warm and appealing if you are chilled outside. Listen to the specially curated audio guide with your Hagia Sophia skip-the-ticket-lines ticket -skipping the loooong ticket lines is very important in the winter season!
Take in the beautiful interiors and tranquil atmosphere of this Ottoman masterpiece. The mosque’s elegant details and spiritual ambiance are sure to be a highlight for any visitor. Blue Mosque, or Sultanahmet Mosque as we locals call it, is still an active mosque and still, it doesn't have a special museum setting to visit separately from the praying area So, you can enter without a ticket and enjoy the sacred place on your own but listening to specially curated Blue Mosque audio guide can make your trip much more enjoyable and informative. Remember, since it is an active mosque, you need to dress appropriately and take off your shoes before go in!
Basilica Cistern is a door to exploration like an underground city This centuries-old site is a peaceful escape and a fascinating glimpse into Istanbul’s past. Inside the Basilica Cistern is always pretty warm, and actually, it is a bit humid also so if you have a serious lung problem you may want to skip visiting it. but if you are perfectly healthy then that is a great place to visit in chilly weather! Skipping the long (really long) ticket lines is a must, especially in winter. So, we strongly suggest buying them beforehand and you can get your free audio guide with your Basilica Cistern online ticket on istanbul.com.
If you think that the Bosphorus cruises are only for summer, you are wrong! Since the cruise ships have excellent indoor seating and dining areas, they are perfect alternatives for long walks in the city. So, book a journey and cruise the Bosphorus, taking in views of Istanbul’s skyline from the water. Also if you plan to book a Bosphorus dinner cruise then get an unforgettable experience with living entertainment and Turkish cuisine.
Here is another cold-weather indoor marvel for you: the opulent Topkapi Palace! Stroll through the lavish rooms and gardens of the Topkapi Palace. Discover the lives of Ottoman sultans and see priceless treasures. For you to enjoy this amazing truly, we have a Topkapi Palace Guided Tour for you so you can learn amazing stories and legends about this place. Also, you can visit the world-famous Topkapi Harem, it is included with your ticket! The Palace is pretty big and you can enjoy being inside this marvelous place on a cold day! Oh, and if it is a sunny day, do not forget to enjoy the amazing sun and beautiful view from the Palace's garden.
Take a break from the cold and enter the incredible, unseen underwater world of the Emaar Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Visit its themed zones such as the Rocky Shores, Tunnel Aquarium, Dreamers Island, Forests, Rivers and Falls, Penguin Island, and the Crocodile Kingdom. Visiting this huge aquarium is especially a great idea for families. Enjoy the amazing themed zones in the aquarium and please take some time to see little details. On cold winter days, the Emaar Aquarium is a great option since you can also spend time shopping and dining in the huge Emaar Mall. There are many family-friendly activities in Istanbul, and istanbul.com is here for you to get the best tickets!
Let's have a look at the events, concerts, and shows in Istanbul in January this year. Bookmark this page so you can see updated events throughout the month!
Experience a reimagined version of Tchaikovsky's classic on Trump Stage. The internationally acclaimed ballet "The Magic World of the Nutcracker" is a captivating adaptation of Tchaikovsky's renowned "Nutcracker." This performance seamlessly blends the elegance of ballet with the innovative elements of physical theater.
Join Clara on a mesmerizing journey as she dreams of the Nutcracker, a gift from her uncle. Her dream transports the audience to enchanting lands like the Spanish Chocolate Kingdom, the Chinese Tea Kingdom, and the Kingdom of Sweets. Clara also finds herself aiding the Nutcracker Prince, who is trapped within a nutcracker, in his battle against the Mouse King. "The Magic World of the Nutcracker" is a delightful ballet suitable for children who love dance or are new to the art form. It's also a captivating experience that adults will enjoy. Save the date, it is on January 12th!
Usher in the new year with an unforgettable musical journey on January 4th at Turkcell Stage! This captivating performance seamlessly blends classical masterpieces with beloved modern scores, offering a delightful experience for all musical tastes. Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Tchaikovsky's compositions, feel the thrill of iconic Star Wars themes, and enjoy a diverse program that traverses genres and eras. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or simply seeking an evening of exceptional music, this concert promises a captivating start to the year.
Use the Istanbul City Card for unlimited public transportation if you want to make the most of your visit. This unlimited card is an easy and cost-effective way to get around the city on metros, trams, buses, and ferries. It also makes for an unusual souvenir to bring home and is delivered to your hotel.
So, give into the magic of Istanbul and enjoy and create so many new unforgettable since they will be part of your story for years to come with the kids
Reviews
Beşiktaş is one of the most popular districts in Istanbul. There are many neighborhoods in Beşiktaş with different identities but to be fair it is a great district for shopping. Central Beşiktaş is good for its bakeries, accessories, and small boutiques. Other neighborhoods like Bebek or Etiler on the other hand is great for luxury shopping. Here all you need to now about Beşiktaş and shopping.
Kadıköy is located on the Anatolian side of İstanbul and is an intersection between different parts of the city. The first settlement in Kadıköy dates to the 19’th century. Byzantine lived in Sarayburnu in 658 BC, a district that is located on the European side right across the Kadıköy, captivated by the beauty of Sarayburnu and bewilderedly and thought that people who lived in Kadıköy must be blind not to see the magnificent beauty of Sarayburnu.
Istanbul situated on seven hills is a city of palaces as well. istanbul dolmabahce palace is the most western and the newest of them all.
Read More
It is for sure that you heard a lot about the trkish bath or in turkish “turk hamami ‘‘. although it is not limited to being in istanbul city, it is very famous in it. in fact, a lot of people actually visit istanbul to have this relaxing hamam once again.
Read More
English 
Indonesian 
Urdu 
Taiwanese 
Russian 
Romanian 
Portuguese 
Persian 
Macedonian 
Korean 
Japanese 
Italian 
Indian 
Hungarian 
Greek 
German 
Croatian 
Chinese 
Bulgarian 
Arabic 
French 
Spanish 