Summer is also the most peaceful season of the year in Istanbul. Istanbul residents typically spend their vacations in their hometowns or at one of Turkey's numerous resorts. The city is depopulated, traffic decreases, and it becomes much easier to move about, enjoy the beaches of the Bosphorus, the Black Sea, or the Marmara, and get some fresh air away from the city's heat. In Istanbul, the summer months are the peak tourist season. Museums and monuments are open for longer in the summer than in the winter.
Princes' Islands Tour
The Princes' Islands archipelago is a great way to get away from Istanbul's heat. We recommend visiting during the summer weekdays rather than weekends, when the islands are overrun with Istanbul residents and visitors. Small beaches (sadly without sand) may be found on the islands, allowing you to relax and swim in the Sea of Marmara.
Raki Balik Near Bosphorus
The fishing season starts in September, and eating fish throughout the summer is not recommended. Nothing beats a nice dinner with plenty of cold mezzes and rak to unwind after a long day. The national drink, Rak, is an anise-flavored liqueur comparable to Pastis or Ouzo. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the creator of the Turkish Republic, was a big fan of the tale. It even happened to him and his advisers while they were discussing whether or not to drink rak. Rrk is a popular beverage at fish restaurants. This is known as a "raki balik" (the word "balk" means "fish").
Hagia Sophia Visit
This is a must-see attraction on every Istanbul visit. The world-famous Hagia Sophia Museum would be the first visit if you just had one day in Istanbul. It is a former church and mosque that was deemed one of the world's finest architectural achievements and acknowledged as the world's eighth wonder in 325.
It's like entering into the sacred worlds of Christianity and Islam, which have combined on the shell-like apse and under an enormous dome, in a strange and mystical atmosphere with a diverse variety of architectural and art works dating back thousands of years. Golden Christian mosaics and vivid Byzantine paintings full of history, for example.
Istanbul Jazz Festival
Istanbul's International Jazz Festival takes place over three weeks. You may enjoy a presentation of the city's finest international jazz, soul, and blues performers at many excellent locations during this major music festival in Istanbul in July. Other highlights include nighttime jazz parties, a jazz boat, and free jazz in the park performances, all of which provide some of the city's finest entertainment.
Cruise on the Bosphorus
On a 2 to 3 hour private cruise through some of Istanbul's most famous landmarks, you may enjoy a unique sightseeing experience on the Bosphorus from the private deck of your boat. From the large upper fly-bridge, you may appreciate the magnificent landscape with 360-degree views, or rest in luxury on the sun deck or in the cozy outdoor and interior lounges. This cruise will let you see some of the most iconic attractions in the city.
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