Istanbul, a city pulsating with life, unveils a magical side during winter. Here are the top 10 activities and things to do as recommended by Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus, one of the best Four Seasons hotels in Europe, that promise to make your Istanbul winter experience truly unforgettable.
If you can’t decide which Four Seasons is best in Istanbul, we reccomend the Bosphorous property for its outdoor pool and Bosphorus views and the Sultanahmet for its historic ambiance and position in the center of the old town.
1. Bosphorus Cruise
Take a cruise along the Bosphorus to enjoy scenic views of Istanbul’s skyline, bridges, and historical sites, all draped in winter charm.
It’s so easy to miss out on this unique attraction as there’s such an abundance of historical sightseeing spots in Istanbul. But a cruise is a must.
The full Bosphorus tour will take around 2 hours and offers great Bosphorus views. Make sure you get a recommendation from your hotel concierge, as not all cruises are the same. They can reccomend a cruise on a safe boat with knowledgeable staff to narrate your journey.
2. Turkish Hammam
Begin your winter adventure with a luxurious and rejuvenating Turkish hammam experience at the Spa at Four Seasons Bosphorus. This treatment is a traditional spa experience that has been an integral part of Turkish culture for centuries.
The spa invites guests to indulge in a range of luxurious treatments carefully designed to unwind and embrace the winter with a sense of relaxation and renewal. Start the year feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
3. Grand Bazaar
Explore the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar. Wander through the indoor markets, indulge in some winter shopping, and experience the rich tapestry of colors and scents. The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops, attracting almost half a million visitors daily.
If all these visitors get overwhelming, it may be wise to choose a hotel with one of the best club lounges in Istanbul so you can retreat to somewhere peaceful, afterward.
4. Try A Museum
Visit the Istanbul Modern Art Museum. Spend a cultural day indoors at the Istanbul Modern Art Museum, appreciating contemporary Turkish art.
Alternatively, if you are traveling with kids, try the Istanbul Toy Museum, which was founded by author Sunay Akın and houses the most favorite examples of toy history, spanning from the 1700’s to today.
5. Eat Turkish Breakfast
Indulge in a delightful Turkish breakfast at the award-winning Four Seasons Sultanahmet, savoring the rich flavors and cozy ambiance of this iconic ex-prison.
This neoclassical residence is steeped in century-old heritage and is just steps from iconic landmarks such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. If you book a night here via our luxury travel concierge you will get breakfast for free as well as other free benefits.
6. Try Winter Street Food
Warm your taste buds with winter street food such as roasted chestnuts, simit (Turkish bagels), and hot salep (a traditional Turkish winter drink).
7. Festive Pop-Up Store
Each Winter, Four Seasons Hotel Bosphorus invites guests to experience the joy of gifting at its enchanting Festive Pop-Up Store with a breathtaking view of the Istanbul Bosphorus. This Festive Pop-Up Store offers a variety of delectable options for those looking to share the excitement of the New Year with their loved ones.
The store features a selection of corporate gifts, including charming gift baskets filled with freshly baked panettone cakes, indulgent cupcakes nestled within signature chocolates, and homemade mulled wine, all carrying the Four Seasons touch to add joy and warmth to every celebration.
Guests can also enjoy the exquisite Festive Hampers, each one a treasure trove of holiday delights expertly curated to elevate celebrations. The hampers feature a perfect blend of seasonal treats and timeless classics, including panettone, pecan tart, stollen, ginger cookies, and homemade chocolates in flavors such as Milk Crunchy, Rose Bitter, Pistachio Ganache, Walnut Marzipan, and Dark Chocolate Ganache. These delights are beautifully presented in captivating hamper boxes.
Additionally, indulge in whole cakes such as Bûche de Noël, Mont Blanc, Black Forest, Vanilla Raspberry, and Rocher Royal, along with an assortment of macarons and mono portion cakes, including Pistachio Dream, Dark Chocolate, Vanilla Raspberry, Exotic, and Lotus.
9. Visit Hagia Sophia & the Blue Mosque
Explore the historical beauty of these iconic landmarks without the large crowds that are typical in other seasons. In the winter, everything is quieter and not stifled by crowds or heat, so you can explore sites like visit Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque in comparative peace and quiet.
9. Explore
Explore the historical Rumeli Fortress along the Bosphorus, where the winter ambiance adds a unique charm to the ancient structure. Then, visit Taksim Square. Whether strolling down Istiklal Avenue, enjoying street performances, or sipping hot beverages in one of the cozy cafes, Taksim offers a lively winter atmosphere.
10. Warm Up To Jazz
In the heart of Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus, a winter tale unfolds through the notes of pianos and the soulful tunes of jazz vocals. As the winter season settles in, the venue transforms into a haven for music enthusiasts, welcoming them to a series of captivating performances. Yalı Lounge Entertainment Calendar promises a delightful musical journey every night of the week.
On Mondays and Fridays, the Hotel’s atmosphere transforms with the captivating live piano performance by the skilled Aslı Güral. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Hande Ateş’s piano performance and the Jazz Vocal Duo fill the night sky with their elegant melodies, enchanting all who listen. Wednesdays and Saturdays usher in a touch of romance with the dynamic duo, Ayşe Evrim and Koray Ekin, enveloping guests in a nest of warmth and intimacy.
As the week draws to a close, Sundays awaken to the soul-stirring tunes of the Uninvited Jazz Band. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Bosphorus, guests indulge in a delightful brunch, where the culinary excellence of Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus harmonizes with the rhythmic beats of jazz.
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