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IstanbulFamily-friendly activities

Our most recommended Istanbul Family-friendly activities

Istanbul: Topkapi Palace & Harem Tour with Entry Ticket

1. Istanbul: Topkapi Palace & Harem Tour with Entry Ticket

Discover the Topkapi Palace on a guided tour with skip-the-line tickets. Learn about Ottoman history in the Palace and the life of Sultan's family in the harem. Explore the splendor of Topkapi Palace, the heart of the Ottoman Empire. Discover how the complex of buildings, pavilions, and courtyards was a self-contained city, which most inhabitants rarely left. Explore the outer-terraced gardens and admire the view over the Golden Horn. Immerse yourself in the heart of the great Ottoman Empire. Stroll through the palace, and imagine the ruling Sultans who lived in its hundreds of rooms with their vast families and countless servants. Visit the harem, ruled by the Queen Mother who wielded domestic and political power. The harem housed hundreds of women and family members as well as hundreds of eunuchs, who performed a wide range of duties. Take a moment to spot the cupboard doors inlaid with mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell. Walk through the Harem is also the only way to see the very early, exceptionally-crafted Iznik tiles decorated with floral designs and verses from the Quran. The tour ends with a visit to the holy relics and the imperial kitchens.

Istanbul: Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop

2. Istanbul: Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop

Embark on a journey through the captivating world of Turkish mosaic lamp crafting. Discover the rich history of the vibrant lamps and create your own under the guidance of experienced artisans. You will start your experience with an engaging presentation about the history and significance of the workshop. Delve into the intricate art of the lamps and understand their place in Turkish culture. Learn how to place a geometric template on a glass sphere, creating a traditional mosaic design with over 45 different colored mosaic stones and glass beads. As your creation dries, enjoy a refreshing Turkish tea or coffee accompanied by freshly baked cookies while hearing about Istanbul's landmarks and hidden gems. Finally, assemble the remaining pieces of your lamp and take your beautifully crafted lamp home in a protective bag with a US adapter. 

Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise w/Audio Guide and Sunset Option

3. Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise w/Audio Guide and Sunset Option

Hop on a sightseeing cruise to tour the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. Get a fresh look at Istanbul on this boat tour with an audio guide to tell you all the top tales as you glide by Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Maiden's Tower, and Galata Tower. Sail as far south to see the Bosphorus Bridge. Meet your host on the other side of Hagia Sophia and walk down to the pier behind the grand mosque. Jump on board to discover the Golden Horn, considered to be the world’s largest natural harbor. Sail through the magnificent Bosphorus strait forming the continental boundary between Asia and Europe. On your way, come across cultural and historical emblems of Istanbul like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Maiden's Tower, and Galata Tower. Learn about the city’s rich heritage with an audio guide. Admire the Bosphorus coastline on the European side from the cruise, and see a string of villages, each with its own individual character and attractions. Glide past Dolmabahçe Palace, Ciragan Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, and the Bosphorus Bridge, among others. Be sure to keep an eye out for ancient castles, famous parks, and spectacular seaside residences from different centuries. Capture stunning pictures of the vibrant city of Istanbul along the water on this scenic cruise.

Istanbul: Vialand Theme Park Tickets with Package Options

4. Istanbul: Vialand Theme Park Tickets with Package Options

Enter the most exciting theme park in Turkey home to the first shopping center that combines shopping and exhibition centers, entertainment, and lifestyle complex. Vialand (formerly known as Isfanbul) offers its guests world-class fun with its park filled with rides. Feel the adrenaline on Nefeskesen, fastest rollercoaster which exceeds speeds of 110 kph in 3 seconds. Then, experience the 15 m sudden drop on the Viking water ride before heading to the 360-degree entertainment station which is suitable for all ages.  See all of Istanbul under your feet at the Tower of Justice viewing platform which is 50 m high. Finally, swing on the Saray Salincagi ride, with a 40-person capacity and 20 m diameter cycle. End your day at the outdoor concert and event stage which features the biggest outdoor screen in Turkey and seats a capacity of 10,000 people. Watch a range of special shows and concerts by famous artists at this never-ending festival environment. Choose between the All-Inclusive VIP, Diamond, or Gold Packages that offer food menus, drink options, and bonus attractions depending on your choice. Take a thrilling ride down the Zipline and Up-Side House and try ice cream, hookah, and coffee at Bloom Hookah Cafe.

Istanbul: Fener Balat Half-day Guided Walking Tour

5. Istanbul: Fener Balat Half-day Guided Walking Tour

See another side of Istanbul in an area of the city with Greek, Armenian, Jewish, and Bulgarian heritage. Stroll around Fener and Balat districts, which are popular with locals for having breakfast and coffee. Pass by churches, synagogues, mosques, and many other historic sites. Begin your walking tour in the district of Fener to see a Greek church and a Greek primary school, followed by lots of colorful stairs. Then, see the house of Romanian prince Dimitrie Cantemir, the Church of Saint Mary of the Mongols, built in 1266, and Phanar Greek Orthodox College. After this, go to the Panagia Paramythia Church. Continue to the district of Balat, where you can see the Bulgarian Church, also known as the Iron Church due to the cast iron used in its production. Next, check out the famous timber houses in the area. Finish up your tour at the Ahrida Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in the city, dating back to the 15th century. Finally, enjoy a cup of Turkish coffee to end your walking trip of these historical districts.

Istanbul: Dolmabahce Palace Guided Tour with Entry Tickets

6. Istanbul: Dolmabahce Palace Guided Tour with Entry Tickets

Discover the splendor, beauty, and history of Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul on a guided tour with skip-the-line tickets. Step inside via a priority entrance and follow a guide through the lavish halls of this late iconic Ottoman architectural masterpiece. Meet your guide for an introduction to the royal complex and head inside to explore Istanbul's first European-style palace. See the ornate interiors of the Sultan's State Apartments. Listen to facts behind the lavish residence extensively decorated with gold and crystal. Marvel at the Ceremonial Hall with its glittering chandeliers, one of the most emblematic rooms in the palace where many events of great historic significance took place. Learn about the sultans of the Ottoman royal family and the traditions of the Harem housing the families. Listen as your guide brings legendary characters to life with entertaining storytelling. Admire Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first President of the Republic of Turkey, who used the palace as a presidential residence during the summers and enacted some of his most important works here. After experiencing the grandeur of the interior, explore the beauty of the gardens – filled with statues, water fountains, and marble vases – at your leisure.

Istanbul: Bursa and Uludag Full-Day Trip with Cable Car Ride

7. Istanbul: Bursa and Uludag Full-Day Trip with Cable Car Ride

Visit Uludag Mountain, one of Turkey's best destinations for winter sports, on this day trip from Istanbul. Ride on the cable car, enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch, and take a walk through the old silk market. After getting picked up from your hotel in Istanbul, hop on the ferry at Kocaeli for a 45-minute journey to Yalova, where you will drive to Bursa, the former Ottoman capital. Your first stop of the day is the historical Inkaya Tree, a 600-year-old tree and the symbol of Bursa. Refuel with a mixed grill lunch on the outskirts of the town. Continue to Uludag Mountain and climb to the summit by bus. Enjoy some free time for winter activities such as skiing, motor skiing, or riding on the chair lift before taking the cable car back down the mountain for some panoramic views. Next, head to the Green Social Complex, where you'll find the stunning Green Mosque and the Green Mausoleum. These impressive sights are nearby the Old Silk Market, where you can find typical Turkish products such as Turkish delight, honey, and jam (not included in tour cost). Return to Istanbul by bus in the evening and get dropped off back at your hotel.

Istanbul: Istanbul Aquarium Ticket & Shuttle Bus from Taksim

8. Istanbul: Istanbul Aquarium Ticket & Shuttle Bus from Taksim

Come and explore Istanbul Aquarium, a one-of-its-kind aquarium housing 1,500 species from all over the world, with this time-saving entry ticket and roundtrip transfer service. The world-renowned aquarium is a top destination for families with children and anyone who loves marine life. Thanks to its size, variety of fish species and engaging activities such as interactive games and 5D cinema, it is an unforgettable experience for everyone. Over 17,000 sea and land creatures await you in the magical underwater world of Istanbul Aquarium. Say hello to the myriad of inhabitants by following a 1.2 kilometer long geographical route, letting you travel from the Black Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Gaze at the 17 different ocean environments and a rainforest while keeping an eye out for sharks, balloon fish, piranhas, penguins, clownfish, and many other fascinating water animals. Best of all, with our skip-the-line ticket and shuttle transfer service, you can enjoy hassle-free access to this popular attraction. Enter the aquarium quickly and easily without having to wait in line. The included shuttle service will take you from the pickup point in Taksim to Istanbul Aquarium, and vice versa, so you can sit back and relax without having to worry about getting there on your own.

Istanbul: Evening Guided Boat Tour on the Bosphorus

9. Istanbul: Evening Guided Boat Tour on the Bosphorus

Are you looking for a fresh perspective on Istanbul's historical sites? The Bosphorus Evening Cruise Tour offers a unique way to see the city, especially during sunset. Whether a first-time visitor or a local, this boat tour is a great way to experience the essential spots while capturing unforgettable moments with your loved ones. During the 2 hours tour, you'll explore both the European and Asian shores of the Bosphorus, including iconic locations such as the Beylerbeyi Palace, Rumeli Fortress, and Ortaköy Mosque, to name a few. You'll also see other notable landmarks, such as the Ciragan Palace, Topkapi Palace, and Hagia Sophia. We welcome couples, families, and friends to participate in the tour with no specific limit on the number of participants. We'll send you the meeting point and cruise details via WhatsApp to ensure you're prepared for the tour. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. Just be sure to arrive at the meeting point by 17:50. The tour will commence at 18:00 and conclude at 20:00. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience of Istanbul's historical sites and stunning sunset colors.

Maiden's Tower Entrance with Audio Guide

10. Maiden's Tower Entrance with Audio Guide

The Pearl of Istanbul: Maiden's Tower Discover the Maiden's Tower, a legendary symbol of love and mystery. Unveil captivating tales of a king's daughter and forbidden romance. Experience a boat journey (additional), explore the museum and savor culinary delights. Immerse yourself in an enchanting atmosphere on this historic island. See Istanbul from the Iconic Tower Experience the magic of Istanbul at the iconic Maiden's Tower. Immerse yourself in centuries-old legends, breathtaking views and captivating history. Discover the secrets of love and mystery that surround this enchanting tower. Don't miss the chance to visit this must-see destination with its museum, cafe and stunning panoramic views. Create unforgettable memories at the Maiden's Tower, an essential stop on your Istanbul adventure.

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What people are saying about Istanbul

We did a lovely evening   Bosphorus cruise from Ahirkapi Iskelesi port and went to the second Bridge then back . They also have hotel pick up available which is a convenient service. As you pass the different sights an exploration is given in several different languages. Very beautiful and well done! They also offered fresh gözleme and fresh squeezed juice plus many other snacks. Photo opportunities were also available with "real" sultans and also a beautiful bird, parrot who looked very well taken care of and happy. Very nice trip highly recommend 

Thank you for the amazing guide for Topkapi palace. I sure learn a lot of stuffs with our guide,Ahmet. He was very nice e and knowledgeable about the palace. The tour was long and it was a good things because we were presented many things from ottoman stories, the history of the palace. He also went to great lengths to explain the harem which I think most people want to see. He also gave us time to take pictures after the tour.

Really enjoyed to see the most beautiful places of Istanbul from water, just amazing! The cruise was organised well, they contacted me to give more information about the pick up point, everything was on time.

The trip was well organized with an easy to find meeting place

It was a complete trip and very interesting guide.