Istanbul in October | Ultimate Guides For Tourists
What makes Istanbul in October such a great choice is that it is the perfect time to visit Istanbul. You are still able to enjoy the summer-like temperatures. But, you may wonder what to do in Istanbul in October 2022. This blog will give you an idea about the activities to do and places to visit in Istanbul in October 2022. Also, you’ll have an idea about the Istanbul weather in October.
What to do in Istanbul in October?
When you visit Istanbul in October, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the cool breezes and great weather. Enjoy the fall sights and tastes of this vibrant city, Istanbul in October. Travel at your own pace as you discover Europe’s and Asia’s gem, Istanbul.
Contents
1. Stroll in the evening
Istanbul in October can be described as the best time to visit! The weather is relatively mild. However, there are still hints of summer. The evening breeze is just about perfect for an evening stroll along the shores of this amazing city. You can go to Ortaköy Area or Eminönü Port for your stroll!
2. Enjoy the changing nature
In Istanbul in October everything turns golden yellow! The trees are still full of leaves, but they’ve begun to turn yellow and orange. Visit some parks and witness nature changing itself. Gülhane Park, for instance, is one of the best destinations for the fall time. Please, see this blog for the other parks to visit in Istanbul. Don’t forget to take mesmerising photos!
3. Boat tour
Taking a boat tour is another to do in Istanbul in October. Check this website for the tours and price information. You can even take a moonlight boat tour! In a moonlight boat tour, you get to see the moon shining over dark Bosphorus water. A view you must see in Istanbul in October! See this article for boat tour guides in Istanbul.
4. Festivals
Keep track of the festivals during your stay in Istanbul in October. October usually blasts with festivals and concerts. This year, in 2022, “Beyoğlu Kültür Yolu” holds an amazing festival schedule with lots of events each day of October. These events range from concerts to theatres, from workshops to interviews. Check this website for more information. You can also check this page for other festivals in Istanbul in October. For instance, between the 25th of October and the 26th of November 2022, Istanbul Theatre Festival is held. There, different groups both from abroad and Türkiye will perform 78 performances in total.
Tastes in Istanbul in October
Another thing to do in Istanbul in October 2022 is trying different tastes. During the month of October, a unique and delicious array of foods and drinks can be found across Istanbul. From fresh juice to roasted chestnuts and fish, Istanbul has something for everyone.
5. Fresh Juices
You should definitely taste fresh juices in Istanbul in October. October marks the beginning of winter. Many are focusing on boosting their immune health. Having juice is one of the ways to do so. Juice is one of the best tastes in Istanbul. It is freshly squeezed at roadside stalls and shops. You can even find these stalls in metro stations as well. Juice is often served from glass jugs. Choose your fruit and watch it freshly juiced right before your eyes. We must say these stalls are a feast for the eyes with their rainbow-like fruits! The fruits are -but are not limited to pomegranates, oranges, carrots, pineapples, apples, lemons…
6. Roasted Chestnut
Istanbul is a city of many tastes. If you’re travelling to Istanbul in October, don’t miss the chance to enjoy roasted chestnuts. They are sold in carts by the people who roast them over coal braziers. You can find them at the entrance of Gülhane Park, as well, along with vendors selling roasted corn.
7. Fish (With Amazing Bosphorus View)
When visiting Istanbul in October, one of the most iconic foods to try is fish. We’ll recommend some places to enjoy this experience. Eminönü district is renowned for its fish and bread. Eating fish and seafood on the shores of the Bosphorus while watching boats pass by is an unforgettable experience. Also, Taka Balık in Yeniköy district has an amazing Bosphorus view along with delicious fish. Last but not least, you can enjoy this taste in the Beykoz district. Choose one the closest to you! You can also choose the place to have fish from this article.
Eminönü Balık Ekmek
Taka Balık (Yeniköy)
More Information
Open Hours: 10:00 – 23:00
Location: View on Google Maps
Beykoz
More Information
Open Hours: 12:00 – 23:30
Location: View on Google Maps
Places to see in Istanbul in October
In Istanbul in October, you can visit all of the major sites, like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapı Palace. But in this blog, we’ll go beyond these destinations by recommending unique to-dos and destinations in Istanbul in October. If you want to have an idea about the destinations in summer and in winter, you can check this article.
In this section, we recommend three unique destinations for your visit to Istanbul in October. The destinations are Gülhane Park, Yıldız Parkı and Princess Islands. If you’d like to visit the landmarks of the city first, please see this blog.
8. Gülhane Park
Here is the first place to see in Istanbul in October. Go to Gülhane Park in October. It’s a great place to relax after a busy day of sightseeing. Gülhane Park is a favourite place for many people in Istanbul. In October, it is possible to walk through the park and enjoy the falling leaves, which are like a carpet of colour laid upon by Mother Nature. The falling leaves and beautiful trees will make your trip memorable! You can also have roasted chestnuts from the vendors at the entrance of the park! Not to mention that these roasted chestnuts are the symbol of fall and winter in Istanbul.
9. Yıldız Park
If you are wondering what to do in Istanbul in October, this is for you! Early autumn is the ideal time to visit Yıldız Park in Istanbul. The park provides a peaceful setting for strolling. There are many spots where you can sit and relax. There are also places for having picnics, as well as some cafeterias. The view from the Bosphorus is particularly beautiful this time of year.
10. Princess Islands
One of the places to see in Istanbul in October is Princess Islands. October is a great time to visit Princess Islands! At this time of year, the crowds are reduced, and you will have an opportunity to explore the islands with less noise. Princess Islands consist of 9 islands in total. They are Büyükada, Yassıada, Kınalıada, Heybeliada, Sedef Adası, Burgazada, Sivriada, Tavşan Adası, and Kaşık Adası. The biggest islands are Büyükada and Heybeliada, respectively. They are also the most popular ones. We recommend you spare your whole day so that you can enjoy the islands better. Don’t forget to check this plan for Princess Islands.
How to get there
You can get there by ferry.
The ferry stops at Kınalıada, Burgazada and Heybeliada at first. It reaches Büyükada at last. You can take the ferry from Bostancı, Kadıköy, Eminönü or Beşiktaş.
11. Weather in Istanbul in October
The weather is moderate in October in Istanbul. The weather in Istanbul in October is an average high of 19°C (66°F) and an average low of 9°C (48°F). The sun shines about 6 hours a day on average. You can expect some rain at times. It rains about one-third of the month.
12. Important Dates in Istanbul in October
Public holidays in Türkiye in October 2022 are:
28th October – Republic Day eve – half day off
29th October – Republic Day – full day off
There are some special ceremonies or events held for Republic Day. Be sure to check them to enjoy your time in Istanbul in October. You can enjoy fireworks over Bosphorus on the night of the national holiday. Also, there might be special boat tours at night for this national holiday. It’s important to note that some roads might be closed due to the programmes. Follow the news to beware of them.
If you want to feel the spirit of this national holiday, you can listen to this 10th-year anthem from here. In this clip, you can also see some historical views.
13. FAQ
Is Istanbul cold in October?
Can I travel to Istanbul in October?
How is Istanbul in October?