18 Best Festivals in Istanbul (2024)
Hurray transparency! This post contains affiliate links. For more information see our disclosure.
Istanbul is a melting pot of cultures, religions and traditions - it’s frenetic, lively and totally fascinating and no matter what time or day it is, something unique and interesting is happening somewhere in the city.
So it’s probably no surprise that this enchanting and dynamic metropolis has plenty of festivals for travellers to enjoy!
Festivals in Istanbul come in all shapes and sizes - from huge music, dance and food festivals to smaller unusual religious and cultural events that you may not see anywhere else.
Looking for an immersive cultural experience? Istanbul festivals are an excellent way to gain a deeper understanding of Turkish culture, history and customs in an authentic way.
Planning a last minute trip to Istanbul? Let us help!
🏠 Best Istanbul Hotels & Apartments
Best Luxury: Ciragan Palace Kempinski (⭐ 8.9)
Best Apartment: NOA Luxury Apartments (⭐ 9.5)
Best Boutique: Boutique Saint Sophia (⭐ 9.0)
Best Mid-Range: Ayramin Hotel Taksim (⭐ 9.5)
Best Budget: Fener Sweet (⭐ 9.5)
Best Hostel: Hostel Le Banc (⭐ 9.5)
Click here for more Istanbul hotels!
🙋 Best Istanbul Tours
Istanbul: Guided Food and Culture Tour (⭐ 4.9/5)
Istanbul 1 or 2 day Private Guided Tour (⭐ 4.8/5)
Bosphorus Sunset Cruise (⭐ 4.7/5)
Blue Mosque & Hagia Sofia Guided Tour (⭐ 4.8/5)
Click here for more Istanbul tours!
🛬 Need an Istanbul Airport Transfer?
Click here to book an Istanbul Airport transfer with Get Your Guide
🚘 Turkey Car Rental
Explore the rest of Turkey easily by renting your own car.
Click here to check rental prices with Discover Cars
💳 Save Money With an International Debit Card
Get the best exchange rates, free or super-low fee cash withdrawals and avoid sneaky transaction fees with a Wise Debit Card.
Click here to get a Wise International Debit Card
📲 Get an eSim For Your Trip
Say goodbye to expensive data roaming charges with an affordable Airalo eSIM.
Istanbul events and festivals take place throughout the year - as we mentioned earlier, this is a city where something is always happening, so you’ve got a high chance of attending a festival whenever you decide to visit.
As local Istanbulites, we’ve been lucky enough to experience a number of festivals in this fabulous city!
Our list of the 18 Best Festivals in Istanbul covers many of the best festivals of Turkey - there are gastronomic, music, dance, film and religious festivals plus many others, so whatever you are into, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to dive into this insider’s guide to the best events in Istanbul?
🎪 Best Festivals in Istanbul
🎶 Best Music and Dance Festivals in Istanbul
Istanbul International Music Festival
Date: Annually in June or July.
Entrance: A mix of free and ticketed concerts.
First held in 1973 to celebrate 50 years since the founding of the modern Turkish Republic, the Istanbul Music Festival is Turkey’s longest-running musical event.
This event was initially part of a much larger festival (simply known as the Istanbul Festival) that celebrated all aspects of the arts including films, theatre, jazz and contemporary art from Türkiye and all over the world. In 1994, The Istanbul Festival changed its name to the Istanbul International Music Festival and began to focus only on music.
Organised by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (ISKV), the programme of the International Istanbul Music Festival offers a combination of traditional Turkish music, opera, European classical music and ballet performances.
The Istanbul Music Festival 2022 hosted 65 renowned groups and artists including world-famous philharmonic orchestras, quartets and soloists. Past ensembles and artists include New York and Berlin’s Philharmonic Orchestras, the Bolshoi Ballet, the Kibbutz Dance Companies and Whirling Dervishes!
This Istanbul festival usually takes place in the summer, during June and July (the Istanbul Music Festival 2023 will run from 1st-17th June) and across a range of venues including the Süreyya Opera House, Hagia Eirene Museum and Galata Sufi Lodge.
There are also free outdoor performances and talks plus music workshops for children. It’s certainly the most established music festival Istanbul has to offer!
Istanbul Festivali
Dates: Annually, end of July to early August.
Entrance: A mix of ticketed concerts and free events.
Not to be confused with the original Istanbul Festival we mentioned previously, Istanbul Festivali is actually a huge brand new festival that started in 2022!
Across 17 days, you can experience 117 concerts by Türkiye’s most beloved pop, rock, folk, hip-hop, rap, dance artists and DJs; dance, drama and art workshops for children; e-sports tournaments; art exhibitions plus tons of all-day street food stalls, and various dance and theatrical performances!
This amazing festival takes place in the massive Festival Park Yenikapı (Yenikapı Etkinlik Alanı), which has a capacity of 75,000 people.
If you want to attend one of Turkey’s biggest festivals, this should be your top choice!
Istanbul Rooftop Festival
Date: Annually in September.
Entrance information: Tickets required - one ticket gives you access to all rooftop events.
Are you looking for cool, upcoming events in Istanbul? Then the Istanbul Rooftop Festival is definitely for you!
This festival in Istanbul heralds the beginning of autumn and takes place at various stunning rooftop locations around Istanbul - from uber-cool restaurants to classy cocktail bars.
Istanbul is famous for its many magical viewpoints and visitors to the Istanbul Rooftop Festival can enjoy them all.
With just one ticket, you can enjoy live music from local and international artists; DJ performances; sample delicious food and signature cocktails; and participate in workshops at any rooftop restaurants and bars involved in the festival.
We’d recommend hopping between venues to experience different artists, food and drinks and enjoy the festival to the max!
The 2023 Istanbul Rooftop Festival will showcase over 30 local and foreign artists and DJ sets, plus cocktail and makeup workshops. Around 9 rooftop venues will be involved in the festival.
Wave goodbye to summer and watch a stunning sunset from some of Istanbul’s most incredible rooftops. This is undoubtedly Istanbul entertainment at its best.
Istanbul Dance Festival
Date: Annually in March.
Entrance: Various festival passes are available for purchase.
If you like nothing better than busting a move on the dance floor, then good news - Istanbul hosts one of the largest dance festivals in the world!
Over 4000 dancers from more than 100 countries attend the Istanbul International Dance Festival annually.
Festival goers can enjoy superb live performances by their favourite artists on stage, take part in dance workshops (ranging from salsa, bachata and reggaeton to Egyptian belly dancing) and practice their skills at social dance parties in the evening.
Advanced dancers also have the opportunity to attend 20 hours of masterclasses from top artists and participate in daytime choreography boot camps run by world-renowned dancers before actually joining them on the stage at night for a full performance!
As with many other festivals in Istanbul, there will also be plenty of amazing traditional Turkish food and world cuisine, signature cocktails and more!
Akbank Jazz Festival
Dates: End of September to the beginning of October.
Entrance: Free and ticketed concerts and events.
Now in its 33rd year, the Akbank Jazz Festival is one of the longest-running music festivals in Turkey.
Beginning in 1991, this Istanbul festival started small with only eight concerts and over the years has expanded to holding over 50 concerts featuring artists and groups from Turkey and all over the world.
Akbank Jazz Festival is one of the most multi-faceted Istanbul music events: in addition to numerous concerts, festival goers will get the chance to attend panel discussions, workshops and film screenings.
The festival programme is also extremely varied with way more than jazz on the menu: you’ll find world and electronic music concerts plus modern and classical jazz.
Our favourite thing about Akbank Jazz Festival is that it doesn’t only host world-famous jazz musicians but it showcases up-and-coming jazz artists as well, so you get the chance to see tons of new acts!
There are also free concerts and events as part of the festival, making it an excellent option for budget travellers.
Istanbul International Jazz Festival
Date: Annually in July.
Entrance: Free and ticketed concerts.
This summer festival in Istanbul is a must for music lovers! Another festival curated by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (ISKV), the Istanbul Jazz Festival was first held in 1994 and offers a programme of jazz music from famous artists from all over the world.
The International Istanbul Jazz Festival isn’t only for hardcore jazz lovers though. The 12-day programme in July also includes musicians from reggae, blues, Afro-pop, New-Age music, rock and pop genres.
Artists like Lenny Kravitz, Randy Crawford and Massive Attack have played at previous festivals and there really is something for everyone to enjoy.
Another great thing about Istanbul Jazz Fest is that they offer lots of free outdoor concerts in Istanbul as part of the festival lineup (known as Jazz in the Parks) which aims to bring music to Istanbulites. So if you’re travelling on a budget, this is the perfect festival for you!
Chill-Out Festival Istanbul
Dates: Usually in May each year.
Entrance: This is a ticketed event.
Showcasing the best of ambient house, electronic, jazz, soul, funk and pop music, Istanbul’s Chill-Out Festival is the best way to welcome spring in the city.
Chill-Out Istanbul Festival is ideal for people who love music and nature - this one-day festival usually takes place outdoors and features plenty of live performances plus sets by local and international DJs across multiple stages.
You’ll also find fantastic food stalls, various cultural and art workshops and exhibitions at this Istanbul event.
The idea of the festival is to create a happy, dream-like experience for festival goers and to provide an escape from chaotic city life - so it’s often called one day of ‘paradise on earth’ or ‘heaven on earth’.
If you want a break from sightseeing and to literally chill out, this is the festival for you!
Sonar Festival Istanbul
Dates: Annually, usually in late April.
Entrance: This is a ticketed event.
Another spring festival in Istanbul, Sonar Istanbul is a cutting-edge electronic music festival that combines technology, music and creativity and attracts thousands of people every year.
Taking place across two days in April, you can experience exceptional performances by a whole host of world-famous artists who combine their sets with incredible audio-visual experiences.
Although the festival programme highlights electronic music, you can also enjoy other genres from world music to hip hop!
Sonar Istanbul isn’t just about music - the festival includes displays, art installations and creative workshops showcasing the latest advancements in art, film and music.
Multicultural and colourful, this is one of the most unique music festivals in Istanbul.
Electronica Festival Istanbul
Dates: Annually in September.
Entrance: This is a ticketed event.
Electronic music lovers will adore this autumn festival! Over two days you’ll experience breathtaking live performances from talented local and international artists, dazzling stages and incredible audio-visual effects. Get ready to dance the night away!
🕌 Best Religious and Cultural Festivals in Istanbul
Hidirellez Festival in Istanbul
A woman dances in front of a fire at Hidirellez Festival.
Date: Annually, 5-6 May.
Entrance: Free.
Hidirellez also known as Hidrellez (or Hıdırellez in Turkish) is a folk festival that celebrates the start of spring and takes place in Turkey, Central Asia, the Middle East and the Balkans.
Hidirellez in Turkey is celebrated as the day that the prophet Hızır (Al-Khidir), who is believed to help people during difficult times and the prophet Ilyas (Elijah) who is considered to be the ruler of the seas, finally meet on earth.
Taking place from 5th-6th May each year, Hidirellez celebrations vary depending on where you are in Türkiye. We enjoyed Hidirellez 2023 celebrations in Edirne - over 90,000 people attend the festival here each year!
Hidirellez is an important cultural festival in Turkey and was even inscribed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2017.
Fire jumping at Hidirellez Festival.
We saw a range of amazing traditions including people leaping over a huge fire - people believe this will protect them from disease and illness in the year ahead.
There is also a beautiful custom of writing wishes and tying them to a Wishing Tree - at dawn on the 6th of May, these wishes are taken down and put into the river. Edirne’s festival is especially unique as Hidirellez is combined with the Roma festival of Kakava.
You can also enjoy Hidirellez in Istanbul - the celebrations take place in Yenikapı Event Area (Yenikapı Etkinlik Alanı) and include the Hidirellez Fire and Wishing Tree. The festival programme also features free live music by Roma and international orchestras, dance performances and workshops.
Ribbons and notes tied to the Hidirellez Wishing Tree.
As this is a Turkish festival, you can expect to try some special food! Lamb liver (çiğer) or lamb meat is a popular and traditional Hidirellez dish - people believe that the first spring lambs will cure sickness and bring good health.
Kurban Bayramı (Eid al-Adha)
Men butcher the carcass of a cow for Kurban Bayram or the Feast of Sacrifice, Turkey
Dates: Varies throughout the year.
Entrance: Free as there are no specific events, just wander around the city and soak up the vibes!
Lasting four days, Kurban Bayramı or Eid al-Adha is one of the most important religious festivals in Turkey.
Known as the Feast of the Sacrifice, Kurban Bayramı celebrates Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion and obedience to God, which he showed through his willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail. At the very last moment, Allah spares Ismail’s life, and sends the Angel Gabriel with a ram to sacrifice instead.
During Kurban Bayramı, Turkish families will symbolically sacrifice a lamb, sheep, cow or goat. The animal is then divided into three parts: one-third is kept by the family who purchased the animal, one-third is given to relatives and friends and the final third is given to the poor or those who cannot afford to buy their own animal or meat for the festival.
In the past, these sacrifices would be done in the backstreets of Istanbul, but these days it all happens in professionally run slaughterhouses around the city known as mezbaha. You can go and see this if you wish but it’s definitely not an experience for the faint-hearted!
Homemade baklava for Kurban Bayram/Sacrifice Feast, Turkey
Like other Islamic festivals, this Istanbul holiday follows the Islamic lunar calendar and falls on the 10th day of the lunar month Dhu al-Hijjah. This also coincides with the last day of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. The dates of Kurban Bayramı vary from year to year - it usually starts 11 days earlier each year.
If your visit coincides with this festival in Istanbul, you can expect to hear Bayram/Eid prayers at mosques, see bright festival lights all over the city and families and children dressed up in colourful clothing.
As this is Türkiye, you can expect plenty of special festival food including cakes, kavurma, a sauteed meat dish and sweets, including baklava and lokma (deep-fried dough balls soaked in honey). In populous areas of Istanbul, you’ll find that people are more than happy to celebrate with you!
Şeker Bayramı (Eid al-Fitr)
Men praying in front of the Galata Tower during Ramadan in Istanbul.
Dates: Varies throughout the year
Entrance: Free - no specific events.
Another major religious festival in Istanbul is Eid al-Fitr, which is affectionately known as Şeker Bayramı in Turkish, or ‘Sugar Festival’.
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a holy month in the Islamic calendar where Muslims aim to grow spiritually and build a stronger relationship with Allah. During Ramadan, Muslims will fast from sunrise to sunset and devote themselves to reading the Qur’an and prayer.
Eid al-Fitr/Şeker Bayramı celebrations last for three days. Families and friends come together to celebrate, sharing special festive food and giving gifts. People also wear new clothes, there are festive lights everywhere and there is a general joyous atmosphere throughout the city.
And, if you hadn’t guessed already from the name Şeker Bayramı - there are plenty of special sweet treats to enjoy at this Istanbul festival!
Yummy güllaç - a special dessert that you see everywhere during Ramadan and Şeker Bayramı.
Make sure you don’t miss güllaç, a milky dessert made from thin pastry sheets soaked in milk and rose water and topped with crushed pistachios, pomegranate seeds and walnuts. You can also enjoy plenty of Turkish delight (lokum), baklava and more!
This year we went down to Sultanahmet on the last day of Ramadan to hear the final sunset prayer. It was beautiful to see families and friends sitting out with picnics, waiting to break their fast for the final time in the holy month.
Eid al-Fitr is a great time to visit Istanbul - many people leave also leave to go back to their villages, so the city is unusually quiet and less chaotic!
People enjoying the last day of Ramadan in Sultanahmet.
This year many restaurants, cafes and shops stayed open (although in more religious areas this might not be the case). Famous mosques also have more restricted visiting times for non-Muslims, so just bear that in mind when you plan your trip.
Epiphany Cross Diving Ritual
Eastern Orthodox Christians race to retrieve the cross at the Epiphany Cross Dive in Istanbul.
Date: Annually on the 6th of January.
Entrance: Free.
Istanbul is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious city and one of the most unique religious festivals we’ve had the chance to experience is the Christian Orthodox community’s Epiphany cross dive.
For Eastern Orthodox Christians, Epiphany celebrates the birth and baptism of Jesus Christ. On the 6th of January, Eastern Orthodox Christians from all over the city and from neighbouring countries gather in Istanbul to mark this day with a series of events.
The day begins with a mass at the Patriarchal Church of St George in Fener. This church is extremely important to Eastern Orthodox Christians as it is the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarch, who is considered to be the spiritual leader and representative of all Eastern Orthodox Christians all over the world.
The swimmers wait on the edge of the Bosphorus waiting for the Cross Dive to start.
Following the mass and prayers, the Patriarch leaves the church and followed by worshippers and swimmers taking part in the cross dive, walks to the shores of the Golden Horn in Fener.
Upon arrival, the Patriarch throws a wooden cross into the waters of the Golden Horn and participants dive in and race to be the first to retrieve the cross and return it to the Patriarch. The winner is believed to receive good health and blessings in the coming year.
The Golden Horn is freezing in January and we really admired the bravery of the 20 men and women who took part in this ritual.
This year, the participants were from Turkey and Greece - a man from the island of Crete was the first to retrieve the cross! It was amazing to witness the devotion of the swimmers, even in the low temperatures.
You can also see cross-diving ceremonies in other areas of Istanbul in Yeşilköy, Samatya and on Büyükada.
🥘 Best Food and Drink Festivals in Istanbul
Istanbul Coffee Festival
Dates: Annually in October.
Entrance: This is a ticketed event.
Caffeine lovers rejoice - Istanbul has the perfect festival for you! One of the most unique events in Istanbul, this festival celebrates everything coffee-related.
Over three days in October, local and international coffee brands, coffee shops, artisanal roasters, baristas, coffee lovers and even makers of coffee machines come together to celebrate a beverage that is pretty crucial in most of our lives (honestly, we struggle to function without it).
Visitors to this unique Istanbul festival can sample coffees from all over the world, gain a better understanding of the city’s coffee culture, attend seminars and workshops about coffee and even take a deep dive into the art of coffee-making.
This outdoor festival isn’t just about getting a good brew - there are plenty of cool fringe events too.
You can enjoy live concerts, DJ sets and art exhibitions plus sample gourmet food and drinks from local bakeries, restaurants and chocolate companies. With so much going on, it’s easy to see why this is one of the most popular festivals in Turkey!
You’ll need to buy tickets for this Istanbul festival. It’s certainly one of the most unique events Istanbul has to offer!
Istanbul Gastronomy Festival
Dates: Annually, usually in December or January
Entrance: Chefs must apply to compete in the festival. There is a range of free and ticketed fringe events.
Are you a professional chef, keen to test out your skills? Then you should definitely check out the Istanbul International Gastronomy Festival.
The Istanbul Gastronomy Festival aims to connect Turkish and world cuisine, with the goal of promoting a better understanding of Turkish cuisine and food culture.
Chefs from all over the world take part in various competitions at the festival that showcase their skills and expertise. The festival also aims to build relationships between Turkish chefs and their international counterparts by exchanging skills and knowledge.
At the festival, Turkish and international chefs compete in over 70 categories - the category winners receive medals and internationally accredited certificates. Chefs from 30 countries took part in the festival last year!
If you aren’t a chef don’t worry - the festival has events for passionate foodies too! You’ll find cooking classes, market tours, food sampling and special events in restaurants all around the city.
🎬 The Best Film Festivals in Istanbul
Istanbul Film Festival
Dates: Annually in April.
Entrance: Tickets are required for the film screenings.
The Istanbul International Film Festival is the perfect event for film buffs, budding cinematographers or anyone who loves movies.
First organised in 1982, this is the first and oldest film festival in Istanbul and is another festival organised by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (ISKV).
Held every April and lasting 10 days, the Istanbul Film Festival showcases hundreds of amazing films from various genres made by directors from all over the world.
We think this is the best Istanbul film festival because it is so diverse: not only do you get the chance to see new films from everywhere, but there are also plenty of screenings of old classics, documentaries and short films too!
The 42nd Film Festival Istanbul in 2023 partnered with the Institute Français and screened 26 French films and also invited many French directors to visit Istanbul to promote their movies.
The festival also hosts the International and National Competition Awards (the latter for Turkish films) for the best new films. Filmmakers can compete for The Golden Tulip Award, which is for the best film.
Passionate about all things Turkish? This festival gives you the chance to explore all genres of Turkish films and discover movies made by Turkey’s most accomplished directors.
If you love movies and are in Istanbul in April, this is definitely the best film festival Istanbul has to offer!
🌷 Best Nature Festivals in Istanbul
The Istanbul Tulip Festival
Tulips at Göztepe 60 Yıl Park in Istanbul.
Dates: Annually, 1 - 30th April.
Entrance: Free.
The Istanbul Tulip Festival (aka the Istanbul Lale Festivali) is one of Istanbul’s most popular festivals and certainly one of our favourites!
Tulips actually originated in Turkey and Central Asia and were first cultivated by Iran in the 10th century, before being grown commercially by the Ottoman Empire. The Dutch obsession with tulips (which eventually became known as tulip mania!) began in the 16th century when the flowers were brought to the Netherlands by Ottoman traders.
Tulips are the national flower of Turkey and simply walking around Istanbul it’s very easy to see the city’s long history with this stunning flower - there are tulip motifs on ornate ceramics, rugs, mosques and wrought iron fences!
Vincent enjoying the Istanbul Tulip Festival at Göztepe 60 Yıl Park.
Istanbul has many gorgeous parks and most of these plant tulips for the festival. The main location is Emirgan Park, which we visited for the Istanbul Tulip Festival 2022. Thousands of tulips are planted here in marvellous patterns! The park also hosts traditional arts workshops and live music performances for the festival.
We’d also recommend visiting Gülhane Park, Sultanahmet Square and Göztepe Park (on the Asian side). We explored Göztepe Park for the Tulip Festival Istanbul 2023 - it’s a great place to visit if you want to enjoy the magnificent tulips away from the crowds. For more details about the festival and the best parks to visit, read our detailed guide here.
The official dates of the Tulip Festival Istanbul are from 1st - 30th April each year, although depending on the weather, the tulips can bloom slightly earlier or later.
🛍️ Other Popular Istanbul Festivals
Istanbul Shopping Festival
Dates: Various, usually in July.
Entrance: Free.
Shopaholics rejoice - Istanbul has the ideal festival for you!
Istanbul Shopping Fest is a month-long festival for people who love shopping. The Istanbul Shopping Festival 2022 took place in 9 shopping centres across Istanbul and the Grand Bazaar and offered shoppers huge discounts (up to 70%) on clothes, leather goods, accessories, shoes, household items and much more.
Tourists also get a further tax refund on anything they purchase, so this is your chance to bag a few bargains!
As well as offering massive discounts, many of the stores participating in the Istanbul Shopping Festival 2023 will extend their opening hours, with some shops staying open till 11.00 pm.
Definitely the best shopping festival Istanbul has to offer!
🏠 Where to Stay in Istanbul
Wondering where to stay in Istanbul? If you need help, we’d suggest reading our guide to the Best Areas to Stay in Istanbul. It covers 6 districts and over 15 different neighbourhoods, features hotels that suit every budget and includes the highlights and attractions of staying in each area.
We actually live in Istanbul so you can be sure that we know what we’re talking about! This is also the most detailed guide to where to stay in Istanbul on the internet - we’ve done the hard work so that planning your trip is that little bit easier.
If you’re after stunning hotels with stellar views, we’d also recommend reading our guide to the Best Istanbul Hotels with a View.
In a rush? Check out our Istanbul hotel recommendations below - there is something that fits every budget so select one that suits yours.
You can also click here to browse and book hotels in Istanbul.
Photo courtesy of NOA Luxury Apartments from Booking.com
OVERALL TOP PICK (GALATA): NOA Luxury Apartments (⭐ 9.5)
Just minutes from Galata Tower, these spacious, bright apartments feature free Wi-Fi, a fully equipped kitchen, flat-screen TV, washing machine and tumble dryer. Lower floor apartments have garden access whilst upper floors have a balcony. Staff are lovely and helpful and there is an excellent gym.
Photo courtesy of Çırağan Palace Kempinski from Booking.com
BEST LUXURY OPTION (BEŞIKTAŞ): Çırağan Palace Kempinski (⭐ 8.9)
If money is no object then consider this luxurious converted Ottoman palace for an out-of-this-world vacation! You can enjoy an outdoor infinity pool with Bosphorus views, a heated indoor pool, gym, full service spa, bar and a range of excellent on-site restaurants. Some suites even have a private butler service if you don't want to leave your room.
Photo courtesy of Boutique Saint Sophia from Booking.com
TOP BOUTIQUE CHOICE (SULTANAHMET): Boutique Saint Sophia (⭐ 9.0)
Do you dream about waking up to a stunning view of Hagia Sophia? If your answer is yes, then this boutique hotel is for you! Just steps away from Sultanahmet's attractions, this hotel offers stunning ensuite rooms with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and Bulgari toiletries. There is also a fabulous a la carte breakfast.
Photo courtesy of Ayramin Hotel Taksim from Booking.com
BEST MID-RANGE PICK (TAKSIM): Ayramin Hotel Taksim (⭐ 9.3)
Located 1 minute from Istanbul's famous shopping street, Istiklal Caddesi, this hotel offers elegant ensuite rooms with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms even have a private Turkish bath! Guests can also enjoy a varied and daily changing breakfast buffet.
Photo courtesy of Fener Sweet from Booking.com
TOP BUDGET CHOICE (BALAT): Fener Sweet (⭐ 9.5)
This friendly homestay offers cosy and sparkling clean rooms with ensuite bathrooms, free Wi-Fi and tea/coffee making facilities. Guests have access to a fully equipped kitchen (including a washing machine), a shared lounge and a rooftop garden. The location is unbeatable: Balat's lovely cafes and restaurants and the famous coloured houses are just steps away!
Photo courtesy of Hostel Le Banc from Booking.com
BEST HOSTEL (GALATA): Hostel Le Banc (⭐ 9.5)
A top choice for budget travellers, this hostel features clean, female-only and mixed dormitories with free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. Guests can enjoy a terrace, shared lounge and prepare meals in the well-equipped kitchen. There is also a varied and tasty daily buffet breakfast. The hostel also offers private ensuite rooms.
✋ FAQs About the Best Istanbul Festivals
What are the most unique religious and cultural festivals in Istanbul?
If you are interested in experiencing unique traditional festivals in Istanbul, we would recommend timing your visit to coincide with Kurban Bayram/Eid al-Adha (varies each year), the Eastern Orthodox Epiphany Cross Diving Ritual (6th January) or Hidirellez (5th-6th May).
Hidirellez is a particularly unique festival celebrated by people of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds. In Turkey, it is fascinating because it is often combined with the Roma festival of Kakava, which is another traditional spring festival.
What are the most popular Istanbul music festivals?
The most popular music festivals in Istanbul are Istanbul Music Festival (June/July), Istanbul Festivali (July/August), Istanbul Jazz Festival (July) and Chill Out Festival (May). If you want to dance with thousands of other people then Istanbul Festivali should be your first pick!
I’m travelling on a budget! Are there any free Istanbul festivals?
Of course! Some festivals like the Istanbul Tulip Festival and Hidirellez are completely free.
Many festivals that require tickets such as the Istanbul Jazz Festival also hold free events (such as outdoor concerts in the park), so it’s always worth checking out the full festival programme. In our guide, we’ve indicated which festivals feature free concerts, exhibitions or events.
Are You Ready to Experience Istanbul's Best Festivals?
Istanbul is a stunning, unique and culturally rich city. Experiencing even just one of Istanbul’s unmissable festivals will help you to get under the skin of this endlessly fascinating place and gain a deeper understanding of Turkish culture.
From the Tulip Festival celebrating the beauty of nature and traditional festivals like Kurban Bayramı and Hidirellez to massive world-famous festivals such as the Istanbul Music Festival and Istanbul Festivali, this incredible city has something for everyone to enjoy.
Before you go, make sure to check out some of our other Istanbul and Turkey/Türkiye guides:
🏠 Best Areas to Stay in Istanbul: Coolest Neighbourhoods & Top Hotels
🗓 The Ultimate Turkey Itinerary 10 Days
🇹🇷 The Best Places to Visit in Turkey
🌷 Visit the Istanbul Tulip Festival
🏔 Cappadocia in Winter: 7 Reasons to Visit + 16 Amazing Things to Do
🎄 Christmas in Istanbul: All You Need to Know for a Magical Stay
⛄ 9 Awesome Reasons to Spend Winter in Istanbul
🍳 Best Breakfast in Istanbul - 16 Incredible Places to Try
✅ 12 Things You Need To Do in Istanbul
🔎 Explore Balat Istanbul: An Insider's Guide to One of Istanbul's Most Unique Neighbourhoods
🍟 Best Vegan Fast Food in Istanbul
🥑 Where to Find the Best Vegan Turkish Breakfast in Istanbul
🖼️ 14 Top Things To Do in Gaziantep
🍔 Off the Eaten Track: The Best Street Food in Istanbul
🥦 Vegan Istanbul: The Best Under-the-Radar Restaurants
Find more travel tips and useful information on Turkey here.
Looking for more travel inspiration? Click here to discover more of our favourite places around the world.
Some of the links in this Best Festivals in Istanbul guide are affiliate links.
That means that if you drop any ca$h monies on any products after clicking one of these links (i.e. make a purchase), we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This enables us to MAKE IT RAIN, BABY, (nah just kidding, we actually use it to buy coffee which we drink whilst creating more useful and entertaining content like this).
Mog and Dog Travels is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Don’t worry, we only link to places that we really like and products that we actually own or would buy for ourselves.
