Discover Istanbul’s 200 best spots for a Families with Teens' trip

VIALAND Theme Park

★ 4.2 · 53,992 reviews

Spend a day at VIALAND Theme Park, Istanbul's big amusement complex. Ride the roller coasters and water attractions, then refuel at the restaurants in the connected shopping centre.

Rahmi M. Koç Museum

★ 4.8 · 27,479 reviews

Wander among submarines, cars and engines in a hands-on museum. A favourite for families, with enough to fill an entire afternoon.

Boulder Istanbul

★ 4.4 · 304 reviews

Try Boulder Istanbul, a no-frills indoor bouldering gym with a famously friendly crowd. Work through freshly set routes on its artificial walls, with staff on hand to help whatever your climbing level.

Bosphorus kano - kürek

★ 4.3 · 551 reviews

Paddle out on the Bosphorus with Bosphorus kano - kürek, a water-sports spot open from early morning. Glide across the strait by canoe or kayak, take in the shoreline views, and expect a splash when ferries pass.

Istanbul Aquarium

★ 4.4 · 39,536 reviews

Dive into Istanbul Aquarium, a sprawling complex in Florya packed with marine life from around the globe. Stroll through themed zones and large tanks holding about 1,700 species, and pause at the on-site cafés.

Suadiye Kürek ve Kano Spor Kulübü

★ 4.6 · 329 reviews

Try rowing at Suadiye Kürek ve Kano Spor Kulübü, a friendly club famed for its coastal skiffs. Learn the basics from patient trainers and spend a couple of hours out on the water.

Basilica Cistern

★ 4.6 · 98,042 reviews

Descend into the Basilica Cistern, the Byzantine reservoir hidden beneath Istanbul's old city. Follow the lit walkways between 336 marble columns and spend about 45 minutes absorbing the echoing, water-level atmosphere.

Sultanahmet

Step into Sultanahmet, where Byzantine and Ottoman Istanbul meet. Walk between the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the ancient Hippodrome, then wander cobbled lanes to a tea garden for a break.

Harbiye Military Museum and Cultural Site Command

★ 4.7 · 5,396 reviews

Enter the Harbiye Military Museum, housed in a former Ottoman military school. Trace Turkish military history through room after room of uniforms, armour and weapons from the Central Asian origins onward.

Emirgan Park

★ 4.6 · 56,225 reviews

Wander through Emirgan Park, Istanbul's celebrated garden of ponds, shady paths and seasonal colour. Circle the water, linger among the flower beds, and find a quiet bench for a slow, scenic hour or more.

Miniatürk

★ 4.6 · 37,666 reviews

Wander through Miniatürk, a park where Turkey's greatest landmarks shrink to model size. Stroll between detailed replicas of the Blue Mosque and monuments from across the country, and cross the footbridge symbolising Europe and Asia.

Beyoğlu

Dive into Beyoğlu, the beating cultural heart of Istanbul. Stroll İstiklal Avenue, duck into historic passages and side-street meyhanes, and stay as the district shifts into its lively nightlife.

Florya Sports Complex

★ 4.5 · 953 reviews

Play a match at Florya Sports Complex, where indoor and outdoor hard courts are open from morning until late. Book online, grab a racket and enjoy a relaxed local game.

Grand Bazaar

★ 4.4 · 189,097 reviews

Lose yourself in the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul's vast covered market of winding indoor streets. Haggle for leather, jewellery, ceramics and gifts while soaking up the atmosphere of one of the world's oldest markets.

Ümraniye National Garden

★ 4.5 · 16,798 reviews

Spend an easy hour at Ümraniye National Garden, a local favourite on Istanbul's Asian side. Stroll wooded paths, spot the waterfall and animals, and grab tea and gözleme while the kids play.

Polonezköy Nature Park

★ 4.4 · 12,765 reviews

Trade the city for Polonezköy Nature Park, a big stretch of forest on Istanbul's outskirts. Follow shaded hiking and biking trails, then settle at a picnic spot or nearby restaurant for a long outdoor lunch.

Naval Museum

★ 4.7 · 9,410 reviews

Explore the Naval Museum, Turkey's largest, and trace the nation's maritime history. Admire ornate caiques and Ottoman-era ships, plus uniforms and artefacts, in a cool indoor setting.

Yıldız Park

★ 4.7 · 36,395 reviews

Step into Yıldız Park, a leafy hillside retreat above the Bosphorus. Wander past ponds and flower beds, pause at a park cafe, and look up to the Ottoman palace museum on the hill.

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

★ 4.8 · 135,257 reviews

Enter Hagia Sophia, the monumental domed landmark at the heart of Istanbul's old city. Spend an hour beneath its great dome, taking in marble, gold and the building's layered past.

Cemal Kamacı Sports Complex

★ 4.3 · 1,827 reviews

Cemal Kamacı Sports Complex is a well-used local facility where Istanbul residents swim and play tennis. Expect a busy pool schedule and a community feel, provided you can get in as a visitor.

Galatasaray Museum

★ 4.6 · 928 reviews

Head to the Galatasaray Museum for a close look at one of Turkey's most famous football clubs. See original documents, films and cabinets of medals, then consider adding the stadium tour.

İBB Bayrampaşa Hidayet Türkoğlu Spor Kompleksi

★ 4.5 · 817 reviews

Work out at İBB Bayrampaşa Hidayet Türkoğlu Spor Kompleksi, a well-rated municipal complex with several sport halls and fair prices. Pick a hall, join the local crowd and enjoy a no-fuss session.

Gazhane Museum

★ 4.6 · 10,342 reviews

Explore Gazhane Museum, a former gasworks reborn as a sprawling cultural complex. Visit the climate museum and changing exhibitions, then relax in the cafés or library with the whole family.

Maiden's Tower

★ 4.7 · 28,207 reviews

Cross the Bosphorus by boat to Maiden's Tower, Istanbul's most legend-laden landmark. Climb up through the small museum, read the stories behind its origins, and enjoy views of the city as the light fades.

Sapanca and Masukiye Day Trip with Lunch

★ 4.1 · 1,294 reviews

Swap the city for lakes and mountains on a day trip east of Istanbul. Relax by Sapanca Lake, enjoy a riverside lunch and head up to Maşukiye's viewpoints.

Perfume Making Workshop with Bosphorus View

★ 5.0 · 4,544 reviews

Make your own perfume in a short, hands-on class with a Bosphorus view. Smell the essences, balance your blend and leave with a 50 ml bottle.

Original Mosaic Lamp Workshop

★ 4.9 · 3,744 reviews

Design a lamp of your own at this Original Mosaic Lamp Workshop. You'll pick from over 45 glass colours, arrange them on a template, enjoy tea and cookies while it dries, then take the lamp home.

Mosaic Lamp Workshop in 400 Year Old Ottoman Inn

★ 4.9 · 2,669 reviews

Create a souvenir with your own hands at the Mosaic Lamp Workshop in a 400-year-old Ottoman inn. You'll arrange glass pieces into your own design, sip tea while it dries, and leave with a finished lamp.

Büyük Mecidiye Mosque

★ 4.8 · 45,368 reviews

Visit Büyük Mecidiye Mosque, the Ortaköy landmark framed by the Bosphorus Bridge. Step inside for about 20 minutes beneath its light-catching windows, then linger on the quay as the water changes colour at sunset.

Çamlıca Tower

★ 4.3 · 9,163 reviews

Rise above the city at Çamlıca Tower. Ride up to the observation deck for panoramic views over Istanbul's European and Asian shores, ideally timed for the sunset glow.