5 Beautiful Things About Traveling to Istanbul During Bayram

...and a few things to know before your stomach gets too excited.

If you happen to land in Istanbul during a Bayram holiday, first of all, lucky you! It's like catching a city mid-exhale. Softer. Slower. A bit dreamier than usual.

Bayram is Turkey’s version of a grand pause, whether it’s Ramazan Bayramı (Eid al-Fitr) or Kurban Bayramı (Eid al-Adha), it’s a time when the city lets go of its hustle and just… breathes.

Here’s why it’s one of the most secretly perfect (and occasionally tricky) times to visit.

1. The City Feels Like Yours

Most Istanbulites head out to the coast or back to their hometowns during Bayram. That means fewer crowds in the city center, quieter streets, and even — hold your çay — an empty metro seat.

The Hagia Sophia feels less like a parade and more like a place of wonder. The Bosphorus sparkles with fewer horns. You can walk through Kadıköy without dodging 100 people and a dog in a baby stroller.

2. Sweet Surprises (Literally)

Bayram is all about şeker (candy) and ikram (offering). Locals gift sweets to neighbors, guests, and sometimes even strangers. Don’t be surprised if your Airbnb host leaves you a plate of baklava. Or if someone at a bakery insists you “just try one.”

It's also a great time to experience Turkish hospitality in its full, sugary glory.

3. The Rituals Are Real

Bayram isn’t just about the big meals — it’s about the rituals that wrap around them. The early morning visits to grandparents, the sugar-filled trays passed between neighbors, the deep conversations that stretch over endless tea.

If you join our Turkish Coffee Tasting Experience during Bayram, you won’t just sip the brew — you’ll learn how coffee ties into hospitality, storytelling, and even fortune-telling traditions. It’s where the clink of porcelain becomes a gateway to someone’s memories.

👉 Book the Turkish Coffee Tasting at Home to experience Bayram’s most aromatic ritual with our dear Host Özge.

4. Cultural Experiences Shine Brighter

Yes, some tourist spots close for Bayram. But that’s your sign to do something even better.

Forget the long museum lines and head straight into a Turkish kitchen instead. This is when our home-hosted cooking classes shine brightest — a time when hosts are cooking their favorite dishes, telling Bayram stories, and welcoming you like a distant cousin.

You’ll taste recipes that don’t make it into restaurants. You’ll hear why grandma’s version is always “the real one.” You’ll laugh over dough and feel what it’s like to be part of something old, beautiful, and deliciously alive.

Join a Turkish cooking experience to celebrate Bayram where it matters

👉 around a local mom, our dear Host Nuran

👉 around a real table, our dear Host Gülşah

5. The Slowness is a Gift

In a city known for energy and chaos, Bayram gives you something rare: permission to slow down. To have a second tea. To stare at the Bosphorus longer than you “should.” To talk to that elderly man feeding birds on the pier.

This isn’t FOMO tourism. It’s human travel. And Istanbul during Bayram is the perfect setting for it.

A Few Gentle Warnings 💡

• Opening hours: Many shops and restaurants close on the first day of Bayram. Museums, palaces, and bazaars often shut for the first 1–2 days and then reopen. Always double-check before heading out.

• Banks & ATMs: Long lines or empty machines may be a frequent occurrence. Get your cash beforehand.

• Public transportation: Buses and metros may be free on national holidays, but please check local announcements for details.

• Tourist spots: Some spots (especially the Sultanahmet area) stay busy even during Bayram. Go early.

If you’re coming to Istanbul during Bayram, come with curiosity, and maybe an extra stomach for sweets.

Come not just to see the city… but to feel it soften.