Family Fun in Istanbul: A 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Old City Wonders

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Hagia Sophia

Start your day at the iconic Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture.
Walk from your accommodation or take a short taxi ride. It takes about 15 minutes.
30 TRY, 2 hours

12:00PM

Topkapi Palace

Explore the majestic Topkapi Palace, once the residence of Ottoman Sultans.
A 20-minute walk from Hagia Sophia. Take a break for lunch in the palace gardens.
60 TRY, 3 hours

4:00PM

Blue Mosque

Visit the stunning Blue Mosque with its intricate tile work and towering minarets.
A short 10-minute walk from Topkapi Palace.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Grand Bazaar

End your day with a visit to the bustling Grand Bazaar for some souvenir shopping.
A 15-minute taxi ride from the Blue Mosque.
Varies, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Bosphorus Beauty

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Bosphorus Cruise

Embark on a scenic Bosphorus cruise to admire the city's skyline and waterfront palaces.
Start at Eminonu Pier, a short walk from the Old City. Cruises depart regularly.
25 TRY, 2 hours

12:00PM

Rumeli Fortress

Explore the historic Rumeli Fortress, a strategic castle along the Bosphorus.
Take a taxi or public bus from the pier. It's about a 30-minute ride.
20 TRY, 2 hours

3:00PM

Ortakoy

Visit Ortakoy, a charming neighborhood famous for its waterfront cafes and the Ortakoy Mosque.
A short ferry ride from Rumeli Fortress.
Varies, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Bosphorus Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful dinner at a Bosphorus-side restaurant with panoramic views.
Take a taxi or ferry back to the city center.
100 TRY, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Asian Side Adventure

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Uskudar District

Cross the Bosphorus to explore the charming Uskudar district on the Asian side.
Take a ferry from Eminonu to Uskudar. The ferry ride takes about 20 minutes.
5 TRY, 3 hours

12:00PM

Maiden's Tower

Visit the iconic Maiden's Tower, a historic landmark with panoramic views of the city.
A short walk from Uskudar ferry terminal.
25 TRY, 1 hour

2:00PM

Bagdat Avenue

Stroll along Bagdat Avenue, a vibrant shopping street with cafes and boutiques.
Take a taxi or public bus from Maiden's Tower.
Varies, 2 hours

5:00PM

Moda Park

Relax at Moda Park and enjoy beautiful views of the Marmara Sea.
A short taxi ride from Bagdat Avenue.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Princes' Islands Escape

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Buyukada Island

Take a ferry to Buyukada, the largest of the Princes' Islands, for a day of relaxation and exploration.
Ferries depart regularly from Kabatas or Bostanci. The journey takes about 1.5 hours.
25 TRY, Full day

1:00PM

Horse Carriage Tour

Explore the island by horse-drawn carriage, a traditional and charming way to see the sights.
Carriages are available near the ferry terminal.
50 TRY, 2 hours

4:00PM

Swimming at Buyukada Beach

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach and swimming in the clear waters.
Walk or take a carriage to the beach area.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Seafood Dinner

Enjoy a delightful seafood dinner at a local restaurant before catching the ferry back to Istanbul.
Dine at one of the seaside restaurants and take the evening ferry back.
80 TRY, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Grand Bazaar Exploration

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Grand Bazaar Shopping

Spend the day exploring the labyrinthine alleys of the Grand Bazaar for unique souvenirs and treasures.
Start at the Grand Bazaar entrance in the Old City.
Varies, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at Pandeli Restaurant, a historic spot within the Grand Bazaar.
Dine within the Grand Bazaar premises.
50 TRY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Spice Bazaar

Visit the nearby Spice Bazaar to discover a variety of spices, sweets, and teas.
A short walk from the Grand Bazaar.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Galata Tower

End your day with a visit to the historic Galata Tower for panoramic views of the city.
Take a taxi or tram to Galata Tower.
25 TRY, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Coastal Delights

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Kadikoy District

Start your day in the vibrant Kadikoy district on the Asian side, known for its markets and cafes.
Take a ferry from Eminonu to Kadikoy. The ferry ride takes about 20 minutes.
5 TRY, 3 hours

12:00PM

Fish Market Lunch

Enjoy a seafood lunch at Kadikoy's bustling fish market, sampling fresh catches of the day.
Dine at one of the market stalls or nearby seafood restaurants.
40 TRY, 1 hour

2:00PM

Moda Coastline

Stroll along the picturesque Moda coastline and enjoy views of the Sea of Marmara.
Walk from the fish market to Moda Sahil Park.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Istanbul Modern

Visit the Istanbul Modern Museum to explore contemporary Turkish art and culture.
Take a taxi or public bus to Istanbul Modern in Karakoy.
40 TRY, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Taksim Square Farewell

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Dolmabahce Palace

Start your day with a tour of the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, a symbol of Ottoman grandeur.
Take a taxi or tram to Dolmabahce Palace in Besiktas.
60 TRY, 2 hours

12:00PM

Istiklal Avenue

Stroll along bustling Istiklal Avenue, lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.
Walk or take a short tram ride to Istiklal Avenue.
Varies, 2 hours

3:00PM

Taksim Square

End your Istanbul adventure at Taksim Square, a lively hub of culture and entertainment.
Walk down Istiklal Avenue to reach Taksim Square.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner

Enjoy a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the bustling Taksim Square.
Choose a restaurant with a view and savor your last evening in Istanbul.
100 TRY, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability