10 Things to Do in Istanbul in January

When you're preparing your trip in January, you'll probably try to find something special to add to Istanbul's already numerous attractions. Unfortunately, this is not a month in which any special activity, festival or event stands out, although that doesn't mean it's a bad time to visit ancient Constantinople.

Just strolling through its streets, perhaps snow-covered, is worth spending several days in the city. The lesser number of tourists will allow you to enter the monuments in a much more relaxed way and, in addition, you will be able to try some great recipes to warm you up. In my opinion, don't doubt that your trip to Istanbul in January will be an experience you won't forget.

January is, along with February, the coldest month of the year in Istanbul, so it's best to plan as many indoor activities as possible. Among them, there is possibly none more relaxing than enjoying a hamam or Turkish bath. This type of traditional bath combines relaxation with cleansing the body, although at one time it also had a social function as a meeting place.

Nowadays, almost all baths in Istanbul offer an exfoliating wash, various massages and sauna moments with your ticket. One thing you should be aware of is that the first two treatments are quite strong and it is not uncommon for you to be sore all over when you get out. However, without a single dead skin cell and with a great feeling of relaxation.

If you decide to live this experience, there is nothing better than to do it in a traditional hammam that is 5 centuries old, in whose facilities you can also enjoy its fabulous architecture, a pleasure for the senses!

Although shopping in Istanbul is always associated with places like the Grand Bazaar (where you can take a guided tour of Istanbul) or the Egyptian Bazaar (the spice bazaar), the truth is that the Turkish city also offers great opportunities for those looking for fashion items. In January, you can also take advantage of the start of the winter sales to find great prices on high-end brands.

If you prefer to shop in places not too far from the centre, just walk along İstiklal Caddesi. In its many shops you'll see a sign that reads "indirim", Turkish for "sales".

If you've come to Istanbul with children and want to find the best bargains, there's nothing better than heading to one of the city's big shopping centres, which you can reach easily by bus. One example is the Istanbul Cevahir Shopping Centre, considered the largest in Europe. In its more than 400,000 square metres you will find:

• The best international and national shops.
• Several cinemas.
• A theatre.
• A wave pool.
• A roller coaster.
• A bowling alley.

Although Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country, there are also other religious communities, especially in major cities like Istanbul. If you happen to be in the city on 6 January, you can witness the celebration of Epiphany by the city's Orthodox community.

To do so, head to one of Istanbul's most interesting neighbourhoods, Fener, where you'll find the beautiful palace that houses the headquarters of the Patriarchate of the Greek-Latin Community. The ceremony begins with a religious ritual in a church of that confession, but the most curious part comes later.

Those present walk to the seashore and the Patriarch throws a cross into the water. After this, many young people jump into the water to try to rescue it. It is an exciting and colourful tradition and well worth seeing.

How to get to Fener

Although other districts of Istanbul also hold similar rituals, such as Kuzguncuk, Buyukada and Yesilkoy, the Fener ceremony is the best known. To get there you have several options:

• Take one of the ferries that are part of the public transport network in Istanbul.

public transport network in Istanbul.

• Take the bus next to the Galata Bridge, opposite the Spice Bazaar. The buses that go to Fener are the 99 A and the 48 E.

It doesn't really take cold weather for Turks to start every meal (even breakfasts) with a soup**(an çorba in their language**). However, it is when the temperature drops that this type of food is at its best. Don't hesitate to try the many varieties that Turkish cuisine has to offer. Some of the best known are these:

• Tarhana çorbası: one of the most traditional dishes in the country, and perhaps one of the strangest because of its texture. The basic ingredients are tomatoes, onions, peppers and, of course, various types of spices. After cooking everything together, flour and yoghurt are added and left to ferment until ready.
• Beyran çorbası: tasty lamb soup with rice.
• İşkembe çorbası: You may find this soup a little strange at first, as its main ingredient is tripe. However, I can assure you that it is delicious and, what's more, it is said to be great for hangovers.
• Ezogelin çorbası: along with the previous one, my favourite Turkish soup. The bride's soup (meaning of the name) is made with red lentils, bulgur and paprika. However, in the more traditional restaurants, it is seasoned with hot spices.
• Domates: Tomato soup is very common in almost all lokantasis (traditional restaurants where you usually have to go with a tray to choose your food).
• Mercimek çorbası: a rather thick lentil soup.
• Tavuk: perhaps the most recognisable for Spaniards, as it is a chicken soup.

One of the must-see sights in Istanbul is the ancient basilica ofHagia Sophia (Aya Sofia). In January, with far fewer visitors than the rest of the year, you'll be able to see the interior at your leisure. However, be aware that entry is not allowed during prayer time. The rest of the time, you can visit the temple free of charge.

Entering this monument, now a mosque again after having been a museum for decades, means contemplating the grandeur of its construction, which later inspired the structure of Ottoman mosques.

As it has been converted into a mosque, certain rules of behaviour must be observed when entering. Women, for example, must cover their heads, while men are not allowed to enter wearing shorts (something you won't want to do in winter anyway). At the door you will find scarves to put in your hair or to improvise a kind of sarong.

Although you may be able to find winter baked potatoes in more places, Ortakoy, located next to the Bosphorus (almost under the bridge) in the Besiktas district, is definitely worth a visit. In fact, one of the most widespread customs among Istanbul residents who visit this neighbourhood is to buy this delicious winter food from the stalls that are set up there. I recommend you find a place to sit down and enjoy this humble and tasty food while you look out over the Asian neighbourhood of Üsküdar, located just across the street.

Today it is one of the most popular neighbourhoods and has a great youthful and trendy atmosphere. Strolling along the waterfront and around the square while watching the crowds or sitting down for a cup of tea is one of the best things to do in Istanbul in January.

The small Ortakoy Mosque, situated almost on the water, is also a must-see. Finally, the streets of the neighbourhood are some of the liveliest if you want to enjoy a night out in Istanbul.

How to get to Ortakoy

Ortakoy Square is half an hour's walk from another of Istanbul's must-see sights, the Dolmabahce Palace.

You can take the tram to the Kabatas stop and then take the 22 bus to Ortakoy Square.

I'm sure you'll have more than one tea during your stay, including the apple-flavoured variety that only tourists drink. You might also try raki or ayran, two of the city 's other traditional beverages. In January, however, you'll find other types of drinks that are more seasonal.

The first, considered to be the most popular in winter, is salep, made with orchid bulb, hot milk and cinnamon. You won't have to go out of your way to find it, as it's available at numerous stalls around the city.

Another good option for January is boza. With a light alcoholic content, this drink is offered by numerous street vendors in many parts of the city. Its warming power is proven by the fact that it was offered to Ottoman soldiers to protect them from the cold.

January weather in Istanbul is characterised by low temperatures. Snow, although it doesn't fall every year and is not too abundant, is quite frequent and gives the city a completely different look. If it snows during your stay, be sure to take a walk around Sultanahmet to see how the Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome or the Blue Mosque change with a blanket of white.

As well as walking around and taking photos, it might also be a good idea to go to one of the restaurants with two floors or terraces in the area. From them you will be able to get a wider and more spectacular view.

In Istanbul itself you will have the opportunity to do something you probably never expected: ice skating. For the past few years, the Kadiköy district has been hosting Buzzfest, a series of activities including an ice rink open to the public, as well as surprise events on New Year's Day and craft stalls.

The rink and other activities take place in Kalamış Atatürk Park from the beginning of January to the beginning of February. To get there, the best way is to take the ferry from Eminonu.

The ice rink can be used by anyone over the age of 4, in sessions lasting about 30 minutes. For those who have never skated before, a skating instructor will be on hand to give them some instruction to help them enjoy the experience. Although it costs about 10 lire to use the rink, skates and knee pads are provided free of charge by the organisers.

The cultural programme in Istanbul is quite extensive all year round, but in the winter months you'll appreciate being able to attend an opera or ballet performance in a heated venue.

The best place to enjoy these performances is the Atatürk Cultural Centre (AKM), a large complex that has recently been renovated and reopened after several decades. Located in Taksim Square, it houses a large auditorium for 2,040 spectators, as well as a theatre, library, art gallery and various rooms for cultural activities.

As the city's major cultural centre, the AKM is home to the city's ballet company, the Istanbul Symphony Orchestra and the State Theatre. At Christmas it hosts a major New Year's concert, but during January the programme is continuous and you're sure to find something to suit your taste.

Cold and wet are the main characteristics of Istanbul's weather during this month. The average highs are 9°C, while the lows are rarely more than 3°C. Although these temperatures are easily bearable with winter clothes, you should bear in mind that the wind chill is usually lower due to the aforementioned humidity and wind.

On the other hand, the most uncomfortable thing you may encounter is rain, which is quite frequent during this month. On some occasions, the precipitation is in the form of snow, although as it is not too heavy it tends to last only a short time before melting.

When packing your luggage, never forget to check the weather forecast a few days in advance and don't forget to take an umbrella.