Visiting Istanbul in November: What to See & Do? Our Best Tips

If you’re thinking about visiting Istanbul in November, you’re in for a treat. This is one of the most underrated months to explore the city, with fewer crowds, crisp autumn air, and beautiful seasonal scenery.

In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about visiting Istanbul in November, from weather updates and packing tips to must-see attractions and seasonal events.

Is November a Good Time to Visit Istanbul?

Absolutely! November is a great month to visit Istanbul if you enjoy cool weather, fewer tourists, and lower hotel prices. It’s the beginning of the off-season, which means you can explore Istanbul’s top attractions without the long summer queues.

With temperatures ranging from 9°C to 16°C (48°F-61°F), it’s crisp but not too cold—perfect for sightseeing and cozying up in Istanbul’s famous cafés with a warm cup of salep or Turkish tea.

If you don’t mind occasional rain and cooler evenings, November is an excellent time to experience Istanbul at a slower pace.

November is Ideal for:

✔ Exploring museums and historical sites—The Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, and Dolmabahçe Palace are much less crowded.
✔ Experiencing local life—With fewer tourists, you’ll get a more authentic feel of the city.
✔ Shopping at the Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar—Avoid the summer rush and take your time browsing.
✔ Enjoying Turkish baths (hammams)—A perfect way to relax on a chilly day.
✔ Trying seasonal Turkish dishes—Indulge in warm street foods like roasted chestnuts and Turkish stews.

What to Expect in November?

• Cool and crisp weather—Pack a warm coat, sweater, and waterproof shoes.
• Shorter days—Sunset is around 5:00 PM, so start your sightseeing early.
• Fewer crowds—Enjoy quieter landmarks, restaurants, and markets.
• Occasional rain—November is one of Istanbul’s wettest months, so bring an umbrella.
• Lower hotel prices—A great time to find discounted rates on accommodations.

Weather in Istanbul in November

November in Istanbul marks the arrival of autumn’s final days, bringing cooler temperatures, more frequent rain, and shorter days. Tourist crowds are noticeably smaller, and hotel prices drop, making November a great time to visit for budget-conscious travelers.

Here’s what to expect from Istanbul’s November weather:

• Daytime temperatures: 12-18°C (54-64°F)
• Nighttime temperatures: 8-12°C (46-54°F)
• Rainy days: 7-10 days (moderate rainfall, occasional drizzle)
• Sea temperature: Around 17°C (63°F) – too cold for swimming

November is ideal for cultural experiences, museum visits, and cozy cafés. It’s also the start of Istanbul’s food festival season, perfect for indulging in warm Turkish comfort food.

What to Pack for November in Istanbul

✔ A medium-weight coat or jacket
✔ Sweaters and long-sleeve shirts
✔ Comfortable, waterproof shoes (streets can be wet)
✔ An umbrella or raincoat (November showers are common)
✔ A scarf for extra warmth

By the end of November, the air gets crisper, and winter slowly starts creeping in.

Best Things to Do in Istanbul in November

If you’re planning a trip to Istanbul in November, here’s a complete guide to top things to do, must-see attractions, and seasonal highlights.

Explore the Historic Sites with No Crowds 🕌

📍 Where: Sultanahmet
📅 When: Early morning or late afternoon

One of the biggest perks of visiting Istanbul in November is fewer crowds at popular landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.

✔ Hagia Sophia – Admire the blend of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture.
✔ Topkapi Palace – Walk through the former home of Ottoman sultans.
✔ Basilica Cistern – Discover the mystical underground water reservoir.

💡 Tip: Book skip-the-line tickets online to make the most of your visit.

Take a Scenic Bosphorus Cruise in the Misty Weather 🚢

📍 Where: Departures from Eminönü, Kabataş, Beşiktaş
📅 When: Afternoon or sunset

November is the perfect time for a Bosphorus cruise, with dramatic skies and misty waters adding to the experience.

• Short cruises (1-2 hours) give a quick glimpse of the city’s skyline.
• Full-day cruises stop at Anadolu Kavağı, a small fishing village.
• Dinner cruises offer live Turkish music and performances.

💡 Tip: Wear warm layers—the wind on the Bosphorus can get chilly.

Enjoy the Last Days of Autumn at Istanbul’s Parks 🍂

📍 Where: Gülhane Park, Emirgan Park, Yıldız Park
📅 When: Anytime during the day

By mid-November, Istanbul’s parks are covered in golden autumn leaves—creating the perfect setting for a peaceful walk or coffee break.

✔ Gülhane Park – The most historic park, once part of Topkapi Palace.
✔ Emirgan Park – Known for its stunning fall foliage and peaceful setting.
✔ Yıldız Park – A hidden gem with pavilions, walking trails, and Bosphorus views.

💡 Tip: Grab a Turkish tea and simit from a street vendor for the perfect autumn picnic.

Discover Istanbul’s Indoor Museums 🏛️

📍 Where: Various locations
📅 When: Midday (to avoid the coldest hours)

January is the perfect month to explore Istanbul’s museums. Some of the best include:

✔ Istanbul Archaeology Museums – Featuring ancient artifacts and stunning mosaics.
✔ Rahmi M. Koç Museum – Showcasing vintage cars, planes, and trains.
✔ Pera Museum – Home to orientalist paintings and rotating art exhibitions.

💡 Tip: Most museums are closed on Mondays, so check the schedule in advance.

Visit the Istanbul Book Fair 📚

📍 Where: TÜYAP Fair and Congress Center
📅 When: Mid-November

For book lovers, November is an exciting time to visit Istanbul because of the Istanbul Book Fair—the largest literary event in Turkey.

✔ Meet local and international authors.
✔ Explore thousands of books from Turkish and global publishers.
✔ Attend book signings, panel discussions, and workshops.

💡 Tip: Most books are in Turkish, but there are English-language sections too.

Warm Up with Istanbul’s Best Winter Drinks ☕

📍 Where: Local cafes and tea houses
📅 When: Anytime during the day

November marks the start of cozy drink season in Istanbul—and Turkish winter beverages are a must-try!

✔ Salep – A thick, creamy drink made from orchid root, perfect for chilly days.
✔ Boza – A fermented millet drink, slightly sweet and served with cinnamon.
✔ Turkish tea – The classic go-to in every season.

💡 Tip: Try salep at Hafız Mustafa or boza at Vefa Bozacısı, the oldest boza shop in Istanbul.

Discover the Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar in a Cozy Setting 🛍️

📍 Where: Beyazıt (Grand Bazaar), Eminönü (Spice Bazaar)
📅 When: Weekday mornings

Shopping in Istanbul in November is less hectic, making it easier to browse local markets like:

✔ Grand Bazaar – Ideal for handmade rugs, jewelry, and souvenirs.
✔ Spice Bazaar – Stock up on saffron, Turkish delights, and dried fruits.
✔ Local boutiques – Visit Nişantaşı and Karaköy for unique fashion finds.

💡 Tip: Bargain politely—vendors expect it!

Watch a Whirling Dervishes Ceremony ✨

📍 Where: Galata Mevlevi Lodge, Hodjapasha Cultural Center
📅 When: Evenings

If you’re looking for a spiritual and cultural experience, attending a Whirling Dervishes performance is a must in Istanbul in November.

✔ Experience Sufi music and dance in a historic setting.
✔ Learn about the Mevlevi Order, founded by Rumi.
✔ Enjoy a meditative and artistic ritual.

💡 Tip: Book tickets in advance—these performances often sell out.

Indulge in Istanbul’s Comfort Food 🍽️

📍 Where: Throughout the city
📅 When: Any time

November is comfort food season, and Istanbul’s traditional dishes are perfect for chilly days.

✔ Kuru fasulye – Hearty white bean stew, best at Süleymaniye Lokantası.
✔ İskender kebab – Grilled lamb slices over pita with yogurt and tomato sauce.
✔ Mercimek çorbası – Warm Turkish lentil soup, found in every restaurant.

💡 Tip: Visit Ciya Sofrası in Kadıköy for authentic Anatolian home cooking.

Visit the Princes’ Islands for a Quiet Escape 🚲

📍 Where: Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada
📅 When: Early morning ferries

By November, the Princes’ Islands are quieter, making it a great time for a peaceful getaway.

✔ Rent a bike and explore historic mansions.
✔ Visit Aya Yorgi Church for amazing views.
✔ Enjoy a seafood lunch by the waterfront.

💡 Tip: Ferries leave from Eminönü and Kadıköy, check schedules in advance.

Get an Istanbul City Pass

A city pass is a great way to save money and time while exploring Istanbul’s top attractions. Here are the main options:

• ⭐ MegaPass Istanbul (Best Overall)
  ✔ Covers Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Dolmabahçe Palace
  ✔ Includes Bosphorus Cruise, Public Transport, and Skip-the-Line Entry
  💰 from €64 – €116 (based on attractions included)
• Istanbul E-Pass (Fully Digital & Flexible)
  ✔ Includes Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Dolmabahçe Palace, Bosphorus Dinner Cruise
  ✔ Available for 2, 3, 5, or 7 days
  💰 from €175 for 3 days
• Istanbul Tourist Pass (Most Attractions)
  ✔ Access to 100+ attractions, including museums, cruises & guided tours
  ✔ Includes discounts for restaurants and shopping
  💰 from €200 for 3 days

MegaPass Istanbul is the best option for first-time visitors. It includes all must-see sites, skip-the-line access, public transport, and guided tours at the best price.

Is Istanbul Safe?

Yes, Istanbul is a safe city for tourists, and Turkey, in general, is considered safe for visitors. Locals are friendly and welcoming, and Istanbul is one of the most visited cities in the world.

While petty crime like pickpocketing can happen in crowded areas, violent crime against tourists is rare.

✔ Tourist areas are well-patrolled, and major landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar have a visible security presence.
✔ Taxis and public transportation are safe, but it’s best to use official taxis or ride apps like BiTaksi to avoid scams.
✔ If you’re a solo female traveler, Istanbul is generally safe, but as in any major city, it’s good to stay aware, avoid dimly lit streets at night, and dress modestly when visiting mosques.

Getting Around Istanbul

Istanbul is a massive city, but getting around is easy thanks to its efficient transportation system. Whether you prefer trams, buses, ferries, or taxis, there are plenty of ways to navigate the city.

✔ Istanbulkart – The Istanbulkart is a must if you plan to use public transportation. It works on trams, metros, buses, and ferries, and it will save you money compared to buying single tickets. You can purchase and reload it at kiosks and metro stations.

✔ Trams & Metro – The T1 tram line is the best way to explore Istanbul’s old city, with stops near Sultanahmet, Grand Bazaar, and Eminönü. The M2 metro line is useful for getting around newer areas like Taksim and Levent.

✔ Ferries – Istanbul’s Bosphorus ferries are a scenic and affordable way to cross between Europe and Asia. Ferries run from Eminönü, Karaköy, Beşiktaş, Kadıköy, and Üsküdar, giving you amazing water views of the city.

✔ Taxis & Ride Apps – Official yellow taxis are available, but always check that the meter is running. To avoid scams, you can use the BiTaksi app to call a taxi or use Uber, which operates in Istanbul with official taxis.

✔ Walking – Many of Istanbul’s top attractions are within walking distance of each other, especially in Sultanahmet. However, be prepared for hilly streets and cobblestone roads, especially in areas like Galata and Balat.

For a full breakdown of transport options, check out my Complete Guide to Getting Around Istanbul! 🚆 ⛴ 🚖

Where to Stay in Istanbul

Istanbul is a huge city with many different neighborhoods, each offering a unique experience. Here are some of my favorite areas to stay in:

• Sultanahmet – The heart of historic Istanbul. Perfect for first-time visitors who want to be close to Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
• Taksim – A lively area with great nightlife, shopping, and dining. Ideal for those who want to be in the center of modern Istanbul.
• Karaköy – A trendy district with cool cafés, street art, and boutique hotels. It’s also well-connected to the city’s main attractions.
• Beşiktaş – A local favorite with bustling markets, waterfront views, and a young crowd. Great for food lovers and easy ferry access.
• Kadıköy – The best area on the Asian side, with laid-back cafés, vibrant nightlife, and a local feel. Perfect for escaping the tourist crowds.

For a full breakdown of accoomodation options, check out my Complete Guide to Where to Stay Istanbul!

Keep Reading!

Planning to stay in Istanbul a bit longer? Check out my tips for visiting Istanbul in December and explore how the city lights in winter! 🎄

We’ve also got essential guides to help you make the most of your trip:

✔ Where to Stay in Istanbul – The best areas and hotels for every budget.
✔ Must-See Attractions – From Hagia Sophia to Bosphorus cruises, don’t miss these top sights.
✔ Best Food & Drinks in Istanbul – What to eat and where to find the most delicious local dishes.