Top Things to Do in Istanbul with Kids + 2025 City Break Guide
Istanbul, Europe’s largest city, is one of the best city break destinations in Turkey. The city has a mix of cultural influences, and there is plenty to do for families.
This Istanbul city break travel guide will show you the very best things to do in Istanbul with kids, where to eat, where to stay in Istanbul for families, and the best day trips.
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What is the Best Time to Visit Istanbul?
Before I start to talk about things to do in Istanbul with kids, let’s quickly go through all seasons and determine what is the best time for families to go on their Turkey holidays. Istanbul is safe, but be sure you take the normal precautions you would take in any foreign country.
Istanbul is a destination that is perfect for any time of the year. Yet not every season is perfect for a visit with kids. There is no “off-season” in Istanbul as it is not a seaside city resort. There is a high season that lasts from mid-April to mid-October and a low season that runs through winter.
The best time to travel to Istanbul with kids is not in the high season but outside it. Families should visit in spring and fall. To be more precise; the months of April, May, September, and October. July and August are the hottest months with high prices, crowds, long queues, and often unbearable temperatures for exploring.
April-May
April-May is the best time to visit Istanbul. Enjoy mild weather – perfect for seeing the main sights.
At this time, Istanbul has fantastic weather that favors flowers blooming, many festivals, and decent prices.
Don’t forget that April-May is when the Tulip Festival and the International Film Festival are held.
September-November
Another great time to visit Istanbul with kids is September-November. Similar to the April-May time frame, crowds are fewer, and the average room price is lower than in summer. Temperatures are nice for walking to fun places for kids in Istanbul and doing sports.
Finding out what to see in Istanbul is especially interesting during these months, given the abundance of cultural and sports events, like the UEFA Champions League matches played by Istanbul’s best clubs like Fenerbahce or Besiktas.
Top 15 Things to do in Istanbul with kids
If you’re visiting Istanbul with kids, there’s plenty to do. Here are our top recommendations:
1. Explore The Besiktas district
One of the best attractions in Istanbul for kids is the Besiktas area. Known for its vibrant culture and delicious restaurants, it is one of the best places for kids in Turkey due to the abundance of ice cream parlors and kebabs. It also features a lot of fun activities for kids.
Visit Dolmabahce Clocktower & Palace, which once served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire.
Be sure to visit Taksim Square, where you and your little ones can feed pigeons.
Don’t miss the one-of-its-kind Vodafone Arena, where one of Turkey’s top football teams, Beşiktaş, plays.
2. Go on a Bosphorus Cruise
For many tourists, travel to Istanbul is inextricably linked to the Bosphorus. A ferry trip through the Bosphorus Strait can be a memorable experience for the whole family, including little kids.
The Bosphorus not only divides Istanbul into two parts but is also the border between the continents of Europe and Asia. Within a few minutes, you can visit two parts of the world.
This is a wonderful journey that allows families to admire the city from the water, enjoy the beauty of the Strait, watch the sunset, and take a lot of Instagram-worthy photos.
There are three ways for a boat trip along the Bosphorus in Istanbul. The first and the cheapest is the public ferry that departs from different dock stations and goes in various directions. A second option includes a group excursion on a private boat with an English-speaking guide. A third option is to rent a yacht and have it all to yourself.
With a yacht and a tour, you have an opportunity to go for the entire day, making multiple stops and shore excursions. During that trip, you will cross the border of Europe and Asia twice, see the shores of the Golden Horn, and have magnificent views of Istanbul’s coastline.
3. Walk the Famous Istiklal Street and Ride Historic Transportation
Two famous attractions in Istanbul are great and free. Well, or almost free. The first one is the Karakoy funicular (İETT Genel Müdürlüğü Karaköy), built almost 100 years ago.
It is part of the Istanbul transport network, so you pay for it as you would for a regular ride. The funicular leaves from Karakoy and lifts passengers to the Galata Tower and the beginning of Istiklal.
Another popular attraction that is fairly inexpensive is the Istanbul cable car. The cable car first appeared in Istanbul in 1875. Children love a mini trip on a cable railway. There are two cable cars in Istanbul, but we recommend the Eyüp-Pierre Loti route which offers great views of the city below.
Istiklal street
When you are finished trying these unique modes of transportation, head to Istiklal Street in the heart of the city. The street runs from Taksim Square to Galata Tower.
Istiklal Street is interesting because it is the central artery of the city and is full of shops, souvenirs, and colorful cafés. It also has unique old trams that run along the avenue and are fantastic attractions on their own.
4. Walk around Galata
One of the best things to do in Istanbul with family is to go to the picturesque Galata district.
It boasts some of the most stunning landmarks for kids in Turkey, such as:
- The Galata Tower is a masterpiece dating back to the Byzantine Empire.
- The Quincentennial Foundation Museum displays the history of Turkish Jews and is one of the holiest prayer houses in Istanbul.
- The Neve Shalom Synagogue.
Keep in mind that Galata is one of the best spots for an Istanbul walking tour, which is one of the best things to do in Istanbul in July, June, August, and other warm months.
5. Hagia Sophia
Once a Christian church, then a museum, and now a mosque, the beautiful Hagia Sophia is one of the world’s best places to visit with kids.
Four slender towers surround its vast dome. The inside is decorated with Arabic writings and beautifully lit with skylights placed throughout the dome.
Going on a tour of Hagia Sophia is one of the best things to do in Istanbul with family because your kids can learn about the history of different faiths and ideologies.
6. Travel Back in Time to Topkapi Palace
A key attraction of Istanbul and one of the richest museums in the world, the Topkapi Palace will be interesting for all ages.
This was the main residence of the sultans until the middle of the 19th century and visitors can see how the sultans lived, what they wore, and games the sultan’s children would have played. Don’t miss the chambers with the luxurious interiors, and collections of weapons and gifts.
Topkapi Palace Museum is not just a museum. This is a huge complex with a park area where you could easily spend the whole day.
7. The Blue Mosque
Take your kids to Turkey on a tour of the Blue Mosque, a UNESCO Heritage Site. Constructed in 1616 under the rule of Ahmed, it is the ruler’s burial place. It is also a functioning place of worship.
Since this is one of Istanbul’s most popular landmarks, drawing in thousands of tourists every month, you will want to book tickets in advance.
8. Spend a Day in the Miniaturk Park
There is no better place for a child to get to know Turkey and the history of the Ottoman Empire than Miniaturk Park. It is the world’s largest miniature park with 105 models made on a 1:25 scale.
Located on the coast of Golden Horn Bay, it allows visitors to go on a tour through various historic regions of Turkey and explore different eras.
The scale models tell about the history and culture of the country. There is an English-language audio guide that makes a walk in the park more informative. Among all of the miniature sights, you’ll see those that exist today and the legendary monuments that were destroyed centuries ago.
The exposition includes the ancient temple of Artemis, Walls of Constantinople, Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Bosphorus and Mostar bridges, Ataturk airport, and much more.
TIP: Since it is such a large park, we recommend using the Miniatürk Express train for transportation.
9. See the Mystical Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is an unusual and even mystical place that kids love to see since it looks like a “spooky dungeon”. After entering an inconspicuous building with the inscription ‘Yerebatan Sarnici’ and going down the stairs, they will find themselves in a huge underground reservoir of Byzantine times, “dotted” with hundreds of majestic marble columns.
The cistern dates to the 6th century and once held 100,000 tons of water. It was the major water supply of Constantinople. Nowadays it serves as a museum.
Thanks to the lighting effects, the columns are mystically reflected in the water, creating the feeling that there is another hall beneath. Classical music plays in the background, adding to the mystery of the cistern.
Walk with your kids along the pillars, find the stone Medusa heads, watch the fish swim, and don’t forget to throw a coin at the Pool of Desires.
10. Bring Your Children to the Istanbul Toy Museum
This is a charming place to visit with children any time of year. It is a small museum in the Asian side of Istanbul, but it has a fairly large (about 4000 exhibits) private collection of toys.
The Istanbul Toy Museum is one of the richest museums of this kind in the world. There are a variety of displays that teach about the history of toys and show what children played with many years ago.
Children will love the toys showcasing the history of mini-transport, soldiers, and space technology. There are also dolls from different periods and old dollhouses with furniture and dishes.
However, seeing the exhibits is not the only reason to visit the Toy Museum. There are frequent puppet shows, masterclasses, and Sunday breakfasts arranged by staff in the children’s cafe.
11. Sample Turkish Street Food in the Eminonu Neighborhood
This area offers nearly as much to see as the Grand Bazaar without the crowds. Here families can visit the spice market and try some yummy local dishes like Turkish delight, durum, simit, and Turkish pizza.
It’s a great place to buy souvenirs, watch the Istanbul ferries, walk across Galata Bridge, and check out the daily catch. Be sure to eat a fish sandwich on the waterfront and buy some stretchy Turkish ice cream, dondurma.
12. Don’t Miss LEGOLAND Discovery Center
LEGOLAND is always a great place for kids, and the one in Istanbul can be found in the Forum Istanbul shopping center. It is aimed at young visitors between 3 and 10 years old but older children may enjoy it as well.
In the center, kids can visit several themed zones like the Lego 4D cinema or Miniland zone with miniature copies of famous Turkish and world landmarks created by LEGO.
There are also mini roller coasters and LEGO Racers zone where children can assemble their own model racing car and test it on the high-speed track.
The exhibition area with miniature LEGO figurines shows landmarks of Big Ben, the domes of the Taj Mahal, the tracery silhouette of the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, and of course famous streets and monuments of Istanbul.
13. Visit Istanbul Aquarium Aqua Florya
It’s no secret that children love aquariums and everything related to the water. There are two aquariums in Istanbul that kids are sure to love.
The first one is Sea Life Istanbul, with an area of 8000 square meters located in the Forum shopping center. Aqua Florya Aquarium is the second aquarium for families with an area of 23,000 sq.m. located in a modern seafront mall in the Bakirkoy district. Both boast a rich collection of marine life and offer an exciting opportunity to feed fish.
Florya is considered a much better aquarium as it is one of the largest oceanariums in the world. On two floors of the building, there are 64 glass displays with 17,000 types of marine and terrestrial fauna brought from different climate zones. They live in an environment that is as close to natural conditions as possible.
The aquarium is equipped with modern digital equipment and visitors can read information about all its inhabitants on touch screens.
A 1.2 km-long pathway passes through the building offering underwater thematic zones and one land zone – the Amazonian rainforest. Diving is possible in the main aquarium, where sharks and rays of all varieties live.
14. Go See Old Cars in Ural Ataman Classic Car Museum
This Istanbul activity for children is excellent in the sense that it offers a chance to combine a visit to one of the most interesting museums with a visit to one of the lesser-visited Istanbul neighborhoods.
Even if you do not consider yourself a fan of cars, the Ural Ataman Classic Car Museum will surely amaze you. A private collection of vintage cars is enormous and the design of the museum is pleasant. Friendly staff helps to enjoy the place from the start.
Kids will be able to see not only cars, each of which has its own unique and unrepeatable history but also all kinds of accessories and auto parts. The museum’s collection includes 67 cars, 11 motorcycles, 18 different gas pumps, 450 wheel caps, and 76 neon signs from gas stations.
Ural Ataman Classic Car Museum has a very contemporary design. The melodies in the halls, as well as replicas of US roadside cafes, only add to the nostalgic atmosphere. It is one of the coolest places to visit in Istanbul with kids on any day!
15. Walls of Constantinople
One of the city’s most ancient landmarks, the Walls of Constantinople date back to the Roman Empire and will definitely impress your kids.
Note that sometimes, when snow falls at the New Year, they are covered all in white, making a trip to the Walls of Constantinople, one of the best places to visit in Istanbul in December or winter in general.
How to Get to Istanbul with Kids
It is possible to travel to Istanbul by air, bus, car, train, or even on a cruise. Istanbul is a transportation hub, with the city’s airport (IST) being one of the world’s largest and Istanbul Cruise Port, one of Europe’s nicest cruise terminals.
Getting to Istanbul by plane
Flying to Istanbul is cheap and one of the most hassle-free ways to visit the city from outside Turkey. The airport’s easy access to the city center makes it especially appealing. View flights for your dates here.
Getting to Istanbul by bus
If you are already in Turkey or a neighboring country like Greece or Romania, taking the kids to Istanbul by bus is also an option. This may not be the best option for younger kids!
Getting to Istanbul by car
If you are a large family, renting a car to visit Istanbul with kids from another Turkish city or a nearby country can be the best solution. View car hire prices and availability for your dates here.
Getting to Istanbul on a Cruise
Cruises to Istanbul Cruise Port go from several ports, including Italy, Croatia, and Greece, among other countries.
Getting to Istanbul by train
Turkey boasts a modern railway infrastructure, making it one of the best countries to travel to by train. The train can be the most comfortable way to get to Istanbul from cities like Ankara, Samsun, or Adana.
It is especially lovely to visit Istanbul with kids by train if you appreciate the scenic window views and comfort, which are sometimes absent on a bus trip due to traffic-clogged Istanbul roads.
Where to Stay in Istanbul with Kids
Istanbul has many great places to stay with kids. Here are our top accommodation recommendations for all budgets:
Budget: Bird Nest Suites
If you are looking for value, book a stay at Bird Nest Suites. The property is a converted condo hotel with an excellent location in the city center.
Located 1 mile from Taksim Square, the property has a variety of accommodation options that work for families. The property has a coffee bar and offers packed lunches on request. There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance.
Mid Range: Sheraton Istanbul City Center
The newly renovated Sheraton Istanbul City Center is one of the best options in Istanbul for kids.
This property has a variety of room configurations, from deluxe guest rooms to executive suites. In addition, the property offers top notch amenities including a swimming pool, extensive gym, spa, and on-site restaurants.
The Sheraton is near Istiklal Street, Taksim Square, and Galata Tower.
Worth a Splurge: Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul
Located on the water, Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul offers unique accommodations for families. Some rooms even have views and balconies overlooking the Bosphorus.
The luxury 5-star hotel is housed in a former palace that dates to the 17th-century. Amenities include an outdoor infinity pool, wellness spa, and several bars and restaurants.
Istanbul Itinerary: Day 1: Istanbul in One Day
Morning: After breakfast, venture on an Istanbul old city walking tour. The tour will guide you through some of the best attractions in Istanbul, Turkey. Head first to Hagia Sophia Mosque.
After showing your kids to marvel at its stunning interior, take them to Sogukcesme, a walking-only street famous for its historic flower-covered mansions, and Hagia Irene, a museum housed in Istanbul’s oldest church, turned into the mosque after the Ottmans’ conquest.
Afternoon: After lunch, you can start your afternoon by visiting the Ahmed Cesmesi fountain.
Next, head to the green and tranquil Gulhane Park and Cafer Aga Madressi, a 15th-century building which now houses a workshop. This will introduce your kids to the centuries of success achieved by the Ottman craftsmen.
When finished, take your time to stroll around the historical downtown. Treat your kids to the best Turkish ice-creams and desserts.
Day 2: Istanbul in 2 Days
Morning: Your two-day Istanbul itinerary should start with a visit to scenic Sultanahmet Square. Then, head to Cemberlitas Hamami, a historical Turkish bathhouse, and Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Mosque, one of Istanbul’s most revered places of worship.
Afterward, continue your two-day Istanbul itinerary to Kucuk Aysasofya, also known as Little Hagia Sofia, a former Greek Orthodox church known for its beautiful exterior.
Eat lunch on the beautiful Bosphorus, a short walk away from Kucuk Aysasofya, and let your family enjoy the stunning seascape.
Afternoon: After lunch, head to the Grand Bazaar and interact with the locals. Be sure to buy some Turkish crafts, Oriental delicacies, and souvenirs to take home.
Make your way to the picture-perfect Laleli Mosque and the Pertenviyal Valide Sultan Mosque. Finally, take a stroll back to the Bosphorus and watch the sunset.
3 Days in Istanbul Itinerary
Visit Topkapi Palace, arguably Istanbul’s most treasured landmark. Located in the East of the Fatih district, it is home to one of Istanbul’s best museums. Get your Topkapi Palace tickets here.
After the sultan moved to Dolmabache Palace, it functioned as the mint, Imperial treasury, and library. It’s a fun outing for kids. Get your skip-the-line ticket with a guided tour here.
4 Days in Istanbul Itinerary
Begin your 4-day Istanbul itinerary with breakfast at one of the Bosphorus-facing restaurants. Then, proceed to Besiktas, which is home to Besiktas Square, Carsi Market, and the Turkish Naval Museum. Spend your day walking along its labyrinthine streets exploring this district.
If you still want to continue your four-day itinerary in Istanbul, head to the Constantinople Walls, an ancient architectural site that is a great reminder of the past.
Crown your evening afternoon with a visit to the Devrishi Show (starting at 19.00) to see the whirling Devrishi, one of the best things to do in Turkey. Then, head for dinner to samples some Turkish cuisine.
5 Days in Istanbul Itinerary
Galata is renowned worldwide for its Galatasaray football team, which is one of Europe’s best. Begin your 5-day Istanbul itinerary with a tour of the Galata district. Head to the ancient Byzantine-built Galata Tower and then head to the multicultural district’s stunning Synagogue and Jewish sites.
After spending the first part of the last day of your 5 days in Istanbul, Turkey, head to the Fener district known for its sidewalk cafes, European-Turkish restaurants, and scenic streets lined with old wooden houses. Don’t miss beautiful churches like Saint Stefan Bulgarian Church, Church of St. Mary of the Mongols, and the waterfront Halic Sair Nedim Park to end your 5 days in Istanbul itinerary.
Best Places to Eat in Istanbul for Families
Istanbul is known for its wide variety of food options. You can indulge in delicious street food and visit numerous restaurants, some of which rank among the world’s best.
Popular foods you won’t want to miss include kebabs, baklavas, and the world-famous Turkish meat dishes such as its heavenly BBQs or meatballs, known as Kofte.
Garden 1897
Garden 1897 is one of Istanbul’s best restaurants with mouth-watering cuisine.
Located in Sultanahmet, just a stone’s throw away from Hagia Sofia, families will love its mouth-watering BBQ, exceptional service, and beautiful setting. Read TripAdvisor reviews here>>>
Siva Oyster Fish Restaurant
Rated one of Istanbul’s best eateries by Tripadvisor, the Siva Oyster Fish Restaurant boasts a prime location.
Here, you can enjoy top-quality seafood, traditional Turkish sweetmeats, an abundance of tea, top-quality service, and a great location. Read TripAdvisor reviews here>>>
Ararat Terrace Restaurant
This restaurant, facing the sea and boasting incredible views, is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul with kids.
It is located just 200m away from the Hagia Sofia Mosque in the city-central Sultanahmet and is known for its best-in-Istanbul kids’ breakfast. Waiters are friendly and speedy, making it one of the best places to have breakfast with kids in Turkey. Read TripAdvisor reviews here>>>
Day Trips from Istanbul with Kids
Several attractions surrounding Istanbul are worthy of a day trip with kids. They include architectural sites like the ruins of the storied Troy, the walls of Constantinople, and the stunning beaches on Turkey’s Black Sea coast.
Kilyos Beach
One of the best beaches for kids to visit near Istanbul is Kilyos. Located 41 km from downtown, it is still formally part of Istanbul.
Here, you can find a long stretch of fine sand and azure waters that are great for kids to swim in Istanbul. Jump on a bus N40 from Taksim (Taksim-Sariyer) that runs to Kilyos.
The Princes’ Islands
The Princes’ Islands archipelago in the Sea of Marmara is made up of nine small islands. It is one of the popular holiday destinations and excursions in Istanbul. Only four of the nine islands are accessible: Büyükada, Kınalıada, Heybeliada, and Burgazada.
A boat ride to the islands takes 1.5 hours, so plan accordingly if traveling with young children. Unfortunately, many families forget to add the islands to their itinerary, missing out on a relaxing getaway away from the big city.
The most popular of the Princes’ Islands is Büyükada (Big Island). It is car-free, but you can take a horse-drawn carriage to explore the town. Be sure to visit the Agia Yorgi Kilesi, a church dedicated to Saint George.
This is believed to be the largest wooden structure in Europe. The now abandoned building frame is a remnant of Istanbul’s multicultural past. It’s a short walk up a very steep hill but the view is magnificent.
Families will find plenty to do on the islands. They can ride bikes or rollerblade, swim, have a picnic, learn a lot about Turkish history, and see magnificent landscapes.
If you make it to the most romantic island of all, Princes’ Islands Burgazaada, you will also have access to spectacular hiking trails and spots for an incredible sunset. The islands are perfect for a full-day excursion from the city center.
Istanbul with Kids Wrap-Up
Few places in the world can boast such a beautiful setting and range of fascinating historical sites as Istanbul. There’s a wealth of things to see and do, and the city has numerous kid-friendly activities the whole family will enjoy.
If you’re thinking about a trip to Europe, don’t miss our favorite places to visit in Europe with kids.
About the author: This article was co-authored by Sylvie Simpson and Anya from Road is Calling. Anya is originally from Ukraine but lives in Istanbul for part of the year. On her blog, she enjoys sharing stories and experiences from her slow travel lifestyle around Turkey and beyond.
