10 Best Things to Do in Turkey in Winter 2025
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1. Explore Cappadocia by Hot-Air Balloon
2. Relax with sleighing on Lake Çıldır
3. Ride the Eastern Express Train
4. Ski at Uludağ
5. Discover Kars and Ani ruins
6. Enjoy a peaceful Istanbul city break
7. Ski at Palandöken
8. Unwind at Lake Abant
9. Ruin hop along Turkey's coast
10. Ski at Sarıkamıs

Hop on board with Thrillophilia and get ready to witness the beauty of Turkey like never before. The winter season offers snow-dusted mountains and vibrant cities covered under a blanket of snow, transforming Turkey into more magical than ever. Additionally, you will experience fewer crowds compared to the summers, allowing you to explore more peacefully. 

One of the best things to do in Turkey in winters is to visit Pamukkale and take a refreshing bath in its warm thermal pools. Make sure to visit Cappadocia to witness the stunning fairy chimneys as well as to try a hot air balloon ride over the snowy landscape. 

For the ultimate winter activity, head towards Uludağ which is a prime skiing destination in Turkey. Additionally, you can visit Istanbul to explore some prominent attractions such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Galata Tower. You will also find several cosy cafes in Istanbul where you can warm up with a cup of tea and try local dishes.

So get ready to explore Turkey in winter, a season that promises beauty, tranquillity and unforgettable experiences. 
Book your dream getaway with Thrillophilia's Turkey holiday packages and make unforgettable memories in this winter wonderland.
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01

Explore Cappadocia by Hot-Air Balloon

One of the top things to do in Turkey in winter is to enjoy a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia. It is a magical experience during which you will get to fly high above the dreamy and snowy landscape of Cappadocia. You will get to admire stunning aerial views of fairy chimneys and several valleys like Red Valley and Pigeon Valley. Additionally, there will be other colourful hot air balloons in the vast blue sky and above the snowy grounds, creating an impressive contrast and an unforgettable experience.
02

Relax with sleighing on Lake Çıldır

Lake Çıldır is the second largest lake as well as one of the most visited winter destinations in Turkey. Between the months of December and February, the lake gets frozen and snow-covered, offering a magical experience for those looking to sleigh across its icy surface. As you hop on the sleigh rides led by local horses, you will get to glide across the expansive frozen lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. This unique winter activity allows you to connect with nature as well as enjoy the cultural charm of Turkey.
03

Ride the Eastern Express Train

From the list of all the popular things to do in Turkey in winter, make sure to try the Ride the Eastern Express Train. It is the most famous train route of Turkey which runs between Ankara and Kars and is best experienced in the winter. It is a 24-hour train ride that takes you through some of the most beautiful locations of Turkey including high plateaus and rugged mountains, all covered with a layer of snow. Due to the high demand of this train, there is now a second train that follows the same route, the Tourist Eastern Express. 
04

Ski at Uludağ

Uludag, also known as Mount Ulu, is the most famous and busiest ski centre in Turkey. It is a vast resort with around 28 km of slopes, offering a fun experience whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier. If you are a beginner, you will get a briefing session and will ski along with an expert. However, if you are experienced, you can simply rent your ski equipment and head towards the slopes for the ultimate adventure. Additionally, if you wish to extend your day trip and relax in this tranquil ambience, there are around 27 hotels in this resort.  
05

Discover Kars and Ani ruins

Exploring Kars and the Ancient Ani is one of the best things to do in winter in Turkey which you should not miss. Kars is a prime winter destination which attracts tourists with its pristine natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Here, you can explore elegant church ruins, historic mosques, a castle and some fine 19th-century architecture. The highlight of Kars is the nearby Ani which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a fascinating ruin which looks even more surreal in the winter. 
06

Enjoy a peaceful Istanbul city break

Istanbul looks nothing less than a paradise in the winter season. The major attractions like the Blue Mosque, Galata Tower, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace look incredible with a sprinkling of snow on top. One of the best reasons to visit Istanbul during winter is that there are fewer crowds so you can enjoy and explore more freely at your own pace. Another advantage is that the prices drop significantly due to less demand so you can get flight tickets, hotels, attraction tickets and food at a much cheaper rate in winter. 
07

Ski at Palandöken

Palandöken Ski Resort on Mount Palandöken is another popular ski centre in Turkey. With an altitude of 2,200 metres, this is the highest-altitude ski resort in Turkey, offering plenty of adventure activities. It is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts, known for pristine slopes blanketed in snow. The resort boasts some of the steepest slopes in Turkey, making it a must-try for advanced skiers, while also providing gentler slopes for beginners. In addition to skiing, you can enjoy snowboarding, snowshoeing, or cosy moments with your loved ones by the fire in alpine lodges.
08

Unwind at Lake Abant

Located in the Bolu province of Turkey, Lake Abant is a beautiful freshwater lake, surrounded by thick pine tree forest. It is situated in the middle of a national park and serves as a serene getaway destination. Here, you can sit and relax, soaking in the mesmerising beauty and tranquil ambience. Or, you can explore the walking trails nearby and explore the woods. To make it more enjoyable, you can also rent a bike to explore the forest or choose horseback riding, both of which are popular things to do in Turkey in winter.
09

Ruin hop along Turkey's coast

Planning a trip to Turkey in winter offers you a chance to explore the country’s most popular archaeological sites with fewer crowds. Contrary to the peak months, you can spend as much time as you like, wandering around and listening to interesting historical facts. Some of the well-known attractions that you should definitely visit in the winter include Pamukkale, Aspendos and Ephesus. However, it is important to note that some smaller resort towns completely shut down during winter, whereas larger towns like Antalya, Fethiye and Cappadocia offer year-round accommodations.
10

Ski at Sarıkamıs

Sarıkamıs is one of the lesser-known ski resorts in Turkey, however, claimed to be the best by advanced skiers. If you are someone who wishes to try winter sports but in more peaceful surroundings then this is the place for you. It is a smaller yet beautiful ski resort, consisting of four major slopes, five hotels and three connecting lifts. Here, you can also try snowboarding as well as rent the required equipment from the facilities shop. 

People Also Ask About Turkey

  1. Is it worth visiting Turkey in winter?

    Yes, it is absolutely worth visiting Turkey in winter. Between the months of December and February, the vibrant landscape of Turkey gets covered with a blanket of snow and turns into a winter wonderland. Additionally, you will get to experience fewer crowds and lower rates on hotels and flights.
  2. Which city in Turkey is best to visit in winter?

    Cappadocia and Uludag are two of the most popular and ideal cities to visit in winter. In Cappadocia, you can try the famous hot air balloon ride and soak in the aerial views of the winter wonderland. One of the best things to do in winter in Turkey is skiing and snowboarding in Uludag. Some other well-known cities that you can visit include Istanbul, Antalya, Pamukkale and Bursa.
  3. How much will a 7 day trip to Turkey cost?

    On average, a 7-day trip to Turkey can cost between INR 70,000 to INR 1,00,000 per person. The overall cost of a package also depends on the type of accommodation, number of tours and kind of activities included in the itinerary. Additionally, if you are looking for the most budget-friendly travel then winter months are the best time for your trip.
  4. Which month is best to visit Turkey?

    December- February is an ideal time to visit Turkey if you are looking for a quieter or an economical experience. During these months, there are fewer crowds even in the most prominent attractions like Hagia Sophia or Topkapi Palace, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Additionally, in these months, you can get the best deals on hotels and flights due to the less demand.
  5. Which is the best place to stay in Turkey in winter?

    Cappadocia in Turkey is known for its cosy cave hotels which are perfect for winters. The rooms are spacious, and perfectly warm and offer stunning views of the fairy chimneys and towering mountains. You can also consider staying in Uludag so that you can easily access the ski resorts and enjoy unlimited adventure.
  6. What are the top winter activities in Turkey?

    Top winter activities in Turkey include skiing in Uludağ and Palandöken, hot air ballooning in Cappadocia, visiting the thermal pools of Pamukkale, and exploring ancient ruins in Kars and Ani. Winter is also a great time for sleigh rides on Lake Çıldır and experiencing a scenic train ride on the Eastern Express.
  7. Is it safe to visit Turkey in winter?

    Yes, Turkey is generally safe to visit in winter. While certain areas, especially in mountainous regions, can experience heavy snowfall, the major tourist cities and attractions are well-equipped for winter tourism. Always check weather conditions and road closures before heading to high-altitude areas, and stay updated on local advisories for a safe trip.
  8. What should I pack for a winter trip to Turkey?

    For a winter trip to Turkey, it's essential to pack warm clothing such as insulated jackets, sweaters, scarves, gloves, and thermal layers. If you plan to ski, don't forget ski gear. Comfortable shoes for walking in snow or rain are a must, along with an umbrella and travel essentials like sunscreen, as the sun can still be strong at times.
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