What Is On, Istanbul in Winter

Winter is when the programme in Istanbul moves entirely indoors, and that is in fact an advantage; the season's most ambitious productions are staged in January and February, the museums empty out and tickets are easy to find. What follows are the kinds of programme that recur every winter. The busiest months of the opera and ballet season The Sureyya Opera House and the AKM stage their main repertoire in the winter months. Sureyya's hall is small and close to the stage, a better scale for a first opera. Tickets go on sale when the programme is announced and weekend performances fill first. Passing time on Bahariye Avenue before a show is easy. Winter concerts in the cistern Because the Serefiye Cistern is underground its temperature stays steady however cold it is outside, which makes it a sensible venue for winter concerts. The Sounds from the Deep series spans classical to contemporary, and the acoustics do half the work. Capacity is small, so buy tickets early. Empty museums, unhurried exhibitions December to February is the quietest period for museums. Topkapi, the Archaeological Museums and the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts draw queues in summer; in winter you can find yourself almost alone in the same halls. Being indoors, they are also unaffected by the weather. Monday and Tuesday are closing days for some museums, so check before going. Digital exhibitions and experiences The IBB Kultur AS Digital Experience Centre offers exhibitions built with projection and sound design; indoors and heated, it suits winter visits with children. A combined ticket with Miniaturk is offered from time to time, so ask at the desk. Evenings spent in a bookshop Winter is when bookshop programmes come alive. Talks, signings and listening events are held in Istanbul Kitapcisi branches, and listening events such as the Muzik TR100 Jukebox present the music of the Republican period in curated selections. Attendance is usually free. Covered bazaars and hans On a rainy day the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar are the natural choice; both are roofed and can be wandered for hours. The Inner Bedesten of the Grand Bazaar and the han courtyards around it are quieter. Both are closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly. Baths and thermal springs One of the most fitting things to do in the city in winter is to visit a historic bath. Some of the baths built by Mimar Sinan are still working. For those wanting to leave the city, the Yalova thermal area is within day-trip distance. If it snows Snow in Istanbul lasts a few days but changes the city completely. The courtyard of Suleymaniye, Gulhane Park and Camlica Hill are the three places that look best under it. Public transport can falter on snow days apart from the metro and Marmaray, which keep running because they are underground. Free events for young people The Koltuk Senin application provides free admission for the under-twenty-fours in the winter season too. As indoor events concentrate in winter, the range of available places grows.