Everyone knows that for a city that is popular among tourists, winter is the best time to visit. There are fewer crowds, the atmosphere is calmer, and you can get the best value for money. However, people hesitate because they don’t know what to do when it gets too cold outside in winter.
In Istanbul, the sightseeing simply moves indoors. The plethora of museums in Taksim, art galleries, concerts, Turkish hammams, quaint neighborhood cafes, and incredible shopping malls headline the Istanbul winter experience.
Museums top the list of places to visit in Istanbul in winter. Taksim is a great starting point for a museum-hopping tour, as there are many well-known venues within walking distance.
Pera Museum is a privately owned institution located in Tepebaşı, just off Istiklal Avenue, and is known for Pera Museum exhibitions that support up-and-coming artists while offering rich cultural and artistic experiences.
Meanwhile, for visitors interested in optical illusions and visual tricks, the Museum of Illusions Istanbul is a must-see. Tickets and detailed information can be obtained through the museum’s official website.
In addition, art lovers can explore the Istanbul Museum of Painting and Sculpture (İstanbul Resim ve Heykel Müzesi), a fine arts institution in Tophane that showcases painting, sculpture, ceramics, and calligraphy collections by renowned Turkish artists.
Similarly, for fans of cinema, the Istanbul Cinema Museum offers a compelling experience and is located just a ten-minute walk from Taksim, inside the historic Atlas Cinema building.
Finally, Arter is a contemporary art museum situated on Istiklal Avenue, offering a dynamic program of exhibitions and events that span a wide range of artistic disciplines.
The Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) offers a rich winter program that focuses primarily on indoor performances such as opera, ballet, symphony concerts, theater productions, and exhibitions.
Throughout January, AKM continues to host a diverse range of Istanbul culture and arts events,making it an ideal venue for experiencing Istanbul’s vibrant arts scene during the colder months.
Exact information regarding the detailed monthly schedule, AKM event calendar, ticket sales, and ticket prices is available on the AKM official website.
The area around Taksim is a hub of Istanbul’s historic passages, Taksim historical buildings, museums, and contemporary art spaces. The neighboring Istiklal Avenue is also home to many popular Beyoğlu museums. For the fans of history, architecture, and museum hopping, this area is chock-full of indoor activities to enjoy during the colder months.
The Marmara Taksim Hotel enjoys a prime location on Taksim Square, placing it at the center of Istanbul’s vibrant city life. Guests at the hotel can access many incredible museums and historical buildings with ease.
The hotel is just a short walk from key cultural attractions such as Arter, the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM), the Pera Museum, and the Orhan Kemal Literature Museum. The hotel is also close to many iconic landmarks of the city, including Taksim Square, Republic Monument, Taksim Gezi Park, and many of Istanbul’s historic passages.
There is nothing quite like a warm coffee break after a gratifying tour of museums and historical buildings around Taksim. The whole area is filled with traditional roadside coffee shops and quaint neighborhood cafes. However, if you are looking for a more refined experience, you can always head back to The Marmara Taksim Hotel to enjoy its elegant and luxurious coffee spaces.
Cafe Marmara, located on the ground floor of The Marmara Taksim Hotel, offers lively views of the bustling Taksim Square and provides a welcoming spot to unwind with a refreshing caffeine boost.
Meanwhile, for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth, M Chocolate is an ideal stop to sample indulgent desserts paired with a cup of aromatic coffee.
You can explore Istanbul with The Marmara Taksim Hotel and enjoy a memorable winter culture tour!
No, not all museums are open on Mondays, especially the state-run venues may be closed. It is prudent to check the official museum schedules for particular days before planning a visit.
AKM tickets are available on its official webpage and through other official ticketing platforms online. You can also physically buy tickets at the venue itself.
The museum pass is accepted for most of the state-run museums in Beyoğlu. However, for private museums, it is better to call the venue and ask beforehand.