It is not always easy to travel with children. But Turks adore their kids and that is why they want from you to bring your own on your journey here. During your stay in the city, you can visit many places, interesting for both you and your children!
Below is a list of things you can do when you are travelling to Istanbul with kids…
1. Miniaturk (Miniatürk)
The world’s biggest Miniature Park will amaze not only you but also your kids. This park hosts 105 miniatures, (scale 1:25) of the most important buildings, monuments and natural Turkish treasures. It also features a miniland playground! It’s open daily from 09:00 till 18:00. It is located on the banks of the Golden Horn http://miniaturk.com.tr/homepage/
2. Basilica Cistern
Although it is not the most obvious attraction to include in this list, it has a mysterious vibe that can amaze all of us! It could have been easily featured in a Harry Potter movie…An underground excursion http://yerebatan.com/homepage
3. Bosphorus Cruise
A Bosphorus cruise is ideal for all ages! Just sit and relax. Which kid wouldn’t just love being on a boat? There are several companies departing from Eminonu that provide Bosphorus Cruises. The boats depart from the Golden Horn (where you can see the most well-known landmarks) and goes up (Black Sea direction) passing by Dolmabahçe, Ortakoy, Bebek…
4. Galata Tower
Galata Tower is one of the most distinctive buildings in Istanbul! The view (360) is so amazing that your kids will stand still to admire it!
5. Istanbul Aquarium
This brand new aquarium is part of the list for the obvious reasons! It’s thematic, huge and it has animals. Situated next to Ataturk Airport is one of the top attractions in the city to visit with the whole family http://www.istanbulakvaryum.com/en
6. Istanbul’s Toy Museum
Kids love all kind of toys… and this historical villa is full of them! It is located in Göztepe and hosts over 4,000 pieces, including many antique ones http://www.istanbuloyuncakmuzesi.com/
7. Princes’ Islands
This set of Islands (Büyükada being the biggest one) is a kids’ paradise. The roads are free of cars so people take horse drawn carriages or rent bikes to travel around. Besides that, it’s a great place to relax from the city buzz and breathe some fresh air…
8. Vialand Park
A fantastic theme park where you can spend many hours having fun with your loved ones! http://vialand.com
9. Nostalgic Tram
One of the two heritage tramlines in the city, is located in Istiklal street at the city center. A great way to admire this famous street by taking a ride to the end of the road…
10. Pierre Lotti
A lovely cafe shop located on a hill in Euyp district which provide unforgettable view to Golden Horn. Your kids will love the ride up to the hill, because it is done by a teleferik! http://www.pierrelotitepesi.com/
11. Cevahir Mall
This wonderful shopping mall offers not only numerous choices for your shopping but also a big area full of games for your kids…and not only! http://www.istanbulcevahir.com/
12. Rumeli Fortress
In 1452 the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed built these fortress in order to control the sea traffic. It is consisted by impossing towers located on the banks of Bosphorus. Ideal sights for all the kids that love the towers…
