The best family fun in Istanbul

There are many entertainments and attractions in Istanbul that can turn your family trip into a wonderful and unforgettable memory. This city is a completely safe destination to spend a happy family vacation. Just prepare a list of things to do with kids in Istanbul before your trip to make sure you don’t miss any of the exciting activities. This city is so attractive and lovely that you will come across amazing attractions by passing through every street and alley. You can start your tour by experiencing the best family entertainment in Istanbul, such as an exciting tram ride or going to the wonderland of Legoland, and finally end by buying delicious chocolates.

Introducing family fun in Istanbul

In order to save your time, we have prepared a list of things to do in Istanbul. Let’s go to this fascinating list and start your family trip to the amazing city of Istanbul!

Istanbul Big Bus Hop on Hop Tour

Hop-on-hop-off buses are tourist buses that are considered one of the best family entertainments in Istanbul and take tourists to see the prominent tourist spots of the city. In these buses, an audio guide explains the history and culture of the historical places visited. The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Egyptian Spice Market are some of the attractions that you can visit on the half-on-half-up bus tour.

General information of half-on-half-up bus tour

The red line of the transport service

• Frequency: every 30 minutes, duration: 2 hours
• Working time: 09:15 am to 06:35 pm

Blue line transportation service

• Frequency: every 60 minutes, duration: 1.25 hours
• Working time: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm

visit path

• The tours start from Sultan Ahmed Square between the Blue Mosque and Aya Sufi Mosque on the side of the main road. Tourists can also start their tour from any of the stations in the itinerary, but they must redeem the ticket at Sultan Ahmed Square at station number 1/20.

Read more: Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Istanbul, was converted into a mosque

Visiting Hagia Sophia is one of the best family activities in Istanbul

As one of the suitable places for family fun in Istanbul, Hagia Sophia was originally a Christian church that turned into a mosque and is now a museum. This place has a high historical and religious value that you can discover its wonders only by visiting it.

The building of Hagia Sophia has been noticed both during the Byzantine era and during the Ottoman Empire period. You can feel the aura of magic walls in Hagia Sophia area. According to tourists, watching these walls gives the viewer a sense of peace. Although Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque and then a museum, it is still known as the second largest church in the world.

• Address: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydani No:1, 34122 Fatih.
• Visiting hours: 9 am to 5 pm
• Entrance fee: 72 lira

Madame Tussauds Istanbul

Experience the glamorous world of fame by entering the world of Madame Tussauds! By exploring 6 different sections of the museum, see famous movie stars, singers, dancers, athletes and politicians from all over the world, stand next to them and take pictures with them. Madame Tussauds is one of the series of wax museums in Istanbul that recreates famous and important characters in every field, you will undoubtedly be surprised to see the sculptures that are made exactly like the main characters. Visiting Madame Tussauds museum is one of the most lovely family attractions in Istanbul.

• Address: Hüseyinağa, Grand Pera, İstiklal Cd. no: 56 D:58, 34440 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey
• Working hours: 11:00 to 20:00
• Approximate time to visit: 1-2 hours (approx.)

Read more: The most exciting entertainment in Istanbul for children

Touring the Grand Bazaar is one of the most popular family activities in Istanbul

If you want to have an interesting trip to the old trading world of Istanbul, we suggest you to visit the Grand Bazaar. This beautiful market offers antique designs and old works for sale and its old atmosphere is still preserved. You can even bargain to buy on account.

In the Grand Bazaar, each passage has its own unique wonders that provide tourists with amazing experiences. This beautiful place is full of extraordinary goods from beautiful handwoven carpets to expensive jewelry and beautiful lanterns. You can add a visit to Istanbul Grand Bazaar to the list of family activities in Istanbul.

• Address: Beyazet, Kalpakçilar Cd. No:22, 34126 Fatih
• Visiting hours: 10 am to 6 pm (the market is closed on Sundays)

Visiting Topkapi Palace is one of the best family activities in Istanbul

Topkapi Palace is one of the main tourist attractions and one of the best family entertainments in Istanbul. This palace displays the rich history of the city. Topkapi has served the Ottoman sultans and their families for about 400 years. Almost 6 Ottoman kings have ruled Türkiye from this big mansion.

The third courtyard of the palace has the best imperial jewels and also one of the largest cut diamonds in the world, also the Topkapi dagger, one of the largest relics left by the Ottomans, is kept here.

• Address: Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih
• Visiting hours: 9 am to 6 pm (except Tuesday)
• Entrance fee: 72 lira (fees do not include visiting the shrine and Aya Irene in the palace)

Read more: Introduction of tourist attractions in Istanbul – Türkiye

Princes’ Islands, Istanbul

Prince Islands are a chain of 9 small islands in the Sea of ​​Marmara that attract the attention of tourists and are known as one of the best family attractions in Istanbul. This island tour will be a one-day trip that will allow you to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The most obvious feature of the island is its relaxing silence. The only thing you hear here are the bells of bicycles and the hoofs of horses because no motorized vehicles are allowed here.

• Address: The Sea of ​​Marmara

Miniatürk Park is one of the best family entertainments in Istanbul

Miniature Turk should be included in the list of family activities in Istanbul. This park is one of the largest miniature parks and walking in it is one of the best things you can do with children in Istanbul. In Miniaturk you will see the most beautiful buildings in Istanbul and some of the biggest buildings in Türkiye in small sizes.

Buildings such as Hagia Sophia, Sulaymaniyah Mosque, and the Bosphorus Bridge, which connects the continents of Europe and Asia, are among the miniature structures of the park.

• Address: Ornektepe, Imrahor Cd. No:7, 34445 Beyoglu
• Visiting hours: 9 am to 6 pm
• Entrance fee: 15 liras

final word

Istanbul is one of the largest and most attractive cities in the world that offers amazing places to have an ideal family vacation. Walking in the old bazaar, visiting the Hagia Sophia, adventurous boat rides, dining under the Galata Bridge and experiencing exciting games at Vialand Water Park are just some of the family fun in Istanbul. To enjoy all these activities, just contact our experts and book the Istanbul tour on your desired date!

Frequently asked questions

What are the best adventure activities in Istanbul with family?

Legoland, Istanbul Aquarium, watching the dolphin show and Kidzania amusement park are some of the most exciting family attractions in Istanbul.

What are the best places to visit with kids in Istanbul?

Vialand Water Park, Rahmi Koch Car Museum, Istanbul Modern Art Museum, and a trip to Princess Island are some of the best things to do in Istanbul with children.

Which attractions in Istanbul should not be missed?

There are amazing places in Istanbul, but during your trip you can’t miss the beauty of the Blue Mosque, the amazing Taksim Tram, Balk Ekmek on a boat and its location under the Galata Bridge, the beauty of ancient monuments in the Grand Bazaar and the delights of Turkish cuisine.