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Summer in Istanbul feels like a festival on its own. Sunlight gilds the Bosphorus, open-air stages pop up in palace courtyards, and every week another rooftop turns into a dance floor. From sunset cruises to marathon concerts, the city invites you to hop between landmarks, museums, and late-night gigs without ever losing sight of that glittering skyline.

On Saturday, 24 May, Rooftop Festival Istanbul 2025 lifts the season to the clouds. One ticket lets you drift between seven iconic terraces, sampling DJ sets, art corners, and chef-made bites while the city glows below. Come for the view, stay for the music, and leave feeling like you just spent a day as an insider in Istanbul’s summer playground.

Festival at a Glance

Rooftop Festival Istanbul 2025 turns seven skyline bars into one roaming party that runs from sunny afternoon to deep night. Read on for a quick guide to the venues, the line up, and the little tricks that will help you squeeze every drop of fun out of May in Istanbul.

Venues with the Best Views

Seven terraces open their doors on 24 May. You can move freely between Klein Garten, Swissôtel The Bosphorus 16 Roof, The Roof at The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott Sky Karaköy, Komun On The Bosphorus, The Bank Hotel Roof Bar, and, when night falls, Klein Harbiye for the after-hours session. Each rooftop bar frames the Bosphorus or the city lights in its own way, so every elevator ride feels like a fresh postcard.

The Soundtrack of Your Day

Headliners Tripolism, Adana Twins, Ajna, Jamiee, and Re-You anchor a roster packed with Istanbul favorites such as Alican, Ezgi, and Turkish Edits. Sets roll one after another, so whether you park yourself on one roof or hop between decks, the beat never cuts out.

How the Day Unfolds

Gates open at 3:00 PM. Set times differ on every terrace, and the festival Instagram account posts the hourly grid the week of the event. Pick a sunset set on one roof, catch a twilight banger on another, and cruise into the after-hours scene as the clock hits 11:00 PM.

Beyond the Music

Pop-up art corners spark quick sketch sessions, mixology counters shake signature cocktails, and guest chefs turn mezzes into miniature works of art. Between grooves you can pick up a screen-printed tote, test a new craft gin, or watch the sky shift from gold to midnight blue.

Good to Know

Festival entry is strictly 18+. One ticket unlocks every terrace all day. Food and drinks are sold on-site; outside items stay at the door. The whole event is standing, so comfy shoes beat stilettos. Keep an eye on Instagram for last-minute venue notes and set announcements, then charge your phone and let Istanbul’s rooftops do the rest.

Turn the Festival into a Mini-Holiday with Istanbul Tourist Pass®

If you are flying in for the Rooftop Festival, the Istanbul Tourist Pass® can fill the rest of your weekend with the city’s greatest hits while keeping things flexible. One digital pass unlocks instant QR tickets and audio guides for icons like Hagia Sophia, Galata Tower, Maiden’s Tower, Basilica Cistern and the Archaeology Museums. Only Topkapi Palace still needs a hosted entry, and the Pass team handles that for you. No rigid tour times, no paper vouchers; just show your phone at the gate and walk in.

A Three-Day Game Plan in Istanbul

Friday

Land, use your free airport transfer, drop your bags and grab the Unlimited Public Transport Card that comes discounted with the Pass. Stroll through Sultanahmet for Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern in the afternoon, then hop over the Golden Horn for a sunset meze platter on the house under Galata Bridge.

Saturday (Festival Day)

Morning an amazing Bosphorus breakfast cruise or a lazy few hours at the Museum of Illusions first rooftop and let the music carry you through the night.

Shake off the party at Istanbul Aquarium or Vialand Theme Park if you are with family, or claim your discounted premium dinner at Nomads before catching your flight. WhatsApp support is just a message away if plans change.

The Pass covers more than 100 attractions and handy services like free airport shuttles and weekday WhatsApp help, so you spend less time planning and more time living Istanbul. Keep an eye on our blog for fresh event tips and bookmark itpop up here first.

Will you be in Istanbul on Saturday, 31 May 2025? Save the date. From 3.00 PM the Ritz‑Carlton rooftop turns into a football festival. A huge LED screen will show the Champions League Final live. DJs will keep the beat between the key moments. Chefs will serve gourmet street food that feels right at home in this city of bold flavours.

Istanbul loves football. You can hear match talk in every cafe and see club colours on every corner. Watching Europe’s biggest game here is special. Grab a ticket, ride the elevator to the roof, and look out over the Bosphorus while the action unfolds above Munich. Your Istanbul Tourist Pass® gets you there with ease. Come cheer, eat, dance, and make a memory you’ll tell your friends about long after the final whistle.

About the Event

There are many amazing events, concerts, and festivals in Istanbul all the time. Mark Saturday, May 31, 2025 in your diary. Doors open at 3:00 PM, and the DJs start playing right away. The Champions League Final goes on the big screen at 10:00 PM Istanbul time, giving you the whole afternoon and early evening to eat, chat, and feel the build‑up.

The venue is the Roof at The Ritz‑Carlton Istanbul, an open terrace with a clear view of the Bosphorus and the city lights. A huge LED screen shows every kick from Munich in sharp detail. Between plays, the resident DJs keep the energy high. Hotel chefs run a pop-up food court with sliders, fresh kebab wraps, hand-cut fries, and fun desserts. Sponsor booths add games and giveaways, so there is always something to do.

This event is for guests 18 and older, so bring photo ID. Food and drinks are sold on site, and you can pay by card or phone. Tickets are limited, and booking with your Istanbul Tourist Pass® lets you skip the line and head straight to the elevator. Grab your jersey, bring your friends, and watch Istanbul celebrate the biggest match of the year.

How to Get There

The Ritz-Carlton sits beside the Besiktas Football Club's Tupras Stadium in Beşiktaş. If you are near Taksim Square, walk downhill along Gümüşsuyu Street, and you will be at the hotel in about ten minutes. The same route is lined with frequent buses, and the stops named “Gümüşsuyu” are only a three- to four-minute walk from the lobby.

Coming from the Old City or Galata, take tram line T1 to its last stop, Kabataş, then hop on the F1 funicular. The ride up to Taksim takes three minutes. From Taksim, follow the signs for Gümüşsuyu and stroll down to the hotel, or grab a short taxi if you prefer not to walk.

From Istanbul Airport (IST) to Ritz Carlton Bosphorus, you have two good choices. The new metro link gets you into the city fastest: ride the M11 from the terminal to Gayrettepe, change to the M2 at Kağıthane, stay on until Taksim, and walk the final stretch; the full trip can take around forty‑five minutes off‑peak . If you want a simple door‑to‑door ride, the Havaist shuttle leaves IST for Taksim every thirty minutes and reaches the square in about an hour and a half, depending on traffic.

From Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to Ritz Carlton Bosphorus the easiest way is the Havabus shuttle to Taksim. Buses run every half‑hour and the journey usually takes ninety minutes, again depending on traffic.

Taxis are plentiful at all hours. In light traffic the ride from Sultanahmet or Karaköy to the hotel is about fifteen to twenty minutes; from either airport it can range from forty minutes to well over an hour. Whatever route you choose, aim to arrive by 3 PM, grab a drink, and settle in for the build‑up to the final.

A Perfect Weekend in Istanbul with Your Istanbul Tourist Pass®

Friday, May 30

Check into your hotel by mid-afternoon, drop your bags, and head to the 6:30 PM Golden Horn & Bosphorus Sunset Cruise is FREE with the Pass. The boat glides past the Mosques, Maiden’s Tower, and the summer palaces while the sky shifts to gold and pink. Back on shore around 8:30 PM, wander into Karaköy’s backstreets for dinner at a meyhane where you can try small plates and watch the ferries dock for the night. Turning in by 11:00 PM keeps you fresh for an early start. 

Saturday, May 3

Be at Hagia Sophia for the first entry at 9:00 AM; the morning light floods the mosaics before the crowds build. Walk five minutes to the Basilica Cistern and step below ground at 10:30 AM for a cool break beneath the Medusa heads.

By 12:30 PM you are ready for lunch; grab a fish sandwich from a Sultanahmet grill and take the T1 tram to Kabataş. A short stroll brings you to Tupras Stadium where the Beşiktaş JK Museum opens its trophy‑lined halls to Pass holders at 2:00 PM.

At 3:00 PM the doors on the Ritz‑Carlton rooftop swing wide for the Champions League party. Find a spot with a Bosphorus view, sample the pop‑up food stalls, and let the DJ sets roll until kick‑off at 10:00 PM. When the final whistle sounds close to midnight, taxis and late buses on nearby Dolmabahçe Street make the ride home easy.

Sunday, June 1

Sleep in a little, then walk or ride the F1 funicular back down to Dolmabahçe for a self-guided tour of Dolmabahçe Palace, also covered by the Pass. The crystal chandeliers and waterfront gardens paint a very different side of Ottoman life.

By 12:30 PM hop on the Hop‑On Hop‑Off Bus at the palace gate; stay on for one full lap to Galata. Skip the ticket line at Galata Tower with your Pass and stand on the balcony by 1:45 PM for a full‑circle city view. 

After a light lunch in Galata, walk downhill to the Spice Bazaar and browse the stalls for saffron and lokum. At 4:30 PM catch a ferry to Kadıköy on the Asian side; the ride is part of the city transport network, so your unlimited public transportation card covers it. Explore the market streets, grab a coffee in Moda, and watch the sun sink behind the Old City skyline at 8:00 PM.

By weaving the rooftop final into three leisurely days of classics and hidden gems, you squeeze maximum value from the Istanbul Tourist Pass® and still leave room for serendipitous finds. Pack comfy shoes, keep the Pass QR ready on your phone, and enjoy a weekend where football, history, and the Bosphorus meet.

Summer in Istanbul has a soundtrack of its own. Ferries glide across the Bosphorus, café terraces fill with laughter, and music drifts from every corner of the city. From open‑air jazz evenings in Sultanahmet to indie gigs in Kadıköy parks, July is festival season here. This year, one of the biggest dates on the calendar is July 30, when Justin Timberlake rolls into Istanbul Technical University Stadium for his first Türkiye show since 2019.

If you have ever watched the sunset from Galata Tower you know the city knows how to put on a show, and Timberlake is bringing plenty of his own. Expect classics like “SexyBack” and “Rock Your Body” mixed with fresh tracks from his new album, Everything I Thought It Was. The lasers, dancers, and full live band promise stadium-wide sing-along.

Tickets open on May 8 via Biletinial, so set a reminder and rally your concert crew. While you wait for show day, dive into Istanbul’s summer lineup. Catch a late-night set at the Jazz Festival, cool off with open-air cinema on the shoreline, or join locals for rooftop DJ parties that run until dawn.

Planning to turn the concert into a long weekend? A city pass can smooth out transport and fast-track entries to must-see spots like Topkapı Palace or the Basilica Cistern. But even without a plan, Istanbul rewards wanderers. Follow the music, follow the smell of fresh simit, and let the city surprise you. July will be here before you know it.

Justin Timberlake Returns to Istanbul on 30 July 2025

Justin Timberlake will hit the stage at Istanbul Technical University Stadium on Wednesday, 30 July 2025. Doors open at six in the evening, giving fans plenty of time to find their seats, grab a snack, and soak up the summer buzz before the first beat drops at half past eight. July is a perfect month to be in Istanbul, especially for an open air concert!

Tickets go on sale digitally through Biletinial on 8 May, and they are expected to move fast because this will be Timberlake’s first show in Türkiye since 2019. The night promises a full live band, dazzling light displays, and a set list that jumps from early favorites like “Rock Your Body” to fresh material off his 2024 album Everything I Thought It Was. Expect a high‑energy crowd and an atmosphere that blends Istanbul’s festival spirit with Timberlake’s polished pop and R&B sound.

Who Is Justin Timberlake?

Justin Timberlake first found fame in the late 1990s as the youngest voice in the boy-band powerhouse NSYNC. When he launched his solo career in 2002, his debut album Justified sent him straight to pop royalty with singles such as “Cry Me a River.” Albums like FutureSex/LoveSounds and The 20/20 Experience cemented his reputation for sleek production and genre‑mixing dance tracks.

Along the way he has collected ten Grammy Awards, four Emmys, and charted dozens of international hits. Timberlake also maintains a successful film career, starring in projects from The Social Network to the animated Trolls series. His newest release, Everything I Thought It Was, brings eighteen fresh tracks that explore funk grooves and soulful hooks, giving fans plenty to look forward to on tour.

About the Venue

ITU Stadium sits on the Ayazağa Campus in Maslak, one of Istanbul’s busiest business and entertainment districts on the European side. The open‑air arena holds close to forty thousand people, yet it remains easy to reach. The M2 metro line drops you at ITU‑Ayazağa station, a short walk from the gates, and frequent buses run along nearby Büyükdere Avenue. 

Don't worry about food and drinks because on the concert night, pop‑up food stalls will stay open late, creating a mini festival vibe long before the lights go down. Arrive early to avoid the rush, explore the tree‑lined campus, and let Istanbul’s summer atmosphere set the stage for an unforgettable evening with Justin Timberlake.

Istanbul Tourist Pass®: Explore Istanbul the Easy Way

The Istanbul Tourist Pass® is totally digital. You buy it online, it lands in the app on your phone, and instant QR codes get you straight into more than one hundred museums, cruises, tours, and family attractions. No plastic cards, no paper tickets, no waiting in the long ticket lines… Just show your QR code and walk in.

You choose how long the pass lasts, from one up to five days, so it can fit a quick concert weekend or a full week of sightseeing. Big‑name spots like Hagia Sophia,  Galata Tower, Topkapı Palace, and Bosphorus dinner cruises are already included. The pass also throws in handy extras such as audio guides in app, VIP transfer discounts, and FREE 5 GB mobile data, so your maps and concert tickets stay online the whole trip. One payment covers it all and the savings add up fast.

2‑Day Istanbul Plan for the Justin Timberlake Concert

(Add the third day if you want to stretch your stay)

Day 1 – Tuesday, 29 July · Old City Icons and a Bosphorus Sunset

Morning

• Start in Sultanahmet Square.
• Use the Istanbul Tourist Pass® QR code to enter Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern without waiting in the ticket line. 

Lunch

• Grab a kebab or try something different; here are some Michelin-recommended restaurants around the Old Town. 

Afternoon

• Wander through Gülhane Park for shade and an ice cream.
• Stop at the Archaeology Museums if you still have energy. They are also on the pass with a perfect audio guide!

Evening

• Head to Kabatas Pier for the Bosphorus Sunset Cruise that is included in the pass. The boat leaves around 6.00 PM. The skyline glows, seagulls circle, and you will see both European and Asian shores in two hours.
• Finish the night with a FREE meze plate in Karaköy, you may add a delicious Turkish wine to your platter. Early to bed if you want to be fresh for the show.

Day 2 – Wednesday, 30 July · Concert Day

Morning

• Ride the M2 metro to Galata Tower as soon as it opens. Skip the line with your pass and catch a 360‑degree view before the heat hits. 
• Walk down İstiklal Street. Duck into cafés, record shops, and the historic Çiçek Pasajı. Listen to your Taksim & Istiklal Street audio guide while you are wandering. 

Lunch

• Try a döner wrap or wet burgers, which are very famous street foods in Taksim Square.

Early afternoon

• Recharge at your hotel or book a Turkish bath session. The pass gives a discount at several hammams, perfect for a pre-concert reset.
• Or you may want to visit the Museum of Illusions on Istiklal Street while you are around. 

Evening

• Take the metro again to ITU‑Ayazağa station using your unlimited public transportation card. The stadium is a short walk.
• Justin Timberlake hits the stage at 20:30. Tickets went on sale on 8 May through Biletinial, so make sure yours is loaded on your phone before you leave the hotel.
• After the show, taxis and ride‑shares line Büyükdere Avenue, but the metro runs until after midnight if you want to skip traffic.

Day 3 – Thursday, 31 July · Bonus Day

Option A: Princes’ Islands

• Hop on the princess islands tour that comes with the pass. Stay on Buyukada after the tour; swim, cycle, and snack on seafood.

Option B: Topkapi Palace 

• Tour the Topkapi Palace with guided entry from the pass in the morning. Give it couple hours since it is huge place to discover. 

Night

• Catch a Whirling Dervish performance or get a perfect dinner with amazing shows in Nomads Beyoğlu if you still have fuel in the tank. The pass covers or discounts both. 

Why the Pass Fits This Trip

• Everything sits inside one App on your phone, carry Istanbul with you!
• Skip-the-line access saves hours during summer crowds.
• The Bosphorus cruise, tower entries, palace tours, and even airport shuttles are already FREE, which cuts costs and planning stress.
• Pack comfy shoes, keep your phone charged, and let Istanbul’s summer rhythm take care of the rest.

Now, first buy your Justin Timberlake concert tickets, and come back right here and buy your Pass so we can plan your Istanbul city break together! 

Few cities sing the way Istanbul does. From late‑night jazz on the Bosphorus to indie showcases in back‑street Kadıköy bars, the city’s music scene is a thrilling crossroads where East meets West and tradition flirts with tomorrow. On any given night you can slip from thumping techno in a converted hamam to a saz‑led folk set under Galata’s silhouette. That restless energy makes Istanbul a dream stop for touring artists and on Friday, May 23, 2025, it welcomes one of indie’s most haunting voices: Tamino.

The Belgian‑Egyptian singer‑songwriter returns to town just as his third album, Every Dawn’s a Mountain, begins to glow on the horizon. Backed by the sweeping single “Sanctuary” (featuring Mitski), Tamino will fill KüçükÇiftlik Park with the same smoky baritone and shimmering falsetto that once lit up NPR’s Tiny Desk. If you’re craving a night where oud lines entwine with alt‑rock moods, and where heartbreak sounds strangely hopeful; Istanbul has your ticket.

Who Is Tamino?

Istanbul has hosted many amazing names and the concerts in Istanbul are magical all the time! Tamino‑Amir Moharam Fouad, known simply as  Tamino, is a Belgian‑Egyptian singer‑songwriter praised for a three‑octave range that slips from grainy baritone to shimmering falsetto. Born in Antwerp in 1996 to a Belgian mother and an Egyptian father, he grew up on a steady diet of The Beatles, Chopin and the golden‑age Arabic ballads of his grandfather, movie‑star crooner Muharram Fouad.

He emerged with the self‑titled Tamino EP (2017), broke internationally on the lush debut album Amir (2018) and cemented his cult following with Sahar (2022). NPR called his Tiny Desk set “one of the most remarkable voices ever to grace the series,” and Radiohead’s Colin Greenwood has since joined his touring band. May 2025 in Istanbul is the perfect time and place to listen to this remarkable voice!

Now based partly in New York, Tamino channels oud‑framed arrangements and indie‑rock atmospherics into his new record *Every Dawn’s a Mountain (March 21 2025). Lead single “Sanctuary,” a duet with Mitski, hints at an album steeped in themes of loss, exile and renewal, exactly the emotional palette he’ll bring to Istanbul this May.

The Concert: Istanbul Gets Intimate with Tamino

Date & venue: Circle Friday, May 23 2025 and head to KüçükÇiftlik Park, the leafy open‑air hub tucked behind Besiktas Stadium which also hosts a museum. Doors open at 19:00; Tamino is slated to take the stage around 21:30, turning the spring night into a slow‑burn soundtrack of oud lines, baritone sighs and falsetto bursts.

What you’ll hear: Expect a set that threads early favorites like “Habibi” and “Indigo Night” into fresh cuts from the upcoming album Every Dawn’s a Mountain. Lead single “Sanctuary” (a Mitski duet on record) is almost certain to surface, along with new songs steeped in exile, rebirth and smoky‑stringed grandeur. If past shows are a clue, Tamino’s three‑piece band will trade electric guitar for oud midway, letting Arabic scales swirl over Radiohead‑leaning grooves.

Special guest: Istanbul‑based neo‑classical pianist Beyza Kayıkçı opens the evening, easing the crowd in with minimalist keys and looping textures before Tamino’s first breath even lands.

Who’s behind it: The night is powered by local promoter Epifoni with support from culture sponsor +1, the same pairing that’s recently brought Arctic Monkeys and Nick Cave to town, proof the booking is in good hands.

Practical bits: Tickets are moving fast on Biletix and other outlets; snag yours early to dodge resale mark‑ups. KüçükÇiftlik Park is cashless inside, and the bars cut off alcohol sales for under‑18s (wristbands are color‑coded). Minors must enter with a parent, and children under 12 aren’t admitted, so plan babysitters now.

In short: Spring air, lantern‑lit trees, and a voice that can hush 17,000 people at a whisper, this is one of those Istanbul nights you’ll still feel echoing when the ferries start running at dawn.

Make It a 48‑Hour City‑Break with Istanbul Tourist Pass®

If Tamino lures you to town for one glorious night, squeeze the rest of Istanbul into the daylight hours with a 2‑Day Istanbul Tourist Pass® a single digital sightseeing pass that unlocks 100+ attractions, skip-the-ticket lines and guided tours while saving you roughly 50 percent on gate prices. The pass lives in an easy mobile app, includes instant WhatsApp help.

Day 1 – Old‑City Icons & a Sunset Sail

Morning: Hagia Sophia skip the 60‑min queue and go directly to the security check, then stroll straight to the subterranean Basilica Cistern’s Medusa heads.

Lunch: Kebab plate & ayran on a rooftop facing the Blue Mosque free to enter between prayer times.

Afternoon: Topkapı Palace hosted entry