Istanbul Guide

Route · Half day

Istanbul When It's Raining

Steam, coffee, and covered bazaars — the city's best indoor ritual, in the right order.

Rain is a feature here, not a bug: it empties the hammams' waiting lists, makes coffee taste better, and gives you an excuse for a long meyhane evening.

The route

  1. Morning hammam

    A cold, wet day doubles the pleasure of hot marble.

    The full guide: Experience a Turkish Hammam
  2. Long Turkish coffee

    Find a covered corner and let the rain do its thing.

    The full guide: Slow Down over Turkish Coffee
  3. Meyhane evening

    Rakı, mezes, and three hours of steam-fogged windows.

    The full guide: A Proper Meyhane Night

Along the way

There's always more Istanbul.