New Year's Eve in Istanbul
Flight, hotel and transfer, with the turn of the year on the Bosphorus.
The turn of the year on the Bosphorus, with the bridges and mosques lit up, then city days: Hagia Sophia, bazaars and ferries to Asia.
New Year's Eve in Istanbul means a city that never sleeps, spread across two continents. On the night of 31 December, the banks of the Bosphorus, the terraces of Galata and Karaköy and the waterfront restaurants fill with people waiting for midnight with a view of the bridges and the Asian shore.
In the days that follow, the sights are quieter than in summer: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar are a few steps from one another, and the ferry to the Asian side takes about as long as a coffee. The packages include a scheduled flight from Bucharest, accommodation and transfer, with departures between 29 and 31 December.
Top attractions in Istanbul
Midnight on the Bosphorus
The most sought-after places to see in the new year are the banks of the Bosphorus, from Ortaköy to Karaköy, and the terraces of Galata, looking out on the bridge between Europe and Asia. Restaurants and boats with a New Year's Eve programme book up early, and the best spots on the waterfront fill up early too.
Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque
In winter, with fewer visitors, the historic peninsula is easy to explore. For almost a thousand years Hagia Sophia was the largest church in Christendom, then a mosque, a museum and a mosque again. Across the square, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque takes its nickname from the blue tiles inside.
By ferry to Asia
Public ferries link Eminönü and Karaköy with Kadıköy and Üsküdar on the Asian shore in about 20 minutes. It is the cheapest way to cruise the Bosphorus: sit on deck with a tea, with Galata Tower and the mosques of the peninsula behind you.
The Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar has thousands of shops under centuries-old vaults: carpets, lamps, ceramics and jewellery. At the Spice Bazaar in Eminönü you will find Turkish delight, spices and tea. Haggling is part of the experience, and the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
Everything you need to know about Istanbul
New Year's Eve weather
At the end of December it is usually around 10°C during the day and 4–6°C at night, often with rain and wind from the Black Sea. Bring a warm jacket and closed shoes: at midnight you will be outside, by the water.
Where to stay
Sultanahmet if you want the sights a few steps away and a quieter evening. Beyoğlu, Galata and Karaköy if you want to be close to restaurants, parties and the Bosphorus on New Year's Eve. You choose the hotel from the offer, with the price and meals of each one.
Getting around
The airport–hotel transfer is included. In the city you use the T1 tram, the metro and the ferries, paid with the rechargeable Istanbulkart. On New Year's Eve the streets around the Bosphorus and Taksim are crowded and some close to traffic, so plan ahead how you will get back to the hotel.
New Year's Eve dinner
Restaurants with a New Year's Eve programme require a booking and usually have a set menu and live music; tables with a view of the Bosphorus go first. The next day, try a long Turkish breakfast (kahvaltı), simit with tea and pistachio baklava.
Frequently asked questions about Istanbul
- What does the Istanbul New Year's Eve package include?
- The return flight from Romania, accommodation at the hotel you choose with the meals in the offer, the airport–hotel–airport transfer and TravelTheme assistance throughout the trip. You can see exactly what each hotel includes in the offer, before you pay.
- Is the New Year's Eve dinner included?
- It depends on the hotel. Some hotels include a festive dinner or offer one at an extra cost, others have no New Year's Eve programme. If the dinner matters to you, write to us before you book and we will check for the hotel you have chosen.
- When do I leave and when do I come back?
- Departures are between 29 and 31 December, returning after 1 January, usually after 4 nights. You can see the dates with seats and the price of each one at the top, under “Nearest departure dates”, or choose them in the search.
- Can I pay only a deposit?
- For bookings made well in advance you can pay a 25% deposit and the rest by the date shown in your confirmation. At checkout you will see whether your booking can be paid with a deposit; closer to departure, payment is made in full.
- What documents do I need for Turkey?
- Romanian citizens do not need a visa for a holiday in Turkey. To enter, use your passport, which must remain valid for a sufficient period after your return date. Check the current requirements before you travel.