Everything you need to know about visiting Istanbul in July

Hot summer days in Istanbul call for boat cruises on the Bosphorus and drinks on breezy rooftop terraces. Visiting Istanbul in July is a fantastic time to enjoy the city’s summer buzz. The streets come alive with tourists and locals enjoying sunny tea on cafe terraces, while the long evenings are filled with festivals and live music.

If you need a break from the heat, you can relax under the trees at Yildiz Park or head inside one of the historic palaces and mosques. No matter what your interests, these are the best things to do in Istanbul in July.

Why go to Istanbul in July?

It's a great time for a Bosphorus cruise

With summer temperatures climbing into the mid-80s F (30s C) some days, the sea breeze off the Bosphorus helps keep things comfortable. July is a great time to cool down with a boat trip on the Bosphorus Strait. There are tons of options to pick from, from short ferry rides to two-hour sunset sightseeing cruises and full-day trips stopping at fishing villages along the shore.

You can take a day trip to the seaside

July is the perfect month for a day trip to the Princes' Islands, just a one-hour ferry ride away from central Istanbul. Take a break from the city’s hustle and bustle and enjoy the laid-back charm of Büyükada and Heybeliada, where you can cycle car-free streets, relax on the beach, and soak up the sunshine. Best of all, you’ll be back in Istanbul in time for dinner with a sunset view.

Nights are long, and people stay out later

As the heat peaks during the day, Istanbul in July shifts into night mode. Shops stay open later, restaurants don’t start getting busy until after 9:00 PM, and bars and clubs stay packed until 3:00 AM. Rooftop lounges and waterfront venues host nightly parties, giving you plenty of chances to have a night you’ll never forget.

You’ll find plenty of outdoor concerts around town

July is a fantastic time to be in Istanbul for music lovers, with exciting events like the Istanbul Jazz Festival and open-air concerts across the city. Many public squares and parks in Istanbul host free music performances and cultural events in summer — you never know what you might stumble across while wandering around. Waterfront amphitheaters like the one in Harbiye host larger paid events, drawing in big-name Turkish pop and rock artists.

What’s the weather like in Istanbul in July?

Istanbul's weather in July is hot and sunny with clear blue skies, low humidity, and minimal rainfall. Days are long with the sun setting after 8:30 PM. Cool breezes from the Bosphorus Strait are common and welcome, making the heat slightly more bearable. Pack light clothes and comfortable walking shoes, and don’t leave the hotel without sun protection.

• Average day temperature: 84 F (29 C)
• Average night temperature: 68 F (20 C)
• Average days of rain: 4 days
• Average days of sun: 27 days

Top things to do in Istanbul in July

1. See Balat’s colorful townhouses pop under the summer sun

Balat is one of Istanbul’s oldest and most colorful neighborhoods, known for its narrow cobblestone streets and rows of rainbow-colored houses, which become even brighter and more photogenic in July's sunshine. Wander through the picturesque neighborhood looking for street art and its many photo-worthy spots. Pass by historic churches and synagogues, pop into quirky vintage shops, then find a local cafe with an outdoor terrace to enjoy a drink and embrace the area’s relaxed, local vibe.

Address

Balat, 34087 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

2. Take a ferry to Kadıköy and enjoy its vibrant nightlife

Hop on a ferry to Kadıköy, on the city’s Asian side, and take a pub crawl around the lively district, one of the top places to be in Istanbul at night. The breezy boat ride across the Bosphorus Strait is half the fun, giving you stunning views of the city’s skyline at sunset as you leave the European side.

Once you arrive, you’ll step into Kadıköy’s maze of lively streets, filled with busy meyhanes, trendy bars with buzzing terraces, and rooftop lounges where you can sip a cocktail or two. The neighborhood’s creative and young vibe makes it a hotspot after dark, especially in summer when warm nights encourage people to stay out later than usual.

Address

Kadıköy, Caferağa, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye

Opening hours

The Kadıköy ferry service operates daily, 6:30 AM–1:00 AM

3. Cool off in the shade at Yildiz Park

The massive Yildiz Park is the perfect escape from the summer heat without needing to head indoors. This former imperial hunting ground covers a hillside above the Bosphorus, with winding paths, peaceful waterways, and gorgeous views over the strait. Towering old trees offer plenty of shade, while cool breezes drift in straight from the water.

In the summer, you'll see locals lounging on blankets in the sun, reading books under the trees, and sipping Turkish coffee at the historic Malta Köşkü (Malta Kiosk), an elegant Ottoman pavilion turned into a cool café. You can easily kill half a day here, wandering the lush trails and relaxing in the shade in one of Istanbul’s most beautiful green spaces.

Address

Yıldız, Çırağan Cd., 34349 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

4. Spend an afternoon exploring Camlica Hill

Located on the city’s Asian side, Camlica Hill is where you’ll find some of the best views in Istanbul. On a clear summer's day, you can see the city’s distinctive neighborhoods stretching out below, along with views of the Bosphorus Strait, the Golden Horn, and even the distant Princes’ Islands. At the summit is the modern Grand Camlica Mosque, the largest mosque in Turkey, with elegant minarets and wide terraces that overlook the city.

After exploring the impressive mosque, stick around and find somewhere to watch the sunset on the hill. Head up to the 33rd-floor observation deck of the new Camlica Tower and enjoy 360-degree views from Istanbul’s tallest structure. Or stroll over to one of the large free viewing terraces high on the hill to watch the sun dip behind the skyline.

Address

Kısıklı, Çamlıca Tepesi yl No:25/10, 34692 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Türkiye

Opening hours

Camlica Mosque: 08:60 AM–6:30 PM every day (closed during daily prayers)

Camlica Tower: 10:00 AM– 10:00 PM every day

5. Catch a show at the Istanbul Jazz Festival

The famous Istanbul Jazz Festival turns iconic landmarks into concert venues throughout July, bringing talented musicians from all over the world to perform in the city’s churches, museums, and Ottoman palaces. The festival showcases a variety of jazz styles, including traditional jazz, funk, blues, rock, and world music.

You'll find shows happening almost every day in neighborhoods all over the city, including a series of free jazz concerts in public parks. The best shows happen in open-air venues like the Esma Sultan Mansion, a roofless Ottoman palace right on the Bosphorus Strait, and the Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre. Whether you're a jazz aficionado or a casual listener, the Jazz Festival is one of the best things to do in Istanbul in July.