Family-Friendly 2-Day Itinerary in Istanbul

Day 1: Exploring Historic Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mangerie

Start your day with a delicious spread of Turkish breakfast with views over the Bosphorus at Mangerie, a family-friendly café nestled in Bebek.
Take a taxi or tram to Bebek, then walk to Mangerie.
TRY150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Topkapi Palace

Explore the grand Topkapi Palace, where you can wander through its beautiful gardens and marvel at the impressive collection of artefacts.
Take tram T1 from Bebek to Sultanahmet station.
TRY200, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Enjoy classic Turkish meatballs at Sultanahmet Köftecisi, a historic eatery loved by locals.
Walk from Topkapi Palace to the restaurant, which is about a 10-minute walk.
TRY120, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Hagia Sophia

Step into the architectural marvel of Hagia Sophia, where your family can appreciate its stunning mosaics and history.
A short 5-minute walk from lunch.
FREE, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Basilica Cistern

Experience the underground wonders of the Basilica Cistern, where children will be enchanted by the atmosphere and the Medusa heads.
5-minute walk from Hagia Sophia.
TRY250, 1 hour

5:00PM

Relax at Sultanahmet Square

Enjoy some free time at Sultanahmet Square, letting the kids run around while you take in the sights of the Blue Mosque.
Short walk from the Cistern.
FREE, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Dine at Hamdi Restaurant, known for its kebabs and spectacular rooftop views of the city, perfect for families.
Take a taxi to the restaurant near Eminönü.
TRY300, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: A Day of Fun and Discovery

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi, where the children can enjoy various cheeses and jams.
Take a taxi to Cihangir.
TRY150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Relax at Gülhane Park

Stroll through Gülhane Park nearby, where your family can enjoy the greenery and let children play in the open spaces.
15-minute walk from breakfast.
FREE, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Istanbul Aquarium

Explore the remarkable Istanbul Aquarium, which has a wide variety of marine life, making it fun for kids of all ages.
Take tram T1 to Zeytinburnu, then transfer to a bus.
TRY400, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Aqua Florya Shopping Mall

Have lunch at Aqua Florya where there are various food options to please every family member’s taste buds.
Walk from the aquarium to the mall, which is a short distance away.
TRY250, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Miniatürk

Experience Miniatürk, a miniature park that showcases models of Turkey's most significant landmarks, exciting both children and adults.
Take a taxi from Aqua Florya to Miniatürk.
TRY150, 2 hours

5:00PM

Enjoy a Turkish Ice Cream at Mado

Treat yourselves to some delicious Turkish ice cream at Mado, known for its wide range of flavours that are sure to please the kids.
Short taxi ride from Miniatürk.
TRY100, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Çiya Sofrası

End your trip by sampling Turkish dishes at Çiya Sofrası, a family-friendly restaurant offering delightful regional flavours.
Take a taxi to Kadıköy where the restaurant is located.
TRY250, 1.5 hours
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