Fun Things to Do in Istanbul in Fall 2023

Fall in Istanbul lasts from late September to late December. The fall activities which are not taking place in summer begin in full swing. Fall is also an ideal time to visit Istanbul, as it is neither excessively hot nor excessively cold. Additionally, the city hosts a slew of events all year round and you can easily find Istanbul tourism packages or Istanbul honeymoon packages online especially for the fall season.

The following are some fun things to do in Istanbul this fall:

Veer Away from the Trail

Apart from traditional tourist activities such as landmark visits, Fall is an ideal time to walk the city and get lost in Istanbul’s wonderful tiny streets. Take a stroll to visit regions that are never featured in traditional guidebooks. For example, the Bosphorus’s edges are really frequented by tourists, and they are the most picturesque in the city. Bebek, Arnavutköy, Yeniköy, and Emirgan are all worth stopping at.

Explore the City in Search of Street Art

Istanbul is a city on the rise in terms of street art. Certain districts, such as Karaköy, are totally covered in graffiti. Karaköy is a lovely and central neighborhood, brimming with little cafes, fashion workshops, and concept businesses. 

Additionally, on the Kadiköy heights in the Yeldeğirmeni district, there is an entire space dedicated to frescoes, where international artists have been invited by the town hall to express themselves on the district’s walls. Certain artists, such as JR or TwoOne, have imprinted their work on the city’s walls which attracts people from all over the city.

Get Some Fresh Air

Istanbul is a metropolis surrounded by oceans, mountains, and forests. The ecology is extremely diverse here, and you’re never more than 30 minutes from a breath of fresh air.

Take a Stroll in Belgrade’s Forest

Belgrade’s woodland previously stretched from the European side of the Bosporus to Belgrade. Today, despite threats from uncontrolled urbanization and government-proposed major construction sites, the north of Istanbul is densely forested, and it is feasible to walk through the forest. 

It’s a very lovely and revitalizing location to visit, whether you’re jogging, riding a bike, or walking. 

Run The Istanbul Marathon

One of the best fun things to do in Istanbul as a tourist is to run the Istanbul marathon. What’s unique in that it is the only marathon that takes place on two continents; it is a little tricky, though, because Istanbul is not a level city and thus the terrain can be steep.

Visit Anadolu Kava

Discover the small village of Anadolu Kava on the Bosphorus, which is the Bosphorus’s northernmost village. Once there, climb the hill to the ruins of the Byzantine Castle of Yorgos, which offers an incredible 360-degree view over the city and the Black Sea mouth. The settlement is nestled in the forest, and there are several really attractive fish eateries along the water’s edge. We’re not going to sugarcoat it: it’s a little touristic, but well worth it. 

Fun Things to do in Istanbul for couples: food and shopping

Fall’s atmosphere allows for a more tranquil exploration of certain Turkish delicacies than is possible in the summer heat. Once again, we recommend thinking outside the box and eschewing the cliché of doner kebab and fries.

Turkish cooks have been reviving the imperial cuisine of the Sultan’s court in recent years. 

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise

Enjoy an exquisite dinner cruise on the Bosphorus at night. Perfect for special occasions for couples, families, or friends. You will have a great dining experience while you sail the Bosphorus at night, tasting some of the most exquisite local food.

Cruise along the shores of Asia and Europe in search of great views of Istanbul, including the European side, Rumeli Fortress, Ciragan Palace, the Bosphorus Bridge, Dolmabahce Palace, the Asian shore and more.

After the dinner cruise, you will be dropped off at your hotel. 

Old City Tour

Visit the main attractions of Istanbul with our exclusive Old City tour of the city!

Thought to be comprehensive and exciting, this carefully designed tour includes the historic Sultanahmet district, home to many of the city’s exceptional architectural legacies and landmarks. You can visit the Blue Mosque and the museums of Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, as well as the Istanbul Hippodrome and the impressive Grand Bazaar. And at noon, you could also get a taste of Turkish cuisine with a delicious 3-course lunch!

Here are some details on the highlights:

Hippodrome: You will have the opportunity to see the Obelisk of Egypt, the Serpentine Column of Delphi and the Fountain of Willhelm II – a journey around the world!

Hagia Sophia: Undoubtedly one of the greatest architectural creations in the world, the Hagia Sophia holds great religious and cultural significance and attracts tourists and locals alike. They say that Hagia Sophia “changed the history of architecture.” 

Blue Mosque: This is one of the largest mosques in Istanbul, dating back to the 17th century. It is famous for its interesting architecture, which includes blue tiles and the six minarets. It is one of the main ornaments on the Istanbul skyline.

Grand Bazaar: It is the largest and oldest covered market in the world, with approximately 4,000 stores where you will find a wide collection of carpets, jewelry, leather and souvenirs.

Topkapi Palace: This was the royal palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to 19th centuries, where you will find an elegant collection of Chinese glass, silver and porcelain, dresses worn by the sultans and their families, the legendary jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures, the Holy Mantle, and holy relics of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).

Prince’s Island Tour

Istanbul’s Prince’s Island Tour offers you a chance to explore Heybeliada and Buyukada Islands. Observe life in islands that is very relaxed and enjoy local cuisine with some of the best views the country has to offer.

From the moment you step off the boat, you’ll be transported to a completely different time thanks to the vibe of these islands. Cars aren’t permitted, so the only way of getting around is on foot, by horse and cart or on a pushbike.

The islands take their name from the Byzantine era when princes lived here in exile. It was also where Leon Trotsky settled for a period, following his deportation from Russia in 1929. 

The City Life

Fall in Istanbul is culturally rich, with jazz festivals, numerous exhibitions, shows, and festivals, the contemporary art biennial, and athletic events. With so much happening all around you, you will be pressed for time to become bored.

Istanbul is also a great shopping destination which means that you’ll be able to find the best souvenirs and attire regardless of your style. In addition to housing all of the world’s leading luxury and ready-to-wear brands (distributed throughout the city’s several shopping complexes and districts), the local garment industry is thriving!

Discover Turkish Designers

Turkey’s textile industry has achieved significant strides in recent times. It has evolved from a simple producer country for major global companies to a country that exports its own brands. Your stay in Istanbul will also provide an opportunity to explore view the works of new Turkish designers based in the Nişantaşi and Bebek districts, such as Les Benjamins, Dice Kayek, Arzu Kaprol, and Atl Kutolu.

Can’t wait to see all that Istanbul has to offer in 2021? Get in touch with us for Istanbul tour packages today for a trip you’ll remember for a lifetime!