For those who prefer a quiet New Year’s Eve at home, January 1st is actually the best day to celebrate the new year. The crowds have dispersed, the city is a bit quieter, and you wake up refreshed and ready to go.
So what can you do in Istanbul on the first day of 2026? Here are 10 activity suggestions for an energetic and enjoyable start to the new year.
1. A Full Day Experience at Emaar Square Mall: Aquarium, SkyView and Shopping
If you want to spend the first day of the new year packed with activities in a single location, Emaar Square Mall is perfect for you. This massive complex on the Asian Side offers multiple experiences all in one place.
Emaar Aquarium
You can start your day at Emaar Aquarium. One of Turkey’s largest aquariums, this venue is home to more than 20,000 marine creatures. Walking through the tunnel where sharks swim is an unforgettable experience, especially for families with children.
Starting the new year with the magic of the underwater world is both relaxing and a visual feast.
Emaar SkyView Observation Deck
After the aquarium, you can take the elevator up to Istanbul’s highest observation point. Emaar SkyView’s 360-degree panoramic view is ideal for capturing the first beautiful memory of 2026.
The blue of the Bosphorus on one side, the silhouette of the historic peninsula on the other… Seeing the city beneath your feet means starting the new year with a completely different perspective.
For adrenaline seekers, there’s also the Skywalk glass terrace. Seeing Istanbul through the glass beneath your feet is a unique experience for those who want to step into 2026 with courage.
Shopping and Sky Cafe Break
After descending from SkyView, you can take a mini shopping tour in the mall and make your first purchase of the new year here. When you get tired, take a break with a hot coffee or tea at Sky Cafe with Istanbul’s panoramic view.
Practical info: Emaar Square Mall is open on January 1st. We recommend starting with the aquarium in the morning and heading up to SkyView around noon, so you can enjoy the view in daylight.
2. Take a Ferry Tour on the Bosphorus
Hopping on a ferry on the morning of January 1st and watching both sides of the Bosphorus is the most Istanbul way to welcome the new year. Plus, ferries are usually less crowded the day after New Year’s Eve, which means you can easily find a spot on deck and enjoy the view.
The Eminönü-Kadıköy line is a short but enjoyable option. On this approximately 20-minute journey, you can see Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia on one side, and Kadıköy’s colorful silhouette on the other. For those who want a longer experience, Bosphorus tour ferries go all the way to Anadolu Kavağı. This tour takes about 3 hours and reveals all the beauty of the Bosphorus.
Don’t forget to bring a warm simit and tea with you. Sharing simit with seagulls on deck, taking the first photos of the new year… These are rituals unique to Istanbul.
Practical info: Şehir Hatları ferries continue their services on January 1st. For the Bosphorus tour, you can catch the 10:35 departure from Eminönü pier. Dress warmly as it will be cold, but don’t give up on going out on deck.
3. Visit Maiden’s Tower
Istanbul’s symbol, Maiden’s Tower, is perfect for a romantic getaway on the first day of the new year. The tower, which you can reach in just a few minutes by boats departing from Üsküdar shore, enchants with both its historical texture and unique location.
In the museum section inside the tower, you can discover the transformation of Maiden’s Tower over the centuries. On the restaurant floor, you can have breakfast or brunch with a view of the Bosphorus. Having breakfast in the middle of the sea on the first morning of the new year, watching both sides of Istanbul, is truly a special experience.
Especially for couples, spending time at Maiden’s Tower on the first day of the year means a romantic start. It can also be a perfect venue for those planning a marriage proposal.
Practical info: Making a reservation in advance is strongly recommended, as January 1st can be busy. Boat services may be cancelled depending on weather conditions, so check the current status before going. You can reach the tower from Salacak or Üsküdar piers.
4. Take a Day Trip to the Princes’ Islands
If you want to completely escape the city noise, the Islands are a great choice for January 1st. The islands are much quieter and more peaceful in winter. There’s no trace of the summer crowds, which creates an ideal time to discover the true character of the islands.
On Büyükada, you can rent a bicycle instead of a horse carriage and take a tour. See the historic mansions on Nizam Street, climb up to Aya Yorgi Church and watch the panoramic view of the island from the top. Heybeliada offers a smaller and more intimate atmosphere. You can walk to Değirmenburnu and sit by the sea at Çam Limanı.
Cycling on the island in the winter sun, walking among the pine trees and breathing in the sea air will recharge your energy for the rest of the year.
Practical info: Be sure to check the winter schedule, as ferry times differ from summer. Ferries depart from Kabataş or Kadıköy. Note the return time so you don’t miss the last ferry. Some places on the islands may be closed in winter, so do your research before going.
5. Take a Walk in Belgrade Forest
For those who want to start the new year with fresh air and nature, Belgrade Forest is an excellent choice. Known as Istanbul’s lungs, this 5,500-hectare green area welcomes those who want to escape the chaos of the city.
There are walking trails of different difficulty levels in the forest. The Neşet Suyu trail is ideal for families, a flat and easy route. Those who want a more challenging walk can choose the Bentler area. You can see the historical water dams while also getting your cardio in.
Especially if you’ve made a “healthier lifestyle in the new year” resolution, crowning this decision with a nature walk on January 1st is a symbolic start. The steps you take on the first day of the year can be a source of motivation for the whole year.
Bring hot tea or coffee in a thermos with you. After your walk, you can take a break in the picnic areas in the forest and sip your drinks.
Practical info: Early morning hours are quieter. Weekends and holidays can get crowded in the afternoon. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as the ground can be wet and muddy. Parking is available but may fill up early.
6. Go on a Museum Tour
Museums that are open on January 1st are ideal for those looking for both a cultural experience and a warm place. Diving into history or art on a cold winter day allows you to start the new year with an intellectual beginning.
Istanbul Modern stands out with its Turkish and international contemporary art collection. Its new building in Karaköy is worth seeing both architecturally and for its exhibitions. At Pera Museum, you can see Osman Hamdi Bey’s “The Tortoise Trainer” painting and visit seasonal exhibitions. Sakıp Sabancı Museum is known for its Bosphorus-view garden and quality exhibitions.
For a more historical experience, Topkapı Palace takes you on a journey to the Ottoman era. The Harem section and Treasury are must-sees. Hagia Sophia offers both Byzantine and Ottoman history together.
Practical info: Since January 1st is an official holiday, some museums may be closed. Confirm that the museum is open from its website or social media accounts before going. Museum Pass holders can enter many museums for free.
7. Get Lost in the Streets of Karaköy-Galata
The day after New Year’s Eve, the streets of Karaköy and Galata are both quiet and photogenic. This historic district is one of Istanbul’s most characterful neighborhoods with its narrow streets, historic buildings and independent businesses.
You can climb Galata Tower to see a 360-degree view of Istanbul. The Golden Horn, the Bosphorus and the historic peninsula are spread out before you in a single glance. After descending from the tower, you can browse the musical instrument shops on Galip Dede Street and check out the antique dealers.
When you go down to the Karaköy side, independent coffee shops await you. This area is one of Istanbul’s third wave coffee centers. Sipping your first specialty coffee of the new year at artisan coffee shops is a nice ritual. A baklava break at Karaköy Güllüoğlu is also a must.
For photography enthusiasts, the graffiti in the side streets, vintage signs and historic doors offer great shots.
Practical info: There may be a queue for Galata Tower, so go early or buy tickets online. There are many hills in the area, so wear comfortable shoes. Fish bread boats are on the Karaköy shore on weekends, check for January 1st.
8. Take a Walk in the Historic Peninsula
Walking around Sultanahmet, Eminönü and its surroundings on the day after New Year’s Eve means breathing in Istanbul’s thousands of years of history step by step. You can see traces of Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman civilizations on a single route.
Start at Sultanahmet Square. Hagia Sophia on one side, the Blue Mosque on the other… Walking between these two magnificent structures is an experience in itself. Descend into the Basilica Cistern, see the Medusa heads and witness the engineering marvel of Byzantium.
From there, you can head towards Topkapı Palace. The palace can be visited as a museum. Take a break at Gülhane Park and watch the view of the Golden Horn at the tea garden. Go down to Eminönü and get lost among the spice scents in the Spice Bazaar.
Tourist density is relatively less on January 1st. This is an advantage for taking photos.
Practical info: Comfortable shoes are essential, you’ll be walking a lot in the area. Cobblestone streets can be slippery. Pay attention to dress codes when entering mosques. Sultanahmet tram stop is right in the center of the area.
9. Create a Breakfast Route
You can make a delicious start to the new year at Istanbul’s famous breakfast spots. Turkish breakfast is already one of the richest breakfast tables in the world. Sharing this with your loved ones on the first day of the year can be a nice tradition.
On Çırağan Street in Beşiktaş, many breakfast spots line up. You may have difficulty choosing among the wide variety of serpme (spread) breakfasts. There are breakfast spots with sea views in Kadıköy Moda. On Bebek shore, you can have a luxury brunch experience.
Must-haves in a serpme breakfast: fresh kashkaval cheese, white cheese, honey and clotted cream, eggs with sucuk, menemen, assorted olives, tomatoes-cucumber and plenty of fresh simit. Brewed tea is a must on the side.
At the breakfast table, you can talk about your dreams and goals for 2026 and share your new year’s resolutions. Breakfast tables are a perfect setting for such conversations.
Practical info: Reservations are recommended especially for January 1st at popular venues. Most places open between 09:00-10:00. Serpme breakfasts can last 2-3 hours, so don’t be in a hurry. Prices vary from region to region, so check menu prices before going.
10. Watch the Sunset at Üsküdar Shore
Would you like to watch the first sunset of the new year at one of Istanbul’s most beautiful spots? Üsküdar shore offers a magnificent sunset view with the silhouette of the Historic Peninsula and Maiden’s Tower across from it.
There’s a wide area along the shore where you can walk. You can walk from Salacak to Üsküdar center. Along the way, there are benches, tea gardens and boats selling fish bread.
The Salacak area is the best spot to watch the sunset. Maiden’s Tower is right in front of you, with the silhouette of Sultanahmet and Hagia Sophia behind… The colors of the sky turning from orange to purple as the sun sets illuminate Istanbul’s historic structures. This moment is not to be missed for photography enthusiasts.
After the sun sets, don’t forget to get a hot fish bread from the fish bread boats on the shore. Pickle juice on the side is an Istanbul classic.
Practical info: Sunset is around 17:00 on January 1st. Take your place on the shore at least half an hour beforehand, go early to grab a nice bench. The shore can be windy, so dress warmly. You can reach Üsküdar by Marmaray or ferry.
How Should You Plan Your January 1st?
You can create a full-day plan by combining several of the activities above. Here’s a sample route:
Morning: Aquarium visit at Emaar Square Mall
Noon: View and Skywalk experience at Emaar SkyView → Coffee break at Sky Cafe → Mini shopping tour
Afternoon: Ferry tour or museum visit
Evening: Sunset at Üsküdar shore
Frequently Asked Questions
Are places open in Istanbul on January 1st?
Most cafes, restaurants, shopping malls and tourist attractions are open on January 1st. However, some museums and official institutions may be closed. We recommend checking before you go.
Does public transportation work on January 1st?
Yes, metro, metrobus, Marmaray and ferries continue their services on January 1st. However, weekend schedules may apply and service frequency may be reduced.
Is Istanbul crowded the day after New Year’s Eve?
Generally, January 1st is much quieter than New Year’s Eve. Since many people prefer to rest at home, tourist attractions are less crowded.
What can be done with children on January 1st?
The aquarium is a great option for children. They can see thousands of marine creatures and walk through the shark tunnel. Then you can enjoy the view at the observation deck. Belgrade Forest and the Islands are also suitable alternatives for families with children.
What is the weather like on January 1st?
The weather in Istanbul in January can be cold and rainy. Average temperature is between 5-10 degrees Celsius. Dress in layers and bring an umbrella with you. It makes sense to make a plan that includes indoor venues as well.
The first day of 2026 symbolizes how you start the new year. Whether you watch the city from the top of Istanbul, explore the underwater world, or enjoy a ferry ride on the Bosphorus… What matters is dedicating this day to yourself and your loved ones.
May your new year be filled with health, happiness and unforgettable memories!
