There are plenty of not-to-be-missed activities and attractions to keep you busy on a family holiday in Istanbul. In addition to the places that you will read about in all the guide books, there are plenty of hidden nooks and crannies that children absolutely adore.
Tips for family holidays in Istanbul
Istanbul is safe and a recommendable family holiday destination. All you need is to keep a few basic pointers in mind to ensure that your holiday is everything you were hoping for.
- Istanbul, the ancient capital of the Ottoman Empire, may seem really rather different if you’re travelling there for the first time but it’s precisely the huge variety of stimuli on offer that keep younger family members engaged, day in, day out. Whilst your children are busy taking in everything going on around them and discovering a wonderful new world, keep your eyes and ears wide open because the number of tourists in the city can be immense.
- If you have very young children, use a baby carrier because navigating the chaotic traffic, winding streets and complicated entrances into certain buildings with a pushchair is incredibly demanding. Also, keep in mind that public transport is free for children under 6 years of age so this is a great way of covering short distances without tiring your little ones out.
- Getting out and about early in the morning is well worth the effort because you’ll avoid the hottest hours of the day, and this is particularly helpful in the summer. Remember, always carry a bottle of water with you. Of course, bottled water is readily available to buy in local shops. Don’t drink the tap water or you’ll end up spending your holiday in the hotel bathroom. Women and girls should cover their heads with a scarf when visiting mosques. If your daughter is young and small enough, you might get away with not having to do so, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
- If anyone needs to use the bathroom, the best places to do so are hotels and restaurants. Avoid using public toilets since they tend to be Turkish-style bathrooms consisting of a hole in the ground and they are not renowned for being particularly clean. Furthermore, they don’t have baby-changing or feeding facilities.
- When it comes to eating, it’s easy because children tend to like shawarma and kebabs. Rice, chips and pita bread are also great alternatives. When you do place an order, it is sometimes a good idea to point out that you don’t want it to be spicy.
What to see on a family holiday in Istanbul
There are plenty of very interesting places to see in Istanbul. Organise your days so that they are a mix of all kinds of attractions, including the ones that are particularly popular with young children.
The miniatures in Miniaturk
Miniaturk is a miniatures attraction on the northern coast of the Golden Horn. It is one of the largest in the world and there are plenty of restaurants, shops, toilet facilities and play parks. The whole family will enjoy seeing the city’s main monuments in miniature version.
Sail down the Bosphorus
If there’s one thing you should not miss, it’s a boat trip down the Bosphorus where the Black Sea and Marmara Sea meet. The views on both sides are spectacular and this activity is very popular with children. The boat trips leave from Eminönü, take different routes and generally last between two and three hours.
Gülhane Park
Gülhane Park is in Eminönü neighbourhood, next to the famous Topkapi Palace. Don’t miss it! It is one of the oldest and largest parks in the city. There are recreation areas, cafés and a small zoo.
The Hippodrome of Constantinople
The Hippodrome of Constantinople was a circus and the sporting and social centre of Constantinople, the largest city the world in the 5th century. It was the venue of choice for chariot races and located right in the very heart of the old quarter. Nowadays, the Hippodrome of Constantinople is a wide, open space where children can enjoy running around.
The Basilica Cistern
This cistern was built in the year 532 and it is known as the ‘Yerebatan Sarayi’, or ‘subterranean cistern’. It was initially used as a crypt and then turned into a cistern to supply the Great Palace of Constantinople. It is undoubtedly one of the most magical and mysterious places in Istanbul. Children love looking at the Medusa column bases. Tradition has it that the heads are not in an upright position so as to avoid scaring visitors.
Roumeli Hissar Castle
This fortress is on the European banks of the narrowest stretch of the Bosphorus. It was built in 1452 and took only four months to complete. It was one of the key defence locations during the conquest of the city. Children love running around the fortress walls and towers.
The Grand Bazaar and Spices Bazaar
A visit to the Grand Bazaar (link: The Grand Bazaar) is a journey for your senses. Whether you intend to make some purchases or just have a wander around, the youngest members of your family will simply love everything on display all around them. But keep a close eye on them because it’s easy to get lost. If you’re concerned about the crowds, you can try the Spices Bazaar instead. It’s also a great place to visit and a little less busy.
Taste the dondurma
These traditional ice creams made from goat’s milk are known for being chewy and sticky. They are incredibly tasty but the real treat is watching the vendors make them as they joke around with customers.
