Istanbul · Türkiye · Things to do
5 things to do in Istanbul with kids
The five best things to do in Istanbul with kids are the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, a Bosphorus boat ride between Europe and Asia, the Grand Bazaar and Galata Tower. The first two sit across a park from each other in Sultanahmet, so they fit in one morning. The boat and the tower suit the afternoon, when children need something to look at.
What to do, in order
- 1
See the Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque, formally the Sultanahmet Mosque, has six minarets and an interior lined with blue and white tiles. It is a working mosque, so it closes to visitors around the five daily prayer times and you should plan around them. Everyone covers shoulders and knees, women cover their hair, and shoes come off at the door. Entry is free and the line moves quickly early in the day. Children usually enjoy the carpeted floor and the sheer height of the dome.
- 2
Step inside Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia was built in the sixth century, around 1,500 years ago, and its dome was the largest in the world for nearly a thousand years. It has been a church, a mosque, a museum and, since 2020, a mosque again. Visiting rules and fees for foreign visitors have changed in recent years, so check the current arrangement before you go. The same modest dress is expected as at the Blue Mosque. Go first thing in the morning, when the lines are shortest.
- 3
Take a Bosphorus boat ride
The Bosphorus is the strait that divides Europe from Asia, and crossing it by boat is the easiest way to be on two continents in an afternoon. Public ferries run from Eminönü and Kabataş across to Kadıköy and Üsküdar and cost a fraction of private tour cruises. A longer cruise up the strait passes palaces, wooden waterfront mansions and the two big suspension bridges. Sit outside on the upper deck. Gulls follow the boats, and children love feeding them simit sesame rings.
- 4
Get lost in the Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest covered markets in the world, a maze of vaulted passages with thousands of shops selling lamps, ceramics, textiles, leather and spices. It is closed on Sundays and on public holidays. Go in the morning, hold hands with younger children, and set a meeting point in case anyone drifts off. Bargaining is expected, so start well below the first price and walk away politely if the number does not move. Turkish delight samples are a reliable way to keep children happy.
- 5
Climb the Galata Tower
The Galata Tower is a round stone tower built by the Genoese in the fourteenth century, and an elevator takes most of the climb out of the visit. The gallery at the top gives a wide view over the Golden Horn, the old city skyline and the Bosphorus. Queues build by late morning, so arrive early or in the late afternoon for the golden light. The streets around the tower are steep and cobbled, so a baby carrier is easier than a stroller. Cafes nearby are good for a rest afterwards.
Plan it
- Best time
- April to May and September to November have mild weather and manageable crowds. July and August are hot, humid and busy. Winter is cool, grey and rainy, with occasional snow, but sights are quiet.
- How long
- Three to four days covers all five with room for a ferry crossing and a slow meal. Add a day if you want to see the Topkapi Palace or the Asian side.
- Getting around
- Sultanahmet and the bazaar are walkable. Trams link Sultanahmet with Eminönü and Kabataş, and public ferries cover the Bosphorus. A rechargeable Istanbulkart works on trams, metro and ferries. Taxis are cheap but insist on the meter.
Good to know
- Stay in or near Sultanahmet for the first two sights, then Karaköy or Galata for restaurants and the tower.
- Carry a light scarf for mosque visits. Many children also need a covering for their shoulders.
- Eat where locals queue for lunch. Simple kebab, lentil soup and bread places are quick and easy with children.
Frequently asked
Is Istanbul good for kids? +
Yes, with some planning. Children enjoy the boats, the cats on every street and the food, and local people are warm toward families. Busy pavements and steep hills can be tiring, so schedule short days and a rest in the afternoon.
How many days do you need in Istanbul with children? +
Three to four days is a good first visit. That covers Sultanahmet, the bazaar, a Bosphorus ferry, Galata Tower and some free time, without trying to see every museum.
What should you wear to visit the mosques? +
Cover shoulders and knees, and women should bring a scarf for their hair. Shoes are removed at the entrance, so wear socks you do not mind showing. Visitors are asked to avoid entering during prayer times.
When is the best time to visit Istanbul? +
Late spring and autumn are best, from April to May and September to November. The weather is mild, the sights are open and the crowds are smaller than in midsummer.
