Istanbul is an amazing city located on two continents, Europe and Asia, and attracts tourists all year round. Here, the achievements of modern civilization and ancient oriental flavor are intricately intertwined. Buildings from different times fit organically into the urban landscape. Winter Turkey appears to tourists in an unusual format, radically different from a summer beach holiday. The trip allows you to see the rich cultural heritage of the country.
Istanbul in December corresponds to the end of October in central Russia. On sunny days, it is pleasant to stroll along the streets of the city, to see the many sights without stuffiness and dust. If it suddenly starts to rain, you can always take refuge in one of the many cafes, warm up with Turkish coffee with oriental sweets.
Weather
In the first half of December in Istanbul, the daytime temperature fluctuates between + 10- + 15˚С, in sunny weather you can even sunbathe a little. By the evening it gets slightly colder up to + 8- + 12˚С. By the end of the month, even in the daytime, the thermometer does not rise above + 7- + 11˚С, and at night it becomes even cooler - + 5-9˚С.
It often rains in December, with strong winds on some days. On average, there are 8 clear days per month, 8 days with prolonged precipitation. The rest of the time, partly cloudy is observed: the sun will look out for several hours, then the sky will be covered with clouds and rain will pour down.
Is it cold in December
The weather in Istanbul during the first winter month is unstable and unpredictable. Heavy rains can soak clothes through, and a fresh breeze from the Bosphorus increases the feeling of chilliness. To prevent the surprises of December weather from spoiling your vacation, you need to carefully consider your wardrobe. Clothes should be warm, waterproof, and not restrict movement.
When traveling, you will need a windproof hooded jacket, wool sweater. In the evenings, a headdress or a warm scarf will not be superfluous. Shoes should be low-heeled with waterproof soles. When traveling, an umbrella that is resistant to gusts of wind will come in handy.
What to watch
It is impossible to appreciate the beauty of the national color of Istanbul without walking tours, which are worth taking in good weather. The favorite route of tourists: pl. Taksim - Istiklal street (analogue of Old Arbat in Moscow) - Galatskaya tower. The street is full of antique shops, cozy bars and cafes. Street vendors, acrobats and musicians complete the picture.
In rainy weather, you can visit beautiful examples of Muslim architecture from different eras. Hagia Sophia was an Orthodox church until the 13th century, turned into the Hagia Sophia mosque after the capture of Constantinople by the Turks. Topkapi Palace (1479) - the official residence of the Ottoman sultans. Dolmabahce Palace will be interesting for a tour of the harem and the adjoining garden with walking peacocks, a beautiful view of the Bosphorus.
The Blue Mosque, surrounded by six minarets, is a masterpiece of architecture. Galata Tower (built in 507) with an observation deck offering stunning views of Istanbul and its surroundings. The Maiden's Tower is located on a cliff above the waters of the Bosphorus.
The Turkish hammam is a must-have place for a winter break. Hamam Suleymaniye - part of the mosque complex, the bathhouse was built in 1557, it is intended for visiting by couples. Even if you don't like shopping and buying souvenirs, the famous Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar are worth a visit.
Here you can buy fragrant spices, local sweets, dried fruits. In the evening, many establishments open their doors - restaurants, cafes and pubs with live music, working until late at night.
Vacation with children
Arriving in the city with the whole family, be sure to visit the toy museum, which will not leave indifferent children and adults. Here are more than 4000 unique items for games from all over the world.
Rahmi M. Koch Museum - presents an exposition of airplanes, retro cars, trains and steam locomotives of the 19th-20th centuries. Children are allowed to touch the exhibits, you can go inside a real submarine.
Sea Life I Stanbul Water Park is one of the 5 largest in the world. In huge aquariums with a volume of 5 million liters, various marine and freshwater animals live. A 100 m long thick glass tunnel creates the illusion of being in the depths of the sea.
In the Istanbul Dolphinarium, beluga whales, walruses, and seals take part in performances. There is a zoo in the suburbs, where even in winter animals from warm countries are in the open air. A botanical garden with exotic tropical plants is located nearby.
Tours
In Istanbul, local guides offer many sightseeing walking and bus tours. It can be a classic walk through the main attractions or a trip to the Asian quarters of the city, with a visit to Eminonu shops and Uskudar mosques. Families with children are offered trips to the Miniaturk park, where more than 100 famous architectural objects are located, made in M 1:25.
An interesting landscape of the park with dwarf trees, miniature boats sailing along the canals. You can drive through the territory using the children's railway. Lunapark Vialand is the Turkish equivalent of Disneyland, spread over 20 hectares and includes an adventure park, history and play area. If you are not intimidated by long journeys, go on a trip to the mountain resort of Yalova.
Impressive panoramas of mountain gorges, sultan baths at thermal springs await you. Weather permitting, you can take a ferry excursion to the largest island of the Princes' Islands archipelago - Buyukada, with magnificent natural and sea landscapes.
New Year
From mid-December, decorated Christmas trees are being installed on the streets of Istanbul, the city is illuminated with New Year's illumination. In many areas there are Christmas markets, and the Winter Market opens at the Farne Palace. Here you can meet European Santa Claus and Turkish Noel Babu. The holiday itself is called Yilbashi in Turkish. On New Year's Eve, tourists dominate the street, Turks prefer to celebrate the holiday with their families.
It is forbidden to launch fireworks and firecrackers on your own. A wonderful laser show and fireworks are held near the Ortakoy Mosque (the spectacle is convenient to watch from the Galata Bridge). Pubs, discos and restaurants are open all night, the Administration is thoroughly preparing for the celebration, preparing interesting show programs. Meetings of the New Year are in demand on comfortable motor ships plying the Bosphorus Strait and the Golden Horn Bay.
The cost of travel
The most convenient way to get to Istanbul is by plane. Air ticket price - from 3060 rubles. Flight time - 3 hours 30 minutes. A 3 * hotel room costs from 1 193 rubles, 4 * - from 1 908 rubles. If you wish, you can find apartments with the ability to spend the night for 700-900 rubles. The cost of a trip for two for 5 nights will be approximately 25-30 thousand rubles. including expenses for food, entertainment and museum tickets.
In December, tour operators make very interesting offers: tours for 5-7 nights with attractive prices, including flight, transfer, accommodation and insurance. A tour to a 3 * hotel costs from 20 124 rubles, 4 * - from 22 515 rubles. By purchasing a tour, you are relieved of the hassle of booking a hotel and tickets, you will be delivered directly to your place of residence. In some cases, this is economically beneficial.
Reviews of tourists
Most travelers who visited Istanbul in winter were satisfied with the trip. December weather is much more suitable for a busy excursion program than the summer heat. There are no crowds of tourists interfering with sightseeing in peace. Those who celebrated the New Year in Istanbul note that they received a lot of positive emotions from the indescribable colorful atmosphere of the holiday under the palm trees.
Until mid-December, prices for housing and flights are record low, but in the last days of the month they can jump 2-3 times. Travelers are advised to determine the meeting place for the New Year in advance; at the end of December, all the best rooms in hotels and tables in restaurants with panoramic windows are booked.
Conclusion
A trip to Istanbul in December is a great opportunity to enrich your horizons, relax and have fun for little money. A city with a long history, where modern technologies and ancient oriental traditions are combined, it leaves an unforgettable experience. Turks are polite and friendly people, they do everything possible for a comfortable pastime of tourists.
