Ahh, Istanbul in the rain… Is there anything cozier than the mosque domes glistening through the drizzle, the smell of roasted chestnuts, and a steaming cup of Turkish tea?
While most people might groan at the sight of rainclouds on the forecast, Istanbul is one of those rare cities that only gets better when it rains! There are tons of indoor activities in Istanbul that are waterproof (get it? 😉) and hidden corners waiting to be explored.
Istanbul’s rainy season usually lasts from November to February, with December and January typically being the wettest months (with an average of 100 to 120 mm of rain per month). That’s a lot of cozy afternoons waiting to happen!
As two locals who’ve lived through both the sunniest summers and the stormiest winters (*ahem* 2022 especially), we can say with certainty that Istanbul has a certain kind of magic on rainy days. Every drop, every cloud, every cup of hot sahlep just adds to the city’s charm.
We’ve rounded up our favorite activities for a rainy day in Istanbul — each one tried and tested by us, puddles and all. 🙂
Whether it’s wandering through opulent palaces, watching the Bosphorus from a ferry window, or discovering hidden book passages, here’s our ultimate guide on how to spend a rainy day in Istanbul!
Spend a Lazy Afternoon in a Museum
Is it just us, or do rainy days feel like the perfect time to wander through a museum or two? Luckily, Istanbul has no shortage of interesting museums, whether that’s art, technology, culture, and even two (yes, two!) museums dedicated to cats. 😉
Our personal favorite is the Pera Museum (near Galata Tower, 📍location), which is the perfect mix of everything: a little classical Ottoman and Turkish art, a little ceramics and tiles, a sprinkle of modern pieces… and if you’re lucky, a temporary exhibit or two! Oh, and if the weather gods are on your side and it rains on a Friday, definitely visit — the Pera Museum is free on Friday evenings!
If you’re more into cars, transportation, and cool machines, then you’ll love the Rahmi M. Koç Museum (📍location). Located on the Golden Horn, this 27,000-square-meter museum is full of vintage cars, boats, and even a real submarine. Both adults and kids can easily spend hours exploring and learning about the 14,000-some artifacts located in the museum.
For modern art aficionados, Istanbul Modern (📍location) in Karaköy is a must-visit. This was Turkey’s first contemporary art museum and recently reopened in a beautiful new building in the heart of Galataport. Inside, you’ll find hundreds of pieces by Turkish and international artists, while upstairs, Restaurant Modern offers one of the city’s best rainy-day views.
Finally, if you’re based in the Old Town area (Sultanahmet) and prefer not to go too far, there’s always the Istanbul Archaeological Museum (📍location), the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts (📍location), and the free Turkish Railway Museum (📍location).
Looking for even more museums in Istanbul? Check out our list of 10+ Unique Museums in Istanbul here! →
Warm Up in An Authentic Turkish Bathhouse (Hamam)
If there’s one must-do rainy day activity in Istanbul, it’s relaxing at a Turkish bathhouse (known as a hamam)!
The moment you step inside, the warmth wraps around you like a soft blanket and the sound of water against the marble quiets the mind. Within minutes, you’ll practically forget that it’s drizzling outside!
If you’re staying in Sultanahmet, we highly recommend Cagaloglu Hamam (🧖♀️ reserve your spot), which is often considered to be the most beautiful hamam in Istanbul — and just a 10-minute walk from the Grand Bazaar!
If you want the ultimate luxurious experience, look no further than Hurrem Sultan Hamam (🧖♀️ reserve your spot), which was commissioned by the wife of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent herself.
Every treatment here uses natural soaps and oils, and the attendants move with the calm precision of people who’ve perfected this ritual for centuries. You can choose from four different treatments (ranging from 45 minutes to 2 hours), so whether you want a quick warm-up or a long, indulgent escape from the rain, there’s an option that fits perfectly.
Finally, if you’re traveling to Istanbul as a couple, Cukurcuma Hamam (🧖♀️ reserve your spot) is a mixed-gender bathhouse that limits the number of guests at any one time, which means you get undivided attention and a truly personalized experience.
All in all, we recommend skipping the spa at your hotel and going to a real Ottoman hamam — you’ll get an authentic 500-year-old experience instead of a 50-minute massage. 🙂
That’s not all! In our Best Hamams in Istanbul guide, we break down 10+ amazing bathhouses, including Istanbul’s oldest hamam to the most luxurious (and everything in between). It’s the ultimate list for anyone dreaming of a long, lazy, rainy afternoon in Istanbul. →
Never been to a hamam before? Our How to Hamam guide walks you through every step, so your first visit feels exciting (and so you’ll know exactly how to hamam like a pro!) →
Go Palace-Hopping in the Rain
Can we tell you a little secret? Rainy days in Istanbul are some of the best times to visit the city’s iconic palaces — you’ll encounter fewer crowds, calmer courtyards, and the rare joy of experiencing centuries of history in peace and quiet. 🙂
Rain or shine, Topkapı Palace (🎫 book ticket) never loses its magic. As the former home of Ottoman sultans and their families for nearly 400 years, it’s an absolute must-visit! Around 80% of the complex is indoors, including the famed Harem, imperial chambers, and museum exhibits filled with priceless jewelry, silk sultan’s clothing, and gilded thrones.
If you prefer the grandeur of 19th-century Europe to Ottoman courtyards, Dolmabahçe Palace (🎫 book ticket) is the one to see. The entire palace is indoors, and it’s every bit as lavish as you’d expect, with crystal chandeliers, grand staircases, and silk-draped salons overlooking the Bosphorus.
When you’re done, pop into the nearby National Painting Gallery, which is just a short walk away and often overlooked by tourists (but just as interesting!)
You can read our full Topkapı Palace guide here and our Dolmabahçe Palace guide here →
Not sure which one to pick? We’ve got you covered! Check out our Topkapı vs Dolmabahçe Palace comparison post for the full breakdown. 😉
Other great picks include Yıldız Palace (🎫 book ticket), a lesser-visited gem located in Beşiktaş. Once an imperial residence surrounded by lush gardens, it recently reopened and has fewer crowds. Around 70% of the complex is indoors, including elegant spaces like the Great Mabeyn Pavilion (the details here are stunning) and the Palace Library.
You’ll just need to walk between the buildings a little, but the rain actually adds to the charm. As a nice bonus, it’s much cheaper than Istanbul’s other palaces — prices for Yildiz start at just $15 per person!
Finally, there’s Beylerbeyi Palace (🎫 book ticket) on the Asian side. The palace itself is smaller and more intimate than Dolmabahçe, but just as elegant, with gilded ceilings and sea views from nearly every room. We went once in December with my family, and it ended up being one of our favorite rainy-day activities in Istanbul! Read our guide to Beylerbeyi Palace here →
Explore Istanbul’s Hidden Underground
Rain above, water below — fitting, right?
While we’re on the topic of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks, it would only make sense to include the Basilica Cistern (🎫 book ticket) to our list. Built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, this colossal underground reservoir once supplied water to the Great Palace of Constantinople.
Nowadays, it’s one of the most atmospheric answers to what to see in Istanbul on a rainy day, a shadowy world of 336 marble columns standing in rippling water and accentuated by amber light. It’s mysterious, ancient, and the perfect refuge when the streets above are slick with rain.
Keep an eye out for the famous Medusa heads hidden in the northern corner — nobody really knows how (or why) they got there, although some say they were placed upside down to neutralize the Gorgons’ mythical power!
When it rains in Istanbul, the real magic happens underground. Book ahead to skip the queue and enjoy the atmosphere of the cistern while others wait upstairs in the drizzle. Book your skip-the-line Basilica Cistern Ticket here →
Try a Fun Workshop
Rainy days are the perfect excuse to slow down and tap into your creative side — and luckily, Istanbul has some incredible workshops that bring centuries of Turkish craftsmanship to life!
Whether you’re into art, history, or just looking for a fun way to spend a rainy day, these workshops are among the best indoor activities in Istanbul. Here are some of our favorites:
☔ Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop with Drinks & Snacks: Ever admired those glowing lamps in Istanbul’s bazaars? Now you can make one yourself! This hands-on Mosaic Lamp Workshop starts with a fun introduction to the history and symbolism of mosaic art before you dive in to design your own. You can pick from more than 45 glass beads and stones to create a unique lamp that’s entirely your own. Starting at just $25/person. Click here to book →
☔ Traditional Stained Glass Painting Workshop: Did you know that glass art has a long and rich history in Turkish culture? This workshop lets you experience it firsthand, where you’ll learn how traditional motifs are painted and layered on glass, creating a shimmering keepsake that looks straight out of Dolmabahçe Palace. Starts at $32/person. Click here to book →
☔ Turkish Tile Ceramic Art Workshop: Want to create an authentic tile worthy of being at Topkapi Palace? 😌 This 3-hour workshop begins with an introduction to the history and culture of Turkish tiles before making your own. Guided by a master instructor (with a degree in art history!), you’ll decorate your tile while enjoying Turkish tea (or coffee) and homemade cookies. Starts at $33/person. Click here to book →
Learn How to Cook Authentic Turkish Dishes
You’ve tasted all the delicious food — now it’s time to cook it yourself! 😋
This hands-on Turkish Cooking Class (🎫 book here) near Galata is led by a professional chef with over 35 years of experience, and it’s one of the most enjoyable ways to spend a rainy day in Istanbul.
You’ll prepare a full traditional menu, including soup, a main course, a few classic meze (appetizers), and dessert. The best part is you’ll sit down afterward to enjoy your own creations along with your classmates!
Prefer something lighter? This Turkish Breakfast Cooking Class (🎫 book here) will teach you to prepare all the breakfast staples, as well as a Vegan & Vegetarian Cooking Class (🎫 book here) hosted by a local mother-daughter duo.
If you’re still craving something sweet afterward, don’t miss the Turkish Delight (Lokum) Workshop (🎫 book here), where you’ll learn how to make this iconic treat from scratch.
… Or Tell Your Fortune (With Turkish Coffee)
If the rain’s got you craving something cozy and a little mystical, why not try a Turkish coffee fortune-telling experience? Known as “fal”, this centuries-old tradition is one of the most fascinating parts of Turkish culture, and yes, it’s still alive and well today. 🙂
During this Turkish Coffee Making & Fortune-Telling Workshop (🎫 book here), you’ll learn how to grind beans, brew authentic Turkish coffee in a cezve (the traditional copper pot), and taste 3 different types of local coffee paired with sweet Turkish delight.
Then comes the fun part: once you finish your cup, your instructor will teach you how to flip it over, read the coffee grounds, and uncover your fortune. You’ll even get a little pamphlet to decode the patterns yourself (and take with you so you can read your friends’ fortune back home! 😉)
At the end of the workshop, you’ll get a small gift set (a cezve, coffee, and mug) — the perfect little souvenir to remember your rainy-day adventure in Istanbul.
Shop ‘Til the Rain Stops
Who said you can’t be productive on a rainy day? Istanbul’s bazaars and malls are mostly covered, making them perfect for souvenir hunting, window shopping, or just escaping the gray skies for a few hours.
The classic choice is, of course, the Grand Bazaar (📍location). Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s worth wandering through its maze of 4,000 shops and admiring the jewelry, carpets, copper pans, ceramics, hamam towels, and other goodies. If you are planning on shopping, book this Guided Shopping Trip with Turkish Coffee Tasting and let an expert lead you through the Grand Bazaar’s best-kept secrets!
Just a short walk away, the Spice Bazaar (📍location) is smaller but just as enchanting, with the smell of spices, dried rose petals, and Turkish delight sweets wafting through the air.
For something a little more modern, Zorlu Center (📍location) is where Istanbul’s chic locals hide out on rainy days and do a little retail therapy at Louis Vuitton, Apple, Vakko, Beymen, and the like. Emaar Square Mall (📍location) is the Asian side’s equivalent, offering a mix of international brands and local boutiques, plus a massive aquarium if the weather refuses to cooperate. 🙂
For a more down-to-earth option, Cevahir Mall (📍location) is a true local favorite, packed with more than 300 stores covering everything from fashion and electronics to books, toys, and homeware. It’s the ultimate “everything under one roof” stop.
Finally, Galataport is an all-in-one shopping experience: you can explore the local boutique stores (we particularly like Selamlique and House of SuperStep), enjoy a nice lunch with views of the Bosphorus, and pop into one of the art museums (i.e. Istanbul Modern or the Istanbul Museum of Painting and Sculpture).
Get Lost in a Book Passage
Prefer a different kind of shopping? Istanbul has dozens of book bazaars and passages tucked across the city.
On a rainy afternoon, there’s nothing better than wandering through Sahaflar Çarşısı (the Secondhand Book Bazaar, 📍location) near Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest book markets in the city. In the courtyard, you’ll find various kiosks with everything from beautiful coffee table books on Iznik tiles to religious manuscripts, vintage novels, school books, and everything in between.
Over in Beyoğlu, the Beyoğlu Sahaflar Çarşısı (📍location) is a bit more eclectic and sells much more than just books — you’ll also find vinyl records, old movie posters, and even classic film reels waiting to be rediscovered. If you prefer your literature in an absolutely gorgeous setting, Minoa Pera (📍location) is part book store, part cafe, and 100% cozy.
Finally, on the Asian side, Kadıköy Akmar Pasajı (📍location) is a cult favorite among locals (us included 😉).
💡 Travel Tip: Even if you can’t read Turkish, many shops have English and foreign-language sections, and some owners will happily recommend Turkish classics in translation!
Hide Out in a Cozy Cafe
Is there nothing better than cozying up with a good book (or your laptop) in a cafe while it’s raining in Istanbul? 😄
Save this list of our favorite cafes in Istanbul for rainy days:
☕ Mandabatmaz (Beyoğlu) — Serving legendary Turkish coffee since the 1960s, this tiny spot near İstiklal Avenue is famous for its consistency. In fact, the name literally means “[coffee] so thick, even a water buffalo wouldn’t sink!”
☕ Walter’s Coffee Roastery (Kadıköy) — Inspired by Breaking Bad, this quirky cafe serves creative brews in beakers and test tubes. Yeah, science!
☕ Cafe Naftalin K. (Balat) — One of the most popular cafes in Balat, and for good reason. It’s hard to resist the colorful retro interior and cats. As a bonus, many of the dishes are vegetarian!
☕ Minoa Pera (Beyoğlu) — Mentioned in the section above, but definitely deserves another shoutout here. 🙂
☕ Nevmekan Sahil — Housed in what used to be Üsküdar’s wedding office, this gorgeous café-library now marries books, coffee, and sea views in a beautiful setting.
☕ Kırmızı Kedi (multiple locations) — One of our favorite book-café chains in the city (and not just because its name means “Red Cat,” although that certainly helps :)). We love the Beyoğlu branch for its cute reading corner.
☕️ Rainy Istanbul days call for comforting drinks! Order a cup of salep, a warm milky drink made from orchid root (we talk about it in our Winter in Turkey guide and Turkey Winter Bucket List). It’s one of our favorite ways to warm up!
Fresh orange juice is another great choice, since winter is citrus season here (harvest runs from November to April). And if you spot boza on the menu, give it a try — it’s a thick and slightly tangy fermented drink that’s a wintertime classic.
Indulge in Afternoon Tea in Pera Palace
If the weather calls for something a little fancier, head to Pera Palace for afternoon tea.
Housed in one of the most grandiose Art Nouveau buildings in Beyoğlu, this legendary hotel has hosted everyone from Agatha Christie (who famously wrote Murder on the Orient Express here!) to Ernest Hemingway, Alfred Hitchcock, and even Queen Elizabeth II since opening in 1892.
The hotel’s Kubbeli Lounge, where the Traditional Afternoon Tea is served, perfectly captures that turn-of-the-century European grandeur thanks to the crystal chandeliers, velvet drapes, and gold accents that make you feel like you’ve stepped into the golden age of travel.
As the rain streaks down the windows, the buzz of modern Istanbul fades away. For a moment, you could be anywhere in time — and that’s exactly the magic of Pera Palace on a rainy day.
It’s no surprise the lounge earned a spot on the Michelin Guide’s 2023 Recommended Restaurants list. The afternoon tea menu features homemade jams, cookies, mini cakes, finger sandwiches, and warm English scones served with thick clotted cream. Everything is paired with freshly brewed teas that smell as lovely as the setting itself.
And then — as if the scene wasn’t perfect enough! — a live pianist starts to play and turns an ordinary afternoon into a cozy magical trip in time. Ah, how lovely. 😌
Local Tip: Afternoon tea is served from 3–6 p.m. daily, and reservations are highly recommended. For the full experience, you can even book a stay at the Pera Palace and wake up to the same view that once inspired Agatha herself!
Discover Istanbul’s Hidden Wine Bars
Yes, really 😉 Why not warm up and expand your palate at the same time?
Istanbul’s wine scene has quietly blossomed in recent years, making it one of the most unexpected (and delightful) things to do when the weather turns gray.
One of the best places to start is right in the heart of Galata (in the Beyoğlu district). It was home to a large European population back in Ottoman times, especially Greek and Italian traders. Galata quickly became the hub for wine trading, with barrels arriving by ship from Thrace and the Aegean before being sold in wine houses, tavernas, and meyhanes.
That bohemian spirit never really disappeared, and today the same narrow streets are still filled with cozy wine bars where the tradition lives on.
For example, Sensus Wine Boutique (📍location) sits just steps from the Galata Tower and offers a cozy cellar-like ambiance with exposed stone walls, wine barrels that double as tables, and a wide selection of Turkish varietals by the glass or bottle.
While Galata Şaraphanesi’s (📍location) name translates to ‘Galata Wine House,’ this place is so much more: it offers a full menu of European-style dishes and meze that pair beautifully with its curated wine list!
A few streets away, Bağ Pera (📍location) takes its motto — “local wine bar” — to heart. It serves only Turkish wines, and even has a map on the wall showing the country’s main wine regions and native grapes.
As two locals on the Asian side, we love Viktor Levi (📍location) in Kadıköy, with its soft glowing lamps, cozy fireplace, and eclectic wine menu (the house wine is always a hit). It’s the kind of place that you could easily spend hours in.
Prefer to make a whole experience of it? Check out this amazing Istanbul wine-tasting tour with a local sommelier, where you’ll visit even more hidden gems and wine bars (including a few local places that I didn’t mention here 😉). Check availability & book now ->
Spend a Rainy Afternoon Exploring Istanbul’s Cozy Neighborhoods
Not every rainy day calls for staying indoors — sometimes, the best thing you can do is grab an umbrella and wander around!
Istanbul’s neighborhoods take on an entirely different kind of charm in the rain, one that’s extra cozy, quieter, and somehow even more beautiful.
One of our absolute favorite “rainy day” neighborhoods in Istanbul is none other than Balat, with its colorful houses and old-fashioned mom-and-pop stores. In fact, we’ve written an entire travel guide to Balat, including what to do, our favorite cafes and restaurants, how to get there, and more!
For something a little closer, Karaköy is hard to beat on a rainy day. This waterfront district is full of atmospheric cafes to people-watch, chic bakeries, and little concept shops perfect for browsing while you wait out a drizzle. When the rain lets up, you can stroll by the water and watch the ferries glide along the water.
Across the Bosphorus, Kadıköy is just as lively in the rain as it is on a sunny day. Duck into record stores, secondhand bookshops, or vintage clothing boutiques before popping into a third-wave cafe. Don’t miss the Kadıköy Market, either — it’s an excellent stop for food and souvenirs!
For something a little quieter, Kuzguncuk offers the kind of old-Istanbul charm that feels straight out of a movie with its old wooden mansions, sleepy teahouses, and cats napping under chairs. You can also add Üsküdar to your rainy day Istanbul itinerary, especially since it’s so close to Kuzguncuk.
You can read our neighborhood guides to Üsküdar and Kuzguncuk, or check out our full post on 17+ Things to Do on the Asian Side of Istanbul if you’re planning to do a day trip across the Bosphorus →
Take a Dreamy (and Scenic!) Ferry Trip
Want to see the Bosphorus at its finest? Wish you could see the city without getting wet? Need an excuse to slow down and do absolutely nothing? If you’re wondering what to do in Istanbul when it rains, we have the answer: take a ferry ride!
There are more than 30 ferry lines crisscrossing Istanbul, which means you’ll have plenty of options for scenic, budget-friendly, and completely waterproof sightseeing.
Whether you’re heading from Europe to Asia or just drifting along the Bosphorus, it’s a perfect activity no matter the forecast. Order a piping hot cup of Turkish tea (çay), camp out by the window, and watch the seagulls chase the boat among the mist. Is there anything dreamier than that? 🥰
If you’re looking for inspiration, we recommend taking the Rumeli Kavağı – Eminönü line from Eminönü pier (near Sultanahmet), enjoy a ~40-minute ride of the Bosphorus’ prettiest landmarks, and get off at Arnavutköy. Speaking of which, Arnavutköy itself is a great rainy-day destination in Istanbul, full of cafes, small cobblestone streets, and pretty historical houses. 🙂
Pro tip: If it’s raining at night, don’t let that stop you from enjoying the water! Bosphorus dinner cruises run year-round, and most have covered decks and cozy interiors. You’ll sail past illuminated palaces and bridges while enjoying music, Turkish food, and traditional dances. Book our favorite Bosphorus Dinner Cruise here →
We hope that this post has inspired you to make the most of the weather (no matter the forecast) and given you a few ideas on what to do on a rainy day in Istanbul!
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