Istanbul, Turkey: 5 Family Favorites
Thanks to Max Forlani for doing the legwork on this one. Max is the author of Istanbul Trails, a blog dedicated to helping tourists and expats make the most of their stays in Istanbul.
Istanbul is probably not the first destination that springs to mind when you think of family travel. And rightfully so. This fabulous city by the Bosphorus is not exactly child-friendly. Streets are clogged all day, parks scarce, and car-free zones rare. But there are so many world-famous tourist attractions to see, that postponing a visit until the kids are older would be a pity. Here are five places to escape the hustle of Turkey’s most vibrant metropolis if you come with kids.
1. The Dolphinarium
As any parent knows, marine mammals are the universal language. If you’re up for a 45-minute show featuring dolphins, walruses, and belugas, the Dolphinarium is your place. Kids 10 and older can also swim with the dolphins for an extra fee.
Check their website for hours because as we all know the only thing worse than traveling all the way to Turkey to see walruses is traveling all the way to Turkey to see walruses and then arriving on Monday when the place is closed.
2. The Rahmi M Koç Museum
At the Rahmi M Koç Museum your kid can have an antique car ride, try out the control panel of a real plane, or even ride a submarine (8 and up only). Housed in historic buildings on the shore of the Golden Horn, the location is as impressive as the museum itself. Book your planetarium and submarine rides upon arrival–they’re very popular.
3. Miniatürk
Miniaturk is a theme park containing miniaturized versions of Turkey’s (and the former Ottoman Empire’s) most famous historical sites in 105 1/25 scale models. It’s not unlike Legoland.
Visitors can scan 3,000 years of architecture in about an hour, and kids (who don’t always appreciate antiquities, even in miniaturized form) will enjoy a playground, life-sized chessboard, and labyrinth. English audio guides are free with admission.
4. Princes’ Islands
There are many reasons why you should visit the Princes’ Islands with your kids. For starters, all of the islands are car free. You can rent a bike and cycle around the island, or even take a phaeton tour. If you go in spring, you’ll enjoy fresh air and green space. In summer, think about bringing your swimming trunks and having a dip in the sea.
5. Bosphorus Tour
No matter your kids’ ages, a tour of the Bosphorus makes a wonderful day out. IDO Bosphorus tours (the official sea transportation company of Istanbul) start at Eminönü, make stops at five piers (Beşiktaş, Kanlıca, Yeniköy, Sarıyer, Rumeli Kavağı) along the Bosphorus towards the Black Sea, and arrive at Anadolu Kavağı – the sixth and final stop on the Asian side.
From here, you can take a short walk around town and enjoy some seafood in one of the restaurants that are lined up next to each other. Just pick any one of them, since they have more or less the same price range and quality. There is also a fortress up the hill that you can walk to if time and energy permit. Keep in mind that the slope is steep for little feet, and you will not be permitted to wander around in the fortress once you get there.
Walrus photo courtesy of Alper KANAT. Miniaturk photo courtesy of Tayfun Sen. Bosphorus photo courtesy of Velaia(ParisPeking).
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August 5th, 2009 | by travelsavvymom 12 comments
1. soultravelers3 on August 6th, 2009
Turkey is a FANTASTIC destination for families! Most Europeans know this, but sadly, most Americans do not and have false fears about this wonderful place where American’s are cherished. We’ve been traveling the world as a family non-stop since 2006 and Turkey was one of our favorite places.
Turkey has the best hospitality in the world and is one of the easiest places to do independently. It is cheap too and all the key, historic places are in a lovely, walkable area in Istanbul.
Most Americans think of Turkey as scary or exotic, but it actually more modern than much of Europe and English is more widely spoken than much of Europe. The traveler/customer is always right and they will go out of their way to do whatever they can to make your stay in Turkey easy and rewarding. We never booked anything ahead even in high season, each hotel can book the next or order you a gulet or sailboat if you want. We even stayed in the a 5000 year old cave house in Cappadocia which is one of the top boutique hotels in the world, without booking ahead.
One only needs a few days in Istanbul to see the best of it and be amazed that it’s beauty is more like San Francisco or Barcelona than some totally exotic place despite it’s ancient charms and being the only city to straddle two continents.
The BEST of Turkey for families, though is in the country side like Cappadocia, Selcuk,Pumukkale, the Turquoise Coast and seeing more ancient ruins than Italy or Greece!
You tell them travelsavvymom! Turkey is a dream family destination that every American family should see!
2. Jamie Pearson on August 6th, 2009
My husband and I traveled for a month in Turkey before we had kids, and it remains our favorite international trip of all time.
We had a few days in Cappadocia, some time in Antalya, Perge, and Aspendos, a week on a private gulet on the Turquoise coast, quick stops in Bodrum, Efes, and Pamukkale, and a week in Istanbul.
It was astonishing to us how much history is in Turkey (and the Roman ruins there are so much better than anywhere else!).
We fantasize all the time about returning with our kids. We’re only conflicted because the world is big and there’s so much we have yet to see.
3. Kimberly on August 7th, 2009
Nice post. I love Istanbul – such a magical city. The last time I was back was before kids, although I do want to take our children. I know they would love it as much as my husband and I do.
4. Shelly Rivoli on August 11th, 2009
Great post! I’m so happy to see Turkey featured here! ;-)
5. Vita on September 4th, 2009
My husband and I have been in Turkey now for two weeks with our 16 month old daughter. I should say our very active 16 month old. We have been loving it. People here just love children. She has never had her little cheek pinched this much and her had patted. Strangers take her picture, especially when she is in a backpack on my husband’s shoulders. It is Ramadan now so there is a lot of celebrations around the Blue Mosque with tons of music and people. She has been dancing with other kids on the little stages, running around the fountains, and enjoying the park near the palace. Yes, I agree that traffic is horrible, and some of the play grounds are absolute danger zones, but the wonderful people make up for all of it.
6. Kate on January 4th, 2010
Thank you so much for these tips. We’re traveling to Turkey in March with our 4 and 5 year old children and your suggestions are terrific. I’m sure this will get them very excited about the trip.
7. çarşı on February 27th, 2010
Great post! I’m so happy to see Turkey featured here! ;-)
8. Martin Kovacz on April 5th, 2010
My vote goes to Miniaturk because it is great fun for children. And you can take a great photes. Very recommended.
9. Antalya Tourism on August 9th, 2010
i think everybody should see there because antalya is very beautifull
10. Sarah on January 2nd, 2011
Thanks for the info! We are planning a trip with our 4 & 7 year olds for late June / Early July for 2 weeks, would love any specific advice as to an intinerary. The kids love to be on the beach, Cappodocia sounds wonderful too, and I don’t want to hopa round too much – any info would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
11. Istanbul Hotel on June 7th, 2011
Istanbul is one of the best cultural countries in the world. Its history is amazing to learn. Some of the historical monuments and buildings are worth visiting. Its surely to give you an awesome experience.
12. Some kid on August 20th, 2012
Sounds good I’m going there but family is confused
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