WEATHER, WHAT TO SEE, WHAT TO DO IN NOVEMBER 2024 IN ISTANBUL?

In November, Istanbul fully enters autumn, with a cooler atmosphere and a touch of melancholy in the air. Temperatures fluctuate between 9°C and 16°C, marking the beginning of the transition to winter. Strolling through the cobblestone streets of Sultanahmet or along the Bosphorus becomes more enjoyable under soft, golden light, while parks are tinted with vibrant autumn colors. Evenings, often cooler, invite one to warm up in one of the many traditional cafés or to explore the city’s galleries and theaters.

November 2024 in Istanbul is rich in cultural events, with various concerts and festivals, sports events, including the Istanbul marathon, and much more! It’s also an ideal period to enjoy the city with fewer tourists, making visits to monuments and cruises on the Bosphorus more intimate and peaceful.

WEATHER

In November, Istanbul takes on a cooler climate, with temperatures fluctuating between 9°C and 16°C, marking the start of the transition to winter. Walks remain enjoyable, but it is advisable to bring a warmer coat and an umbrella, as showers are more frequent. Despite this, beautiful sunny days still brighten the city, offering the perfect autumn atmosphere for exploring Istanbul on foot or enjoying a peaceful cruise on the Bosphorus. The landscapes are bathed in golden colors, creating a simultaneously soft and invigorating ambiance.

NEWS

The Cats’ Gate of Topkapı Reopens
In the Harem section of the Topkapı Palace, the Cats’ Gate, faithfully restored to its original state, has been reopened to the public. Built during the Ottoman era specifically for the palace cats, this historic gate now resumes its function, once again offering freedom to the charming feline inhabitants of the palace.

This small gate, which leads to the dormitory of the Black Eunuchs (Karaağalar Koğuşu), stands as a tangible symbol of the Ottomans’ deep compassion for animals and the special place domestic animals held in palace life.

Having been part of palace life for centuries, this historic gate comes back to life today thanks to “Şerbet,” the descendant of the cat “Mülayim,” who long resided in the palace but passed away in recent years, along with the other palace cats.

CONCERTS

November 1 – La Femme at Blind
The French psychedelic punk band La Femme performs on November 1 at JJ Arena Ataşehir!
An explosive show blending new wave, electro, punk, and disco.
With their new album Rock Machine, created during their American tour, La Femme offers a bold, timeless, and danceable sonic journey.

November 2 – Monophonics at Blind
The Californian psychedelic soul prodigies Monophonics perform on November 2 at Blind. With their retro sound infused with a modern soul, the band mixes the energy of the 60s-70s with contemporary intensity, offering a true journey through time. Since 2012, Monophonics has won a loyal global audience, selling out concerts from San Francisco to London, Amsterdam to Istanbul. On November 2, let yourself be carried away by their cosmic universe and transcendent energy, in a concert that goes beyond music to become a true art of living.

November 2 – Koray Avcı at Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theater

Turkish singer Koray Avcı will enchant the audience on the legendary stage of Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theater.
Known for his powerful voice and sincere style blending folk, pop, and traditional Turkish music, Koray Avcı promises an evening full of emotion and energy—a concert under the Istanbul stars, full of passion, poetry, and authenticity.

November 5 – Gülşen
Turkish pop star Gülşen will light up the Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theater with a dazzling show!
An icon of modernity and freedom, she will offer the audience a night full of rhythm, energy, and glamour, combining her biggest hits with spectacular performances. An unforgettable night under the Istanbul stars.

November 6 – Teoman

Turkish rock legend Teoman takes the stage at Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theater for an exceptional concert! With his unique voice and iconic songs blending melancholy, passion, and rebellion, he promises an intense evening full of emotions for all rock lovers.

November 6 – Ruben Monteiro & Carla Costa at Blind

Portuguese artists Ruben Monteiro & Carla Costa perform at Blind for an evening full of emotion and poetry!
Blending fado, Mediterranean rhythms, and world sounds, the duo offers an intimate and enchanting musical experience—a warm concert where Portuguese passion meets the soul of Istanbul.

November 7-8 – Monolink at Volkswagen Arena

German artist Monolink will electrify Volkswagen Arena on November 7 and 8 with two unforgettable nights!
A master of blending electronic music with live performance, he takes the audience to a world where deep house meets poetry and guitar. A unique sensory experience with hypnotic sounds, deep emotions, and transcendent energy not to be missed.

November 7 – Majnoon at Muaf Kadıköy

Electro-pop collective WE ARE MAJNOON will set the stage on fire with their unique universe!
Combining mesmerizing beats, atmospheric melodies, and intense stage energy, Majnoon promises an immersive concert where music becomes a total sensory experience. Prepare to be transported into an original, vibrant, and hypnotic sound world.

November 8 – Pozitif Vibrations: Thylacine at Babylon

Thylacine, explorer of electronic music frontiers, performs on November 8, 2025, at Babylon. Expect a captivating sonic journey combining immersive atmospheres, hypnotic rhythms, and deep emotions for a unique musical experience.
Thylacine, aka French producer William Rezé, merges classical music with modern electronic sounds to offer the audience a timeless journey. From the Trans-Siberian Railway to the deserts of Argentina, via the Faroe Islands and live stages, he reinvents works by Mozart, Satie, and Debussy in his own electronic language, creating a unique and immersive musical experience.

November 7-8, 2025 – Coppélia at PSM

The famous ballet Coppélia returns to PSM, reimagined through the story of Dr. Coppélius, Silicon Valley inventor, and his latest creation in artificial intelligence, ‘Coppélia’.
This new version, by British choreographers Morgann Runacre Temple and Jessica Wright, combines classical ballet and a digital universe, featuring humorous solos, elegant pas de deux, cinematic projections, and captivating group scenes.
The original music by Delibes, reinterpreted by Mikael Karlsson and Michael P. Atkinson, is performed live by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra, offering an unforgettable visual and emotional experience.
This innovative show blurs the boundaries between dance, theater, and cinema, immersing the audience in the world of Dr. Coppélius’ robots and clones while constantly questioning the line between real and artificial.

November 15 – Manuş Ala at Asa Khai Jazz Club

Founded in Istanbul in 2015, Manuş-u Âlâ draws inspiration from Gypsy Swing, popularized by legendary Django Reinhardt. Over time, the band has incorporated different nuances of the swing era, offering the audience a musical journey that is both nostalgic and full of energy.

November 15 – Monsieur Minimal at Roxy Club

Greek musician and producer Monsieur Minimal, based in Athens, returns to Istanbul on November 15 at Roxy Club, in a night organized with the support of %100 Music.
Since his debut in 2008 with Lollipop, he has developed a sophisticated style mixing pop, soul, funk, disco, and indie, combining analog synths with nostalgic touches from the 60s-70s. His key albums, including High Times (2015), Easteria(2020), and Seven (2023), showcase his captivating melodic universe.
With over seven albums, numerous international performances, and prestigious collaborations (including with Moby), Monsieur Minimal has become a major figure in the Greek indie-pop scene, offering dreamy, nostalgic, and addictive concerts.

November 16 – Beste Tıknaz Modiri Solo Viola Recital at Grand Pera

Beste Tıknaz performs a solo viola recital at Grand Pera, offering an intimate and captivating performance.
With mastery of her instrument, she takes the audience on a musical journey that is emotional, poetic, and sophisticated, highlighting the richness and depth of the contemporary and classical repertoire.

November 21 – DJ Daddy-E – Unexpected Mashup Night at Blind
DJ Daddy-E invites you to an Unexpected Mashup Night at Blind!
Get ready for a night of surprising beats, bold mixes, and contagious energy for a unique and festive musical experience.

November 21 – Candan Erçetin at Zorlu PSM

Candan Erçetin 30th Anniversary – Special Tour
To celebrate her 30-year career, Candan Erçetin embarks on a tour across Turkey with a unique show combining her iconic songs, powerful stage performances, and shared emotional moments.

November 22 – Anatolian Sessions at Blind

The evening begins with the performance ‘Hybrid Live’ by Ekin Alkan!
Anatolian Sessions welcomes you on November 22 at Blind Istanbul for a unique musical experience combining contemporary sounds with Anatolian influences, offering the audience an innovative and captivating sonic journey.

November 28 – Feridun Düzağaç at Dorock XL

November 28 – Birsen Tezer at Babylon

FESTIVALS

November 14-15 – MIX Festival at Zorlu PSM
MIX Festival 2025 returns on November 14 and 15 at Zorlu PSM, presented by %100 Müzik! This multi-genre festival brings together international stars and emerging talents for two days of exceptional music.

Headliners include Bakermat, Maribou State DJ Set, Purple Disco Machine, and Sigrid, delivering unforgettable performances of electro, disco, pop, and dance.

The festival also highlights emerging and international artists such as Marissa Nadler, Bulgarian Cartrader, Egosex, Jadu Heart, Nusantara Beat, Tukan, and Youngr, along with Turkish talents Diskopolis, Emre Can Swim, GROOVE4LOVERS, Hilal Kaya, Selût, Soul Grinders, and Venice.

A unique event where diverse musical genres and artists from all backgrounds meet for an immersive and festive experience.

Line-up by day:

• November 14: Maribou State DJ Set, Sigrid, Diskopolis, Egosex, GROOVE4LOVERS, Selût, Tukan, Venice Live, Youngr
• November 15: Bakermat, Purple Disco Machine, Bulgarian Cartrader, Emre Can Swim, Hilal Kaya, Jadu Heart, Marissa Nadler, Nusantara Beat, Soul Grinders Live

THEATER / SHOWS

November 29-30 – Harry Potter at Volkswagen Arena
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert

Relive the magic of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets with CineConcerts in Istanbul!
The film will be screened in the original version with Turkish subtitles, accompanied live by 100 musicians of the Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Ernst Van Tiel, performing John Williams’ iconic music.
Experience the adventures of Dobby, the flying car, and the mysteries of Hogwarts in this immersive event.
Come in costume or with Harry Potter accessories to be part of this magical world.

EXHIBITIONS

Until December 30 – Salvador Dalí at AKM

Salvador Dalí – Masters of Surrealism
The exhibition at AKM Gallery presents iconic works of Salvador Dalí (1904–1989), a major figure of surrealism, known for his irrational imagery and paranoiac-critical technique.
Among his masterpieces: The Persistence of Memory, Metamorphosis of Narcissus, and The Temptation of Saint Anthony.
Dalí influenced not only painting but also sculpture, cinema, and design, leaving an indelible mark on art and popular culture.

Until December 30 – Henri Matisse

Matisse, a key figure of 20th-century modern art, revolutionized painting with Fauvism, a movement characterized by vivid expressive colors and free brushwork.
His iconic works include The Dance (1910), Music (1910), Woman with a Hat (1905), and The Sheaf (1953, paper cutouts).
Painter, sculptor, and designer, Matisse explored the psychological and spatial effects of color, leaving a lasting impact on modern art history.

SPORTS

November 2 – Istanbul Marathon
The Istanbul Marathon offers a one-of-a-kind experience, crossing the city between two continents. Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Istanbul fascinates with its rich history and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The route includes a start on the Asian side, a crossing over the Bosphorus via the suspension bridge, and a course through modern and historic districts. Participants get to see landmarks like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Hippodrome Square, all in a festive atmosphere.

Combining sport, history, and culture, the Istanbul Marathon is the only intercontinental race in the world, offering an unforgettable experience that attracts runners from all over the globe.