Istanbul is a rewarding city for families. Children are welcomed almost everywhere, from restaurants to mosques, and there is plenty to see beyond the monuments: ferries, parks, aquariums and ice-cream shops on every corner. The hills, crowds and traffic can be tiring, though, so choosing the right area and room type makes a big difference.

Best areas for families

• Sultanahmet: calm in the evenings, close to the main sights and Gülhane Park. Many hotels are small, so check family room sizes.
• Kadıköy and Moda: relaxed atmosphere, seaside parks and easy ferries. See hotels in Kadıköy.
• Şişli and the business districts: large hotels with pools and bigger rooms, close to shopping malls; you will need the metro for sightseeing.
• The Princes’ Islands: car-free islands a ferry ride away, ideal for a quieter night or two.

Beyoğlu and Taksim are exciting but crowded and noisy at night; less ideal with small children.

Room types to look for

• Family rooms: one room with a double and single beds. Common in mid-range hotels but sometimes small.
• Connecting rooms: ask in advance; not every hotel has them.
• Suites and apartment hotels: separate bedroom and living area, often with a kitchenette. Very practical for longer stays and for children’s nap times.

Suite and apartment-style hotels in our directory include:

• GLK PREMIER Acropol Suites & Spa – Cankurtaran, Fatih
• Gallery Residence & Hotel – Halaskargazi, Şişli
• Juliet Rooms & Kitchen – Caferağa, Kadıköy
• Muyan Suites – Binbirdirek, Fatih
• MySuite Istanbul – Firuzağa, Beyoğlu
• Nuru Ziya Suites – Tomtom, Beyoğlu
• Obelisk Hotel & Suites – Sultan Ahmet, Fatih
• Radisson Residences Avrupa TEM Istanbul – Karayolları, Gaziosmanpaşa
• Radisson Residences, Vadistanbul – Ayazağa, Şişli
• Sura Design Hotel & Suites – Alemdar, Fatih
• The Byzantium Hotel & Suites – Cankurtaran, Fatih
• The Marmara Suadiye Residence – Suadiye, Kadıköy
• Tomtom Suites – FiruzağaBoğazkesen Cad No:18, Beyoğlu
• Villa Pera Suite Hotel – Kocatepe, Beyoğlu

Hotels on the Princes’ Islands

• Katre Island Hotel – Demokrasi ve Özgürlük Adası, Adalar
• Kınalı Butik Otel – Kınalıada, Adalar
• Mehtap 45 Otel – Burgazada, Adalar
• Noya Köşk Otel – Kınalıada, Adalar
• Villa Andrea & Butik Otel – Burgazada, Adalar

Getting around with children

• Pavements in the old city are uneven and hilly; a light, foldable pushchair or a baby carrier is easier than a large stroller.
• Trams and the metro have step-free access at most stations; ferries are easy to board with a pushchair.
• Children under a certain age travel free on public transport; check current rules when buying an Istanbulkart.
• Taxis rarely have child seats. If you need one, ask your hotel to arrange a transfer with a seat.

Family-friendly things to do

• A ferry ride on the Bosphorus or to the Asian side
• Gülhane Park and Emirgan Park (famous for its tulips in April)
• Istanbul’s aquarium and the toy museum on the Asian side
• Miniatürk, a park with models of Turkish landmarks
• Simit (sesame bread rings) and ice cream (dondurma) shows on İstiklal Avenue

Frequently asked questions

Is Istanbul safe for children?

Generally yes. Keep an eye on traffic, which can be fast and doesn’t always stop at crossings, and hold small children’s hands in crowds.

Do hotels provide cots?

Most do on request, sometimes for a fee. Ask when booking.

When is the best time to visit with kids?

Spring and autumn. July and August are hot and crowded.