Any Local Will Tell You – Avoid Taksim
Taksim Square might be the heart of Istanbul’s nightlife, but on New Year’s Eve, it beats too wildly for comfort. The square is notorious for attracting an unruly crowd, from the overly intoxicated to those who unfortunately engage in violence. Here at Fish in Water, we are true rebels most of the time and take pleasure in ignoring people’s recommendations about avoiding places for safety reasons. But if we say don’t do it, just don’t. Don’t believe us? Ask a local.
Our #1 Pick: House Parties
If you love a good party, the real fun in Istanbul on New Year’s Eve happens in private homes. House parties are all the rage, providing a safer, more controlled environment where the festivities are just as lively but the company is familiar and friendly. Many folks will choose to party hop if they’re invited to more than one. If you’re lucky enough to get in with the locals and decide to attend one, remember to bring something unless otherwise instructed—definitely your own drinks and a little more, and a small gift for the host or something to nibble on for everyone.
Other Alternatives
2. Boat Parties on the Bosphorus
For something truly memorable, consider a boat party. These floating festivities offer food, drink, and dance with a panoramic view of the city’s lights and midnight fireworks. Just dress warmly and make sure you feel good enough about your company, as getting off isn’t an option until the party’s over.
3. Nişantaşı
Locals will likely recommend Nişantaşı for New Year’s. Honestly, in our opinion, meh.
4. Restaurants / Bars / Establishments with Fixed Menus
Another popular option, if you’re willing to fork out the much higher than average prices. Some just have dinner and might close before midnight as well.
5. (For Our Culture Geeks!) A “Traditional” New Year’s
If you’re lucky enough to snag an invite to a Turkish family’s home on New Year’s Eve, prepare for a night of warmth and hospitality. Think Christmas Day, but no baby Jesus. It’s intimate, there’s gift-giving, a big feast—many Turks will travel long distances to be with their family on December 31st. So consider that invite pretty special.
First things first: if asked what to bring, the initial answer will almost always be “nothing.” Don’t fall for this classic Turkish test of politeness—insist again. If they persist in their nothingness, bring drinks if they imbibe (rakı or wine will likely pair nicely with the evening’s fare, assuming you’ll be coming over for a meal), or consider dessert or flowers as a polite gesture. And if kids are present, a small gift for each will elevate you from guest to honorary family member. Pro move? Bring a small gift for everyone; you’re now practically a local legend.
Dress code? Who knows. Some families are literally in their pajamas (think Christmas Day) and some families like to look a bit nice (again, think Christmas Day). Feel it out, and if you have no idea go somewhere in the middle, or ask.
As for the entertainment, with modern traditions, the television is often the centerpiece, broadcasting classic New Year’s Eve specials filled with celebrity appearances, comedy, and live performances. Don’t be surprised if tombala (Turkish bingo) makes an appearance, especially if kids are present, bringing everyone around the table for a bit of competitive fun.
The dinner table is a generous spread of Turkish delights (see sofra here). If alcohol is on the menu, expect meze and rakı to make an appearance, creating a perfect pairing for lively conversations and toasts to the new year. The assortment typically includes turkey, a variety of meze, and an array of sweets like cakes and cerez (nuts and dried fruits). Since the night will likely be long, and Turks are masters of hospitality, there’s a high chance they’ll insist you stay over. This is your warning now—either pack your toothbrush or prepare a really good excuse for leaving—your only two ways to survive the end of the night persistent hyper-hospitality face-off.
Good to Know:
Opt for taxis or ride-sharing services. Public transport can get rowdy, and on a night like this, it’s worth the extra lira for a safe, direct ride home.
Depending on the venue of course – people tend to look pretty great on New Year’s Eve. Please plan to look sharper than you’re looking right now.
Do you dread not having that person to kiss at the stroke of midnight? You’re in luck. Locals go wild hugging and cheek kissing, not just those sappy annoying lovers. If you’re not a fan of so much physical contact, listening to nature’s call around 11:58 is your best bet.
NYE Fun Facts
- Because Turkey is a country that often copies some Western traditions, and because Turkey is primarily a Muslim country, you will see many Christmas traditions that have been adapted in Turkey but to applied to New Year’s. Strings of lights, Christmas trees, red and green, that holiday music you love or hate, gift exchanges, and more—it’s all a part of this celebration. If you think Christmas nowadays is so over the top, but still have an appreciation for the traditions—New Year’s in Turkey might be just for you.
- If you ask a local what they remember about New Year’s Eve in the late 1980s and early 1990s, they might tell you about the late-night airing of the Italian show “Tutti Frutti.” Known for its risqué content, including segments where women would reveal their breasts, the show was a controversial staple of late-night TV during that era. Youngsters, intrigued by the forbidden allure, often pretended to be asleep, only to sneak out of their rooms and catch a glimpse of the broadcast, sharing whispers and giggles over the audacious antics on screen.
Need more info?
Fish in Water is developing some mega guides—and we’ll have all the info on the best establishments to visit for New Year’s, not only in Istanbul but across Turkey—as well as which ones are very much overrated. Sign up for our newsletter to get info on upcoming releases, and shoot us a message if you have any questions.
