Choose your pass

Summer In Istanbul

The summer heat in Istanbul is constant from mid-June until mid-October. The warmest months in Istanbul during summer are July and August, when temperatures may exceed 35 degrees Celsius. 

Istanbul.com Creator Community
Istanbul.com Creator Community
April 7, 2021 3 min
Summer In Istanbul


Summer is also the most peaceful season of the year in Istanbul. Istanbul residents typically spend their vacations in their hometowns or at one of Turkey's numerous resorts. The city is depopulated, traffic decreases, and it becomes much easier to move about, enjoy the beaches of the Bosphorus, the Black Sea, or the Marmara, and get some fresh air away from the city's heat. In Istanbul, the summer months are the peak tourist season. Museums and monuments are open for longer in the summer than in the winter. 


Princes' Islands Tour


The Princes' Islands archipelago is a great way to get away from Istanbul's heat. We recommend visiting during the summer weekdays rather than weekends, when the islands are overrun with Istanbul residents and visitors. Small beaches (sadly without sand) may be found on the islands, allowing you to relax and swim in the Sea of Marmara


Raki Balik Near Bosphorus


The fishing season starts in September, and eating fish throughout the summer is not recommended. Nothing beats a nice dinner with plenty of cold mezzes and rak to unwind after a long day. The national drink, Rak, is an anise-flavored liqueur comparable to Pastis or Ouzo. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the creator of the Turkish Republic, was a big fan of the tale. It even happened to him and his advisers while they were discussing whether or not to drink rak. Rrk is a popular beverage at fish restaurants. This is known as a "raki balik" (the word "balk" means "fish"). 


Hagia Sophia Visit


This is a must-see attraction on every Istanbul visit. The world-famous Hagia Sophia Museum would be the first visit if you just had one day in Istanbul. It is a former church and mosque that was deemed one of the world's finest architectural achievements and acknowledged as the world's eighth wonder in 325. 


 


It's like entering into the sacred worlds of Christianity and Islam, which have combined on the shell-like apse and under an enormous dome, in a strange and mystical atmosphere with a diverse variety of architectural and art works dating back thousands of years. Golden Christian mosaics and vivid Byzantine paintings full of history, for example. 


Istanbul Jazz Festival


Istanbul's International Jazz Festival takes place over three weeks. You may enjoy a presentation of the city's finest international jazz, soul, and blues performers at many excellent locations during this major music festival in Istanbul in July. Other highlights include nighttime jazz parties, a jazz boat, and free jazz in the park performances, all of which provide some of the city's finest entertainment. 


Cruise on the Bosphorus 


On a 2 to 3 hour private cruise through some of Istanbul's most famous landmarks, you may enjoy a unique sightseeing experience on the Bosphorus from the private deck of your boat. From the large upper fly-bridge, you may appreciate the magnificent landscape with 360-degree views, or rest in luxury on the sun deck or in the cozy outdoor and interior lounges. This cruise will let you see some of the most iconic attractions in the city.

Best Sights in One Day

Istanbul FAST Pass®

Visit 2 landmarks & 3 authentic experiences including Hagia Sofia or Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque with Bosphorus Cruise.

1 Pass Option expand_more
2 Travelers expand_more
Adult €49 / person
1
Child (5-12) €44 / person
0
3 Review expand_more
With Hagia Sophia (Adult) x 1 €49.00
eco Instant Access Fee €10.00
Order Total €59.00
Istanbul FAST Pass®
With Hagia Sophia · 1 Adult
€59.00

Istanbul Must-Sees

Istanbul DISCOVER Pass®

Visit 3 landmarks & 100+ top attractions including Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque.

1 Pass Duration expand_more
2 Travelers expand_more
Adult €149 / person
1
Child (5-12) €139 / person
0
3 Review expand_more
3 Days (Adult) x 1 €149.00
eco Instant Access Fee €10.00
Order Total €159.00
Istanbul DISCOVER Pass®
3 Days · 1 Adult
€159.00

Ultimate Istanbul Experience

Istanbul PRIME Pass®

Visit ALL 7 landmarks, 120+ top attractions & premium experiences including Luxury Bosphorus Sunset, Breakfast & Dinner Cruises and deluxe Hammam.

1 Pass Duration expand_more
2 Travelers expand_more
Adult €259 / person
1
Child (5-12) €249 / person
0
3 Review expand_more
5 Days (Adult) x 1 €259.00
eco Instant Access Fee €10.00
Order Total €269.00
Istanbul PRIME Pass®
5 Days · 1 Adult
€269.00

Find more Istanbul inspiration

The Most Romantic Restaurant of Bosphorus: Maiden’s Tower
calendar_today Oct 19, 2020 6 min

The Most Romantic Restaurant of Bosphorus: Maiden’s Tower

The Maiden’s Tower is definitely one of the most iconic attractions of Istanbul. You can see this iconic islet tower in many pictures of the Bosphorus.

A Journey Towards the Sunset in Heybeliada
calendar_today Jun 25, 2024 12 min

A Journey Towards the Sunset in Heybeliada

Leave behind the bustling energy of Istanbul and venture into the serene charm of Heybeliada for a day of delightful exploration. This tranquil island warrants dedicating an entire day to immerse yourself fully in its beauty and peaceful ambience. While it may seem like a substantial time commitment, the rewards of this experience are undoubtedly […]

Mosques of Istanbul Beyond the Blue Mosque
calendar_today Apr 22, 2025 6 min

Mosques of Istanbul Beyond the Blue Mosque

Explore the breathtaking mosques of Istanbul beyond the Blue Mosque, from the Süleymaniye to the Ortaköy Mosque. Dive deep into Istanbul’s architectural and cultural treasures with the Istanbul Tourist Pass.

Couple Things to Do in Istanbul – Discover Istanbul as a Couple
calendar_today Apr 26, 2025 5 min

Couple Things to Do in Istanbul – Discover Istanbul as a Couple

Explore the best couple things to do in Istanbul, from romantic sunset cruises on the Bosphorus to tranquil moments in Topkapi Palace gardens. Discover more with the Istanbul Tourist Pass.

10 Fun Things to Do in Istanbul at Night
calendar_today Apr 24, 2025 6 min

10 Fun Things to Do in Istanbul at Night

Discover the Best of Istanbul at Night! From scenic Bosphorus cruises to historical landmarks, Istanbul’s nightlife offers something for everyone. Explore vibrant streets, enjoy rooftop bars, and immerse yourself in Turkish culture with an unforgettable experience. Book your Istanbul Tourist Pass now!

Rooftop Farmers of Istanbul: Green Oases Above the Bosphorus
calendar_today Jul 3, 2025 5 min

Rooftop Farmers of Istanbul: Green Oases Above the Bosphorus

Istanbul looks different when you climb a few floors higher. Up here, tomatoes blush beside satellite dishes and basil waves at ferry funnels. Hotel stewards pick herbs minutes before dinner service, and volunteers turn compost with views of minarets. The city’s new farmers have traded wide fields for narrow skylines, proving that soil can thrive […]

Jennifer Lopez Live in Istanbul on July 4th: A Night to Remember
calendar_today Apr 15, 2025 5 min

Jennifer Lopez Live in Istanbul on July 4th: A Night to Remember

deneme

Galata Tower to Bosphorus Cruises: Istanbul’s Best Views with One Pass
calendar_today Dec 23, 2024 11 min

Galata Tower to Bosphorus Cruises: Istanbul’s Best Views with One Pass

Istanbul is a beautiful city with its unique characteristics, and if you reading this blog now, you probably have seen many card postal-like photos of Istanbul – many of which include iconic landmarks of the city! Today, we will have a look at the best places to see Istanbul and fall in love with the […]

The 10 Best Authentic Restaurants in Istanbul
calendar_today Jan 9, 2024 7 min

The 10 Best Authentic Restaurants in Istanbul

Istanbul, where East meets West and history unfolds on every plate, is a treasure trove for food lovers. From Ottoman delicacies to vibrant seafood mezes, the city tantalizes taste buds with an explosion of flavors. Let's embark on a culinary journey through 10 of Istanbul's most authentic restaurants, each offering a unique glimpse into the […]

Events in Istanbul in February 2026: What to See, Hear, and Experience
calendar_today Jan 31, 2026 4 min

Events in Istanbul in February 2026: What to See, Hear, and Experience