3 Perfect Days in Istanbul with Kids
Istanbul is one of those cities that sweeps you off your feet the moment you arrive — the layers of history, the bustling bazaars, the minarets rising against the skyline. But what surprised me most? How doable and fun this city is with kids in tow.
If you’re planning a family trip to Turkey, here’s how I’d spend 3 days in Istanbul.
Stay :
We stayed at the Four Seasons Sultanahmet — dreamy! The Four seasons also has a Bosphorus property and you can visit both. Read the full review here and my tips for deciding which one is right for your trip!
Day 1: Old City Icons
Start with the classics. You’ll want to pre-book tickets for Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace — lines can be brutal, and timed entry makes life much easier with little ones. The Hagia Sophia is jaw-dropping, but I recommend limiting your time inside (20–30 minutes) because the crowds can be overwhelming for kids. Topkapi, on the other hand, is a delight — courtyards to run in, glittering treasures, and plenty of space for strollers.
From there, wander to the Blue Mosque (free, but check prayer times). The mosaics and domes wow adults, and kids love pulling off their shoes and stepping onto the soft carpets.
Afternoon treat: head to Hafiz Mustafa for Turkish delights, baklava and definitely do not miss the tres leches. My kids thought this was as exciting as any palace!
Dinner nearby at Balikci Sabahattin, a classic fish restaurant with simple, family-friendly dishes.
Day 2: A Taste of Istanbul
This day is all about flavors and neighborhoods. Book a family-friendly food tour (we loved this secret food tours one that started in Kadıköy on the Asian side). The ferry ride across the Bosphorus is half the fun — fresh air, seagulls swooping, and the city views.
On the tour, you’ll sample gözleme (Turkish stuffed flatbread), meats sizzling fresh off the grill, cheeses, and of course Turkish coffee for the grown-ups — including a super fun debrief on having your coffee grounds read. Tours are surprisingly kid-friendly since you’re always on the move and tasting new things.
Spend the late afternoon wandering the Grand Bazaar. With younger kids, I recommend keeping it short — choose one or two aisles (spices, lanterns, or carpets are the most visually fun). Promise them a fresh-pressed pomegranate juice when they make it through!
Dinner: Pandeli inside the Spice Bazaar — a historic spot with blue-tiled walls and dishes that even picky eaters like (think kebabs and rice).
Day 3: Boats & Backstreets
Start your day with a private Bosphorus boat ride (easy to arrange through your hotel). Even an hour on the water gives kids a thrill — seagulls following the boat, palaces along the shoreline, and a moment for parents to exhale.
BONUS TIP - IF YOU STAY AT ONE OF THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL, YOU CAN ENJOY THE COMPLIMENTARY BOAT TRANSFER TO THE OTHER PROPERTY!
Back on land, I love doing a walking route from Galata Tower through Karaköy and up to Istiklal Street. Stop for coffee and simit (sesame bread rings) along the way. The Galata Tower requires tickets (worth reserving in advance), and climbing to the top gives you sweeping views that even little legs are proud to earn.
If you still have energy, the Basilica Cistern is a hit with kids — dark, atmospheric, and full of columns and glowing water. Definitely book tickets ahead.
Final dinner: Lokanta 1741 (inside the hammam courtyard near Hagia Sophia). Upscale yet relaxed, with enough kid-friendly options. Parents can enjoy beautifully plated meze while the kids tuck into grilled meats and bread.
A FEW BONUS FOOD STOPS :
TOM TOM KEBAB
THE ROOFTOP AT THE FOUR SEASONS SULTANAHMET - THE MOST AMAZING VIEWS AND REALLY GOOD DRINKS + BITES
FARUK GULLUOGHI : THE BEST BAKLAVA
KAZIM BUFE ; BANANA SMOOTHIES!
Quick Tips for Families
Advance Tickets: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, and Galata Tower are worth booking in advance.
Strollers vs. Carriers: Narrow streets and uneven stone mean you’ll want a lightweight stroller or a good carrier for younger kids.
Timing: Visit the big sites first thing in the morning to avoid crowds and meltdowns. Afternoons are best for wandering and snacking.
Food with Kids: Turkish food is wonderfully kid-friendly — think grilled meats, rice, breads, and fresh juices. Always order meze to share.
Why Istanbul Works for Families
Istanbul is big, busy, and exhilarating — but it also offers endless moments of wonder that kids connect with: taking off shoes at a mosque, ferry rides across continents, tasting new sweets, and running through palace courtyards. For parents, it’s history and luxury layered together in the most magical way.
Three days here is the perfect appetizer — enough to soak in the atmosphere and give the kids lasting memories, without overwhelming anyone.
