Attractions for children in Istanbul
Highlights, insider tips and recommendations for a trip to Istanbul with children.
Discover Istanbul with children:
A city trip with children to a mega metropolis like Istanbul can be a challenge or a really exciting travel destination.
A boat trip between the continents or a ride over the Bosphorus Bridge provides opportunities for explanations and stimulates the imagination.
A walk through the Sultanahmet district with its mosques, the ancient Hagia Sophia and the Sultan's Palace, take children into a completely different world. The historic atmosphere makes you feel like you stepped into another time and exciting stories come alive.
Individual ideas for children
Visiting the Yerebatan Cistern, which lies beneath the Old Town, will be an exciting adventure if you let your kids look for the Medusa Head and the Tear Column. Do not forget to mention that even James Bond has rowed through the Sunken Palace.
The Maiden's Tower with its myths and legends is also worth a visit. Both, young and old tourists, are fascinated by the myths and legends, and sometimes you can even discover a pod of dolphins on your ride on the Bosphorus. Which kid would not be thrilled?
When you visit the Grand Bazaar, you will immerse yourself in the fantastic world of the Orient and shopping becomes an exciting journey of discovery. Everyone will find their favorite piece here. Guaranteed.
If you look at the metropolis once with children's eyes, you realize that Istanbul is basically a big adventure playground.
Travel tips for families with children
Is Istanbul a kid-friendly destination?
Be prepared! The limitless child-friendliness can sometimes cause discomfort in parents. The enthusiasm of the locals for children sometimes leads to situations where many parents do not know what to think about it.
Patting the child on the head and pinching the cheeks of a child is common here. Shop-owners often give children a Nazar Boncuk, a blue glass eye that is supposed to avert harm from the child. Sometimes salespeople also call the kids into the store because there are baby cats in the back.
This all happens out of sheer friendliness. You do not have to feel obliged to go to the store and buy something, nor do you have to worry about someone having malicious ulterior motives. Mostly it's just a gesture of friendship and many locals are unaware that they might provoke the displeasure of the parents.
It's just a situation where different cultures collide. Understandably, many parents don't feel comfortable in these situations. But don’t let that ruin your stay. Of course, it is always better to pay close attention and to be careful. Stay friendly and make clear if you do not want your child to be touched. But don’t be upset, because what you may find inappropriate is usually completely normal and harmless in Turkish culture.
A guest post by Katja Tongucer von istanbul:er:leben
Child discount:
Most museums offer free admission for children up to 6 years of age. There are also special children's discounts of up to 50%.
Istanbul Welcome Card: Istanbul Welcome Card is free for children up to 6 years.