Places to visit during winter near me

Planning an off-season adventure in Turkey (Türkiye)? Here are 14 wonderful places to visit in winter, all with special cold-weather activities and magical snowy landscapes.

From ski resorts and winter hot balloon rides to soaking in open-air hot springs, there are plenty of things to do in Turkey in winter.

Wander the streets of Istanbul with the locals, indulge in a soul-warming hammam treatment, hit the slopes or explore far-flung archaeological sites without the crowds.

It might be the off season, but Turkey’s coastal towns never lose their sparkle, while the country’s natural wonders take on a new kind of radiance: All frozen lakes, ice-crested mountains and snow-dusted caves.

Winter in Turkey is a special treat and something you won’t soon forget. Here are the top 14 winter-approved places to visit.

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Turkey winter essentials

• Apply for a tourist visa to visit Turkey: Use iVisa to check your requirements and apply for an expedited visa online.
• Where to stay in Turkey: Find a cosy guesthouse or winter cabin on Booking.com.
• Top winter experience: Take a hot air balloon flight over snowy Cappadocia.
• Rent a car in Turkey: Use Local Rent to find a budget-friendly rental from a local agent.

1. Istanbul

Turkey’s largest city is the ultimate winter city break destination. When the weather is cold and there are very few people on the streets, Istanbul’s year-round treasure trove of attractions and special experiences comes into its own. Popular landmarks in this eternally beautiful city that are crowded during summer will be fairly empty in winter – so take advantage of that.

Istanbul offers an array of places to visit, from fascinating museums to tranquil gardens and busy bazaars. There are far too many amazing restaurants and cafes where you can indulge in Turkish delicacies to list. Start every morning as the locals do with a steaming cup of Turkish coffee, a UNESCO-Listed culinary tradition.

Istanbul’s fortresses and cisterns retell the history of the city and its complex heritage. Among the places in Istanbul you must visit are its historic mosques, the Hagia Sophia, Ortakoy Mosque and Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Taksim, the Basilica Cistern, Galata Tower, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, and of course the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar.

At the end of a big day of sightseeing, wind down and warm up with a trip to the world-famous Turkish baths.

2. Cappadocia

Thanks to its beautiful landscapes, captivating history and bucket-list-worthy hot air balloon rides, Cappadocia remains one of Turkey’s top attractions throughout the winter months. Visitors to Cappadocia in winter may well find it more enjoyable than in summer when crowds flock to the region and temperatures sky rocket. There is usually a lot of snow in Cappadocia from late November until early March, adding to the atmosphere.

Cappadocia’s stunning landscapes crafted from centuries of volcanic eruptions are unforgettable. Regardless of the time of year, this rugged and yet serene backdrop is extraordinary. Those with an adventurous spirit will find Cappadocia’s dry climate conducive to hiking.

When you visit Cappadocia, cave hotels are the place to stay. Cappadocians built their underground cities many thousands of years ago and now there are a large variety of romantic and cosy hotels nestled in the landscape. Cappadocian cuisine is perfect for winter, especially the clay pot kebabs.

3. Ani, one of the most underrated places to visit in Turkey in winter

One of the country’s lesser-visited tourist attractions, Ani is another place in Turkey that really turns on the charm in the colder months. Located in the country’s far-east, Ani is an old Armenian city at the border of Turkey and Armenia, just a 40-minute drive from Kars.

A highlight of the Ani Ruins is the many grand medieval Armenian churches, which mirror those seen in modern-day Armenian cities such as Gyumri. You’ll soon see why Ani was nicknamed the ‘City of One Thousand and One Churches and Forty Gates’.

Summer might be the peak season, but it isn’t really the ideal time to visit Ani. Instead, it’s much more powerful to witness these ancient ruins atop snow-covered hills during winter. When in Kars Province, don’t miss a trip to the frozen Lake Cildir.

4. Lake Cildir

An easy day trip from Kars or a whistle stop on the Dogu Express route, Lake Cildir (‘the lake of shadows’) is one of Turkey’s most quintessential winter destinations. Much like the nearby Javakheti Plateau just over the border in Georgia, this area experiences Arctic-like conditions.

Frozen for up to eight months of the year, Lake Cildir is a place where you can experience winter-wonderland landscapes in autumn and throughout spring. Popular cold-weather activities here include ice fishing and troika rides in a horse-pulled sleigh. You can even hire a bicycle and cycle on the ice – it’s that thick!

Don’t miss Gunay Canli Alabalik, a restaurant on the eastern side of the Cildir that serves fresh fish caught from the lake.

5. Ishak Pasha Palace

The climate in eastern Agri Province is unforgiving, with very hot summers and bitterly cold winters. But it’s well worth braving the chill for Ishak Pasha Palace: This historical landmark captures everything that makes Turkey in winter beautiful.

Despite centuries of abandonment, the Ottoman palace continues to stand proud atop its cliff. Over 400 years after the sprawling palace was built by generations of the Pasha family, its classical arches and domes still survive as a testament to their ingenuity.

Visit the palace to gaze upon its legendary facade. You might recognise it from the 100 Turkish lira bill. Ishak Pasha Palace really is an icon of Turkish culture and looks especially regal ensconced in crisp white snow.

6. Pamukkale

Another Turkish winter gem to visit is Pamukkale, the ‘Cotton Castle’. A popular destination throughout the year, this is the place to experience nature at its finest. 

First used as a spa resort by the Romans in the 2nd century BC, Pamukkale’s naturally toasty water is the perfect salve for cold feet. The thermal waters that overflow from the stacked travertine terraces are rich in minerals and cast beautiful shapes and patterns as they cascade down.

While Pamukkale tends to be rather cold in winter, there are still plenty of activities to do and things to see, including the Greco-Roman ruins at Hierapolis and Cleopatra’s Pool.

7. Ephesus

The ancient city of Ephesus is one of Turkey’s most well-known archaeological sites and by far the most-visited historical attraction during summer. This is due to the fact that cruise ships dock in nearby Kusadasi, welcoming thousands of tourists every day.

While still popular in the winter season, the crowds at Ephesus are considerably less than in the summer months, which means you’ll have more breathing room to enjoy the ancient ruins and hike the surrounding hills.

History buffs shouldn’t hesitate to plan their winter holidays in Ephesus. The ruins – including a magnificent old theatre with room for 25,000 spectators, the Library of Celsus that once held 22,000 scrolls, and beautiful Byzantine mosaics – have to be seen in person to be believed.

8. The Kackar Mountains

With some of the most magnificent hiking trails in the world, the Kackar Mountains are a sight for sore eyes with their snow-capped peaks and dramatic cliffs – and a reminder that some of the most beautiful places in Turkey are found in nature.

Located behind the Black Sea Coast and the tea region of Rize, the mountain slopes are steep, partly wooded, and perfect for ski tours in winter. Several rolling alpine pastures offer great downhill runs.

The highest point of the Kackar range is almost 4,000 metres above sea level. It’s very cold in winter, however the area remains alive with wildlife throughout the season and it’s not uncommon to see bears and cubs when out on the slopes.

9. Bolu

The first thing that comes to mind for many people when thinking of Bolu Province – located midway between Istanbul and Ankara – are its pretty small towns and vernacular Ottoman architecture. But this region also boasts stunning nature that transforms with the changing seasons.

A short drive from the Turkish capital, Bolu becomes a favourite destination for weekend getaways as soon as summer comes to an end. By autumn, the city is swimming in a sea of amber and rust and come winter, it is covered in a blanket of snow.

Around Lake Abant, a stunning freshwater lake in Yedigoller National Park, you can appreciate nature’s brilliant colours, while nearby Kartalkaya has ski slopes to please even the most discerning of winter sports enthusiasts. There are dozens of tiny chalets where you can rest and relax as well.

10. The Uludag Mountains

Home to one of Turkey’s most famous ski resorts, the Uludag Mountains boast 28 kilometres of slopes for beginner and experienced skiers. The majority of visitors ascend the mountain via the Uludag cable car, which takes approximately 25 minutes and spans 9 kilometres, making it the longest in Turkey.

Ski season is obviously the most popular time to visit Uludag, with skiing and snowboarding attracting many locals and international tourists alike. Even if you’re not a skier, there are lots of things to do beyond the slopes. A snow safari is a great way to soak up this winter-wonderful landscape without donning skis.

Don’t miss a day trip to Cumalikizik, located at the foot of the mountain near Bursa. This village is beloved for its 270 rubble stone and wood houses, many perfectly preserved or lovingly restored. Kids and adults alike will love wandering through this living ethnography museum.

11. Aladaglar National Park

Writing of Aladaglar, the Greek geographer and philosopher Strabo said that ‘the summit was never free from snow’. This is one place in Turkey where you’re guaranteed to see snow year-round – and on a clear day, views of both the Black Sea and the Mediterranean!

Spread over four provinces in central Turkey, Aladaglar National Park is home to one of the country’s most important mountain ranges, the Ala-Daglar or crimson mountains, so-called because of the brilliant scarlet flush that falls on the peaks at sunset.

Also nicknamed ‘The Alps of Turkey’, this is prime hiking territory. In the winter months, many of the park’s prettiest landscapes, including its spring lakes and waterfalls, take on a striking appearance. The seven cliff-face Kapuzbasi Waterfalls and surrounding glacier ponds are best viewed in the warmer months, but can also be visited in winter.

12. Izmir

Firmly a summer destination famed for its stunning beaches, Izmir takes on a different kind of beauty in winter low season. The streets of this bustling port city on the Aegean Coast are largely empty during the winter months because most people (sensibly!) retreat indoors.

Even in the depths of winter, Izmir’s Alsancak market remains bustling and the streets of Alacati retain their charm. Balcova district offers a special winter experience: Thermal baths and hot springs set in gorgeous forest.

Turkish culture attaches a lot of importance to bathing. Since ancient times, it’s been used as a social activity. Take an afternoon spa treatment at one of the centres in Balcova and see for yourself why this activity is a local’s favourite during the depths of winter.

13. Mardin

South-east Turkey’s Mardin Province is a repository of history, archaeology and religious heritage. Located on a rocky outcrop floating above the flat Mesopotamian plain, the regional capital of Mardin is a sight to behold at any time of year.

Fashioned from locally mined ecru-coloured limestone, the city is in perfect harmony with its surrounding landscape. A dusting of powder – not uncommon here during chilly winters as temperatures drop down to the single digits – only adds to the effect. Despite the cold conditions, Mardin is known for its warming sunshine, which makes it a great winter destination.

Mardin is bristling with intriguing architecture, including many 11th-12th century monuments associated with the Artuqid Dynasty. Walk to the top of the ridge for stunning views from the citadel – on a clear December day, you might be able to see all the way to the Syrian or Iraqi borders – then wander the streets, visiting some of the historic madrasa schools.

Take note of the peculiar vernacular houses with their sloping facades and big courtyards, and keep an ear out for the sound of the Syrian Orthodox silversmiths’ hammers rising and falling in rhythm from within their workshops.

14. Bursa

One of the major cities in north-west Turkey, Bursa has a huge variety of attractions to satiate curious tourists. Sitting at the foot of the Uludag range, it has an enviable backdrop of spectacular mountains. The city itself is nicknamed ‘Green Bursa’ because of its many parks and gardens. And here’s one for the foodies: The famous Iskender kebab comes from this area!

Bursa was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status for many historical sites including the Ulu Cami, the Yildirim Bazaar and Karagoz Museum. It has an equally picturesque appearance throughout the summer and winter months, and loads of indoor and outdoor activities on offer.

Don’t miss the 20-domed Great Mosque, which has been a fixture of Bursa since the 14th century, or the Bosnian-Turkish Friendship Fountain, a replica of the Sebilj in Sarajevo Old Town.

Turkey essentials

Here are some of the websites and services I recommend for planning a trip to Turkey. Remember to check out my full list of travel resources for more tips.

FLIGHTS: Find affordable flights to Turkey using the Skyscanner website.

VISAS: Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Turkey and apply for an expedited visa online.

DOCUMENTATION: Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation for your visa application.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip to Turkey with HeyMondo, my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance.

CAR HIRE: Use the Local Rent platform to hire a car from a local agent. Prices start from as little as 18€ per day.

ACCOMMODATION: Find the best Turkey hotel deals on Booking.com.

CITY TOURS & DAY TRIPS: Browse the Viator website to find the best itineraries and prices for Istanbul food tours, Cappadocia balloon rides and more!

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