Planning to go to Istanbul with children, however unsure what to do when you get there?
Fortunate for you, Istanbul is stuffed with family-friendly sights and actions. In truth, this vibrant metropolis with its wealthy cultural heritage is likely one of the greatest locations to go in Turkey for households. From its historic mosques to bustling bazaars, Istanbul provides quite a lot of experiences that may feed the pursuits of adults and youngsters alike.
On this put up, I spotlight the very best issues to do in Istanbul with children. From visiting the long-lasting Hagia Sophia to taking a ship trip alongside the Bosphorus, one can find that Istanbul has no scarcity of kid-friendly actions.
Is Istanbul a kid-friendly vacation spot?
Istanbul is a metropolis that’s not solely wealthy in historical past and tradition however can also be extremely kid-friendly. Turkish individuals are identified for his or her hospitality and heat, and they’re particularly fond of youngsters. Touring to Turkey with children means you’ll obtain plenty of constructive consideration from locals providing your kids sweets, patting their heads, and every so often selecting them up and kissing them! Whereas this can be awkward at first, you and your kids will get used to the eye over time. You could even discover individuals are extra pleasant and useful in the direction of households, particularly these touring with younger kids. Kids are liked and welcomed throughout Turkey, and Istanbul is not any exception!
The most effective time to go to Istanbul with children
Istanbul is a year-round vacation spot. Nevertheless, there are some seasons that present a greater household journey expertise.
Summers in Istanbul might be scorching and crowded, however temperatures don’t change into insufferable. Visiting Istanbul throughout the hotter months of June by means of August, when temperatures vary from the mid-70s to mid-80s (°F), is a good time to discover the town’s city seashores. Nevertheless, summer season brings giant crowds and better resort costs.
For milder temperatures and fewer crowds, head to Istanbul throughout the months of April and Could. Average temperatures within the high-50s to 60s (°F) make this time of yr superb for out of doors actions, reminiscent of a cruise alongside the Bosphorus, with out the crowds of the excessive season.
Istanbul can also be a terrific winter vacation spot as crowds and resort costs drop throughout the winter months. With many indoor actions to take pleasure in, colder temperatures make little distinction to your sightseeing agenda. Should you’re fortunate, you might even get to expertise snow in Istanbul!
The place to remain in Istanbul with children
Istanbul is a mega-city that’s residence to over 15 million individuals, making it troublesome to resolve the place to remain. For the very best expertise, keep in a central location near the vacationer sights, reminiscent of Sultanahmet Sq..
The Adamar Lodge by Sultanahmet Sq. is centrally situated and inside strolling distance of the Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, and different high sights. The resort provides comfy household rooms and a scrumptious buffet breakfast, served of their rooftop lounge with unbeatable panoramic views of Istanbul.
Adahan DeCamondo Pera, Autograph Assortment is likely one of the inns we stayed at most lately and we liked it. That is the right spot for households! With its spacious suites, wonderful views of the fantastic metropolis skyline, and impressed eating choices throughout. We loved consuming at close by Antiochia Instanbul Taksim.
Sheraton Istanbul Metropolis Heart has enormous rooms. Completely situated within the coronary heart of Istanbul, Sheraton Istanbul Metropolis Heart gives all of the comforts of residence for each adults and youngsters alike. It provides well-appointed visitor rooms with loads of area for everybody and an array of facilities reminiscent of a wonderful onsite restaurant, an indoor swimming pool, a sauna and even a child’s membership full with actions designed particularly for little vacationers.
Getting round Istanbul with children
Site visitors congestion is a significant downside in Istanbul, making public transit probably the most reasonably priced and quickest strategy to get across the metropolis. Fortunately, Istanbul has an in depth public transit system that features buses, trams, metros, and ferries. The town’s public transit system companies most areas of the town and makes it straightforward for guests to get between high vacationer locations.
Dad and mom with younger kids shall be happy to know that strollers might be introduced on public transit. Even on crowded buses, locals will accommodate mother and father touring with kids in strollers.
I extremely suggest taking a tour with
11 Superb issues to do in Istanbul with children
1. Galata Tower
The Galata Tower has been a logo of the Istanbul skyline since its erection in 500 CE. Right now, a go to to the highest of this former watchtower is a should when in Istanbul, and a spotlight when visiting with children. From the highest of the Galata tower, you’ll be handled to among the greatest views of the town. Look out on the Blue Mosque, the Bosphorus, the Hagia Sophia, and extra. Youngsters will love this chook’s eye view of Istanbul. There’s additionally a miniature mannequin of Istanbul for them to take pleasure in. For a really magical expertise, time your go to with sundown. You’ll marvel at the great thing about Istanbul awash in an orange glow because the solar units behind the hills.
2. Bosphorus Cruise
Taking a Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul is an unforgettable expertise for each adults and youngsters alike. It’s an effective way to achieve an appreciation for the format of the town and see why Istanbul has been labeled a crossroads of the world. The cruise will take you alongside the Bosphorus Strait, the place you’ll see gorgeous views of Istanbul’s skyline and iconic landmarks such because the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Should you go for a full-day cruise you’ll have an opportunity to expertise a few of Istanbul’s distinctive tradition, with stops at native fishing villages for conventional Turkish tea or espresso. Whereas adults will benefit from the many historic sights discovered alongside one of many world’s most essential waterways, kids will get a kick out of the handfuls of seagulls and shorebirds trailing the boat, ready for his or her subsequent meal.
3. Miniaturk
Istanbul’s Miniaturk is a novel attraction the place guests can see Turkey’s iconic landmarks in miniature kind. In truth, Miniaturk is the biggest miniature park on the earth with 126 fashions! The park options replicas of well-known buildings from round Turkey, together with Topkapi Palace and the Galata Tower, in addition to pure landmarks reminiscent of Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys. Visiting the park is like seeing the very best landmarks throughout Turkey, multi functional place! Miniaturk additionally has an on-site restaurant, playground, and a life-sized maze, making it the right place for youths to run round, play, and revel in themselves.
4. Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern was constructed throughout the sixth century by Emperor Justinian and used to retailer water for the town of Constantinople (current-day Istanbul). Right now, it’s one in all Istanbul’s hottest vacationer locations and an actual hit with children. Descend underground into the basilica amidst historic Roman columns and stroll alongside a platform suspended over what stays of the cistern’s water. Marvel at the truth that this massive, cavernous area as soon as held 80,000 cubic meters of water. Throughout your go to, the moody lighting often modifications colours, including to the mystique and attract of this historic sight. For some added enjoyable, have your children hunt for the 2 Medusa heads which have been repurposed as column bases.
5. Grand Bazaar and Spice Market
When you consider visiting Istanbul, your thoughts seemingly conjures photographs of aromatic spices and bustling markets. In spite of everything, the town was an essential cease alongside the silk street. This legacy of historic commerce is alive and properly in two of Istanbul’s greatest markets: The Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. Whereas these markets are barely touristy, many stalls nonetheless cater to locals. Wander past the trinket and tea outlets to search out leatherworkers, smelters, and extra. The Grand Bazaar is very enjoyable to roam, and also you and your kids will take pleasure in tasting scrumptious apple tea and lokum (Turkish delight), together with watching artisans at work. The energetic ambiance of those markets gives you a real sense of this east-meets-west metropolis. Plus, your children will take pleasure in all of the sweets handed to them by shopkeepers!
6. Rahmi M Koc Museum
Istanbul’s Rahmi M Koc Museum is a must-visit for households who love studying about transportation. The museum is devoted to the historical past of transportation and business. Reveals showcase a variety of commercial artifacts from all around the world. Whereas there you’ll study Turkey’s industrial heritage by means of quite a few interactive displays. Highlights of the museum are the historic practice engines on show within the rail transportation wing and the gathering of boats, together with a submarine, that guests can board and discover.
7. Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace was the principle residence of the Ottoman Sultans from the 1460s till the late 1800s. Together with visiting the previous rooms of the residence, a go to to this massive palace complicated consists of a number of displays on life throughout the Ottoman Empire. The palace will fascinate children as they stroll by means of and achieve a glimpse into the lives of the Sultans. One spotlight exhibit explores the historical past of Turkish espresso and the ritual ceremony related to the drink. The grounds have plenty of open, inexperienced area that’s good for youths to run round and discover. The palace’s colorfully tiled buildings are fairly memorable and provide help to admire the grandeur of the palace. Located atop a hill, Topkapi Palace additionally has commanding views of Istanbul and is the right spot to snap a household picture.
8. Hagia Sophia
Some of the essential buildings in historical past, the Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofia) was initially constructed as a church. Later it was transformed to a mosque, then a museum, and now again to a mosque. For practically 2,000 years the Hagia Sophia has commanded the town’s skyline, drawing worshippers and guests from close to and much. As you enter this gorgeous constructing, you’ll instantly discover the abundance of area. The dome of the Hagia Sophia was an progressive architectural invention and is alleged to have modified the historical past of structure. This prime instance of Byzantine structure is greatest skilled from inside. Because the constructing is at the moment a mosque, it’s a cushty place to go to with children. They’ll sit on the carpet flooring, marveling on the sheer dimension of the mosque, and will even get to satisfy among the native cats that frequent the constructing.
9. Istanbul Aquarium
Istanbul is residence to one of many largest aquariums on the earth, with over 1,500 species and 17,000 animals on show. Youngsters can stand up near sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, and extra. There are additionally each day fish feedings, and watching sharks and different fish swarm to eat the meals earlier than their tankmates can is an thrilling spectacle. Together with seeing the animals, children can discover interactive displays and find out how completely different species stay of their pure habitats. With its unbelievable shows, interactive displays, and academic alternatives, Istanbul Aquarium is a good household exercise to take pleasure in collectively.
10. Galata Bridge
The Galata Bridge, which spans Istanbul’s Golden Horn, is greater than a metropolis landmark: it’s a thriving assembly place and cultural sight. Day or night time, the bridge is lined with locals fishing off the aspect. Strolling throughout the bridge generally is a enjoyable household exercise. Peek into fishing buckets to see what’s for dinner. Most individuals are catching sardines, however you might even see the occasional bigger fish. You or your children could even get the possibility to carry a fish in your hand! If all these fish are making you hungry, head to the decrease degree of the bridge which is lined with eating places. Seize a fried fish sandwich or platter of fried sardines to take pleasure in whereas watching the ferries alongside the Bosphorus. The Galata Bridge is a vigorous spot to take a seat again and watch as Istanbul buzzes about you.
11. Toy Museum
The Istanbul Toy Museum, situated within the coronary heart of Istanbul, homes a formidable assortment of toys from all over the world. The gathering comprises toys spanning many eras, from picket dolls to trendy motion figures. The museum additionally has interactive displays that permit guests to discover the historical past and evolution of toys throughout time and cultures. Youngsters will take pleasure in seeing toys relationship again to their mother and father’ childhood, whereas mother and father will succumb to nostalgia over the toys of their youth. Both method, a go to to the Istanbul Toy Museum is an unforgettable expertise and a terrific exercise for households visiting Istanbul.
Last ideas on visiting Istanbul with children
Should you’re on the lookout for an unforgettable household trip, Istanbul is the place for you. This bustling metropolis provides deep tradition, fascinating historical past, and lots of sights and neighborhoods to discover. Households touring to Istanbul with children will really feel welcomed by the nice and cozy and hospitable individuals. You’ll even have an countless provide of kid-friendly actions to select from – from museums and mosques to bazaars and historic buildings. Visiting Istanbul is enjoyable and straightforward with children of all ages. So when planning your subsequent household vacation vacation spot, contemplate Istanbul!