Tips for Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Taksim Square Istanbul

Are you planning to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2024 in the iconic Taksim Square, one of the biggest parties of the year? Well. You certainly won’t be alone…

In the spirit of the famous ball drop and the countdown to the new year, here are 10 New Year’s Eve in Taksim Square tips to help secure your experience is a safe, pleasant, and memorable one.

You do NOT need tickets to go to Taksim Square on New Year’s Eve.

The Taksim Square Istanbul celebration is a free event open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis.

So no, you don’t need to pay to go to Taksim Square on New Year’s Eve to observe the ball drop, there are no public viewing places available for sale – so please don’t get duped into buying ‘tickets.’

Plan to stay the weekend and visit some attractions

Traveling from out of time to enjoy the Istanbul celebration? We suggest turning your New Year’s Eve celebration in Istanbul into a fun-filled weekend visiting some of the area’s top attractions and activities.

Depending on how much energy you have, purchase a three-attraction, or up to 10 attractions Before Travel.

You can choose as you go from dozens of top Istanbul attractions.

Bathroom Tip – make sure you go BEFORE you arrive.

Probably the first 1 question guests ask before, and certainly during the event, where are the bathrooms??

There are no portable restrooms in Taksim Square, so plan to use the toilet before you arrive, or at a local restaurant (but good luck finding an establishment that will let you use their bathroom).

Plus, if you go to use the bathroom, then you most likely won’t be able to get back to your hard gained viewing spot. A good viewing area is hard to find (let alone keep), so if you get a right spot, you’re not going to want to give it up.

Don’t need to eat before hand or bring some energy bars

You can expect food vendors in Taksim Square. There are licensed food/beverage vendors in Taksim Square during the New Year celebration.

There are lots of eateries in and around the area though, so, if you plan accurately ahead of time, you could go that route.

Call the restaurant to check on their operating hours to make sure they are open. You will almost certainly need to book reservations ahead of time.

Dress in warm coats, it’s the middle of winter.

Questioning what you should wear on NYE? Dress warmly!

Not to state the clear, but it is easy to underestimate how cold it’s going to be standing for hours on end outside in the middle of winter.

Even if the temperatures aren’t shallow, dress in layers, you’re going to be outside for quite a while.

Synthetics, like Goretex, wind-resistant and water-repellent outerwear and a cute, warm hat are the keys to staying warm throughout the evening.

Leave the bags & backpacks at home.

At the entrance points, and at the preferred viewing areas, everyone will be searched with a hand-held wand.

Large bags and backpacks are not allowed at all. And, ALL bags will be searched.

It may be best to bring any bags at all.

Have fun & enjoy ringing in 2024!

You’re in the one of the most famous places in the world to celebrate the New Year, so make sure you enjoy it.