After a long and cold winter, spring is finally arriving in Istanbul. Although this Turkish resort city offers plenty of entertainment in every season, there's something special about spring that makes you fall in love with Istanbul all over again. Perhaps it's the flowers, the blue sky, or the magnificent Bosphorus.
Here are some activities you can do in Istanbul this spring. The program will include beautiful walks, sports, boating, music, and more.
While astrological spring begins in Turkey on March 21st, in Istanbul it begins sometime in mid-April. The weather warms up during the day, with pleasantly cool nights. Rain is rare at this time of year, making it especially appealing to tourists. Average high temperatures can be expected to range from 18 to 27 degrees Celsius.
Another benefit of visiting Istanbul in spring is that you can witness the awakening of the city and Mother Nature. The resort area becomes more vibrant and colorful.
Spring in Turkey is the perfect time to enjoy the city on foot. Istanbul is a sprawling metropolis of over 15 million people, spanning two continents. It's a unique global resort, with its diverse surroundings reminiscent of a crossroads between East and West. While exploring, you'll be enchanted by the local culture and the unique Turkish way of life. A great option is to take a breath of fresh air in one of the city's many parks for rest and relaxation. These green spaces are beautifully designed to suit the needs of modern travelers.
Spring is tulip season in Istanbul, with a magnificent festival dedicated to this flower held every year from April 1st to 30th. While the tulip is often thought to originate in Holland, it was imported to Europe by the Turks during the Ottoman Empire and is a symbol of the sultans. You can find numerous tulips in Ottoman-era artwork. Today, the flower is the symbol of the Istanbul Municipality.
To honor the tulip, the municipality has organized a festival for the past 13 years, where the city, especially its parks, is decorated with flowerbeds and arrangements featuring the sacred flower. In 2014, 20 million bulbs of 211 different varieties were planted.
The festival takes place in most of the city's parks. Among the favorites are Emirgan Park, with over two million tulips located north of the Bosphorus, and Yıldız Park, with 800000 tulips, located between the Beşiktaş and Ortakoy districts. You can also see tulips throughout the city, especially on the main avenue, on the seafront between Atatürk Airport and the old town.
Many Judas trees also bloom in the botanical garden in Istanbul during the spring. According to legend, after betraying Jesus, Judas hanged himself on this tree. Judas's blood spread through the tree's white flowers, giving them a purple hue. The tree's blossoms were much loved by the sultans of the Ottoman Empire, who used them to decorate their clothing. In 2012, the government decided to plant over 100000 Judas trees in the city. You'll find them primarily along the banks of the Bosphorus, including near the Rumeli Fortress and Anadolu Fortress.
If you've missed exploring the Bosphorus during chilly Istanbul days, now's the time to explore the strait's vast expanses. On the European side, you can start at Çırağan in Beşiktaş, then continue all the way through Ortaköy and indulge in delicacies in Bebek. Alternatively, you can board a boat in Bebek and travel all the way through Emirgan, Sarıyer, Istinye, and Yeniköy. On the Asian side, cruise through the nostalgic neighborhood of Kuzguncuk to see Beylerbeyi Palace and finish in Cengelköy, a classic Bosphorus destination dotted with Judas blossoms.
In Istanbul, you can take a Bosphorus cruise. The strait separates the city into two parts – European and Asian. In the spring, a Bosphorus cruise is a must-do for most travelers vacationing in Istanbul. From the strait, you can admire the city's stunning scale and Ottoman palaces and other landmarks.
Explore the Princes' Islands. The Princes' Islands are a delightful destination in the springtime. They are a haven of seclusion just an hour's drive from Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara. Cars and other motorized vehicles are prohibited on these islands.
Don't miss the end of the football season in Istanbul this spring. Two of Istanbul's great teams (Fenerbahçe and Beşiktaş) showcase their skills. Matches in the Beşiktaş district are always unforgettable.
Music festivals and spring events fill Istanbul's springtime. Many festivals take place in Istanbul throughout the spring. Be sure to book tickets in advance, as these events are very popular and always in demand.
Music Festival: May 28-29. The gala event takes place in Istanbul's largest and still pristine forest. This festival is a true musical celebration. Several stages feature musicians representing a variety of styles and genres, including jazz, soul, and funk.
A helicopter tour allows you to discover Istanbul from the air. It's the best way to appreciate the city's vastness and enjoy unforgettable moments. While the experience is quite pricey, if you can afford it, it's definitely worth it. The Istanbul helicopter tour offers three package options: short, medium, and long.
Enjoy the city with Turkish cuisine. Istanbul's delicious and varied dishes can be sampled in many restaurants and on the streets.
Springtime brings a wealth of new fruits and vegetables, making Istanbul's markets a wonderful place to visit. The bountiful bounty of nature on the stalls is astounding, offering a chance to sample exotic fruits and vegetables.
