Itineraries for Your Trip to Istanbul
3 Days in Istanbul for Families
Visiting Istanbul can be overwhelming to plan simply because this vast, glittering city packs in such a wealth of things to see and explore. There’s almost too many options to choose from, especially for those traveling with kids or a big multigenerational family.
To help narrow down some options out of the seemingly endless breadth of activities Istanbul has to offer, I’ve compiled a list of must-sees, must-dos, and must-eats to share with your loved ones. I’ve personally loved showing my parents around this stunning metropolis, whether it’s at a historical museum full of ancient treasures or just a leisurely walk along the Bosphorus.
Summer is hot and humid, and winter is cold and windy.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the Hagia Sophia.
Start with a 3-day digital Tourist Pass, a combined access ticket that offers entry to multiple sites in Istanbul. With your pass, jump on the city tour bus and hop off at the Bosphorus Strait for a boat tour. Get the best view of the city’s bridges, mosques, and fortresses as you glide along the indigo sea.
A visit to the LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre taps into kids’ interests in the afternoon, and parents can enjoy a coffee while browsing the store on-site. In the evening, take in a traditional whirling dervish performance, suitable for children over age 7.
Day two is for deeper discovery of the city’s ancient heritage. A full- or half-day tour will include stops at the most notable monuments in Istanbul. The stunning Hagia Sophia, bustling Grand Bazaar, and landmark Hippodrome are must-sees on any visitor’s list.
Join a tour to learn about Istanbul’s history from a guide, choosing one that best fits your family’s interests. Stroll through the Sultanahmet district and witness a carpet making demo, learn about the ancient cisterns that form an underground network beneath the city, and sample Turkish food while on the go.
On your last day, take time to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the city, with visits to the Chora Museum and Topkapi Palace. For lunch, sample traditional Turkish delicacies on a street food tour, or pick up food at the Kadikoy market to picnic in one of the city’s many parks.
In the afternoon take the kids to visit the Istanbul Aquarium, which includes 1,500 land and sea creatures and exhibits focused on the Black Sea, Bosporus Strait, and Aegean Sea, alongside others. Interactive exhibitions and a 5D movie theater round out the offerings.
