Family holiday in Istanbul: things to do with kids and prices

In short: Istanbul is lively and exciting for families. City ferries across the Bosphorus are cheap and parks such as Gülhane Park are free. Traffic is heavy, trams and ferries are easiest. A day for 2 adults and 2 children costs about €95 including the hotel.

Best things to do with kids

⛴️Bosphorus ferrysee websiteprices change often Eminönü · all yrs · 1–2 hrs💡 The normal city ferry with an Istanbulkart is much cheaper than tours.

🐠Istanbul Aquarium INDOORsee websiteprices change often Florya · all yrs · 2–3 hrs💡 Outside the centre, plan a taxi.

🌳Gülhane Park FREEfree Sultanahmet · all yrs · 1–2 hrs💡 Right next to Topkapı Palace.

🏰Miniatürksee websiteprices change often Sütlüce · all yrs · 2 hrs💡 All of Turkey in miniature.

🚂Rahmi M. Koç Museum INDOORsee websiteprices change often Hasköy · all yrs · 2–3 hrs💡 A submarine, trains and vintage cars up close.

Prices are guide prices checked on 2026-11-04 from the official or ticket sites; they change with season and promotions.

A day for 2 adults and 2 children

Hotel (typical family-friendly hotel, per night)34 € Food (food in simple restaurants, one outing, local transport)35 € One outing20 € Local transport6 € Totalapprox. 95 €

The hotel price comes from our own daily price checks (cheapest booking site, 2 guests).

Family-friendly hotels in Istanbul

Well-rated hotels (no hostels), price per night at the cheapest booking site. For 4 people, choose 4 guests in the search.

Chambers Of The Boheme ★ 4.323 €Villa Pera Suite Hotel ★ 4.533 €Agora Guesthouse ★ 4.534 €Basileus Hotel ★ 4.334 €Ethnica Old City Hotel ★ 4.237 €Bakırköy Zeugma Suit Otel ★ 4.740 €

Compare all hotels in Istanbul →

Questions

Is Istanbul good for a family holiday?

Yes. Ferries, parks, the aquarium and museums make Istanbul exciting for kids.

What is free in Istanbul with kids?

Gülhane Park, the waterfront promenades and life in the bazaars.

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