Compared to traveling to other countries like Paris of France, Rome of Italy, Turkey tourism is somewhat less famous. But Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, attracts tourists with its special feature is that this is the only city located on the banks of Europe – Asia. When traveling to Istanbul, you will have a journey to explore across two continents of Asia and Europe, the land combined of culture, religion, and cuisine. And to discover all the unique features of this city, check out the list of 10 best things to do in Istanbul with kids below. Surely you will have a great journey with children in Istanbul.
1. Topkapi and Hagia Sophia
Topkapi and Hagia Sophia are some of the famous places you must-to-see in Istanbul. Therefore, the thing you have to do in Istanbul with kids first is coming and immersing yourself in the beauty of these two architectural features. Hagia is the old mosque of Istanbul and up to now, it has become a famous museum in the world. And then, continue the journey of discovery when coming to Topkapi Palace. See some of the exhibits inside the Palace. Where you can admire the cabinet doors are inlaid with mother-of-pearl and pearl turtles and beautiful Iznik tiles with verses from the Quran.
2. St. Chora Church Museum
Let experience St. Chora Church Museum, which is a Byzantine Greek Orthodox church. Chora Church was originally built as part of a monastic complex outside the walls of Constantinople, just south of the Golden Horn. During the Ottoman era in the 16th century, the church was converted into a mosque, before becoming a museum in 1948. Inside the building is covered with a number of long Byzantine mosaics and murals. A rewarding excursion with knowledge of Turkish history and ethnic culture.
3. Contemporary Art Walk in Istanbul
Let discover something new with your child through the Contemporary Art Walk in Istanbul. The walking tour will take you to several galleries at Tophane and Karakoy and end at the No. 1 museum which hosts the city’s modern art exhibition. With this experience, children will understand what contemporary art is. And contemporary art is rapidly changing as a result of Eastern political and economic change. Starting at Galatasaray High School, you will walk along Istiklal Road to visit some of the city’s leading arts organizations. Continue through the narrow streets of Beyoğlu, before exploring the hidden galleries of Tophane and Karaköy.
4. Samatya – Armenian District Walking Tour
One of the best things to do in Istanbul with kids is discovering the rich history of Istanbul on a walk through the traditionally Samatya-Armenia District. With this tour, your kids will have a chance to discover Latin churches, Greek monasteries, and Muslim mosques that paint a vibrant portrait of the city’s past. Thereby, children will learn more about Armenian history, traditions, and customs in Turkey.
5. Orient Express Trail Walk
Let’s go back in time to the 19th century in Istanbul, at the railway station where Orient Express Trail in Istanbul. The historic walk will take you along the streets of Galata and Beyoglu. You will pass by shops, markets, and old churches. And listening to the stories of the train starting in Paris and inspiring Agatha Christie to write down her famous mystery, Murder on the Orient Express. The tour continues with a short Golden Horn boat ride and a short journey on The Tunnel, the oldest subway in the world. Finish with a walk on the streets of Galata and Beyoglu.
6. Camlica Hill and Dolmabahçe Palace
Spend a day with your child at Dolmabahçe Palace and Amlıca Hill, Istanbul’s highest peak. From the hill above, you can admire the splendid panorama of the Bosphorus Strait. And when you walk along the 4th longest suspension bridge in the world, you’ll reach the Dolmabahçe Palace. The palace was built by King Ottoman Abdulmecid from 1843 to 1856. The palace is a blend of Turkish and French influence, bringing a sophisticated and luxurious style.
7. Miniaturk Museum
Enjoy an eye-catching tour of the Miniaturk Museum, where you’ll see miniature Turkish and Ottoman landmarks. Here, you seem to be lost in a miniature Turkey. The park contains 105 models that are converted into a ratio of 1:25. There are structures are from Istanbul, Anatolia, and from Ottoman territories today outside Turkey. Then you will visit Pierloti. It used to be the summit of the famous Eyup Sultan Cemetery. This is one of the best places for you to see Istanbul’s famous Golden Horn. This place is now a cafe called Pierre Loti Cafe, in memorial to the writer Pierre Loti, who was a regular, mainly for the views.
8. Istanbul Theme Park
Theme Park always is a dreamland for all the kids in the world. Because of that, you cannot miss the Istanbul Theme Park when traveling to Istanbul. Let discover the spectacular and magical world of Istanbul Theme Park with your beloved kids. One of the special things in this park is the 4th biggest rollercoaster in the world. And when you come to the 50m high Tower of Justice, all of Istanbul will shrink under your feet. End your day at the theme park at the biggest concert and outdoor event stage in Turkey. Enjoy a range of special shows and concerts by famous artists in this never-ending festival atmosphere.
9. Bosphorus Cruise
Just create a historic voyage on the only waterway separating continental Europe and Asia in Istanbul on the Bosphorus Cruise. So children will amaze at the marble castles and the old wooden mansions of Ottoman architecture next to the luxurious modern apartments and houses on the trip. And during the tour, you will visit the Beylerbeyi Palace, the last residence of the great Ottoman kings. And another miracle thing only in Istanbul is just walking along the Bosphorus, you will travel across both continents of Asia and Europe in just 2 minutes. An extremely memorable experience for children.
10. Food Tour: Taste of Istanbul
Turkish cuisine is one of the rich and diverse cuisines because it is combined with two Asian and European cultures. Let’s explore Turkey through the Food Tour in Istanbul. Star journey by a walk from Galata to Karakoy and enjoy breakfast in Turkey style include Turkish menemen, omuklu omlet, kaymak, and honey. Then, take a subway to Pera and walk along the famous Istiklal street. Stop at a coffee shop and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee here- which are prepared in special ways of Turkish people. Then, take a ferry from Europe to Asia to Kadikoy. Go to the fish market and taste stuffed or fried mussels and pickles. A trip that is both interesting and delicious.
According to the Istanbul travel experience, you should come to this city in the spring which from April to May and autumn which from September to October every year. These are the two times when the weather and climate in Istanbul are cool and most pleasant. It rarely rains so it will be very convenient for your child’s journey to explore Istanbul. Especially if you travel to Istanbul in October, you need to pay special attention. Because October is Ramanda month. The people of Istanbul in particular and Turkey, in general, will operate at a completely different time from the normal days of the reward. You need to learn about the activities of the people in Ramanda in order to have a suitable trip.