Summer in Istanbul is less about sea, sun and fun and more about suffering from oppressive heat or never-ending battles over office air conditioning. In these sweltering days, we thought of ways to escape the heat and make summer in the city more enjoyable.
1. Be a tourist in your own city
Photo by Neida Arjona
Prefer palaces, mosques and churches to avoid the heat. Küçüksu Palace, Crimean Memorial Church and Halki Seminary are great for those who want to get off the beaten path.
2. Indulge in frozen treats
We recommend JÜS for cold-pressed juices, Baylan Patisserie for a fresh lemonade and Petra for one of the best cold-brewed coffees in town. Girandola, which is known for its unique delicious flavors, is the place for ice cream lovers.
3. Keep exercising
Sakıp Sabancı Museum offers yoga classes every Wednesday morning in collaboration with Cihangir Yoga. Attend a free yoga class in the museum’s lush garden to beat the heat and keep moving.
4. Get some sea air
Less crowded than other Princes’ Islands, Sedef Adası has a peaceful atmosphere where you can swim and relax in quietness. Interested in taking up a new hobby? Take a sailing course at Istanbul Sailing Academy in Kalamış Marina.
5. Visit a library
We know it’s harder to stay productive during the summer. Head to a library where you can cool off and stay focused on your work. SALT Galata, Istanbul Research Institute and Vitali Hakko Creative Industries Library are our favorites to escape the heat.
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Küçüksu Palace: 09:00-17:00, closed on Monday and Thursday
Crimean Memorial Church: 09:00-18:00, open everyday
Halki Seminary: 09:00-16:00, open everyday
SALT Galata: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-20:00, Sunday 12:00-18:00
Istanbul Research Institute: Monday-Friday 09:00-17:30, Wednesday 09:00-20:00, Saturday 10:30-17:00
Vitali Hakko Creative Industries Library can be visited for free during the weekdays by appointment only. Call (0216) 554 08 54 to make an appointment.
