A Family-Friendly Itinerary to Istanbul: Shopping Sprees and Sightseeing

• Day 1: Grand Bazaar
  Estimated Time from Previous Location: 30 minutes | Estimated Distance from Previous Location: 7 km

  Get your bargaining skills ready and head to one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. The Grand Bazaar is home to over 4000 shops selling everything from spices, jewelry, traditional Turkish ceramics to fabrics and clothing.

• Day 2: Topkapi Palace Museum
  Estimated Time from Previous Location: 35 minutes | Estimated Distance from Previous Location: 4 km

  Step back in time at the Topkapi Palace Museum. The palace served as the residence of Ottoman sultans for over 400 years and gives visitors a glimpse into the opulence and extravagance of the empire. Don't miss the stunning Harem and the Treasury.

• Day 3: Istiklal Avenue
  Estimated Time from Previous Location: 15 minutes | Estimated Distance from Previous Location: 3 km

  This pedestrian shopping street in the heart of Istanbul is packed with shops, cafes, and street performers. Istiklal Avenue is the perfect place to indulge in some shopping, snacking and people-watching.

• Day 4: Miniaturk
  Estimated Time from Previous Location: 45 minutes | Estimated Distance from Previous Location: 8 km

  Bring the family to the world of miniatures! Miniaturk is a miniature park with over 100 miniature models of Turkey's most famous landmarks and sites, all in 1/25th scale. The park is both fun and educational for all ages.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Grand Bazaar (2-3 hours, Free Admission)
• Topkapi Palace Museum (2-3 hours, 100 TL per person)
• Istiklal Avenue (2-3 hours, varies on shopping and dining choices)
• Miniaturk (2-3 hours, 30 TL per adult, 20 TL per child)
Total Estimated Costs: 250 TL per person

Transportation

Istanbul public transportation system consists of buses, ferries, trams, metro, and funicular. Getting around the city using the metro and tram is both affordable and efficient. Consider getting the Istanbulkart, a rechargeable prepaid payment card, for all your transportation needs. Taking a taxi or using ride-hailing apps can also be an option, but be aware of the heavy traffic during peak hours. Taxis fare starts at 5 TL, and ride-hailing apps slightly vary.

Useful tips

If you have additional time, consider including more landmarks like Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia Museum, Takism Square, or Basilica Cistern on your itinerary. If you want to experience Istanbul's vibrant nightlife, head to Kadikoy, Beyoglu, or Ortakoy. If you have less time, skip Istiklal Avenue or Miniaturk.

Airports

Istanbul has two international airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). Istanbul Airport is 35 km from the city center and mainly served by Turkish Airlines. Sabiha Gokcen International Airport is 45 km from the city center and mainly served by low-cost airlines. Both are well connected to the city center with various transportation options.