Ramadan in Istanbul in 2027 is expected to start on Monday 8 February and last 29 days, ending with Ramazan Bayramı (Eid al-Fitr) on 9 to 11 March 2027, according to Turkish reports on the Diyanet calendar. Visitors can still sightsee, eat and drink in tourist areas. The main differences are crowded evenings around the sunset meal, iftar, and a busy holiday at the end.
Last checked: 26 October 2026. Dates come from several Turkish reports on the Diyanet religious calendar. We found one outlier that gave a different start date, so confirm on Diyanet’s site closer to the time.
Ramadan and Eid dates for 2027
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| — | — |
| First day of Ramadan | Monday 8 February 2027 (first pre-dawn meal on the night of 7 to 8 February) |
| Length | 29 days |
| Night of Power (Kadir Gecesi) | Friday 5 March 2027 |
| Eve of Eid | Monday 8 March 2027 |
| Ramazan Bayramı | Tuesday 9 to Thursday 11 March 2027 |
One report says the official holiday on the eve of Eid starts at 13:00, so the afternoon of 8 March counts as a half day. Fasting and iftar times differ by city, so use the Diyanet timetable for Istanbul.
What changes for visitors during Ramadan
Guides we read agree on the main points:
- **Sights stay open.** Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar keep their normal schedules, according to one guide.
- **You can eat and drink.** Non-fasting visitors can eat and drink in Istanbul. Some local restaurants shift their hours towards iftar, and alcohol may be less visible in some areas.
- **Evenings are busy.** From late afternoon, the city moves towards iftar. Expect full restaurants before sunset and heavy traffic as people go home. Avoid crossing the city by car at that time.
- **Neighbourhoods differ.** Tourist areas such as Sultanahmet feel familiar. Residential areas feel more communal.
For another view, read Türkiye Today’s Ramadan tips for foreign visitors.
Eid (Bayram) is the real disruption
Domestic flights, buses and coastal hotels sell out during the holiday week. One guide also says the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar close for the three days of Eid. That is one source, so check closer to the date. If you plan to travel in early March 2027, book transport and hotels early. Our holiday transport guide shows how public transport can change on holidays.
Etiquette during Ramadan
- Dress modestly in mosques and religious areas. See our Blue Mosque dress code guide.
- Be discreet when you eat or drink near people who are fasting.
- Accept an invitation to an iftar if you are offered one. It is a warm tradition.
- Expect mahya lights, the lit messages between minarets, and special evening events.
Planning tips
- Check opening hours for each museum, because some places change hours in the evening.
- Book popular restaurants for iftar, because tables fill before sunset.
- Use the ferry and metro at busy times instead of taxis. Our transport guide covers options.
- Pair this guide with our winter guide for cold-weather packing, because February and March can be cool and wet.
Frequently asked questions
Is Istanbul open during Ramadan?
Yes. Major sights, transport and most restaurants run, with changes in the evening.
Can tourists eat and drink in public during Ramadan?
Reports say non-fasting visitors can eat and drink in Istanbul. Be discreet near people who are fasting.
When is Ramazan Bayramı 2027?
Turkish reports on the Diyanet calendar give 9 to 11 March 2027.
How we wrote this guide: we compared several Turkish reports and travel guides and kept only the points they agree on. We use AI tools to help research and draft, and an editor reviews each guide. See our Editorial Policy. Spotted an error? Use the contact page.
