Istanbul is a city that never gets old, regardless of the season. However, if there is any month that is particularly recommendable, it will be the month of October. The temperatures are comfortably warm, there are tamer numbers of human traffic, and every dull month has a lot of interesting turn of events in the city’s culture. In this article, we will be looking at all the top things available to do, see, and experience within Istanbul in October.
Overview of Travel in Istanbul in October
Istanbul Turkey is a great region to travel to during the month of October due to the fact that the summer heat is fast giving way to the cooling autumn breezes, a condition that is favorable for all outdoor activities, especially wandering around the rich in history and culture streets, the many sites on offer and especially the street vendors and outdoor markets.
The average temperatures for this city at this time are between 13 degrees centigrade to about 20 degrees centigrade (55 degrees Fahrenheit to about 68 degrees Fahrenheit) hence one is free to walk along the historical streets, exploring all the attractions excluding the indoor ones.
Another aspect that makes the tourists appreciate the month of October in Turkey is the presence of trees and seasonal flowers within the parks and gardens in Istanbul during the hot month of October. In summer most people engage in sightseeing or visiting cafes and restaurants, in this case, the main attractions have shorter waiting lists, and the rhythm of sitting in a restaurant or diner is more leisurely.
Best October Activities and Travel to Istanbul
Visit Prominent Landmarks
During this time of the year, it is easy to recommend the historical monuments of Istanbul. Thanks to the cooler temperatures, it is way easier to get into the experience of visiting places such as the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, or even the Blue Mosque, as there are no summer crowds.
Hagia Sophia:
In a sense an architectural jewel, Hagia Sophia was converted from a Cathedral to a mosque and later turned into a museum. Prepare to be impressed with the amazing domes of this Byzantine masterpiece. Don’t forget to climb the upper galleries for the breathtaking aerials of the building.
Topkapi Palace:
Every tourist who has it in her or his power and the time should stop at the Topkapi Palace. Once, the home of Ottoman emperors, indeed this palace deserves every attention. Stroll around its richly adorned courtyards, go into the Harem, and enjoy the views of the Bosphorus that open from the palace gardens.
Have Fun in Cistern:
One will get awe-struck at the beauty of the depths that this great structure possesses let alone the endless brickwork. This was a lighted ancient water store that had pillars carved in the shapes of Medusa heads which were decorated in a dim yellowish light and looked awesomely creepy. Such a place is very good for visits during stormy weather.
Discover the Beauty of the Bosphorus by Taking a Cruise.
Considering that it is at that time of year that one can take a cruise on the Bosphorus and enjoy the sights from both sides of Istanbul – the European one and the Asian one, October is the most appropriate month for a Bosphorus cruise.
The scenery from the boat ride becomes even more appealing due to the nice autumn weather and pretty autumn leaves. A lovely boat cruise sans ‘dinner’ never stays complete, especially at dusk when the skyline of the city looks golden all around. Most of the cruises have dinner included in them, which means you enjoy a meal while passing the famous buildings in Istanbul, the Maiden's Tower, Dolmabahce Palace, and others.
Lose Yourself in the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar
The well-known bazaars of Istanbul are unescapably a must-see for every tourist in the city. In October, however, we know that it will be much more bearable to stroll along such crowded places.
Grand Bazaar:
Known as one of the largest and oldest market complexes in the world, Grand Bazaar is a well-known historical covered market full of Turkish souvenirs. This market has everything ranging from the most beautiful carpets, to hand-painted pottery, the unique jewelry, this market is every shopper’s dream come true.
Spice Bazaar:
Along the lines of duty-free shops, the Spice Bazaar comes very near with its shrills and colors, seasoning powders, and edible rubs and powders, tea bags, and confections of every kind. If you enjoy shopping, this destination is especially enjoyable for buying some gifts or presents.
Stunning Parks and Gardens to Visit in Istanbul During Fall
The greenery of the parks in Istanbul is more eye-catching in the Month of October. thanks to fall colors, the city wraps its residents in parks such as Gulhane Park and Emirgan Park and invites them for a leisurely walk.
Gulhane Park
Enough of a distance from the active Bosphorus, this Park which was Part of the Topkapi palace is filled with tranquility and beauty. It is good for a stroll, grabbing some drinks at a garden restaurant, or just for some silence in a very active metropolis.
Emirgan Park
In the European part, there is a big place with interesting decorated Ottoman period pavilions and well-designed parks. All the trees in the park this October will be bright red, yellow, and orange.
Festivals And Occasions In Istanbul During October
Among the various reasons why one would be eager to visit Istanbul during October is the opportunity to engage in some of the city’s cultural and entertainment activities and events.
Akbank Jazz Festival
Each year in October, the Akbank Jazz Festival is held in Istanbul and it gathers international and national jazz musicians whose concerts are presented throughout the city. It doesn’t matter whether you are a jazz lover or not because the neat experience of going to one of these concerts is worth the effort as the concert venues are some of the coolest places in Istanbul.
Istanbul Design Biennial
For art and design connoisseurs, the Istanbul Design Biennial is held in October every year, featuring cutting-edge designs and products from foreign and Turkish designers alike. The event also provides a beacon for the potential of the design and architectural landscape, and it is conducted in different cultural institutions across the city.
Conclusion:
The enticing autumn weather in Istanbul in October is an incredible combination of culture, heritage, and nature. Be it the ancient structures, and well-designed spaces that are found, to the impressive Turkish food, the autumn season in Istanbul will give you an experience that is hard to forget. Want to know why? Because it is time to grab your bags and show up in this amazing city in the most beautiful season of the year.
