New Year's Eve in Istanbul

Do you need assistance with planning your New Year's Eve? How great that you have me! This time I have a special New Year's Eve destination in store for you: Istanbul. This Turkish city might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about where to go for New Year's, but I assure you that celebrating New Year's Eve in Istanbul is an unforgettable experience! Sit back and let the Istanbul tips inspire you.

In Istanbul, you will observe some New Year's traditions that are not found in Germany. Celebrating New Year's here is quite similar to our Christmas celebration. The streets and squares are heavily decorated, and nearly every household has a New Year's tree.

Under this tree, on New Year's Eve, referred to as 'Yil Basi' (Head of the Year), gifts are placed. These are personally arranged by Noel Baba, the 'New Year's man.'

Additionally, weeks before New Year's Eve, lottery tickets are sold that are drawn on the night of New Year's Eve. With a bit of luck, you could welcome the new year with a million.

In the past years, Istanbul unfortunately has had no official fireworks, only private ones. You can get the best view of the New Year's fireworks in Istanbul from various rooftops along the Bosphorus.

The party hotspot is Taksim Square, which can get very crowded very quickly. On the Asian side of the city, you can enjoy a unique perspective of the fireworks.

Since the distance can be considerable, I recommend the nearer Galata Bridge for New Year's. The view here is at least just as beautiful.

As mentioned, Taksim Square and the Independence Avenue Istiklal Caddesi are among the best party spots for New Year's Eve in Istanbul.

Other neighborhoods like Beyoglu and the nightlife districts Ortaköy and Bebek also serve as good New Year's locations in Istanbul. Of course, the city has many clubs that you can visit on New Year's Eve. My club recommendations for the best New Year's Eve parties in Istanbul are as follows:

Istanbul has plenty of restaurants that offer fantastic dinner shows high above the city. From these venues, you have a magnificent view of the city's skyline and the unique New Year's panorama.

For those who aren't interested in a big party, I definitely recommend spending New Year's Eve in one of the many wonderful restaurants in Istanbul. One of the most popular dinner shows in Istanbul is at the Galata Tower restaurant.

Enjoy a 360-degree view, along with a fantastic belly dancing show. Another activity for your New Year's Eve night in Istanbul is a boat ride on the Bosphorus. Numerous different packages are available, including dinner, live music, and belly dancing shows.

Has travel excitement grabbed you as well? Then don't wait any longer - book your city trip to Istanbul for New Year's. In my vacation deals, you'll definitely find some unbeatable bargains for a New Year's trip to Istanbul. Keep your eyes peeled, and with a bit of luck, you might save some money.