Summer Activities in Istanbul
The historic and cultural richness, summer sports peculiar to it, attract tourists and locals to Istanbul. This city, connecting the Asian and European continents, offers breathtaking views and vibrant atmospheres, along with incredible experiences through the summer months. Those who want to make the most of hot summer days should visit a lot of places in Istanbul and do numerous activities.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Istanbul during the summer months. Here are 5 popular activities you can try in Istanbul:
Belgrad Forest
Belgrad Forest is among the most favorite choices for those looking to get away from Istanbul’s hustle and bustle for a whole day in summer. It can offer anything desired with its proximity to the city center: a walk in the forest, bicycling, or a picnic in the area. It will be a good day, at an area full of fresh air while seeing every green shade.
In summer and during weekends, for instance, the Belgrad Forest gets so crowded that its peaceful atmosphere is almost impossible to maintain. If you want to find a quiet moment in nature, come between 7 and 9 in the morning. You can take your tea in a thermos and some börek from the famous bakery on the way, as the restaurants generally do not satisfy the expectation if you are going to have breakfast in the forest. Firstly, walk on the 6-kilometer path and picnic at the wooden tables.
Exploring the Islands
The peaceful islands of Istanbul are a perfect getaway to enjoy summer. Also known as the Princes’ Islands, these islands have their history back in the 19th century; during the Ottoman period, they were a favorite place of residence among the aristocracy and artists. They still feature historical villas and mansions from the Ottoman era. Among them, one of the most famous is Büyükada, where many works were created by the famous writer Sait Faik Abasıyanık, who lived there. Famous literary figures like Ahmet Rasim and Hüseyin Rahmi Gürpınar lived on the islands.
The quiet atmosphere of the islands, the sea, and nature in summer turn out to be a holidaymaker’s paradise. You can visit quiet villages with bicycles rented by you or with horse-drawn carriages and swim in the cool waters. The islands are a good place to get rid of Istanbul’s fast pace for a vacation in nature.
Open-Air Concerts and Festivals
During summer, Istanbul is full of events, and this city is also famous for its open-air concerts, which have unforgettable moments for music lovers. Like the Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Stage concerts, several other open air venues host different events in Istanbul. Kucukçiftlik Park is a very excellent alternative to concerts and various festivals. These events enable one to be a part of an amazing atmosphere where one could enjoy live performances beneath the stars. Additionally, the festivals that expand over lush-green areas offer ideal settings to experience music with pals amidst nature. Whether it’s jazz, rock, or electronic, all kinds of live concerts in Istanbul are a just-perfect possibility toexplore Istanbul.
For those seeking a bit of everything, there are art festivals, outdoor theater performances, and food festivals where you get to taste local delicacies amid live music in Istanbul. If you can catch your good fortune and attend any of these events, then the vibrancy of the city’s art will meet you right in the middle of a very warm season.
Istanbul’s Vibrant Nightlife
Various night-time activities populate the nightlife scene of Istanbul-ranging from relaxed evenings of drinks outside in the city’s many pavement cafes and restaurants to high-energy, buzzing dance floors-and thus show why one has got to enjoy exploring the nights out in Istanbul as much as days. Go to Beyoğlu for a mix of old-style bars and modern clubs, or to Kadıköy on the Asian side, where the streets are lined with fashionable cafés and bars featuring live music. For a classier night, there’s Nişantaşı with its fancy bars and fashionable lounges. Alternatively, for the lovers of the great scenery, there are rooftop bars with a view of the Bosphorus and skyline, such as in Galata or Beşiktaş, that promise an unforgettable night. From electronic beats through live jazz to traditional Turkish folk, every kind of Istanbul nightlife invites one for dancing, sipping cocktails, and enjoying the inimitable atmosphere of the night well past dawn.
Bosphorus Tours
The Bosphorus of Istanbul is not a geographical divide but a breathtaking natural beauty that presents one of the finest ways to explore the city. A tour down the Bosphorus is incomplete without experiencing the essence of Istanbul from an entirely different angle of view. You can enjoy an easy ferry ride, passing by famous monuments like the Dolmabahçe Palace, Bosphorus Bridge, and the shores dotted with beautiful Ottoman mansions. You will get views of both the European and Asian sides while gliding on the water, each with its own charm. A Bosphorus boat ride offers unforgettable views and a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, be it a short cruise or a full-day tour.
