New Year’s Day is one of the most celebrated and anticipated days all over the world. With exploding fireworks decorating the sky and the festive vibe wafting in the air, traveling in this time allows you to, not only start the new year on a positive note but also immerse you in the foreign surroundings. And what better place to do this than in Turkey? In Turkey, New Year’s Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and commemorated with full honor and zest.
The people in Turkey take the eve of New Year seriously. You can see this zeal first-hand in the Galata district and the streets of Taksim Square in Istanbul. But those aren’t the only places that offer all the fun. Aside from the famous celebrations and gatherings in Taksim Square, there are a lot of places that celebrate New Year in Turkey with celebrations that top even those of Istanbul. In this blog, we’ve made a detailed guide on the best places to celebrate New Year in Turkey from which you can choose the best to celebrate on your trip to Turkey.
Best Places to Celebrate New Year in Turkey: A Detailed Guide
Being on any crowded street in either Istanbul, Antalya, Cappadocia or elsewhere in Turkey during New Year’s Day means you’re likely to see some of the most amazing scenes in your life. Whether it’s the fireworks, the celebration, or the overall vibe you can feel in that place and with the people, these celebrations will make you love Turkey and appreciate its New Year’s traditions more. Here are some of the best places to celebrate New Year in Turkey:
1. Istanbul
Celebrating The New Year in Istanbul is one of the best ways to memorialize that day and your trip to Istanbul. The city comes alive during New Year’s Day and is brimming with locals and tourists celebrating and enjoying the festive scenes there. Here are the best places to celebrate New Year in Turkey’s Istanbul:
Taksim Square and Istiklal Square
The crowds especially those at Taksim and Istiklal Square are something to be awed at with people full of passion and in the mood to celebrate the New Year’s day.
Check Out: Istanbul Tour (3 Days)
Ortakoy and Bosphorus Bridge
One of the best places to stay near at night on New Year’s Day is Ortakoy, with the spectacular fireworks show over the Bosphorus Bridge one of the best things one can see in Istanbul.
Bosphorus Cruise
Aside from this, going on a Bosphorus cruise on New Year’s Day is another top option to celebrate the day/ Here, you can see Istanbul’s top landmarks fully illuminated at night while enjoying a lovely Turkish dinner along the views of the fireworks above you.
Check Out: Istanbul & Bursa Package (4 Days)
2. Antalya
On the second spot after Istanbul but no less rowdy of celebrations on New Year’s Day, the resort city of Antalya during New Year’s Day is a whole new place. Like Istanbul, the whole of Antalya comes to life, with fireworks, celebrations, people wearing red clothes during the night (a sign of good fortune in Turkish culture), restaurants and hotels alive and brimming to the full at the New Year’s Night. Here are some of the best places to celebrate the New Year in Antalya city:
Kaleici (Old Town Of Antalya)
The Old Town of Antalya is one of the top places to celebrate New Year in Antalya with its crowded and celebratory vibe, something to be admired during the New Year celebrations. Dining at a traditional restaurant while enjoying the fireworks is one of the best ways to spend this holiday in Antalya.
Check Out: Antalya Tour (3 Days)
Land of Legends Theme Park
A popular spot for families during the New Year with its spectacular fireworks show and parties, the Land of Legends Theme Park is one the best spots to spend New Year’s Night with families in Antalya.
Antalya Marina
Antalya is famous for its beaches and its marina throughout the year for its amazing potential as a tourist destination. And on New Year’s Day, the marina becomes even more popular and crowded due to its amazing views of the Mediterranean Sea, and fantastic restaurants with their special New Year’s menus, making this a top destination to visit in the New Year in Antalya.
Check Out: Istanbul, Antalya, Konya, & Cappadocia Tour (8 Days)
3. Cappadocia
The Land of Fairy Chimneys and unusual landscapes that light up and buzz continuously during the New Year, Cappadocia is No.3 in our guide to the best places to celebrate the New Year in Turkey. Whether it’s staying at its trademark cave hotels and enjoying dinner and performances there, or going on a Hot Air Balloon ride during the New Year, celebrating the New Year in Cappadocia is likely to be an experience you can’t forget. Here are the best places and things to do to celebrate the New Year in Cappadocia.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
Going on a hot air balloon ride in the air during New Year’s Eve is one of the best activities you can do to celebrate the New Year in Turkey. Witnessing the incredible sunrise over the beautiful and picturesque valleys and fairy chimneys of Cappadocia in a hot air balloon will be one of the best New Year experiences you can imagine.
Check Out: Cappadocia Package (3 Nights)
Cappadocia’s Iconic Cave Hotels
These iconic cave hotels all over Cappadocia offer special and fantastic live music concerts, and gala dinners, while also offering amazing views of the picturesque valleys of Cappadocia that will make your experience of New Year’s Eve even more memorable.
Traditional Turkish Nights in Cappadocia
Traditional Turkish nights at restaurants and hotels in Cappadocia, offer one of the best New Year experiences. Here, you can delve into sumptuous Turkish dishes, and enjoy traditional music and performances to enjoy New Year’s with a cultural twist.
Check Out: Istanbul and Cappadocia (6 Days)
Frequently Asked Questions About the New Year in Turkey
Q. What are the New Year Traditions in Turkey?
A. Some traditions in Turkey include smashing pomegranates and eating their seeds as a sign of fortune, wearing red clothes(for luck), exchanging gifts with each other, and listening to traditional music.
Q. What Food is Considered Lucky in Turkey on New Year?
A. Smashing pomegranates and eating the seeds is considered lucky in Turkey on New Year’s Eve. This brings good fortune to their homes according to Turkish people.
Q. How is the New Year celebrated in Turkey?
A. During the New Year, people usually go to other houses and exchange gifts, set off fireworks, wear red clothes for fortune, and go to local restaurants to enjoy traditional music and performances hosted by the restaurants.
The Best Places to Celebrate New Year in Turkey: A Promise to an Unforgettable Trip to Turkey
Celebrating the New Year in Turkey is a blend of amazing cultural traditions with modern experiences, making it an amazing sight to see and behold. Whether it’s the places to see and visit in Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, or elsewhere, you’re ensured that you will not run out of the best places to celebrate New Year in Turkey.
So are you ready to embark on a wonderful journey to the Gateway to Ancient Wonders otherwise known as Turkey, where you’ll experience wonderful cultures, and rich culinary delicacies, all with pre-booked accommodations, and guided tours? iLinkTurkey offers a diverse range of guided tour packages for destinations in Turkey. Head over to our packages and book one of our featured Turkey packages now.
