If you are in Istanbul and are looking for something to do on Sunday, you may find yourself out of luck. Istanbul is a city of 8.8 million people, and most of the city’s attractions and businesses are closed on Sunday. It is important to know what is closed in Istanbul on Sunday, so you can plan your day accordingly.
The vast majority of businesses in Istanbul are closed on Sundays, including the majority of shops and restaurants. Shopping malls, grocery stores, and other retail establishments are generally closed on Sundays, as well as most museums, parks, and attractions. All government institutions, banks, and post offices are closed on Sunday, so any important business must be conducted during the week.
In addition, public transportation in Istanbul is significantly reduced on Sundays. The metro and tram systems, buses, and ferries all run on a reduced schedule, and some lines may be closed altogether on Sundays. Istanbul’s airports, Sabiha Gökçen and Atatürk International, both remain open on Sundays, however, so visitors can still travel in and out of the city.
Although most businesses are closed on Sundays, there are still a few places that remain open. Smaller restaurants, cafes, and local shops may be open, as well as a few larger attractions. Hagia Sophia, the Ottoman-era mosque turned museum, is open on Sundays from 9am-7pm, with an entry fee of 60 TL. The Blue Mosque, located next to Hagia Sophia, is also open on Sundays from 9am-7pm, with no entry fee. Other attractions that remain open on Sunday include the Istanbul Archaeology Museums and the Topkapi Palace.
Istanbul is a vibrant city with many unique attractions and businesses, but Sunday is largely a day of rest. Businesses, attractions, and public transportation are all operating on a reduced schedule, and most of the city is closed on Sundays. It is important to plan ahead and know what is closed in Istanbul on Sunday, so you can get the most out of your trip.
What Tourist Attractions are Closed on Sundays in Istanbul?
While there are many tourist attractions that are open every day in Istanbul, some of them are closed on Sundays. Sunday is the most important day of the week for religious observance in Turkey, and therefore a number of tourist attractions, such as mosques, museums, and art galleries, are closed on Sundays.
Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul that are closed on Sundays are the Hagia Sophia, the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, the Dolmabahce Palace, the Chora Church, and the Topkapi Palace. The Grand Bazaar, on the other hand, is open on Sundays, but closes early at 5:00 PM.
The Hagia Sophia is one of the most iconic monuments in Istanbul and was a former Eastern Orthodox cathedral that was converted into a mosque in the 15th century. It is now a museum, but is closed on Sundays. The Istanbul Archaeological Museum houses some of the most important archaeological artifacts from the Ottoman Empire and is also closed on Sundays. The Dolmabahce Palace is a 19th century palace that was used by the Ottoman Sultans and is now a museum. It is also closed on Sundays. The Chora Church is an important Byzantine church that was built in the 11th century and is currently closed on Sundays. The Topkapi Palace was the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans and is now a museum. It is also closed on Sundays.
For those looking for something to do on Sundays, the Grand Bazaar is a great option as it is open on Sundays until 5:00 PM. It is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world and is full of shops and stalls selling everything from spices to carpets.
If you’re planning a trip to Istanbul, it’s important to be aware that a number of tourist attractions are closed on Sundays. The Hagia Sophia, the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, the Dolmabahce Palace, the Chora Church, and the Topkapi Palace are all closed on Sundays. However, the Grand Bazaar is open on Sundays until 5:00 PM and is a great option for those looking for something to do.
What Restaurants are Shut Down on Sundays in Istanbul?
Istanbul is well known for its amazing nightlife, which includes a large number of restaurants and bars. With so many restaurants and bars to choose from, it can be hard to keep track of which establishments are open on Sundays. Here is a list of restaurants that are closed on Sundays in Istanbul:
- Salon
- Taksim Meyhane
- Essence
- Le Charme
- Ayazma
- UzunPazar
- Tatbak
- Kurukahveci Mehmet Ali
These restaurants are all popular spots in Istanbul and receive high ratings from locals and tourists alike. For those looking for a place to eat on Sundays, there are plenty of other establishments that are open. Some of these include:
- Rumeli Meyhanesi
- Asmalimescit
- Antik
- Karakoy Gulluoglu
- Beyoglu
- Sahika
- Lokanta
- Karakoy Lokantası
These restaurants are all open on Sundays and have menus that feature traditional Turkish cuisine. Prices range from affordable to high-end, so there is something for everyone. It is always best to call ahead and make sure a restaurant is open before arriving, as some restaurants may close unexpectedly.
It is also important to note that some restaurants may be open on Sundays but may not be serving food. For example, some bars may be open on Sundays but may only serve drinks. Therefore, it is best to call ahead to find out what type of food a restaurant is serving before arriving.
With so many restaurants to choose from, it is easy to find something for everyone in Istanbul. Whether you are looking for a traditional Turkish meal or want to try something new, there is something for everyone in Istanbul.
Many shops, restaurants, and attractions are closed on Sundays in Istanbul.
No, some stores such as pharmacies, hospitals, and markets may open on Sundays.
Museums, art galleries, historical sites, and other tourist attractions are typically closed on Sundays in Istanbul.
Yes, public transportation services operate in Istanbul on Sundays.
Some restaurants may be open on Sundays in Istanbul, but most will remain closed.
Yes, there are plenty of outdoor activities such as parks or outdoor markets that remain open on Sundays in Istanbul.
No, banks in Istanbul are typically closed on Sundays.
Services such as post offices, public libraries, and government offices are typically closed on Sundays in Istanbul.
Yes, there may be special events or festivals that are open on Sundays in Istanbul.
No, most attractions and activities are closed on Sundays in Istanbul, but some outdoor activities may be open to visitors.