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Turkey (or Turkiye) had a huge summer millions of visitors from all corners of the world.
This enormous cultural city is a magnet for many reasons. Even digital nomads love calling Istanbul their temporary home.
Often mistaken for the capital of Turkey, this city is truly unique as it divides Asia and Europe, combining a melting pot of culture and stunning historical sights.
While some travelers may simply be making a stopover given the airport’s popularity, Istanbul is an immaculate city that’s worth being your main destination.
The summer season may have had the most crowds, but fall is one of the best times to visit. This is why:
Fewer crowds equals more joy
What makes Istanbul especially great in the fall is that all the sights are still the same, with much fewer tourists. The breathtaking mosques are still open for visits, the cheap boat trips are still fun, and so on.
You won’t run out of fun things to do and see just because the summer crowds have returned home.
Enjoy the extra space to move around as you walk the bustling streets of Taksim Square and visit the local shops and bazaars.
Of course we are talking about the tourist crowds here. The city still has around 16 million inhabitants, making the city always lively.
There is still time to beat the gloomy winter
When we think of snow, Turkey is probably not one of the countries that comes to mind. However, it does snow here, even in Istanbul.
While some travelers enjoy seeing the snow in winter, Istanbul may not be worth the long-haul flight just for the snow.
Autumn is the last chance of the year to really enjoy all the sights and wonders of this beautiful city. Of course, in a city this size you can always find something to do, regardless of the weather.
Yet autumn is just more fun here. The temperature remains mild through November and the only time you should check the weather is for occasional rain or wind chill if you plan to take a boat trip.
And if you come in the fall, you can see the already beautiful city light up even more with the rustic colors of the fall foliage.
You don’t see that in summer or winter!
Very affordable cost
Sometimes travel costs can increase during peak season. Some would say this is the case in Istanbul. A major advantage of booking your trip in the fall season is that it can easily save you money.
Istanbul welcomes every type of traveler and everyone can stay here at reasonable prices. Of course, any time you choose to stay in a luxury hotel, they will be on the pricier side.
Istanbul has many of the well-known hotels that Westerners are familiar with, within the 3, 4 and 5 star categories. What travelers will also find are affordable boutique hotels dotted around the city, including some with great views of the sea.
If you are a solo traveler, don’t worry. Istanbul has you covered there too, with an abundance of hostels in some of the most sought-after locations.
Surprising nature
Did you know that Istanbul has beautiful forests? Summer travelers are typically focused on staying busy and finding great beaches.
However, Istanbul is more than just a great coastal city. Sure, the water is beautiful, especially against the backdrop of Istanbul’s breathtaking architecture.
Autumn brings out the best of Istanbul’s forests surrounding the urban jungle. Google ‘Istanbul’ and you might be surprised how much green you see on the map.
These are mainly forests around the city, which are drenched in autumn colors until winter arrives. Many of Belgrade’s forests are best to visit, but there are also others to consider, such as the Fatih Forest.
Travelers typically come to Istanbul for the vibrant nightlife, beautiful architecture and great food and coffee, which you can still enjoy at this time of year.
Autumn unleashes a different side of the great city’s personality and you won’t be disappointed in making Istanbul your next travel splurge.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
