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Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, is a fascinating and vibrant tourist destination known for its rich history, culture, and breathtaking scenery. Visitors are often enchanted by the city’s diverse offerings, from ancient architecture to modern bustling markets. The city is particularly appealing in March, as the weather starts to warm up and the city is not as crowded as it is during the peak tourist season. But there’s so much more to explore in Istanbul than just the weather!
The Temperature in Istanbul in March
In March, the average temperature in Istanbul is around 12°C (54°F), with highs of 15°C (59°F) and lows of 8°C (46°F). While it may still be a bit chilly, the weather is generally pleasant and comfortable for outdoor activities.
What to Wear in Istanbul in March
It is recommended to pack layers of clothing to accommodate the fluctuating temperatures in March. A light jacket or sweater is advised, as well as comfortable shoes for walking around the city. But don’t just stop at clothing! Istanbul is a city full of surprises, so be sure to bring along a sense of adventure and curiosity to fully appreciate everything it has to offer.
Ramadan in Istanbul 2024: 11 March – 9 April
Ramadan 2024 starts on March 11 and ends on April 9.
During Ramadan, from dawn to dusk, people fast, meaning they don’t eat or drink anything. Drinking alcohol and eating pork are off-limits.
Suhoor is a meal eaten early in the morning before the sunrise. In neighbourhoods, you’ll likely hear a drum waking people up for this meal. The drummer waking people for Suhoor is a recognized job, supported by donations. After Ramadan, they collect money from homes so don’t be surprised in April if someone will knock on your door. You can say you are a tourist or donate.
Are Cafes Open in Istanbul During Ramadan?
A big question about Ramadan: will restaurants, museums, and markets be open?
Istanbul is a city full of locals, tourists, and expats. Even during Ramadan, the tourist areas are lively. Restaurant staff might be fasting but they won’t judge customers who aren’t. In the city centre, most places stay open. You might not even notice if a few close, especially those that are mostly in more traditional areas like Fatih, Uskudar, and Eyup. Also, you can try special Iftar menus if you book ahead or find a free table. Iftar is the meal eaten in the evening after sunset. Plus, tents in the streets give out free food (queues are insane, though).
Transport in Istanbul During Ramadan
During Ramadan, Metro Istanbul operates the following lines until 01:00:
- M1A Yenikapi-Atatürk Airport
- M1B Yenikapi-Kirazli
- M2 Yenikapi-Haciosman
- M3 Kirazli-Kayaşehir Center
- M4 Kadiköy-Sabiha Gökçen Airport
- M6 Levent-Bogaziçi University/Hisarüstü
- M7 Yildiz-Mahmutbey
- M9 Bahariye-Olympic
- T1 Kabatas-Bagcilar
- T4 Topkapi-Masjid Selam
- T5 Eminönü-Alibeyköy trams
- F1 Taksim-Kabatas
- F4 Bogazici Ü./Hisarüstü-Asiyan funicular lines
Night metro services will also run on Friday to Saturday and Saturday to Sunday nights.
Magnolia Season in Istanbul Until the End of March
In Istanbul, magnolia flowers bloom until the end of March. These blossoms can be found in several locations across the city.
Locations to See Magnolia Blossoms
- Dolmabahçe Park and near the Art Museum
- Ihlamur Kasrı
- Soğukçeşme Sokağı Street, close to the Valens Aqueduct
- Bebek (Inşirah Sokağı Street near 3 Seas Capital Partners building)
- Yıldız Park
Magnolias bloom at varying speeds in different parts of Istanbul, offering travellers two routes for exploration this month.
National Painting Museum and Dolmabahçe Palace
The National Painting Museum (Resim Müzesi), located near Dolmabahçe Palace, has free entry to the garden. The garden offers magnificent views of the Bosphorus and magnolias.
The museum showcases Sultan portraits, relatives, Aivazovsky’s works, Istanbul landscapes, and more.
- Location: Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe Sarayı, Dolmabahçe Cd., 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul
- Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM, closed Mondays.
- Entrance Fee:
- Museum entry: 200 Lira or free with a museum card
- Café and grounds: Free
Ihlamur Kasrı Park
Ihlamur Kasrı, a small park in Istanbul’s European side, features fading magnolias. The site has pavilions where visitors can enjoy tea, desserts, and breakfast.
- Open Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM, closed Mondays.
- Fees:
- Park: 20 TL.
- Garden & Palace (Foreigners): 130 TL.
- Location: Teşvikiye Mahallesi, Av. Süreyya Ağaoğlu Sk. No 80 Şişli.
Getting There
- From Sultanahmet: Take the tram to Kabataş and then bus 26b to Beşiktaş Evlendirme Dairesi stop.
- From Taksim: Use the funicular plus bus 26b to the same stop.
- Walking from the M2 Osmanbey metro station through Nişantaşı district takes about 20 minutes.
- Walking from Beşiktaş ferry dock or the Naval Museum takes about 20-25 minutes, straight through the Beşiktaş district.
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Things to Do in Istanbul in March
In addition to being pleasant, the weather in Istanbul in March is also perfect for taking walks and exploring the city. While it may not be hot, the comfortable temperatures and lack of rain make it an ideal time to get out and discover all that Istanbul has to offer.
There are still countless things to do in Istanbul in March. The city’s landmarks such as the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Hagia Sophia are open year-round and offer a glimpse into Istanbul’s rich history and culture. But there’s more to explore than just the famous landmarks! Visitors can also experience the city’s vibrant street markets, savor its delicious cuisine, or take a leisurely cruise along the Bosphorus Strait.
Conclusion
March is a great time to visit Istanbul, with comfortable weather, not a lot of rain, and fewer crowds. And there’s so much to explore beyond the weather! Whether you’re fascinated by history and culture, or just looking for a unique travel experience, Istanbul is sure to delight you. Don’t forget to pack layers of clothing, comfortable shoes, and a sense of adventure to make the most of your vacation.
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