![\"Galata](\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/istanbul-galata-kulesi.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nRising from the heart of Beyo\u011flu with its commanding architecture, the Galata Tower is one of Istanbul\u2019s enduring symbols. After an extensive restoration, it now serves only as an observation deck and museum. On days when the city lies under a veil of white or when gray clouds lend the skyline a dramatic edge, it offers a mesmerizing 360-degree view. With the top-floor restaurant removed, every inch of the space now belongs to those who have come simply to stand still and take in the panorama.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Shop in historical bazaars<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Historical](\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/tarihi-kapali-carsi-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFor centuries, \u0130stanbul has been known as a shopping destination, featuring numerous bazaars and countless shops and ateliers. The Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar are two of the most well-known <\/span>historical bazaars<\/span><\/a>. Whether you are reside in \u0130stanbul or are visiting, drop into one of these traditional markets, with their spice, jewelry, handicrafts and food stalls. Particularly in winter, these covered bazaars offer warmth, appetizing aromas and hot glasses of tea! <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nEnjoy the fragrance of roasting chestnuts on Istiklal Street<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Nostalgic](\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/kisin-istiklal-caddesi.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhile some areas in \u0130stanbul become quieter in the winter, Istiklal Street never stops buzzing.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nAt every step, Istiklal Street brings together people from various places and cultures, to listen to street musicians, ride the nostalgic tram, and sample local specialties in the many cafes. Ride the T\u00fcnel, the quaint subway funicular inaugurated in 1875, and stroll along charming French Street, also known as Cezayir Street. And of course, stop by one of the vendors selling fragrant hot roasted chestnuts and try this delicious and warming street snack. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nVisit Topkapi Palace and Dolmabah\u00e7e Palace<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Dolmabah\u00e7e](\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/topkapi-dolmabahce-sarayi.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWinter is an ideal time to visit all those historical sites that you meant to see in the summer. The <\/span>Dolmabah\u00e7e and Topkap\u0131 Palaces<\/span><\/a>, vibrant symbols of \u0130stanbul\u2019s deep history, are among the most important structures in the city. Brighten a gloomy day with the glittering interiors of these majestic palaces. If going outdoors feels too challenging, read about them and feel inspired. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nDiscover peaceful G\u00fclhane Park, the subject of songs and poems.<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"G\u00fclhane](\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Gu\u0308lhane-Park.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA visit to Topkap\u0131 Palace can be overwhelming, so enjoy a relaxing stroll through adjacent G\u00fclhane Park. Beautifully uncrowded during the chillier months, the Park\u2019s paved paths meander amid trees and greenery, including a 300-year-old \u2018stony plane tree\u2019. Conclude your idyll at a caf\u00e9, with a cup of tea brewed in an old-fashioned samovar.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTake a stroll in K\u00fc\u00e7\u00fcksu Kasri (K\u00fc\u00e7\u00fcksu Pavilion) <\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"K\u00fc\u00e7\u00fcksu](\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/istanbul-kucuksu-kasri.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIn \u0130stanbul\u2019s K\u00fc\u00e7\u00fcksu district, on the \u00dcsk\u00fcdar-Beykoz coastal road, the ornate, waterfront K\u00fc\u00e7\u00fcksu Pavilion was among the preferred boarding pavilions used by the Ottoman sultans. The original wood villa is believed to have been built in 1752; the current structure, made of stone, was built in 1856 by Sultan Abd\u00fclmecid. Also known as G\u00f6ksu Pavilion, its d\u00e9cor was designed by Sechan, the decorator of the Paris Opera, who is also responsible for the interior design of the Dolmabah\u00e7e Palace. For another heart-warming \u0130stanbul experience, visit the K\u00fc\u00e7\u00fcksu Pavilion and enjoy the crisp\u00a0Bosphorus<\/a>\u00a0breezes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFor centuries, \u0130stanbul has been known as a shopping destination, featuring numerous bazaars and countless shops and ateliers. The Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar are two of the most well-known <\/span>historical bazaars<\/span><\/a>. Whether you are reside in \u0130stanbul or are visiting, drop into one of these traditional markets, with their spice, jewelry, handicrafts and food stalls. Particularly in winter, these covered bazaars offer warmth, appetizing aromas and hot glasses of tea! <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n While some areas in \u0130stanbul become quieter in the winter, Istiklal Street never stops buzzing.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n At every step, Istiklal Street brings together people from various places and cultures, to listen to street musicians, ride the nostalgic tram, and sample local specialties in the many cafes. Ride the T\u00fcnel, the quaint subway funicular inaugurated in 1875, and stroll along charming French Street, also known as Cezayir Street. And of course, stop by one of the vendors selling fragrant hot roasted chestnuts and try this delicious and warming street snack. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Winter is an ideal time to visit all those historical sites that you meant to see in the summer. The <\/span>Dolmabah\u00e7e and Topkap\u0131 Palaces<\/span><\/a>, vibrant symbols of \u0130stanbul\u2019s deep history, are among the most important structures in the city. Brighten a gloomy day with the glittering interiors of these majestic palaces. If going outdoors feels too challenging, read about them and feel inspired. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n A visit to Topkap\u0131 Palace can be overwhelming, so enjoy a relaxing stroll through adjacent G\u00fclhane Park. Beautifully uncrowded during the chillier months, the Park\u2019s paved paths meander amid trees and greenery, including a 300-year-old \u2018stony plane tree\u2019. Conclude your idyll at a caf\u00e9, with a cup of tea brewed in an old-fashioned samovar.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n In \u0130stanbul\u2019s K\u00fc\u00e7\u00fcksu district, on the \u00dcsk\u00fcdar-Beykoz coastal road, the ornate, waterfront K\u00fc\u00e7\u00fcksu Pavilion was among the preferred boarding pavilions used by the Ottoman sultans. The original wood villa is believed to have been built in 1752; the current structure, made of stone, was built in 1856 by Sultan Abd\u00fclmecid. Also known as G\u00f6ksu Pavilion, its d\u00e9cor was designed by Sechan, the decorator of the Paris Opera, who is also responsible for the interior design of the Dolmabah\u00e7e Palace. For another heart-warming \u0130stanbul experience, visit the K\u00fc\u00e7\u00fcksu Pavilion and enjoy the crisp\u00a0Bosphorus<\/a>\u00a0breezes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nEnjoy the fragrance of roasting chestnuts on Istiklal Street<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nVisit Topkapi Palace and Dolmabah\u00e7e Palace<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nDiscover peaceful G\u00fclhane Park, the subject of songs and poems.<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTake a stroll in K\u00fc\u00e7\u00fcksu Kasri (K\u00fc\u00e7\u00fcksu Pavilion) <\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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