Istanbul: Delightful Delicacies and Enchanting Landmarks

Discover the magic of Istanbul with your loved ones and create lifelong memories.

10 August 2023

A family-friendly trip to Istanbul, Turkey offers a fascinating blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and mouth-watering cuisine. Explore iconic landmarks like the majestic Hagia Sophia, the magnificent Blue Mosque, and the sprawling Grand Bazaar, where kids can enjoy shopping for exotic souvenirs. Indulge in delicious Turkish delights, take a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus, and create lasting memories while immersing in the warm hospitality of this enchanting city.

Day trip plan

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Day

Exploring the Enchanting Istanbul

  • Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast, complete with heavenly cheese, olives, and simit (a sesame-coated bread ring that's crispier than your old-school disco moves).
  • Uncover the secrets of the Blue Mosque, where you can bask in the stunning beauty of its six magnificent minarets, earning bragging rights for having seen enough domes to make Michelangelo blush.
  • Take a leisurely cruise along the Bosphorus, and let your jaw hit the floor as you pass by incredible sights like the opulent Dolmabahçe Palace and the charming waterfront mansions.
  • Make a pit stop at the Grand Bazaar, a bustling labyrinth where you can haggle like a boss and come away with souvenirs that will make your friends jealous enough to buy you Turkish coffee every morning for the next decade.
  • Refuel at a delightful local restaurant, savoring dishes like juicy kebabs that will transport your taste buds to a flavor paradise, and indulge in baklava so good, it'll make your inner sweet tooth twerk with joy.
  • End your day with a visit to the Topkapi Palace, where you can channel your inner Caliph and wander through the royal halls, imagining yourself draped in gold and silk while plotting your conquest of the world.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Istanbul, Turkey by plane is to fly into Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), depending on your airline and preferences. Both airports offer numerous domestic and international flights.

Car

Driving to Istanbul is possible if you are in a neighboring country, such as Bulgaria or Greece. You can cross the border and follow the E80 highway towards Istanbul. The exact route and duration will vary depending on your starting point.

Train

There is no direct train service to Istanbul from other countries, but you can take a train to a nearby city like Sofia, Bulgaria or Bucharest, Romania, then continue the journey by bus or plane to Istanbul.

Boat

If you are traveling from a nearby Mediterranean country, you can consider taking a ferry or cruise ship to Istanbul. There are no direct routes from major European ports, but you can find various cruises that include Istanbul as a stop on their itinerary.

Bus

Taking a bus to Istanbul is a convenient option, with many European cities offering direct routes. For example, you can take a bus from Athens, Greece to Istanbul by companies like KTEL or Karavostasi. The journey takes approximately 11-12 hours.

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