WEATHER, WHAT TO SEE, WHAT TO DO IN MARCH 2025 IN ISTANBUL?

In March, Istanbul begins its transition towards spring, with days gradually becoming milder. Although humidity and showers remain frequent, the first buds begin to bloom in parks, and some days may be sunny.

March 2025 in Turkey will also be marked by the month of Ramadan, an important spiritual period. At dusk, public squares and mosques come alive for iftar, the meal that breaks the fast, creating a convivial and festive atmosphere. Numerous cultural events and activities are organized throughout the city, especially in Üsküdar and Eyüpsultan squares. This year, the month will conclude with Ramazan Bayramı (Eid al-Fitr), during which Istanbul will experience several days of festivities, but also a slowdown in activity, as many residents will go on vacation or return to their families in the provinces.

Between culture, spirituality, and the gradual arrival of better weather, March 2025 is a unique month to discover Istanbul from another angle. Here is everything you can see and do during this period:

WEATHER

In March, Istanbul gently begins its transition to spring, with temperatures generally ranging between 6°C and 14°C. The days gradually lengthen, but the air remains cool, especially in the morning and evening, sometimes accompanied by breezes from the Bosphorus. A light coat and an umbrella are recommended, as showers remain frequent and can alternate with beautiful clear spells.

Sunny days become more frequent, bathing the city in a soft light, ideal for exploring historical districts like Sultanahmet or strolling along the Bosphorus. With a bit of luck, the first buds and flowers begin to appear in the parks, heralding the arrival of spring.

CONCERTS

March 5 – Frida Kahlo: Bakırköy Aydem Sahne hosts a musical spectacle inspired by the life and art of Frida Kahlo. Through beautiful staging, this concert explores the emotions and trials that shaped her work.

March 5 – Blue: the famous British boy band Blue performs at Harbiye Congress Center. Relive their biggest hits like “One Love” and “All Rise” in a nostalgic and emotional concert.

March 5 – Cuban Classics with Emir Ersoy: Emir Ersoy invites you to Zorlu PSM for an evening of Cuban music classics. Salsa, Latin jazz, and catchy melodies are on the program for a vibrant musical experience.

March 7 – Nil Karaibrahimgil: Turkish popstar Nil Karaibrahimgil will set the stage on fire at JJ Arena with her dynamic songs and inspiring lyrics. A colorful concert for fans of modern Turkish pop.

March 12 – Hakan Başar Trio: Jazz prodigy Hakan Başar and his trio perform at Zorlu PSM for a refined evening of improvisation. A must-see for jazz enthusiasts.

March 14 – Fazıl Say & Patricia Kopatchinskaja: Virtuoso pianist Fazıl Say and Moldovan violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja join talents on the stage of Zorlu PSM. A unique musical encounter between classical and modernity.

March 14 – Büyük Ev Ablukada: The alternative band Büyük Ev Ablukada takes over IF Performans Beşiktaş for an explosive concert blending rock and electro. A performance not to be missed!

March 15 – Lord of the Rings in Concert: VW Arena hosts a symphonic concert dedicated to the soundtrack of The Lord of the Rings. Dive into the magical universe of Middle-earth with the iconic music of Howard Shore.

March 16 – Frank Turner: British folk-punk singer Frank Turner performs at the Celtic Irish Pub for an intimate concert. An authentic evening for fans of committed folk.

March 20 – Duman: The iconic rock band Duman will ignite the stage of IF Performans Beşiktaş with their unique grunge-rock sound and hit songs.

March 21 – Kalben: Singer Kalben invites you to Holly Stone Beyoğlu for a gentle evening carried by her sincere style and melancholic melodies.

March 21 – Santi & Tuğçe: The duo Santi & Tuğçe blends electro and Latin influences on the stage of Zorlu PSM. An enchanting musical journey with exotic and modern sounds.

March 22 – Avatar in Concert: Zorlu PSM offers a symphonic concert around the soundtrack of the movie Avatar. Dive into the universe of Pandora through a masterful interpretation of the film’s music.

March 21 – Arctic Monkeys Tribute: The Wall Kadıköy hosts a vibrant tribute to the band Arctic Monkeys. An energetic concert to rediscover their greatest hits live.

March 22 – Hey! Douglas: Blind Beyoğlu welcomes famous Turkish DJ Hey! Douglas for an electro-psychedelic evening where retro sounds blend with modern beats.

March 22 – Axel Rudi Pell: Legendary hard rock guitarist Axel Rudi Pell electrifies Holly Stone Beyoğlu with his striking solos and powerful musical universe.

March 22 – Cem Adrian: AKM Türk Telekom Opera hosts Cem Adrian for a concert filled with emotion and poetry. His unique voice and experimental style promise an unforgettable evening.

March 28 – Kerem Görsev Trio: Turkish jazz pianist Kerem Görsev and his trio take over Zorlu PSM for a refined evening mixing original compositions and improvisations.

March 28 – Kit Sebastian: Babylon hosts the duo Kit Sebastian for an evening blending jazz, psychedelia, and vintage pop for a unique musical immersion.

March 29 – Pink Floyd Tribute: Blind Beyoğlu pays homage to Pink Floyd with a concert featuring their greatest classics. A psychedelic journey through one of the most iconic rock repertoires.

PERFORMANCES

March 8 – The Nutcracker: The famous ballet The Nutcracker, accompanied by the magnificent compositions of Tchaikovsky, is presented on the stage of Trump. This classic masterpiece, which tells the magical story of Clara and her Nutcracker, is a must-see for fans of dance and classical music.

March 15 – Unseen Extreme Tour: Zorlu PSM hosts the Unseen Extreme Tour, a unique show blending artistic performances, acrobatics, and spectacular visual effects. An immersive experience that pushes the boundaries of perception and live entertainment.

March 18 – Troy: AKM Türk Telekom Opera offers a grand interpretation of Troy, a musical and theatrical reenactment of the famous epic of the Trojan War. Between mythology and impressive staging, this show promises a fascinating immersion in one of the most legendary tales of antiquity.

EXHIBITIONS

Arter – Angelica Mesiti, “The Persistent History of the Future”: Arter presents the exhibition “The Persistent History of the Future” by Angelica Mesiti, which includes a video performance capturing the sound of a storm and photos of fossilized raindrops. Can Aytekin’s “Wall Drawing” also transforms the atrium wall into a unique artistic space, incorporating shapes and molds from his Ters Yüz series.

Floating Islands “Yüzen Adalar “: Istanbul Modern presents its ninth collection exhibition titled “Yüzen Adalar” (Floating Islands), which brings together more than 280 works by 110 artists and two artist duos. This extensive exhibition not only occupies the usual galleries of the collection and temporary exhibitions but also invests various spaces of the museum, creating an immersive experience for visitors. “Yüzen Adalar” offers a journey through various artistic interpretations and mediums, reflecting the richness and diversity of the contemporary art scene. This exhibition is a unique opportunity to discover the depth and variety of artistic contributions that form the cultural fabric of Istanbul.

Between Two Worlds – Istanbul Modern: The exhibition series “Dünyalar Arasında” by Chiharu Shiota is presented on the occasion of the centenary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Turkey, by invitation of Istanbul Modern. Inspired by Istanbul’s unique position between Asia and Europe, this exhibition explores the theme of “feeling between two worlds.” Shiota uses red threads to create an immersive installation in the former Ottoman shipyards of Karaköy, symbolizing the connection between people, memories, and emotions. Each suitcase in the installation represents an individual, questioning concepts such as identity, belonging, and memory. Shiota thus invites the viewer to reflect on physical and emotional displacements from a universal perspective.

RAMADAN IN ISTANBUL

The month of Ramadan, which will run from March 1 to March 29, 2025, is a special time in Istanbul, with numerous cultural, charitable, and festive initiatives put in place by the municipality. In Istanbul, a large part of the population does not observe Ramadan, so restaurants, bars, and other establishments remain open. Whether you are visiting or residing, here is what you can do and where you can go during this period:

Where to have iftar (meal breaking the fast)?

Throughout Ramadan, you can break the fast with the locals in most city restaurants offering special menus, including meat restaurants (see: the best kebab restaurants in Istanbul). You can also have an iftar meal at one of the 17 municipal restaurants (Kent Lokantaları) that will serve iftar meals throughout March.

Takeaway meals will also be distributed throughout the city via mobile stands located in central places like Beşiktaş, Kadıköy, Fatih, and Mecidiyeköy, allowing those on the move to pick up a hot meal and soup.

If you are looking for a more original experience, “iftar” cruises will be organized on the Bosphorus, with dinner served each evening, offering a unique atmosphere with a breathtaking view of Istanbul at sunset.

What to do after iftar?

Ramadan in Istanbul is not limited to meals; it is also a time rich in free cultural events organized throughout the city:

• Concerts: Every Wednesday, municipal orchestras will give concerts in iconic places like Sultanahmet and Üsküdar squares.
  
• Shows & Theater: Every Friday, you will find theater plays, while every Sunday, children’s shows will be offered.
  
• Movie Screenings: Every Saturday, films will be shown outdoors in Istanbul’s main squares.
  
• Free Workshops: Interactive sessions on art and culture will take place several days a week.

Additionally, Yenikapı will host a Ramadan market open every day, featuring regional cultures of Turkey, handmade products, and performances by local musicians.

Ramadan is also an ideal time to visit Istanbul’s historic mosques like Hagia Sophia, Süleymaniye, and Eyüpsultan, where the atmosphere becomes particularly vibrant as iftar approaches.

Free Evening Visits:

Some of Istanbul’s most famous museums will exceptionally open their doors for free after iftar. You can visit for free:

• The Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı)
• Miniatürk
• The Panorama 1453 Museum

Bayram in Istanbul: What Travelers Need to Know:

Bayram (the holiday at the end of Ramadan) is marked by family reunions somewhat like the Christmas period in the West. During Bayram, Istanbul takes on a different rhythm: many residents leave to reunite with their families in other regions of the country, leading to a noticeable slowdown in urban activity.

A quieter city, but with closures…

During Bayram, several businesses, offices, banks, and administrations close their doors, especially on the first day. Some restaurants and small businesses may also be closed, particularly outside tourist areas. Major museums and attractions like Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, or the Galata Tower generally remain open.

Public transportation operates on adjusted schedules, and sometimes even free of charge during the first few days of Bayram. However, some roads and stations may be more crowded due to Stamboulites leaving for vacation.

For tourists, Bayram is a unique opportunity to discover Istanbul from another angle, with quieter streets but also a festive atmosphere in some neighborhoods. It’s also a good time to explore the city without the usual crowd, even if some activities may be limited. It is therefore advisable to plan your stay well and check in advance the opening of sites and businesses.

SPORTS

In March, Istanbul will host several sporting events, notably in football and basketball. Here are the main matches not to miss:

Football:

• March 1, 2025: Beşiktaş will face Kayserispor at Vodafone Park.
  
• March 2, 2025: Kasımpaşa will host Galatasaray at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Stadium.
  
• March 2, 2025: Fenerbahçe will play against Antalyaspor at Ülker Stadium.
  
• March 20, 2025: Turkey will face Hungary at Rams Park in Istanbul as part of the Nations League playoffs.

Basketball:

• March 25, 2025: Fenerbahçe Beko Istanbul will host Paris Basketball as part of the EuroLeague.

In conclusion, March in Istanbul marks the transition between winter and spring, offering the first rays of sunshine warming the city. Between Ramadan celebrations, various cultural events, and sports meetings, the metropolis offers a multitude of experiences to discover. Whether you are a lover of art, music, or traditions, this month will allow you to explore Istanbul from a unique facet.

Do not hesitate to contact us for more information.