Are you planning a family holiday in Turkey but unsure whether you should spend more days in Istanbul?
This vibrant city is the perfect destination for families with children, offering a blend of history, culture, and entertainment.
In this guide, we’ll show you all the fun things to do in Istanbul with your family, where to eat, and where to stay.
Why Istanbul is Great for Families with Children
Istanbul may be a big city, but it’s not just about the hustle and bustle.
The city offers an abundance of family-friendly activities, sights, and experiences that are sure to keep everyone entertained.
From ancient historical sites to modern theme parks, Istanbul has it all.
Fun Things to Do with Family in Istanbul
Istanbul is a big cosmopolitan city but it is also one of the best destinations in Turkey for families to visit.
As a big city, you get a large variety of activities to choose from. Plus, it has excellent food, thousands of restaurants, cafes, dozens of places to visit and have fun.
Following are some of the fun things you can do with family in Istanbul.
1. Visit the Hagia Sophia
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this awe-inspiring architectural wonder is a must-visit for families.
Explore the grand dome, the intricate mosaics, and learn about the building’s fascinating history.
While you are there don’t forget to visit the Sultan Ahmet Mosque (Blue mosque) and other historical sites all located in the nearby areas.
Cost: Free or if you want you can hire a guide. You can find several English speaking guides outside the main building or you can book a guided tour online.
2. Take a boat tour of the Bosphorus
A boat tour is a great way to explore the city from a different perspective. You can take a tour along the Bosphorus Strait and take in the stunning views of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks.
Cost: Depending on your tour company, boat, and tour duration the costs would change. We recommend comparing different tour operators online and book one with the most reputable reviews.
3. Visit the Topkapi Palace
The former home of Ottoman sultans, this impressive palace now houses a museum that showcases the Ottoman empire’s grandeur.
Kids will love exploring the palace’s sprawling grounds and learning about the history of the empire.
Cost:
Topkapı Palace + Harem + Hagia Irene= 650 Turkish Lira
Topkapı Palace + Hagia Irene= 500 Turkish Lira
4. Explore the Grand Bazaar
This iconic market is a must-visit for families looking for unique souvenirs and gifts. Its vibrant colorful shops showcase a blend of Turkish, Islamic, and European culture.
With over 4,000 shops, it’s easy to get lost in the maze of alleys and find something for everyone.
Cost: It is a free marketplace open to walk. You can choose what you decide to buy or not to buy from the Bazaar.
5. Experience the Istanbul Aquarium
With over 16,000 marine creatures and 21 different exhibits, the Istanbul Aquarium is a fun and educational attraction for families.
You can even walk through a shark tunnel and get up close with some of the sea’s most fascinating creatures.
Tickets:
- Children 350 Turkish Lira
- Adults 400 Turkish lira
6. Go to the Miniaturk
A park that features miniaturized replicas of Turkey’s most famous landmarks. It is a great place for kids to learn and explore the country’s history and culture.
Ticket: 150 Turkish Lira
7. Forestanbul Adventure Park
Forestanbul is an adventure park offering sessions for rock climbing, rope climbing, and other sports activities in a lush green forest just outside the Istanbul.
Cost: Visit their website for prices
8. Have fun at the theme parks
There are other theme parks as well, you can also visit Land of Legends, Isfanbul, or Jurassic Land, all perfect for a day of fun with your family.
9. Visit the Princes’ Islands
A great day trip option, these islands offer a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. You can rent bikes, take horse-drawn carriage tours, or swim in the crystal-clear waters.
10. Take a Turkish cooking class
A fun activity for the whole family, you can learn to cook traditional Turkish dishes and take home some tasty new recipes.
There are several tour guides offer this personalized experience. You can look them up on Travel websites or AirBnB Experiences.
Tip: Please discuss your allergies and dietary restrictions with the tour operator before making a booking.
11. Play at Kidzania
A place where kids can play and pretend to be adults while learning about various professions.
Tickets:
- Children (age 4-14 ) 450 Turkish Lira
- Children (age 2-3 ) 450 Turkish lira Adult Entry is Mandatory
- Adults (18 and over) 100 Turkish Lira
12. Visit the Istanbul Toy Museum
Located in the district of Goztepe, the museum houses a collection of toys from around the world. It is a fun place to visit with your kids.
Ticket price: 250 TL for adults and discounted admission 200 TL for children 3 years and up and students.
13. Go on a Street Art Tour
Istanbul’s streets are filled with colorful murals, graffiti, and street art. You can take a guided tour and learn about the city’s vibrant art scene.
You can find these guided tours on AirBnB Experiences or other websites.
Tip: Please reach out to the tour operator to let them know if you are traveling with young children. Also discuss how much walking is required.
Cost: Pricing for these tours may vary depending on each tour operator and what kind of experiences they offer.
14. Visit the Basilica Cistern
This underground cistern is an impressive feat of engineering and offers a unique experience for families. You can walk along the dimly lit passages and learn about the history of the region.
Ticket price: $15-$25
15. Visit the Istanbul Dolphinarium
The Istanbul Dolphinarium is a fun and educational attraction for families with kids. It features daily dolphin and sea lion shows, as well as interactive exhibits where kids can learn about marine life.
Cost: $42 for Children and $46 for Adults
16. Take a Helicopter Tour
For a truly unique experience, take a helicopter tour of Istanbul. Kids will love seeing the city from above and getting a bird’s-eye view of all the famous landmarks.
There are several companies that offer helicopter tours, and some even offer special packages for families.
Note: Helicopters are noisy and some younger children may not find the experience pleasant. Talk to your children about what to expect on the tour before making a booking.
17. Visit the Dolmabahce Palace
This magnificent palace is a symbol of the Ottoman Empire’s last period and is a great place to explore with kids.
18. Visit the Istanbul Modern Art Museum
The Istanbul Modern Art Museum is a great place to take older kids who are interested in art. It has a collection of contemporary Turkish art, as well as international exhibits.
There are often workshops and events for kids, so it’s worth checking the museum’s website before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions about Things to Do in Istanbul for Families
Following are some of the most commonly asked questions by families traveling to Istanbul.
1. Which are the places to see with family and kids in Istanbul?
You can start your trip by a day tour of the historical sites all located in the historical complex surrounding Aya Sofia.
After that, you can plan your trip by visiting various theme parks, water parks, or take a boat ride in the Bosporus Strait. See the above list for more places to visit with family and young children.
2. What things you can do for free in Istanbul?
Visiting the historical mosques, churches, and monuments spread across the city is always free. You can also walk around different neighborhood or use your Istanbul Kart to take ferry rides for very cheap.
3. Where to stay in Istanbul with kids?
Ideally, you would want to stay in the central district of Sultan Ahmet because it is closer to all the attractions with easy access to Istanbul’s excellent public transport system. Kadikoy and Beyoğlu are nice areas too.
Some streets adjacent to the Istiklal street and Taksim square may not be a suitable place to stay with family and young children. There are many bars around, the narrow streets can be noisy at nights, and tourist scams are rampant near Taksim and Istiklal street.
We hope this article gave you some ideas about thing to do with family and children when visiting Istanbul.