Istanbul on New Year's Eve?

December 17, 2008 7:23 PM

What should I do in Istanbul on New Year's Eve?

I will be traveling in Turkey over the holidays with my girlfriend and a few other friends. Cappadocia over Christmas and Istanbul for New Year's. I imagine Christmas will be pretty quiet so we're focusing on finding something fun to do for New Year's. I've heard Taksim Square is the place to be in Istanbul. Has anyone done this? Any other suggestions on what to do?

posted by rsk to travel & transportation (2 comments total)

I don't have an actual party or club to suggest, but I just wanted to say that Taksim Square is like, douchebag central. Although I've only been there in the summer, I would imagine on New Year's it would be kind of like Times Square in I'd avoid it, unless that is exactly the sort of scene you are looking for.

And if it is, there is a club near there called 360 that has a pretty nice view of the city. It's spendie, and the food is ok - you're really paying for the view. Or you could take a ferry to the Asian side and go into one of the cool quirky little bars in the winding streets directly up from where the ferry lets you off.

How old are you? Do you want to roam the streets and tear stuff up, or do you want to sit somewhere nice and watch the world go by? Istanbul is an amazing place and you'll surely have a night you will never forget.
posted by monkey!knife!fight! at 3:51 AM on December 18, 2008

I've never been to Istanbul on New Years Eve, and I generally hang out in the old city. (Taksim is too shoppingy/touristy for my tastes.) If it were me, and I so wish it were, I'd look for activities around the Sultanahmet area. Maybe at Topkapi Palace, which is right on Istanbul's "point," or near the Hippodrome.

Though if you are in Taksim you might check out Galata Tower, right on top of the hill. Climb it for spectacular views of the city.

Have a great time in Cappadocia, one of my favorite parts of the earth.
posted by booth at 6:58 AM on December 18, 2008