As the countdown to 2024 is near, people have started to shortlist the best travel destinations. Are you one of them? Well, look no further and book your tickets to Istanbul. Let us tell you why. As midnight strikes, Istanbul transforms into a vibrant party hub, offering both Turkish traditions with modern festivities. Celebrating New Year in Istanbul gives you an amazing opportunity to explore both modern and cultural traditions including having dinner with family, exchanging gifts, and playing the big New Year's Eve lottery. Whether you are looking for family-friendly activities or a vibrant nightlife to explore with your beloved pals, Istanbul has everything for everyone. With its incredible fireworks displays, delectable local cuisine, and warm hospitality, Istanbul is the perfect destination to ring in the new year.

Explore 8 Best Destinations to Enjoy New Year in Istanbul

Enjoy New Year in Istanbul
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Istanbul is the largest stunning city in Turkey where you can explore the rich culture, history, beautiful buildings, and iconic landmarks. You can visit this astonishing city any time of the year, however; the best time is from mid-April to early June. Also, the city that lies between two continents, Europe and Asia, is one of the finest places to enjoy great New Year's Eve festivities. Here, you can enjoy Turkish traditions, splendid fireworks displays, vibrant nightlife, live music performances, and a variety of events. Isn't it cool? Well, the second thing that might come into your mind after reading these things, is regarding the best venues to go for New Year in Istanbul. That's why we have written this blog. Go through it and learn about the best places and ways to welcome the fresh year with fun and thrill. Trust me, Istanbul NYE Celebrations give you an extraordinary experience like no other.

  1. Taksim Square
  2. Bosphorus Bridge
  3. Üsküdar
  4. 360 Istanbul
  5. Sortie Club
  6. Istiklal Street (Avenue)
  7. Çırağan Palace
  8. Miniatürk

1. Taksim Square

Taksim Square
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Taksim Square is the best place for the New Year in Istanbul for locals as well as tourists. It is a central hub and one of the best vantage points to experience New Year's Eve fireworks in Istanbul. Also, you can enjoy street celebrations, featuring live music, dance performances, and a variety of food with a vibrant atmosphere to welcome the big day on a happy note. Here, you will witness electrifying vibes to rock the dance floor until midnight. Book your flights to Istanbul to have the best countdown of the year at Taksim Square.

Nearby Hotels:

  • CVK Hotels Taksim
  • Taxim Hill Hotel
  • Grand Star Hotel Bosphorus & Spa
  • Innpera Hotel
  • LUXIR HOTEL
  • Taksim City Suites
  • Stay Inn Taksim Hostel

Nearby Restaurants:

  • Ali Baba Büfe Pakistani Restaurant Taksim
  • WAMA'S
  • Hatay Medeniyetler Sofrası
  • Taksim Sütiş
  • Zübeyir Ocakbaşı/Taksim
  • Dürümzade
  • Esmer Cafe

Nearby Attractions:

  • Kadıköy
  • Karaköy
  • Üsküdar
  • Galata
  • Beşiktaş

2. Bosphorus Bridge

Bosphorus Bridge

As the countdown to 2024 begins, there is no place better than to ring in the new year at the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul. It is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul to enjoy spectacular fireworks high above the sky. Also, you can take a boat cruise ride along the Bosphorus shores to experience the most of your NYE celebrations. There is also a boat cruise party where you can enjoy the delicious cuisine of Turkey until midnight. Isn't it cool? So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets in advance to join the Bosphorus cruise party and make a memorable Eve.

Opening Hours: Open 24/7

Nearby Hotels:

  • Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul
  • Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus
  • Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at The Bosphorus
  • Bosphorus Bridge
  • Ciragan Palace Kempinski
  • Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul
  • CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul
  • Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus

Nearby Restaurants:

  • The Market
  • Beltaş Rest Cafe
  • Fish Port Restaurant
  • Bosfor Terrace & Grill
  • Park Fora Restaurant
  • Bridge Restaurant
  • Loi Bosphorus

Nearby Attractions:

  • Dolmabahçe Palace
  • Topkapi Palace Museum
  • Ortaköy Square
  • Sultanahmet Square
  • Bosfor İstanbul
  • Gülhane Park
  • Basilica Cistern
Suggested Read: Restaurants in Istanbul, Turkey Every Foodie Knows About

3. Üsküdar

Üsküdar
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As the clock strikes midnight, locals and tourists gather at Üsküdar to experience the best fireworks displays during New Year's Eve in Istanbul, Turkey. Along with the beautiful scenic views, Üsküdar provides a variety of dining options to enjoy the last meal of the year with your family and friends, making it a delightful spot to welcome the New Year in Turkey. Celebrating New Year in Üsküdar gives you an amazing chance to immerse yourself in the local cultural celebrations.

Nearby Hotels:

  • Radisson Blu Bosphorus Hotel, Istanbul
  • Novotel İstanbul Bosphorus
  • JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus
  • Mövenpick Hotel Istanbul Bosphorus
  • Bosphorus Palace Hotel
  • Crowne Plaza Istanbul - Ortakoy Bosphorus, an IHG Hotel
  • The Marmara Taksim

Nearby Restaurants:

  • Villa Bosphorus
  • Yeniköy Kaşıbeyaz Bosphorus
  • Turnatour Dinner Cruise
  • Banyan Restaurant
  • Feriye Lokantasi
  • Izaka Terrace
  • Tuğra Restaurant

Nearby Attractions:

  • Beylerbeyi Palace
  • Maiden's Tower
  • Fethipaşa Korusu
  • İBB Doğancılar Park
  • Kuzguncuk Evleri
Suggested Read: Buckle-up for the Best Gastronomy with Traditional Food in Turkey

4. 360 Istanbul

360 Istanbul
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Istanbul's nightclubs and rooftop bars are the perfect destinations for party lovers to rock on the dance floor during NYE. 360 Istanbul is an amazing rooftop restaurant to enjoy the best New Year party in Istanbul. Also, it gives a perfect vantage point to see the astonishing fireworks display in Istanbul on NYE. You can enjoy a variety of Turkish and Mediterranean dishes and refreshing beverages, offering an electrifying ambiance to kick start the next year in the city.

Location: Tomtom Mah. İstiklal Cad. No:163 K: 8, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

Contact Number: +902122511043

Opening Hours:

  • Sunday to Thursday – 12 PM to 2 AM
  • Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 4 AM

Nearby Hotels:

  • Grand Hotel De Londres
  • Ramada By Wyndham Istanbul Pera
  • Double D Hotel
  • Hotel Santa Hill
  • Hotel Troya, Istanbul
  • Lina Hotel Taksim Pera
  • Radisson Blu Hotel, Istanbul Pera

Nearby Restaurants:

  • 360 Panorama Restaurant
  • Roof Mezze 360 Restaurant
  • Shamse Restaurant
  • Esmer Chef Beyoğlu
  • Yum-Yum Factory
  • Pera Antakya
  • Panoramic Restaurant

Nearby Attractions:

  • Galata Tower
  • Madame Tussauds Istanbul
  • Sea view benches
  • Galata Bridge
  • Grand Bazaar
  • Beyazıt Tower
  • Vialand Amusement Park
Suggested Read: Nightlife in Antalya, Turkey: Guide To Relish The Night In The City

5. Sortie Club

Sortie Club
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If you want to spend your New Year in Istanbul at one of the most extravagant nightclubs, Sortie Club is totally recommended to you. This luxurious night club is known for its vibrant parties and amazing NYE festivities in Istanbul. Just imagine, you are sitting on a terrace and having a sip of your favorite beverage while enjoying the jaw-dropping fireworks under the skyline. What a breathtaking view it will be! It's not a dream or fairy tale. You can experience all these things at Sortie Club in Istanbul during New Year's Eve in Istanbul.

Location: Kuruçeşme, Muallim Naci Cd. No:54, 34345 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye

Contact Number: +902123278585

Opening Hours: 6 PM to 4 AM

Nearby Hotels:

  • Symbola Bosphorus Istanbul
  • Deep Hotel Istanbul
  • Class Hotel Bosphorus
  • Hotel Les Ottomans
  • Art Nouveau Galata
  • Villa Pera Suite Hotel
  • Mula Hotel

Nearby Restaurants:

  • Vitale Restaurant | Sultanahmet Restaurant
  • Valley Hills Cafe & Restaurant
  • Sultanahmet Işıl restaurant
  • Ozi Pizza and Pasta
  • Aslan
  • Harab'be Cafe
  • Just Bar

Nearby Attractions:

  • Cafer Ağa Madrasa
  • Büyük Valide Han
  • Flamingo Of Istanbul
  • Miniaturk
  • Ancient Theatre at the Asclepieion of Epidaurus
  • Museum of the Royal Tombs at Aigai (Aegae)
  • Botanical Museum of the National Gardens
Suggested Read: Villas in Turkey: Your Best Luxury Holiday Retreat

6. Istiklal Street (Avenue)

Istiklal Street (Avenue)
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There are plenty of things to do in Istanbul on New Year including exploring popular museums, restaurants, cafes, and lively streets. Istiklal Street (Avenue) is an amazing street in Istanbul, Turkey to enjoy the best New Year celebration in Istanbul. You can take a ride on the iconic red tram, explore Madame Tussauds, and admire the city's most beautiful churches during the daytime. In the evening, you can watch the beautiful glimpse of massive fireworks up above in the sky.

Location: Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

Nearby Hotels:

  • Mates Istiklal
  • Ayramin Exclusive Hotel
  • Pera Palace Hotel
  • Ramada By Wyndham Istanbul Pera
  • Kaira Hotel & Aparts

Nearby Restaurants:

  • WAMA'S
  • shamse restaurant
  • Parole Cafe | Restaurant
  • Eleos Restaurant
  • Divan Brasserie Beyoğlu

Nearby Attractions:

  • Casa Botter
  • Church of Sant’Antonio di Padova
  • Galatasaray High School
  • SALT Beyoğlu
  • Akbank Sanat Galerisi
Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Turkey for the Best Turkish Experience

7. Çırağan Palace

Çırağan Palace
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One of the major things to do on NYE in Istanbul is attend glamorous parties at popular hotels. Çırağan Palace is a five-star luxury hotel and among the best tourist spots to enjoy an amazing New Year in Turkey as it hosts lush New Year's Eve gala parties. For those who want to start their 2025 in splendor and sparkling way, special accommodation at Çırağan Palace is waiting for them. Here, you can enjoy the massive fireworks, Turkish traditions, and a vibrant atmosphere to bid adieu to 2024 in a modern way.

Location: Yıldız, Çırağan Cd. No:32, 34349 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye

Check-in time: 2:00 PM

Check-out time: 12:00 PM

Contact Number: +902123264646

Nearby Hotels:

  • Selda Jewellery
  • Tarus Bosphorus Apartments Besiktas
  • Via Çırağan Hotel
  • Royal Suites Besiktas
  • Blue Suites

Nearby Restaurants:

  • Tuğra Restaurant
  • Vogue Restaurant
  • Akademi Terace Restaurant
  • Sampi
  • Ortakoy Kahvesi

Nearby Attractions:

  • Naval Museum
  • Bosfor Istanbul
  • Beylerbeyi Palace
  • Büyük Mecidiye Mosque
  • Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Suggested Read: Beaches in Istanbul, Turkey to Soak in the Beauty Of Sandy Shores

8. Miniatürk

Miniatürk
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Miniatürk is a beautiful miniature park and a perfect outing place to enjoy a great New Year in the world. Along with this, it serves as a museum also consisting of models of Turkey's most popular landmarks and monuments. So, if you are interested in learning about the rich history and culture of Turkey from the Old Ages to modern times, consider visiting Miniatürk during New Year's Eve Day i.e. 31st of December. Also, Miniatürk consists of various renowned restaurants and cafes to have an elegant dinner in Istanbul on NYE. What a great combination of joy the place provides! Come to Miniatürk and experience it on your own.

Location: Örnektepe, İmrahor Cd. No:7, 34445 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

Opening Hours: Sunday to Monday – 9 AM to 7 PM

Contact Number: +902122222882

Nearby Hotels:

  • Mövenpick Hotel Istanbul Golden Horn
  • Clarion Hotel Golden Horn
  • Ramada by Wyndham Istanbul Golden Horn
  • Dosso Dossi Hotels & SPA Golden Horn
  • Lazzoni Hotel
  • Stayso The House Hotel
  • Turquhouse Boutique Hotel

Nearby Restaurants:

  • Alibaba Ocakbaşı
  • CulinArt Restaurant
  • Miniatürk, Beltur
  • Pierre Loti
  • Menbat Cafe
  • Sadrazam Kemal Restaurant
  • Dark cafe

Nearby Attractions:

  • Gülhane Park
  • Sea view benches
  • Rainbow stairs
  • Telescope
  • Statue of sultan on horse

As you've finished the blog, let us ask you something. What will you do in the captivating city of Istanbul during New Year's Eve? Will you enjoy watching beautiful fireworks at vantage points like Taksim Square or Bosphorus Bridge or you'd love to attend family-friendly events at Sultanahmet Square and Üsküda? Whatever you do, we assure you nothing can beat your choice of celebrating New Year in Istanbul. Also, you can attend private house parties, experience Turkish NYE traditions, and enjoy scrumptious cuisine to make this auspicious day memorable. Our well-curated Istanbul tour packages are designed to give you the best NYE 2024 experience in Istanbul.

New Year in Istanbul - FAQs:

Q1. Where can I enjoy the best fireworks displays during New Year’ Eve in Istanbul?

There are numerous vantage points to enjoy the massive fireworks in Istanbul on NYE. However, we have filtered out the best ones:

  • Taksim Square
  • Bosphorus Bridge
  • Üsküdar
  • Camlica Hill
Q2. Where can I have a romantic dinner in Istanbul on NYE?

You can enjoy the best romantic dinner during NYE in Istanbul at the following places:

  • 360 Istanbul
  • Mikla
  • NuTeras
  • Vogue Restaurant
Q3. How to greet locals in Istanbul on New Year?

If locals greet you with their hands, just handshake and say “Mutlu Yıllar!”. Also, you can greet them by just saying “İyi seneler!” to wish Happy New Year in Istanbul.

Q4. What is the weather like on New Year's in Istanbul?

You can expect cool and mild weather with an average temperature lying between 3 to 9 degrees Celsius during New Year in Istanbul.

Q5. Are shops and restaurants open on New Year’s Day in Istanbul?

Yes, of course! Most restaurants and shops operate until midnight on New Year’s Eve in Istanbul to provide you with the best services.

Q6. Can I attend the New Year’s Eve events in Istanbul without tickets?

Some of the NYE events are free of cost to attend including Sultanahmet Square’s celebrations. However, some events require you to have passes to enjoy the festivities.

Q7. What traditional foods should I eat on New Year’s Eve in Istanbul, Turkey?

Rice with chestnuts, roasted chicken or Turkey, Kebabs, and baklava are some of the famous Turkish dishes to try during NYE in Istanbul.

Q8. What are the best places for celebrating a grand New Year in Istanbul?

There are numerous places to enjoy a grand New Year celebration in Istanbul. Some of them are:

  • Taksim Square for electrifying street parties
  • Ortaköy and the Bosphorus for enjoying massive fireworks
  • Sunset Grill & Bar for enjoying NYE dinner
  • Experiencing midnight toast cruises near Bosphorus
Q9. What are the best hotels to stay in during NYE 2024 in Istanbul?

Some of the top-recommended hotels to attend the New Year celebrations in Istanbul are as follows:

  • DoubleTree By Hilton Istanbul - Old Town
  • Mosaic Hotel Old City -Special Category
  • The Queen Hotel
  • Hotel Niles Istanbul
Q10. Where can I attend family-friendly New Year celebrations in Istanbul?

Most of the NYE events are family-friendly in Istanbul including Sultanahmet Square and Bosphorus events. Also, you can attend NYE gala parties at renowned restaurants.