Patient & Visitor Guide

As a metropolis, İstanbul has a lot to offer tofamilies travelling with children and looking to spend peaceful time not only by getting around but also by getting to know the city’s cultural heritage.

The fabulous city offers children the chance to familiarise themselves with the history, art, nature, and cuisine of the region. Hopping on a boat tour in the morning and cruising along the Bosphorus is perhaps one of the best ways to enjoy the best sights of the city with families. You can spend quality time at the café by the water while the children enjoy the many attractions at the Istanbul. 

In İstanbul, there are many places where your children can enjoy an instructive visit. If your kids are nature lovers, they will appreciate an exciting visit to the İstanbul Aquarium. Recently opened, the Aquarium is currently the biggest thematic aquarium in the world. Offering a rich variety of activities and events for children, the Aquarium hosts about 15,000 creatures. Home to Europe’s biggest sharks, the Turkuazoo Aquarium offers another chance for an instructive visit with the possibility of diving. If your kid is into art, definitely take them to İstanbul Museum of Modern Art.

Kids will also enjoy a ride on the nostalgic tram in Beyoğlu. You can watch the crowds and shop windows from your seats as the tram travels along the Grand Rue de Pera, known today as Istiklal Street. If you rather prefer entertaining yourselves and the kids as a
whole family, Vialand is a perfect place to spend time altogether.

İstanbul Dolphinarium is the biggest Dolphinarium in Europe. Visitors may enjoy the dolphin shows, discover the world of the sea mammals such as dolphins, playful fur seals, massive walruses and the gorgeous white whale and spend great time at the İstanbul Dolphinarium.

Benefiting from a matchless geographical location and a mild humid climate, İstanbul boasts beautiful natural landscapes as well as city gardens, where nature lovers may take a break fromthe bustling rhythm of the city.

Some Locations:

• Atatürk Arboretum
• Validebağ Grove
• Fenerbahçe Park
• Yıldız Park
• Gülhane Park
• Belgrad Forest
• Maçka Park
• Çubuklu Hidiv İsmail Paşa Park
• Fethi Paaşa Estate Park
• Gezi Park

As the European Capital of Culture in 2010, İstanbul certified its richness and generousness in that field too. Alongside the historical sources, today, a number of modern art exhibitions are opening gates to the art lovers in İstanbul. Throughout the year, not only the Turkish artists but also the works of famous modern art creators from all around the world are displayed to such enthusiastic crowds.

• Biennales
• Events
• Stage Performing Arts
• Sakıp Sabancı Museum
• İstanbul Foundation For Culture And Arts
• İstanbul Modern
• Mueseum Of Turkish Caligraphy Art
• Pera Museum
• Turkish and Islami Art Museum
• Arter
• Salt

Sometimes a sophisticated nightclub with dazzling view nearby the sea, sometimes an underground bar with non-stop headbangers or just a relaxing café serving you hookah and also open all night long… We said İstanbul never sleeps, so it will not let you sleep too!

Nightlife in İstanbul is multifarious, ranging from some rooted establishments to hip clubs, from partying by the sea to underground rock cafes, from gigantic venues to cosy live music bars. All these nightlife choices are scattered around the
city, which boasts several centers when it comes to nightlife. The music scene around the bohemian Galata neighbourhood attracts
international jazz aficionados. There are several rooftop terraces, where you can enjoy nice music while watching the beautiful sunset across the fascinating scene of Golden Horn. If you rather dance to house music and looking for a fancy clubbing experience, the upscale clubs along the shores of the Bosphorus stand out with their exquisite ambience. Featuring lush waterfront terraces facing the glittering Bosphorus Bridge and an unforgettable sight, the venues in Ortakoy, Kuruçeşme and Bebek welcome internationally renowned DJs and live performers throughout the year. The Asian side of the city, known as Kadikoy, is known for the local music scene. Alongside of hip bars featuring a large variety of music, including jazz, reggae, world music, electronic, Latin or Turkish vibes, there are numerous underground clubs, bars and live performance venues where alternative indie pop
and rock bands can be enjoyed.

Through its history, İstanbul has always been a global center for trade, thanks to its unique location. Today, as well as maintaining that historical heritage, İstanbul has elegant high streets, state of the art malls and even a festival for shopping, attracting millions to the city for a shopping extravaganza!

<br><br>Alongside of traditional street markets and historic bazaars, İstanbul offers many sophisticated boutiques in its bohemian backstreets and worldwide brands in its upscale shopping malls, such as Zorlu, İstinye Park, Akasya and Mall of İstanbul. İstanbul has 114 malls across the city. Whether you seek vintage fashion, contemporary design or local brands, İstanbul has a lot to offer for every taste.

The stylish neighbourhood Nişantaşı is constantly buzzing with shoppers hanging around the elegant cafes and classy boutiques. Here you can have a taste of high-end fashion and check out the latest collections by such luxurious brands as Chanel, Prada, Louis Vuitton as well as Turkish brands such as Vakko and Beymen.

Smaller boutiques feature incredibly versatile pieces ranging from party dresses to more relaxed leisure elegance.

İstanbul also offers the best of Ottoman-inspired jewellery in the stores around Nişantaşı as well as the 553-year-old Grand Bazaar and another upscale shopping street Bağdat Caddesi. You can also find finest silky shawls and scarves in traditional patterns as well as other traditional items in the historic Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar. The Bağdat Caddesi, on the Asian side of the city, spans a few kilometres along the coast. Walking and windowshopping along the boulevard is a leisurely way to spend a day, stopping by nice restaurants and cafes.

Who can ever claim that the Turkish Cuisine is not one of the World’s best tastes? Especially with its famous recipes inherited from the Ottoman Empire, Turkish Cuisine has an outstanding place among all other. In İstanbul, you can find the most delicious meals prepared with secret recipes. Even though these dishes are associated with different parts of the country, the restaurants in İstanbul cope with all of them fairly well.

Turkish Cousine: The Turkish cuisine’s richness of variety offers a wide choice for those who want
to experience and enjoy new flavours. From exquisite pastry choices to delicious meat, fish and vegetable specialities; Turkey’s gastronomic panorama reflects a remarkable culinary synthesis coming from its cultural heritage.

World Cousine in Istanbul: In addition to the finest quality Ottoman cuisine, İstanbul features first-class world cuisine in select restaurants. Many travellers may primarily look forward to tasting the best of Ottoman culinary culture, characterised by a rich blend of spices, meat and vegetables, covering a vast geographical area from Balkans to Middle East. However, İstanbul also offers visitors some finest quality world cuisine at premium restaurants. Michelin-starred chefs often come to İstanbul both to enrich their culinary experiences and to find inspiration in the local fare. From Massimo Bottura serving at Zorlu Center’s Ristorante D’Italia, to Tom Aikens, Enrico Cerea and Rudolf Van Nunen, some very successful chefs find their way into İstanbul and offer their best fusions here. In addition to the stars, many up-and-coming talented chefs visit İstanbul in the scope of Omnivore Festival. Furthermore, world-class chain restaurants are increasing their interest in İstanbul. Here in İstanbul, you have the best chance of expanding your tastes not only into the local culinary culture but also into some of the best world cuisine. Enjoy İstanbul, home of Mediterranean, Lebanese, Far Eastern, Indian and different world cuisines.