Best Things to Do in Istanbul in Summer

Summer brings Istanbul to life in spectacular fashion, with 523+ outdoor festivals, open-air events, rooftop bars and summer activities that make the warmer months the city's most vibrant period. The city's parks, outdoor spaces and public squares become venues in their own right, hosting everything from film screenings and open-air concerts to food markets and community festivals. Summer is when Istanbul's outdoor dining scene reaches full capacity — terraces, beer gardens and pop-up venues fill with locals and visitors making the most of the longer days. Summer highlights: "Private and Guided Istanbul Food Tour: Taste of Istanbul" and "Cosmopolitan Kurtuluş: Istanbul’s Neighborhood of Taste". Our summer guide covers everything you need to plan the perfect warm-weather visit to Istanbul.