Lonely Planet İstanbul Guide

March It’s cold at the start of the month, but as the weather improves the festival season kicks off. Good hotel deals are on offer early in the month; high-season prices from Easter onwards. 3 Akbank Short Film Festival Beloved by the black-clad Beyoğlu bohemian set, this arty film-culture event is held at the Akbank Culture & Arts Centre (www.akbanksanat.com).