What to do in Istanbul with children - Our top picks

It is perhaps not the most obvious place for a short break with children, but Istanbul is a fascinating mix of old and new and incredibly family friendly.

Istanbul is unique, no other city straddles across two continents. The exotic souks and historic mosques of the old city are in contrast to the modern shopping streets, diners and bars across the Golden Horn in the heart of modern European Istanbul. Cross the Bosporus and you’ll find modern high rise buildings and the Camlica tower on the Asian side of the city. In fact, if you look down on the Asian side from one of the islands you could be forgiven for mistaking it for the Hong Kong skyline as you look down from The Peak.

To give a flavour of the many things there are to do in the city, here are our favourites:

Step into history at Hagia Sophia 

As one of the most iconic landmarks of the city, no visit to Istanbul is complete without a visit to Hagia Sophia. The building that you see today is the third to be built on this site. Originally built as a church it was converted to a mosque in 1453. Today it is a museum and has been so since  1935.

With free entry, unless you want a guided tour, there is no need to buy a ticket, so do go inside; it’s breathtaking. 

It is also good to visit in the evening to see the building floodlit.

Be a Sultan for a day at Topkapi Palace

Occupying the corner of the European side of the city as it struts into the Bosphorus, the Topkapi Palace is a spectacle from both land and sea.

Constructed between 1460 and 1478 the palace is built around four courtyards and was originally the seat of the government. It remained as the Sultans Palace until he moved to Dolmabahce in 1856.

There is plenty to do here, with grand state rooms to visit, the Harem with its maze of rooms will keep little visitors occupied as they find their way around. Not to mention the many weapons on display from bygone eras.

For mum and dad, it’s a fascinating collection of treasures. A great place to visit if the weather is a bit unsettled as there is lots to do indoors.

Marvel at the Blue Mosque  

Originally built to surpass the Hagia Sophia the Blue Mosque was completed in 1616 and given its name due to the 20,000 blue tiles that line it’s walls. 

As well as a magnificent interior the mosque has a courtyard that is the same dimension as the interior. Flanked with marble bought from the nearby Sea of Marmara. It is free to enter and visitors are asked to avoid prayer times.

Take a ride on the famous red tram.

Not a mode of transport normally associated with Istanbul, the iconic red tram makes regular journeys along Istiklal Caddesi. Originally built in the 19th century it was electrified in 1914 when the horses were taken off to war. After closing in 1961 the service was reinstated in 1990 and has become an icon of Beyoglu.

Climb the oldest tower in the city.

Visible above the skyline from almost anywhere in the city, the Galata Tower was built as part of the fortification of Galata during the time when the trading hub of the city was moving away from the Bazaar area to the new town of Beyoglu.

Today the 220ft tower has an internal lift to a viewing area with 360 degree great views of the city.

The interactive model on its seventh floor also gives a great opportunity to orientate your self with the city before heading outside to the viewing deck.

Escape the city to Princes Islands

If you are staying more than a few days in the city a visit to one of the Princes Islands or Adalar as they are known, gives yet another perspective on the city. Of the 9 islands only 4 are open to the public and can be reached via a number of ferry companies in around 1.5 hours. If you are lucky you will see dolphins playing in the Sea of Marmara on your trip and if you don’t, the views from all sides of the boat are great anyway.

The largest island of Buyukaa is home to a little fishing town, and as you make your way to the top of the island and into the lush forests you pass quaint rundown, shabby-chic wooden houses and the little ones will get a good leg stretch. You will notice the peace and quiet as all of the vehicles on the island are electric, the traditional horse and carriages have been removed from most of the islands and replaced with small electric buses.

You can either island hop to a couple of islands or spend time exploring just one.

Take in the hustle and bustle of the bazaar.

Perhaps the two most famous bazaars in Istanbul are the Spice Market and the Grand Bazaar. Our favourite of the two was the spice market (for the boys it was mainly because of the number of free sweets and chocolates the vendors gave them!), however it was slightly more authentic than it’s larger counterpart.

The ‘antique’ part of the Grand Bazaar will give you more of a feel of traditional stalls, than the main throng of the Grand Bazaar which is sadly now quite modern and aimed more at tourists than locals. A far cry from what used to be the trading heart of the empire, with shops, banks, travellers accommodation and even a school. It nevertheless makes for an entertaining visit.

Although it has been destroyed in parts by fire and earthquake and rebuilt, it has been in business since its completion in 1451 and is the world's oldest covered market.

See the stunning waterfront from Dolmabahce Palace

With a stunning waterfront location the Dolmabahce Palace hasn’t been occupied since the death of Ataturk in 1938. All the clocks in the place are set to 9:05 am, which was the time of his death. The 285 rooms and 42 reception halls of the palace are lavishly decorated in gold and crystal.

With the Palace and Harem to visit as well as a number of other museums on the site including the painting museum, clock museum and crystal pavilion, you can spend as much time here as your itinerary allows.

We always say look for the wildlife when travelling with children and whilst they were fascinated by the huge chandeliers and grand ballroom of the palace it didn’t hold their attention quite as much as the free-ranging hens, Guinea fowl, cockerels and peacocks.

Take time out in a park

We find one of the best ways to keep everyone happy on a city break is to mix up the sightseeing with some downtime and the opportunity to burn off some energy. Scattered all over the city are beautiful parks with little wooden cafes and often a playground. If you visit in the spring the parks are even more beautiful as the city hosts a Tulip Festival for the last 3 weeks of April each year.

Two of our favourites are the Gulhane Park, next to the Topkapi Palace, which after a few hours sightseeing makes for a refreshing change. And, Emigran Park close to the Bosporous Bridge, with its little wooden Swiss chalets.

Take in a light show at the underground Basilica Cisterns. 

This is a visit with a difference. The underground cisterns were built by the Byzantines to ensure good water supply in times of peace and war. Today over 200 huge reinforced but original columns are the backdrop to an eerie and amazing sound and light show. 

If this has sparked your interest as either a standalone trip to Istanbul or incorporating it with a longer trip in Turkey we would be delighted to suggest an itinerary that fits with your families interests and requirements. 

 To talk to us further get in touch with us on 0118 336 0363 or use our contact form here.